I've played some excellent golfers in my time but none impressed me quite like the old guy I played with on a weekend tournament.
Soon after we started he hit a hole in one and while everyone else was impressed he didn't seem overly excited.
Assuming it was his first hole in one, we all congratulated him only to find out that he had hit many holes in one in his playing career.
"How did he do it so often" was the question everyone asked.
Simple - everyone else was trying to hit his or her golf ball into a small hole and he was shooting for a bucket.
Let me explain. He always visualized the hole as the size of the bucket and having that mindset made it possible for him to get so many holes in one.
After hearing that way of thinking I immediately used the same visualization for myself that day.
I didn't get any holes in one but my putting was out of this world.
Every time I got on the green I knew the ball was going to land inside that huge hole, the size of a bucket, I could see in front of me.
It's a fact that good golf is more about your mind than any other factor.
Sure you have to know how to hit a golf ball correctly.
You need to have a good stance and swing, but those things can be taught to anyone.
If you can master your mind you will master the game of golf and that's why so many people go back to the golf course week after week.
They never seem to quite master it completely and there is a challenge with every stroke.
I am still shooting for my first hole in one, but in the meantime my handicap has come down considerably, except when I let my mind play the wrong games on the course.
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The Difference Between Club Shafts
The type of golf club shaft that is best suited to your style of play will depend on your swing speed.
The faster you swing the stiffer the shaft should be.
Shaft flex is determined by the ability of the shaft to bend during your swing.
A stiff shaft will not bend as easily as a regular shaft in steel or graphite.
Some people prefer graphite shafts because of their lighter weight.
Shaft flexes will vary from one manufacturer to another so this is an important element that needs to be taken into consideration as a regular shaft from one manufacturer won't necessarily give you the same flex as a regular shaft of another manufacturer.
To get the correct shaft for your game you should really get your swing speed tested, as this will determine what clubs to get.
The reason you need to understand how much flex you need is because the flex determines whether your club head will impact squarely on the ball at the point of impact.
If there is too much flex in the shaft the club head will impact in a closed or more lofted position.
The opposite is the case where the shaft is too stiff with the club head hitting in an open and less lofted position.
It can get difficult when your swing speed is on the borderline between club shaft selections and you might even need to get different shafts for the various clubs you use to optimize your game.
Club shafts have various ratings and they are as follows.
L Shaft is for a swing speed less than 70 mph.
A Shaft is between 70 and 80 mph
R Shaft is between 80 and 90 mph
S Shaft is between 90 and 105 mph
X Shaft is over 105 mph
This is a guideline but it will help in your selection.
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The faster you swing the stiffer the shaft should be.
Shaft flex is determined by the ability of the shaft to bend during your swing.
A stiff shaft will not bend as easily as a regular shaft in steel or graphite.
Some people prefer graphite shafts because of their lighter weight.
Shaft flexes will vary from one manufacturer to another so this is an important element that needs to be taken into consideration as a regular shaft from one manufacturer won't necessarily give you the same flex as a regular shaft of another manufacturer.
To get the correct shaft for your game you should really get your swing speed tested, as this will determine what clubs to get.
The reason you need to understand how much flex you need is because the flex determines whether your club head will impact squarely on the ball at the point of impact.
If there is too much flex in the shaft the club head will impact in a closed or more lofted position.
The opposite is the case where the shaft is too stiff with the club head hitting in an open and less lofted position.
It can get difficult when your swing speed is on the borderline between club shaft selections and you might even need to get different shafts for the various clubs you use to optimize your game.
Club shafts have various ratings and they are as follows.
L Shaft is for a swing speed less than 70 mph.
A Shaft is between 70 and 80 mph
R Shaft is between 80 and 90 mph
S Shaft is between 90 and 105 mph
X Shaft is over 105 mph
This is a guideline but it will help in your selection.
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What Is with the Twist of the Head?
The importance of keeping the head still through the swing is one of the first things that any golfer learns.
This isn't quite so difficult if you have a short swing and there isn't very much body movement, but as soon as you increase your back swing there will be more head movement just through the action that your body will need to take to complete the action.
A good comparison that I read elsewhere was to that of throwing a stone.
If you are only throwing the stone a short distance then it is quite possible to keep the body still and manage to throw the stone with the action of your arm.
Once you try to throw the stone a substantial distance you will need to introduce body movement to get that distance.
Golf is similar to throwing the stone and the bigger the swing the more your body is going to want to move.
To hit the perfect golf shot your head must remain behind the line of the ball throughout the swing and including the point of impact with the clubface and the ball.
In order to maintain this action many golfers will tilt their head to the right (if they are right-handed) to ensure that their head remains behind the ball when they swing.
It is a positive action that reinforces the movement and ensures they consistently keep control throughout the swing.
If you find that you tend to slice the ball when you hit it, try turning your head slightly in the direction of the back foot just before you swing, always maintaining eye contact with the ball and see if this improves your control and accuracy.
It works well for several professional players so it might just be the change in technique that can turn your game around.
This isn't quite so difficult if you have a short swing and there isn't very much body movement, but as soon as you increase your back swing there will be more head movement just through the action that your body will need to take to complete the action.
A good comparison that I read elsewhere was to that of throwing a stone.
If you are only throwing the stone a short distance then it is quite possible to keep the body still and manage to throw the stone with the action of your arm.
Once you try to throw the stone a substantial distance you will need to introduce body movement to get that distance.
Golf is similar to throwing the stone and the bigger the swing the more your body is going to want to move.
To hit the perfect golf shot your head must remain behind the line of the ball throughout the swing and including the point of impact with the clubface and the ball.
In order to maintain this action many golfers will tilt their head to the right (if they are right-handed) to ensure that their head remains behind the ball when they swing.
It is a positive action that reinforces the movement and ensures they consistently keep control throughout the swing.
If you find that you tend to slice the ball when you hit it, try turning your head slightly in the direction of the back foot just before you swing, always maintaining eye contact with the ball and see if this improves your control and accuracy.
It works well for several professional players so it might just be the change in technique that can turn your game around.
Add Variety to Your Practice
I see many golfers practicing the same shots over and over again.
That's Ok if it is an area that needs concentrated attention, and the more you practice a shot the better you will become at it.
If you practice a shot enough you will virtually do it on autopilot when you get to the course, but you must also remember that variety will make you a better all round golfer.
The more techniques that you can master the better you will be on competition day.
You can do this by trying new techniques when you practice.
Observe the results you get when you use different clubs or try different techniques.
Try adding some spin to the ball and see how this affects the flight.
Use different types of golf balls to see whether your level of expertise has changed and allowed you to get more benefit from the different ball compressions.
Even consider testing new golf clubs.
As your game progresses, so will your need to change equipment accordingly.
You won't want to be using the same clubs you had when you started playing and you will probably not want to be using the same golf balls either.
Better equipment will allow you to make shots that weren't possible before, and practice will help get you to the next level where you can take advantage of this equipment.
Try adding more backspin to your shots and see if this helps position the ball better for the next shot and offer more control on faster courses.
Your practice time should also be a time where you allow yourself the opportunity to experiment and try to broaden your game.
Having the ability to add spin to the ball might be the difference between hitting a tree and landing on the green.
You can never learn too much in the game of golf.
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That's Ok if it is an area that needs concentrated attention, and the more you practice a shot the better you will become at it.
If you practice a shot enough you will virtually do it on autopilot when you get to the course, but you must also remember that variety will make you a better all round golfer.
The more techniques that you can master the better you will be on competition day.
You can do this by trying new techniques when you practice.
Observe the results you get when you use different clubs or try different techniques.
Try adding some spin to the ball and see how this affects the flight.
Use different types of golf balls to see whether your level of expertise has changed and allowed you to get more benefit from the different ball compressions.
Even consider testing new golf clubs.
As your game progresses, so will your need to change equipment accordingly.
You won't want to be using the same clubs you had when you started playing and you will probably not want to be using the same golf balls either.
Better equipment will allow you to make shots that weren't possible before, and practice will help get you to the next level where you can take advantage of this equipment.
Try adding more backspin to your shots and see if this helps position the ball better for the next shot and offer more control on faster courses.
Your practice time should also be a time where you allow yourself the opportunity to experiment and try to broaden your game.
Having the ability to add spin to the ball might be the difference between hitting a tree and landing on the green.
You can never learn too much in the game of golf.
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Do You Slice?
The problem with most poor golf techniques is the fact that they get worse the longer they are left unaddressed.
Many people have a problem slicing the ball when driving off the tee than virtually any other area.
Go to and public golf course any day of the week and you will be sure to find someone slicing the ball.
Even players with single digit handicaps can slice the ball on a regular basis.
Some people even adjust their game to allow for a slice that they can't seem to cure.
The more most people try to cure their slice the worse it seems to get and even professional tuition from golf pros can take quite some time to resolve this issue.
And what makes it all the more frustrating is the fact that during the week when you were at the golf range all your drives where as straight as a die.
So you arrive at the course for your weekend game and it all falls apart again.
The majority of golfers just accept that they have a problem and do nothing about it, resigned to the fact that it is an inherent problem with their game that they can't seem to fix.
Unfortunately problems like this put a dampener on the pleasure you can get from your game, so it is certainly worthwhile addressing the issue.
Spending money on new golf clubs, or changing the types of golf balls you use won't solve the problem.
It needs to be addressed as soon as possible as it will generally tend to get worse.
The problem is so widespread that one golfer dedicated his time to a study of golf slices and created a guide to help people eliminate this problem and open up their opportunity for rapid improvements in their game.
It is called the 'Dave Way' and is well respected as getting many distraught golfers back onto the 'straight and narrow' - that being the center of the fairway.
If you have a problem with slicing the ball you need to address the issue with the help of your golf pro or the information that is available in Dave's guide.
By pinpointing what you are doing wrong, rather than guessing and possibly messing up more of your game, you can target the most common flaws that lead to this problem.
Just like practice and education can improve your short game, eliminating your slice when you drive will result in more distance and the ability to ensure that your approach to the green won't be coming from somewhere out in the rough.
READ MORE
Many people have a problem slicing the ball when driving off the tee than virtually any other area.
Go to and public golf course any day of the week and you will be sure to find someone slicing the ball.
Even players with single digit handicaps can slice the ball on a regular basis.
Some people even adjust their game to allow for a slice that they can't seem to cure.
The more most people try to cure their slice the worse it seems to get and even professional tuition from golf pros can take quite some time to resolve this issue.
And what makes it all the more frustrating is the fact that during the week when you were at the golf range all your drives where as straight as a die.
So you arrive at the course for your weekend game and it all falls apart again.
The majority of golfers just accept that they have a problem and do nothing about it, resigned to the fact that it is an inherent problem with their game that they can't seem to fix.
Unfortunately problems like this put a dampener on the pleasure you can get from your game, so it is certainly worthwhile addressing the issue.
Spending money on new golf clubs, or changing the types of golf balls you use won't solve the problem.
It needs to be addressed as soon as possible as it will generally tend to get worse.
The problem is so widespread that one golfer dedicated his time to a study of golf slices and created a guide to help people eliminate this problem and open up their opportunity for rapid improvements in their game.
It is called the 'Dave Way' and is well respected as getting many distraught golfers back onto the 'straight and narrow' - that being the center of the fairway.
If you have a problem with slicing the ball you need to address the issue with the help of your golf pro or the information that is available in Dave's guide.
By pinpointing what you are doing wrong, rather than guessing and possibly messing up more of your game, you can target the most common flaws that lead to this problem.
Just like practice and education can improve your short game, eliminating your slice when you drive will result in more distance and the ability to ensure that your approach to the green won't be coming from somewhere out in the rough.
READ MORE
What Golf Clubs are the Best to Buy?
This is a difficult question to answer because everyone has his or her own preferences.
Much like buying a car; there are some cars that you wouldn't dream of owning no matter how much money you have whereas someone else might consider the same vehicle the best buy on the market.
The first thing you need to decide is how far your budget stretches as this will have a major effect when determining what brand of clubs you should get.
For an average golfer looking for clubs that are easy to hit and offer some forgiveness, it's hard to beat Ping clubs for delivering all that is needed.
Naturally you will need to test any clubs and see what feels the best for you but Ping would be a good starting point.
You will also have a good variety of club fitting options to custom fit the clubs to your style.
For the intermediate or advanced golfer MacGregor clubs will probably be a better option.
These clubs can also be fitted to you as with the Ping clubs and in both instances you really need to get someone who knows what they are doing.
Always have a trial with any clubs you are considering buying and if you are still on an upward learning curve, you should realize that you would probably need to update your clubs once your game improves.
It is best to save your last dollar for your best clubs if that is the situation and spend more money initially on good tuition.
Your skills will get you to the top of your game faster than the clubs you use.
READ MORE
Much like buying a car; there are some cars that you wouldn't dream of owning no matter how much money you have whereas someone else might consider the same vehicle the best buy on the market.
The first thing you need to decide is how far your budget stretches as this will have a major effect when determining what brand of clubs you should get.
For an average golfer looking for clubs that are easy to hit and offer some forgiveness, it's hard to beat Ping clubs for delivering all that is needed.
Naturally you will need to test any clubs and see what feels the best for you but Ping would be a good starting point.
You will also have a good variety of club fitting options to custom fit the clubs to your style.
For the intermediate or advanced golfer MacGregor clubs will probably be a better option.
These clubs can also be fitted to you as with the Ping clubs and in both instances you really need to get someone who knows what they are doing.
Always have a trial with any clubs you are considering buying and if you are still on an upward learning curve, you should realize that you would probably need to update your clubs once your game improves.
It is best to save your last dollar for your best clubs if that is the situation and spend more money initially on good tuition.
Your skills will get you to the top of your game faster than the clubs you use.
READ MORE
How Do You Keep Your Head Still?
One thing we are all taught when getting golf lessons is to keep your head still when you hit the ball.
Obviously this is not completely possible and even the best players in the game have some head movement during their swing.
Observe them next time you see them play and you will see what I mean.
There is one thing that all good golfers do manage to do and that is, they keep their head behind the ball at the point of impact.
They might have some movement on their back swing but they will ensure that their head is behind the ball when they strike it and that is what is most important.
You should certainly try to keep your head as still as possible and the less movement you have the better, however as you drive faster and harder you will naturally get more head movement.
While you need to control your head movement it is not something that you should have to focus on when you are playing.
This action should come naturally and that will happen more easily with practice.
As soon as you start thinking too much when you are about to take your shot you will begin to have trouble.
Your head will naturally move to the back of the swing as it would do with any swinging motion, and the bigger the swing the more your head is likely to move.
Once you have hit the ball your head will follow through naturally with the movement of your shoulders.
You can even observe how some golfers actually tilt their head to their trailing arm before their downswing to ensure that it is behind the ball at the point of impact.
This is something that you could try, but at all times your swing should feel comfortable and the movements should feel natural or you will revert to actions that won't deliver the best results.
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Obviously this is not completely possible and even the best players in the game have some head movement during their swing.
Observe them next time you see them play and you will see what I mean.
There is one thing that all good golfers do manage to do and that is, they keep their head behind the ball at the point of impact.
They might have some movement on their back swing but they will ensure that their head is behind the ball when they strike it and that is what is most important.
You should certainly try to keep your head as still as possible and the less movement you have the better, however as you drive faster and harder you will naturally get more head movement.
While you need to control your head movement it is not something that you should have to focus on when you are playing.
This action should come naturally and that will happen more easily with practice.
As soon as you start thinking too much when you are about to take your shot you will begin to have trouble.
Your head will naturally move to the back of the swing as it would do with any swinging motion, and the bigger the swing the more your head is likely to move.
Once you have hit the ball your head will follow through naturally with the movement of your shoulders.
You can even observe how some golfers actually tilt their head to their trailing arm before their downswing to ensure that it is behind the ball at the point of impact.
This is something that you could try, but at all times your swing should feel comfortable and the movements should feel natural or you will revert to actions that won't deliver the best results.
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Planning Your Practice
To get the maximum benefit from your golf practice you need to do some planning beforehand.
You need to decide before you start your practice what you want to achieve and the best way to do it.
You need to have a goal and that could be anything from sinking 30 long putts to driving 30 balls a certain distance.
Along with a goal you need a target.
You always need a target, whether that is the cup on the green or a point that you will be chipping the ball to.
Without a target when chipping or putting you might be getting your stroke right but you will have no guide for the distance you will be getting and that is essential for consistency.
Likewise, when you are practicing your driving at the range you will want to look at the distance markers to see how far you are hitting the ball.
Having a goal to aim for will always lift your game and you should be constantly challenging yourself in practice.
It is not good enough that you can hit the ball a long way on the driving range if your accuracy is poor.
It is not good enough if you can chip the ball well but never control the distance it will travel.
If you have a written plan you will be more likely to follow through with the correct practice.
It will help you to focus better and you can record the results, which will help you to plan your next training session.
You will have the information necessary to tailor your practice to the areas of your play that are lacking and using this process will deliver better results faster.
It will mean you will play better with less training.
Not many golfers follow a process of planned training and are essentially wasting valuable time by not having this focus.
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You need to decide before you start your practice what you want to achieve and the best way to do it.
You need to have a goal and that could be anything from sinking 30 long putts to driving 30 balls a certain distance.
Along with a goal you need a target.
You always need a target, whether that is the cup on the green or a point that you will be chipping the ball to.
Without a target when chipping or putting you might be getting your stroke right but you will have no guide for the distance you will be getting and that is essential for consistency.
Likewise, when you are practicing your driving at the range you will want to look at the distance markers to see how far you are hitting the ball.
Having a goal to aim for will always lift your game and you should be constantly challenging yourself in practice.
It is not good enough that you can hit the ball a long way on the driving range if your accuracy is poor.
It is not good enough if you can chip the ball well but never control the distance it will travel.
If you have a written plan you will be more likely to follow through with the correct practice.
It will help you to focus better and you can record the results, which will help you to plan your next training session.
You will have the information necessary to tailor your practice to the areas of your play that are lacking and using this process will deliver better results faster.
It will mean you will play better with less training.
Not many golfers follow a process of planned training and are essentially wasting valuable time by not having this focus.
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The Most Common Golf Problem Is
The most common problem beginners have playing golf would surely be the slice shot.
This is where the ball curves through the air from left to right assuming the player is right-handed.
The flight of the golf ball is determined by the spin of the ball and a slice is caused by the ball spinning clockwise thereby causing it to travel in a clockwise arch.
The most common reason why this happens is people tend to lift their head when they strike the ball.
The action of lifting the head causes the face of the club to hit across the ball and not through it.
By hitting across the ball, you are essentially hitting the ball from the outside in and this is the action that causes the ball to spin clockwise.
If you tend to slice the ball try to keep your head down until after you have hit the ball.
By keeping your head down, and your eye on the ball to the point of contact you will play through the ball and your swing will remain straight, which will cause the ball to follow a straight path.
Keep your head down until after the ball has taken flight keeping your head and shoulders solid.
Another reason why you will get slice shots is by trying to hit the ball too hard.
In doing so you could be using your arms to pull the club in and this will also cause it to spin.
By hitting for less distance you can concentrate on getting the correct swing and playing for accuracy rather than length.
Try reducing your swing with these smaller shots to see if this starts to correct the problem.
As you begin to hit straighter you can begin to increase the length of your back swing and go for more distance.
Concentrate on accuracy first and distance follows.
That is a good rule to always play by.
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This is where the ball curves through the air from left to right assuming the player is right-handed.
The flight of the golf ball is determined by the spin of the ball and a slice is caused by the ball spinning clockwise thereby causing it to travel in a clockwise arch.
The most common reason why this happens is people tend to lift their head when they strike the ball.
The action of lifting the head causes the face of the club to hit across the ball and not through it.
By hitting across the ball, you are essentially hitting the ball from the outside in and this is the action that causes the ball to spin clockwise.
If you tend to slice the ball try to keep your head down until after you have hit the ball.
By keeping your head down, and your eye on the ball to the point of contact you will play through the ball and your swing will remain straight, which will cause the ball to follow a straight path.
Keep your head down until after the ball has taken flight keeping your head and shoulders solid.
Another reason why you will get slice shots is by trying to hit the ball too hard.
In doing so you could be using your arms to pull the club in and this will also cause it to spin.
By hitting for less distance you can concentrate on getting the correct swing and playing for accuracy rather than length.
Try reducing your swing with these smaller shots to see if this starts to correct the problem.
As you begin to hit straighter you can begin to increase the length of your back swing and go for more distance.
Concentrate on accuracy first and distance follows.
That is a good rule to always play by.
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Consistency is the Key
Consistency is the hardest part of golf.
It is not possible for any human, Tiger Woods included, to hit the golf ball perfectly 100% of the time.
What good golfers can do however is consistently hit the ball very well most of the time, and near perfectly quite a lot of the time.
It is this consistency that sets them apart and even those at the top of their game have days when they don't get their shots right enough of the time.
There is only one thing that can really help any golfer get that consistency and that is through practice.
But there is another matter that needs to be addressed when talking about consistency and golf and that is - Consistently bad shots.
The more you do anything consistently the more it will become natural behavior and this applies to poor technique too.
The sooner you address poor golf techniques, the sooner you will be able to practice the correct methods that will replace them and make those actions second nature.
This is why it is recommended that everyone should get professional instruction before learning bad techniques that will need to be relearned at a later time.
I would even go to the extent of advising a newcomer to the sport to have lessons before ever attempting to play a round.
Or alternatively, learn how to use one club well, probably the 7 iron, and play a whole round, or nine holes, using only the 7 iron and a putter.
I knew of one player who made dramatic improvements to his game by using this technique and he had been playing for years.
He started playing golf with only the 7-iron and his putter, until he perfected his swing, and then introduced other clubs one at a time.
After getting his swing right with the 7-iron, mastering the other clubs was relatively simple.
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It is not possible for any human, Tiger Woods included, to hit the golf ball perfectly 100% of the time.
What good golfers can do however is consistently hit the ball very well most of the time, and near perfectly quite a lot of the time.
It is this consistency that sets them apart and even those at the top of their game have days when they don't get their shots right enough of the time.
There is only one thing that can really help any golfer get that consistency and that is through practice.
But there is another matter that needs to be addressed when talking about consistency and golf and that is - Consistently bad shots.
The more you do anything consistently the more it will become natural behavior and this applies to poor technique too.
The sooner you address poor golf techniques, the sooner you will be able to practice the correct methods that will replace them and make those actions second nature.
This is why it is recommended that everyone should get professional instruction before learning bad techniques that will need to be relearned at a later time.
I would even go to the extent of advising a newcomer to the sport to have lessons before ever attempting to play a round.
Or alternatively, learn how to use one club well, probably the 7 iron, and play a whole round, or nine holes, using only the 7 iron and a putter.
I knew of one player who made dramatic improvements to his game by using this technique and he had been playing for years.
He started playing golf with only the 7-iron and his putter, until he perfected his swing, and then introduced other clubs one at a time.
After getting his swing right with the 7-iron, mastering the other clubs was relatively simple.
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Why Do You Need to Practice So Much?
Practicing your golf will train your mind and your body to perform on autopilot.
The less you have to think about the actions involved in your swing the more the likelihood you have of hitting the golf ball as you should.
There are so many different actions that you need to consider to hit the golf ball perfectly that in actual fact, there are too many things to think about all at once.
The only solution to having a good swing and hitting the ball correctly is to get as many of those actions drilled into your subconscious so that you don't have to think about them to perform them correctly.
It is just like riding a bicycle where you don't have to think about the action of actually peddling the bike.
You need to do the same for your golf swing.
Start with any aspect of your game and practice until you no longer have to think about it.
There is always a point in time where your practice will reach the stage that you start doing the right thing naturally and that allows you to concentrate on other areas of your play.
If you continue to chip away at the techniques that are needed, eventually you will be proficient in most areas.
Once you have mastered the correct golf techniques you get to enjoy the rewards of your efforts for years to come.
Time spent at the beginning of your career getting the basics right will be the best investment you could make.
The pleasure in golf is when you know that you have done well on the day and practice will ensure that you will do better more often.
The practice might not be fun but the results that it can deliver certainly will be.
READ MORE
The less you have to think about the actions involved in your swing the more the likelihood you have of hitting the golf ball as you should.
There are so many different actions that you need to consider to hit the golf ball perfectly that in actual fact, there are too many things to think about all at once.
The only solution to having a good swing and hitting the ball correctly is to get as many of those actions drilled into your subconscious so that you don't have to think about them to perform them correctly.
It is just like riding a bicycle where you don't have to think about the action of actually peddling the bike.
You need to do the same for your golf swing.
Start with any aspect of your game and practice until you no longer have to think about it.
There is always a point in time where your practice will reach the stage that you start doing the right thing naturally and that allows you to concentrate on other areas of your play.
If you continue to chip away at the techniques that are needed, eventually you will be proficient in most areas.
Once you have mastered the correct golf techniques you get to enjoy the rewards of your efforts for years to come.
Time spent at the beginning of your career getting the basics right will be the best investment you could make.
The pleasure in golf is when you know that you have done well on the day and practice will ensure that you will do better more often.
The practice might not be fun but the results that it can deliver certainly will be.
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Golf Training for Success
How does anyone become better at what they do?
Anyone knows that get to the top of your game you need practice and the more you want to succeed the more you will need to practice.
Vijay Singh has been known as the golfer who practices more than any other.
He has stated that he might not be the most talented golfer in the world but his dedication to practice more often and longer than most others enabled him to succeed beyond the expectations of many people.
Vijay got to the top of his game by practicing from morning until night.
Before tournaments here would be practicing for hours.
Michael Campbell won the US Open and in his early years when he was a youngster he would practice so much in his yard he would literally wear the clubs out and have to replace them for more practice.
The more you practice the higher the probability that you will naturally make the right moves without having to think about the actions you are taking.
And the less you have to think about your stance, swing and so on, the more likely you are to hit the sweet spot more often and get the ball sailing through the air as though Tiger has just hit it.
Practice can be both cheap and convenient with driving ranges allowing you to hit a bucket full of golf balls to naturally program your mind and body to perform better once you hit the course in the weekend.
Here's the fun part - while your mates are watching television during the week you can sneak off to the driving range and sharpen your skills and then trounce them on the weekend and they will be none the wiser where your newfound skills have been honed.
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Anyone knows that get to the top of your game you need practice and the more you want to succeed the more you will need to practice.
Vijay Singh has been known as the golfer who practices more than any other.
He has stated that he might not be the most talented golfer in the world but his dedication to practice more often and longer than most others enabled him to succeed beyond the expectations of many people.
Vijay got to the top of his game by practicing from morning until night.
Before tournaments here would be practicing for hours.
Michael Campbell won the US Open and in his early years when he was a youngster he would practice so much in his yard he would literally wear the clubs out and have to replace them for more practice.
The more you practice the higher the probability that you will naturally make the right moves without having to think about the actions you are taking.
And the less you have to think about your stance, swing and so on, the more likely you are to hit the sweet spot more often and get the ball sailing through the air as though Tiger has just hit it.
Practice can be both cheap and convenient with driving ranges allowing you to hit a bucket full of golf balls to naturally program your mind and body to perform better once you hit the course in the weekend.
Here's the fun part - while your mates are watching television during the week you can sneak off to the driving range and sharpen your skills and then trounce them on the weekend and they will be none the wiser where your newfound skills have been honed.
READ MORE
Maximize Your Time for Success
We all have limited time and the only way we can expect to improve our golf is through practice.
With limited time you need to maximize your practice to achieve the best results on the course
So what should you concentrate on mastering in your game?
The obvious choice for those in the know would be your short game where you learn to become proficient with the use of your pitching wedge and the 8 and 9 irons.
These clubs can not only get you out of trouble from wayward shots, they can negate a lot of the benefit that others might gain with better drives off the tee.
The mid-range approach shots are the ones that unravel most players.
It is not only the novices who struggle to master these clubs though.
I have seen many low handicap golfers lose games from their inability to control the approach shots to the green.
The high trajectory irons of pitching wedge, 8 and 9 iron are the hardest to master and for that reason many people are reluctant to spend the time required to put in the necessary practice.
There are so many more things to think about that it can be quite nerve racking to remember all the aspects of short-range play.
A little too much swing and you will be over the back of the green or maybe you won't get enough lift or alternatively too much and fall short.
It is so much harder than driving off the tee where most people only have to be concerned with making sure their drive is straight.
So it becomes quite obvious that the most improvement you are likely to see in your game, and the area that you should be concentrating on the most when practicing, is in mastering your approach shots to the green.
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With limited time you need to maximize your practice to achieve the best results on the course
So what should you concentrate on mastering in your game?
The obvious choice for those in the know would be your short game where you learn to become proficient with the use of your pitching wedge and the 8 and 9 irons.
These clubs can not only get you out of trouble from wayward shots, they can negate a lot of the benefit that others might gain with better drives off the tee.
The mid-range approach shots are the ones that unravel most players.
It is not only the novices who struggle to master these clubs though.
I have seen many low handicap golfers lose games from their inability to control the approach shots to the green.
The high trajectory irons of pitching wedge, 8 and 9 iron are the hardest to master and for that reason many people are reluctant to spend the time required to put in the necessary practice.
There are so many more things to think about that it can be quite nerve racking to remember all the aspects of short-range play.
A little too much swing and you will be over the back of the green or maybe you won't get enough lift or alternatively too much and fall short.
It is so much harder than driving off the tee where most people only have to be concerned with making sure their drive is straight.
So it becomes quite obvious that the most improvement you are likely to see in your game, and the area that you should be concentrating on the most when practicing, is in mastering your approach shots to the green.
READ MORE
A Unique Putting Tip
Here's a simple technique to improve your putting.
Before you can expect to putt well on greens with a slope, you need to learn to putt well on the flat.
This will train you to swing your putter through a straight line and hit the ball squarely on the face of the putter.
Now you need to get a putter that has a line on it that you can see clearly, as this will be the line that you will follow through to the center of the ball.
On the practice green (preferably one that you have at home, as this technique might not be appreciated) you will mark straight lines with a builders chalk line in several directions from the center of the hole spanning out around the green.
Getting someone to hold the chalk line at the center of the cup will make the process easier.
Now move around the green flicking the line to leave chalk marks along the ground.
Next - place your golf ball on the line leaving some of the line on the ground visible behind the ball.
This will help you to guide your swing.
You will then be able to swing your putter using the line on the ground as a guide and the line on the putter itself to connect with the center of the ball.
In a very short time you should find that you are managing to putt from a relatively good distance and get the ball in the hole most of the time.
This will help you to develop the correct posture and consistency to putt well.
After doing this for a while from different positions on the green, move the ball off the line and visualize that there is still a line on the ground by creating it in your mind, looking from the ball to the cup and back again several times.
Line up your putter as before and look at the line on your putter to hit the center of the ball with this spot on your club.
You are now retraining yourself to see an invisible line from the ball to the cup that you can use on any green you play on.
READ MORE
Before you can expect to putt well on greens with a slope, you need to learn to putt well on the flat.
This will train you to swing your putter through a straight line and hit the ball squarely on the face of the putter.
Now you need to get a putter that has a line on it that you can see clearly, as this will be the line that you will follow through to the center of the ball.
On the practice green (preferably one that you have at home, as this technique might not be appreciated) you will mark straight lines with a builders chalk line in several directions from the center of the hole spanning out around the green.
Getting someone to hold the chalk line at the center of the cup will make the process easier.
Now move around the green flicking the line to leave chalk marks along the ground.
Next - place your golf ball on the line leaving some of the line on the ground visible behind the ball.
This will help you to guide your swing.
You will then be able to swing your putter using the line on the ground as a guide and the line on the putter itself to connect with the center of the ball.
In a very short time you should find that you are managing to putt from a relatively good distance and get the ball in the hole most of the time.
This will help you to develop the correct posture and consistency to putt well.
After doing this for a while from different positions on the green, move the ball off the line and visualize that there is still a line on the ground by creating it in your mind, looking from the ball to the cup and back again several times.
Line up your putter as before and look at the line on your putter to hit the center of the ball with this spot on your club.
You are now retraining yourself to see an invisible line from the ball to the cup that you can use on any green you play on.
READ MORE
Thinking Too Much about Golf?
We all know that golf is a mind game but sometimes you just need to flick the switch and turn those thoughts off for a while.
Imagine trying to hit a good shot after having to remember to get your feet in the correct position, and keep your eye on the ball, and get your hands and shoulders in the right position, and remember to hold the club correctly and not too tight - the list goes on and on but there is one thing for sure...
If you try to go through the whole list of actions you need to take for the perfect shot, you are never going to hit the golf ball well.
It's not possible to play well if all these thoughts are whirring through your mind just waiting to explode the moment you try to hit the ball.
There's just too much to think about all at once.
That tension makes you grasp the club all the harder and before you know it, your golf ball is sailing through the air on a curving trajectory that you couldn't reproduce if you tried.
There is a time when a blank mind will do you the world of good and that is just before you hit the ball.
This process is made easier through practice as the various actions become second nature and you don't need to think about what you are doing.
This is the importance of the repetitive nature of consistently hitting the same shots at the driving range or on the practice tee.
What your body can do on autopilot; will negate the need to think, when thinking will only get in the way.
All those things that you learned, either from a golf pro, or through instructional books and videos, needs to be acted upon but not thought about to the extent that you can't follow through effortlessly with your swing.
You need to switch off for success.
READ MORE
Imagine trying to hit a good shot after having to remember to get your feet in the correct position, and keep your eye on the ball, and get your hands and shoulders in the right position, and remember to hold the club correctly and not too tight - the list goes on and on but there is one thing for sure...
If you try to go through the whole list of actions you need to take for the perfect shot, you are never going to hit the golf ball well.
It's not possible to play well if all these thoughts are whirring through your mind just waiting to explode the moment you try to hit the ball.
There's just too much to think about all at once.
That tension makes you grasp the club all the harder and before you know it, your golf ball is sailing through the air on a curving trajectory that you couldn't reproduce if you tried.
There is a time when a blank mind will do you the world of good and that is just before you hit the ball.
This process is made easier through practice as the various actions become second nature and you don't need to think about what you are doing.
This is the importance of the repetitive nature of consistently hitting the same shots at the driving range or on the practice tee.
What your body can do on autopilot; will negate the need to think, when thinking will only get in the way.
All those things that you learned, either from a golf pro, or through instructional books and videos, needs to be acted upon but not thought about to the extent that you can't follow through effortlessly with your swing.
You need to switch off for success.
READ MORE
Constant Small Improvements for Long-term Success
You should analyze your game after the shot.
Look where the ball went and question what you did to get that result.
Information and education will assist in improving your game.
Get that information from recommended books and videos.
Get it from golf professionals who know what they are talking about, but always be wary of getting advice from friends and playing partners.
There are always people willing to give you advice but bad advice is a lot worse than no advice at all.
If the ball has gone somewhere other than the right direction, check your alignment and see if your final stance is correct.
There will be a lot of information as to why your shot has gone astray.
You can look at the ground and observe the path of your club.
Look at the position of your feet after the shot.
Maybe your shoes are letting you down by allowing too much movement in the conditions you are playing in.
Look at the final position of your golf club.
Consider how you were holding the club and whether you were gripping it too hard.
You shouldn't over analyze during the course of a game but making small improvements throughout play, when you notice areas that need adjustment, can pay dividends at the end of play.
By constantly chipping away at all aspects of your game you will see noticeable improvements that can take your handicap to the next level and that is why practice is so important.
And the practice that is most important are in the areas that you find you have the biggest weaknesses.
While it might be more fun to go to the driving range and hit the ball as far as possible, you will probably see better results from practicing improving your short game or getting better at getting your distance right on the putting green.
READ MORE
Look where the ball went and question what you did to get that result.
Information and education will assist in improving your game.
Get that information from recommended books and videos.
Get it from golf professionals who know what they are talking about, but always be wary of getting advice from friends and playing partners.
There are always people willing to give you advice but bad advice is a lot worse than no advice at all.
If the ball has gone somewhere other than the right direction, check your alignment and see if your final stance is correct.
There will be a lot of information as to why your shot has gone astray.
You can look at the ground and observe the path of your club.
Look at the position of your feet after the shot.
Maybe your shoes are letting you down by allowing too much movement in the conditions you are playing in.
Look at the final position of your golf club.
Consider how you were holding the club and whether you were gripping it too hard.
You shouldn't over analyze during the course of a game but making small improvements throughout play, when you notice areas that need adjustment, can pay dividends at the end of play.
By constantly chipping away at all aspects of your game you will see noticeable improvements that can take your handicap to the next level and that is why practice is so important.
And the practice that is most important are in the areas that you find you have the biggest weaknesses.
While it might be more fun to go to the driving range and hit the ball as far as possible, you will probably see better results from practicing improving your short game or getting better at getting your distance right on the putting green.
READ MORE
The Proper Stance for Better Drives
You will need to adopt a different stance when using your driver as compared to your irons.
To be able to hit the ball well you will need to be striking up on the ball.
To do this you will first need to adopt a wider stance.
A general guideline is to stand with your feet a shoulder width apart.
By doing this you will be further behind the ball at address and that will help to hit up on the ball.
The ball will need to be placed further forward in your stance to allow you to hit it correctly and as another guideline it should be lined somewhere in the region of your target side foot heal or instep.
You will obviously need to experiment with the position until you get this right as there will always be some fine tuning required.
Once you get your stance and ball placement correct take a look at your shoulders and see that they are pointing in the direction you want the ball to go.
They should be aligned directly with the path of your intended flight.
If your shoulders are pointing to the left of the hole that will be the most likely direction that your ball will land unless of course you slice the ball and it comes back around to the right.
That is another problem and this is assuming that you are in the correct position to eliminate slicing the ball.
In practice use something as a guideline to align your shoulders before you drive.
In the driving range this will be easy to do but on the course you could lay your driver on the ground in the direction you want the ball to go and then align your shoulders with that.
Once you have mastered this it will become natural.
READ MORE
To be able to hit the ball well you will need to be striking up on the ball.
To do this you will first need to adopt a wider stance.
A general guideline is to stand with your feet a shoulder width apart.
By doing this you will be further behind the ball at address and that will help to hit up on the ball.
The ball will need to be placed further forward in your stance to allow you to hit it correctly and as another guideline it should be lined somewhere in the region of your target side foot heal or instep.
You will obviously need to experiment with the position until you get this right as there will always be some fine tuning required.
Once you get your stance and ball placement correct take a look at your shoulders and see that they are pointing in the direction you want the ball to go.
They should be aligned directly with the path of your intended flight.
If your shoulders are pointing to the left of the hole that will be the most likely direction that your ball will land unless of course you slice the ball and it comes back around to the right.
That is another problem and this is assuming that you are in the correct position to eliminate slicing the ball.
In practice use something as a guideline to align your shoulders before you drive.
In the driving range this will be easy to do but on the course you could lay your driver on the ground in the direction you want the ball to go and then align your shoulders with that.
Once you have mastered this it will become natural.
READ MORE
Safety in the Short Game
Playing good golf is about weighing the odds most of the time and this applies to all aspects of the game but none moreso than your short game.
This is where many people become unstuck.
There are few simple rules that will help you decide what clubs to use and these are all based on the principal of least risk.
The first rule is to always use your putter if the ball will roll.
Even if you are slightly off the green and there is no possibility of the ball bouncing then it is wise to use the putter.
If there is a possibility of the ball bouncing with the use of your putter then opt for a chip and run.
This will get the ball in the air just long enough to clear the rough ground then back on the green and running along the ground.
The direction of the ball is easier to control if it is rolling along smooth ground.
And the final rule comes into play when the two previous rules aren't practical.
Get out your pitching wedge.
Unless you are an experienced golfer the wedge offers less control and more room for error as many factors can determine the outcome of the shot such as the lie of the ball.
When practicing you should devote time to perfecting the chip and run technique as it can be a savior if used effectively.
Get a bunch of balls and scatter them around the outside of the green in varying distances and practice chipping them onto the green as close to the outside as possible and with enough momentum to reach to the back of the cup.
This will be the area of play that can often make the most progress for your handicap so it is well worth the time you devote to it.
READ MORE
This is where many people become unstuck.
There are few simple rules that will help you decide what clubs to use and these are all based on the principal of least risk.
The first rule is to always use your putter if the ball will roll.
Even if you are slightly off the green and there is no possibility of the ball bouncing then it is wise to use the putter.
If there is a possibility of the ball bouncing with the use of your putter then opt for a chip and run.
This will get the ball in the air just long enough to clear the rough ground then back on the green and running along the ground.
The direction of the ball is easier to control if it is rolling along smooth ground.
And the final rule comes into play when the two previous rules aren't practical.
Get out your pitching wedge.
Unless you are an experienced golfer the wedge offers less control and more room for error as many factors can determine the outcome of the shot such as the lie of the ball.
When practicing you should devote time to perfecting the chip and run technique as it can be a savior if used effectively.
Get a bunch of balls and scatter them around the outside of the green in varying distances and practice chipping them onto the green as close to the outside as possible and with enough momentum to reach to the back of the cup.
This will be the area of play that can often make the most progress for your handicap so it is well worth the time you devote to it.
READ MORE
How My Top 30 Predictions Turned Out?
The LPGA talent is unquestionably at its highest level ever.
With so many great players, it seemed we had a different winner every week. In fact the 27 tournaments played, brought us seventeen different winners.
We had winners from eight different countries. The LPGA has truly become the international tour that Commissioner Michael Whan predicted it would be when he took the commissioner's job a few years back.
The number of tournaments has grown from 23, when Mr. Whan took the reigns, to 27 this year. In about 6 weeks the 2013 schedule will be released, and rumor has it that we could have 30 tournaments. In these troubled times for our economy, the LPGA is heading in the right direction.
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With so many great players, it seemed we had a different winner every week. In fact the 27 tournaments played, brought us seventeen different winners.
We had winners from eight different countries. The LPGA has truly become the international tour that Commissioner Michael Whan predicted it would be when he took the commissioner's job a few years back.
The number of tournaments has grown from 23, when Mr. Whan took the reigns, to 27 this year. In about 6 weeks the 2013 schedule will be released, and rumor has it that we could have 30 tournaments. In these troubled times for our economy, the LPGA is heading in the right direction.
READ MORE
POWER POINT GOLF
Instantly Discover How a “Crippled”
Overweight Golfer Hobbled Up to the Tee Box…
And Promptly Blasted a Perfect 275-Yard Drive
Straight Down the Fairway!
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The Most Powerful Move In Golf
The Most Powerful Move in Golf reveals the secrets that golf instructor Martin Ayers
has been using to help golfers improve all over the word ,
including Major Champion Steve Elkington.
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has been using to help golfers improve all over the word ,
including Major Champion Steve Elkington.
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How to Start Playing Golf?
Want to Learn Golf?
Here's How to Get Started with Golf Quickly and Easily, in just 5 Days or Less
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Here's How to Get Started with Golf Quickly and Easily, in just 5 Days or Less
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Golf Tips for Beginners
Learning how to golf can be a difficult experience. I remember
the first time I went out onto a course, and attempted to play. "How do
they make it look so easy on T.V.?" I thought. Just completing the
first hole was a huge challenge for me!
Although it can be intimidating at first, stick with it! Golf is fun, if you can keep in mind that it's just a game. Keep these few tips for beginners in mind when starting out.
Tip for Beginner Golfers 1: Equipment
I know it is tempting to think, "I've got to have the best of the best clubs in order to be good!" The truth is, when you are just beginning to golf, the clubs you buy will probably not matter much.
I suggest finding a used set from a friend or a cheap set of clubs from K-mart. No need to waste one thousand dollars on a nice set, when you may decide later that you don't like golf very much. I started out with a set of my friend's old clubs that I got for free; and when I started becoming more consistent with those clubs, I moved up to a nicer set.
The same goes for balls too. A lot of golfers will spend 40 dollars on a dozen Pro-V1's, but when you are just starting out that is not necessary. Cheap used balls will do just fine. After four years of golf, I still score the same with a used dirty ball as I do with Pro-V1's.
Tip for Beginner Golfers 2: Where to Start
For people that are really serious about becoming good golfers; get a lesson from your local golf pro. Even if it is just one lesson, the pro will be able to show you the proper way to swing the club.
Watch golf videos, and try to study the swing as much as possible. Practice swinging in your front yard. I know a teenage boy that just started playing less than a year ago, and he has an amazing swing, and a good game. He started practicing in his front yard about a year before actually stepping out onto the golf course.
Now you don't have to wait a year to go on the course; but the more practice you get before stepping out onto the course, the better you will be.
Go to the driving range a few times a week and hit a bucket of balls. Then once you feel confident enough at the range, try out a par-3 course. They are great for beginner golfers.
Tip for Beginner Golfers 3: Out on the course
Once you make it out to a regular eighteen hole course, keep in mind golf course etiquette. People behind you are not going to want to wait. Don't rush, but if you are taking more than 10 strokes to get the ball in the hole, and people are waiting behind you, pick the ball up and move on. Remember to fix your ball marks (the "dent" in the green that is made when you hit your ball onto the green). Also replace your divots (the grass that is torn from the ground by your club when it is swung.)
Remember, golf is just a game. It may take a bit of patience at first, but once you learn it, you'll be addicted!
Although it can be intimidating at first, stick with it! Golf is fun, if you can keep in mind that it's just a game. Keep these few tips for beginners in mind when starting out.
Tip for Beginner Golfers 1: Equipment
I know it is tempting to think, "I've got to have the best of the best clubs in order to be good!" The truth is, when you are just beginning to golf, the clubs you buy will probably not matter much.
I suggest finding a used set from a friend or a cheap set of clubs from K-mart. No need to waste one thousand dollars on a nice set, when you may decide later that you don't like golf very much. I started out with a set of my friend's old clubs that I got for free; and when I started becoming more consistent with those clubs, I moved up to a nicer set.
The same goes for balls too. A lot of golfers will spend 40 dollars on a dozen Pro-V1's, but when you are just starting out that is not necessary. Cheap used balls will do just fine. After four years of golf, I still score the same with a used dirty ball as I do with Pro-V1's.
Tip for Beginner Golfers 2: Where to Start
For people that are really serious about becoming good golfers; get a lesson from your local golf pro. Even if it is just one lesson, the pro will be able to show you the proper way to swing the club.
Watch golf videos, and try to study the swing as much as possible. Practice swinging in your front yard. I know a teenage boy that just started playing less than a year ago, and he has an amazing swing, and a good game. He started practicing in his front yard about a year before actually stepping out onto the golf course.
Now you don't have to wait a year to go on the course; but the more practice you get before stepping out onto the course, the better you will be.
Go to the driving range a few times a week and hit a bucket of balls. Then once you feel confident enough at the range, try out a par-3 course. They are great for beginner golfers.
Tip for Beginner Golfers 3: Out on the course
Once you make it out to a regular eighteen hole course, keep in mind golf course etiquette. People behind you are not going to want to wait. Don't rush, but if you are taking more than 10 strokes to get the ball in the hole, and people are waiting behind you, pick the ball up and move on. Remember to fix your ball marks (the "dent" in the green that is made when you hit your ball onto the green). Also replace your divots (the grass that is torn from the ground by your club when it is swung.)
Remember, golf is just a game. It may take a bit of patience at first, but once you learn it, you'll be addicted!
To read more content about golf, as well as other articles by Savannah Durbin, visit http://www.golfenthusiastic.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Savannah_Durbin
Renegade Mental Golf Perfect Golf Training
3 Ways to Improve Your Game
1.The power golf hypnosis
2. It Works All the Way to Your Subconscious
3. Relaxation at your Fingertips
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Golf Swing Speed Challenge - Basic Skills
How A 37 Year Old Working Man (With A Young Family) Added 44.3
Yards To His Drives In Just 56 Days Without Practice…And How You
Can Do It Too
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Yards To His Drives In Just 56 Days Without Practice…And How You
Can Do It Too
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The Instant Golf Slice Cure
This article is about me and my experience with the Instant Golf Slice Cure.
I love the game of golf and all it offers. I am 76 years old and have been playing golf for about 30 years. At one time I supported a 12 handicap and was really enjoying the game. However, as I got older my handicap increased and so did my fade to where it became a slice. This not only caused me frustration but also embarrassment.
I tried to correct the slice by taking private lessons from a Pro. He changed my grip and told me I should move my hips towards the target at the beginning of the down swing and get my lower body more into the swing. Well that did not work for long and the slice was still there. I then turned to buying videos and each one gave me a different solution to cure the slice but none of those solved my problem. In fact, the more videos I watched the more confused I became and the worse the slice got.
I stopped buying videos and taking lessons and just kept going to the range thinking I would find the right grip, stance, or swing on my own. One day I started hitting balls straight on the range and I thought I found the cure. Well that only lasted until my next golf game and after a few more sorry games I started asking myself "Why am I even golfing anymore". Maybe at 76 I should just retire from playing golf, and just watch the professionals on TV.
That was my sad story until last month.
Last month, I went on the internet and discovered The Instant Golf Slice Cure. I immediately went to the range to test it... and it instantly proved out. Since then, I have played 8 games of golf and no slice...Awesome!
The best part of the Instant Golf Slice Cure is that you do not have to change anything as far as your grip or stance. You do not have to remember anything about moving your lower body or hips. All that is involved is knowing where to swing the club; what to do with your shoulder; and how to move your arms through the downswing. That is it!
I am convinced that my slice has now been obliterated, cured, and fixed.
I am having more fun again playing golf with straight and longer shots off the tee and on the fairways. The best part of the Instant Golf Slice Cure is that it is simple and easy to learn and is now available at my website.
I love the game of golf and all it offers. I am 76 years old and have been playing golf for about 30 years. At one time I supported a 12 handicap and was really enjoying the game. However, as I got older my handicap increased and so did my fade to where it became a slice. This not only caused me frustration but also embarrassment.
I tried to correct the slice by taking private lessons from a Pro. He changed my grip and told me I should move my hips towards the target at the beginning of the down swing and get my lower body more into the swing. Well that did not work for long and the slice was still there. I then turned to buying videos and each one gave me a different solution to cure the slice but none of those solved my problem. In fact, the more videos I watched the more confused I became and the worse the slice got.
I stopped buying videos and taking lessons and just kept going to the range thinking I would find the right grip, stance, or swing on my own. One day I started hitting balls straight on the range and I thought I found the cure. Well that only lasted until my next golf game and after a few more sorry games I started asking myself "Why am I even golfing anymore". Maybe at 76 I should just retire from playing golf, and just watch the professionals on TV.
That was my sad story until last month.
Last month, I went on the internet and discovered The Instant Golf Slice Cure. I immediately went to the range to test it... and it instantly proved out. Since then, I have played 8 games of golf and no slice...Awesome!
The best part of the Instant Golf Slice Cure is that you do not have to change anything as far as your grip or stance. You do not have to remember anything about moving your lower body or hips. All that is involved is knowing where to swing the club; what to do with your shoulder; and how to move your arms through the downswing. That is it!
I am convinced that my slice has now been obliterated, cured, and fixed.
I am having more fun again playing golf with straight and longer shots off the tee and on the fairways. The best part of the Instant Golf Slice Cure is that it is simple and easy to learn and is now available at my website.
Donald N. Lombardi is an online researcher and consultant on the
subject of The Instant Golf Slice Cure. You can also read about other
golfing ideas that he has implemented, field tested and proven to be
successful on his website The Golf Shop.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_N_Lombardi
"The secret to heal that part of Golf .When nothing worked until this moment for you? '
Do you ask yourself after a bad round "Why
am I even golfing at all" ?
Have you gone to the range and somehow you miraculously started to hit straight golf shots, saying to yourself... "I think I got it, I think I got it!" ... then when you hit the course your score card still looked horrible ?
... Or are you the type of golfer that wants to get better, spending countless dollars on lessons and expensive clubs, but nothing seems to put a dent in your Golf Slice ?
READ MORE
Have you gone to the range and somehow you miraculously started to hit straight golf shots, saying to yourself... "I think I got it, I think I got it!" ... then when you hit the course your score card still looked horrible ?
... Or are you the type of golfer that wants to get better, spending countless dollars on lessons and expensive clubs, but nothing seems to put a dent in your Golf Slice ?
READ MORE
Golf Strategy - How to Break 90?
Breaking the Distance Barrier
Golf science for superior swing performance
How to develop your swing around "your physique" to increase golf swing speed, distance and consistency without wasting countless hours of ineffective practice
The simple mechanics and physics of the golf swing demonstrates that your best opportunity for swing improvement is to develop a swing that is "matched with your physique"...
Armed with the indisputable science of golf I will show you how to rapidly increase your swing distance and improve your swing consistency to lower your scores..
READ MORE
Golf science for superior swing performance
How to develop your swing around "your physique" to increase golf swing speed, distance and consistency without wasting countless hours of ineffective practice
The simple mechanics and physics of the golf swing demonstrates that your best opportunity for swing improvement is to develop a swing that is "matched with your physique"...
Armed with the indisputable science of golf I will show you how to rapidly increase your swing distance and improve your swing consistency to lower your scores..
READ MORE
Learn How To Generate A Stunning 3, 726$ through Golf Betting
From The Desk Of: Phillip Lakin
Date: January 21, 2012
Dear Future Winner,
If you can invest just a few minutes right now, I am willing to showcase you exactly
how to extract thousands from the bookies through golf betting.
This is the most profitable, risk-free golf tipster online.
What you're about to witness is an incredibly potent service that not only minimises
your risk to a near non-existant level... but steadily builds cash to provide a stunning...
READ MORE
Date: January 21, 2012
Dear Future Winner,
If you can invest just a few minutes right now, I am willing to showcase you exactly
how to extract thousands from the bookies through golf betting.
This is the most profitable, risk-free golf tipster online.
What you're about to witness is an incredibly potent service that not only minimises
your risk to a near non-existant level... but steadily builds cash to provide a stunning...
READ MORE
Golf Swing Tips - How To Hit A Golf Ball Straight
There are many golfers who want to know how to hit a golf ball
straight. If you are as frustrated as I was when I first fell in love
with the game then this article is for you.
When I first started playing golf I was told that hitting the ball straight was the hardest shot in golf, and maybe it was back then. But technology has come a long way in recent years to provide golfers with a helping hand.
There are clubs designed by manufacturer's that are much more forgiving on off centre strikes and drivers with their massive heads and different shafts and offsets make hitting a straight shot much more possible, even for the higher handicapper. Manufacturer's have invested millions into providing the golfer with many options.
Items such as shafts in differing materials and with different stiffnesses and kick points, Grips that vary in thickness can all make a huge difference. It is important to get fitted for your clubs at one of your local fitting centers to make sure that you have a set that are suitable for your own game.
Most players, even the pro's have a shot they are more comfortable with, either a draw or a fade. But situations arise when a tee shot is required down a tight, tree lined funnel and a straight shot is not just what is required but essential if you are going to score well.
Apart from equipment there are some basic principles that must occur for you to hit the golf ball straight. A good set-up with feet, knees, hips and shoulders all parallel to the target line. Good fundamental swing mechanics allied to a correct grip that enable you to return the club on the downswing with the club face square to the target line at the point of impact and traveling along the correct path.
The biggest error that I see out on the course is the club coming from outside the correct path to inside, this is more prevalent with longer clubs especially the driver. This results in either a straight pull if the club is square to the direction of travel or a fade if the club face is square to the target line. Both of which can be destructive to your golf game.
So to recap you need a good set-up position with the body aligned parallel to the target, club face square to target at address, proper swing mechanics to return the club face square to the target and the correct swing path which is from the inside through impact and back to the inside on the follow through.
Hope that helps in your quest to hit a golf ball straight and start lowering your scores. See you on the course.
When I first started playing golf I was told that hitting the ball straight was the hardest shot in golf, and maybe it was back then. But technology has come a long way in recent years to provide golfers with a helping hand.
There are clubs designed by manufacturer's that are much more forgiving on off centre strikes and drivers with their massive heads and different shafts and offsets make hitting a straight shot much more possible, even for the higher handicapper. Manufacturer's have invested millions into providing the golfer with many options.
Items such as shafts in differing materials and with different stiffnesses and kick points, Grips that vary in thickness can all make a huge difference. It is important to get fitted for your clubs at one of your local fitting centers to make sure that you have a set that are suitable for your own game.
Most players, even the pro's have a shot they are more comfortable with, either a draw or a fade. But situations arise when a tee shot is required down a tight, tree lined funnel and a straight shot is not just what is required but essential if you are going to score well.
Apart from equipment there are some basic principles that must occur for you to hit the golf ball straight. A good set-up with feet, knees, hips and shoulders all parallel to the target line. Good fundamental swing mechanics allied to a correct grip that enable you to return the club on the downswing with the club face square to the target line at the point of impact and traveling along the correct path.
The biggest error that I see out on the course is the club coming from outside the correct path to inside, this is more prevalent with longer clubs especially the driver. This results in either a straight pull if the club is square to the direction of travel or a fade if the club face is square to the target line. Both of which can be destructive to your golf game.
So to recap you need a good set-up position with the body aligned parallel to the target, club face square to target at address, proper swing mechanics to return the club face square to the target and the correct swing path which is from the inside through impact and back to the inside on the follow through.
Hope that helps in your quest to hit a golf ball straight and start lowering your scores. See you on the course.
Steven J Scott has been an avid golfer for 25 years, you can download a free copy of his Golf Secrets book. He also has a blog where you can find even more golf swing tips to improve your game at GolfSwingCures.com.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_J_Scott
The Golf Beginners Guide - 20 Reasons Not to Play the Game?
This is a need to know golf beginners guide that will either
support your reasoning to take up the game or it will have you selling
your clubs online before they have lost their sheen.
One of the more difficult things to do as a golfer is to "Lighten Up" and not be so outrageously serious. So with that in mind, I have listed 20 Things You Absolutely need to be aware of before ever taking up the game!
It should be pointed out that if you enjoy self inflicted pain, embarrassment and public humiliation, don't let anything below stop you from challenging the greatest game of all.
Flying by the seat of my pants I have a list of reasons why golf may not be the game suited to you.
1) You have to be honest, truthful and self policed with your integrity placed on the line every time you merely cough, sneeze or perform above and beyond your normal levels.
2) If your expectations include success at a quick rate because you think you deserve it..the queue may be longer than you wish to join.
3) There are more rules and regulations to learn than pages in the War and Peace novel.
4) If you join a club; committees and senior members will welcome you through what appears to be a time warp as you swear blind that headmasters and teachers are all around you.
5) You cannot swear, curse or become over emotional without been summoned to apologise to the powers that be.
6) The golf course is no place to find out you require anger management.
7) If making decisions is not your forte, save the heartache and take up bowls.
8) If you are a beginner and think you will be welcomed with open arms and invited into the "inner circles', think again. No long standing member was ever a beginner..Just ask them.
9) Golf requires an amazing amount of patience and if you take this fact lightly, be it at your own peril. (expectations can really bring you undone here)
10) There is nobody and nothing to blame for your results. Try as you might.... you will always be the one to blame which is no fun at all seeing it is never your fault!
11) If failure is not an option, golf will leave you dissatisfied more than you will be able to handle. More bad results than good is what confronts you!
12) The game will cost you lesson money, green fees, membership fees, clubs, balls, gloves and quite possibly your sanity amongst everything else.
13) If you sufferer from high blood pressure, the fresh air and the relaxing outdoors only lure you into a false sense of security. Stress is just around the corner.
14) If you are overly competitive, come back when you have something that resembles a chance to win. There are vultures on every fairway just waiting for your money.
15) If watching money get drowned as golf balls disappear into the lakes is not part of the family budget, take up beach fishing.
16) An ability to clean up after your own mess is a pre-requisite to social acceptance.
17) A round of golf could potentially take up to 6 hours or more (Heaven forbid), let alone the time taken to replay every shot to your mates in the bar afterward. Very time consuming.
18) Fragile egos will be fully tested as people twice your age and half your strength with only a fraction of your ability beat you week after week with regularity.
19) You will be fooled into thinking that winning a $5 ball that cost you $50 to get is a good thing.
20) You could potentially become addicted with nothing else in the world mattering except when you get a chance to redeem yourself.
One of the more difficult things to do as a golfer is to "Lighten Up" and not be so outrageously serious. So with that in mind, I have listed 20 Things You Absolutely need to be aware of before ever taking up the game!
It should be pointed out that if you enjoy self inflicted pain, embarrassment and public humiliation, don't let anything below stop you from challenging the greatest game of all.
Flying by the seat of my pants I have a list of reasons why golf may not be the game suited to you.
1) You have to be honest, truthful and self policed with your integrity placed on the line every time you merely cough, sneeze or perform above and beyond your normal levels.
2) If your expectations include success at a quick rate because you think you deserve it..the queue may be longer than you wish to join.
3) There are more rules and regulations to learn than pages in the War and Peace novel.
4) If you join a club; committees and senior members will welcome you through what appears to be a time warp as you swear blind that headmasters and teachers are all around you.
5) You cannot swear, curse or become over emotional without been summoned to apologise to the powers that be.
6) The golf course is no place to find out you require anger management.
7) If making decisions is not your forte, save the heartache and take up bowls.
8) If you are a beginner and think you will be welcomed with open arms and invited into the "inner circles', think again. No long standing member was ever a beginner..Just ask them.
9) Golf requires an amazing amount of patience and if you take this fact lightly, be it at your own peril. (expectations can really bring you undone here)
10) There is nobody and nothing to blame for your results. Try as you might.... you will always be the one to blame which is no fun at all seeing it is never your fault!
11) If failure is not an option, golf will leave you dissatisfied more than you will be able to handle. More bad results than good is what confronts you!
12) The game will cost you lesson money, green fees, membership fees, clubs, balls, gloves and quite possibly your sanity amongst everything else.
13) If you sufferer from high blood pressure, the fresh air and the relaxing outdoors only lure you into a false sense of security. Stress is just around the corner.
14) If you are overly competitive, come back when you have something that resembles a chance to win. There are vultures on every fairway just waiting for your money.
15) If watching money get drowned as golf balls disappear into the lakes is not part of the family budget, take up beach fishing.
16) An ability to clean up after your own mess is a pre-requisite to social acceptance.
17) A round of golf could potentially take up to 6 hours or more (Heaven forbid), let alone the time taken to replay every shot to your mates in the bar afterward. Very time consuming.
18) Fragile egos will be fully tested as people twice your age and half your strength with only a fraction of your ability beat you week after week with regularity.
19) You will be fooled into thinking that winning a $5 ball that cost you $50 to get is a good thing.
20) You could potentially become addicted with nothing else in the world mattering except when you get a chance to redeem yourself.
The truth is that nothing comes easy. Golf is certainly no exception. My Golf Beginners Guide that covers the reasons not to play can certainly bring things into perspective.
Life as a golf professional had its ups and downs just like all professions but getting paid to do what you really enjoy cannot be beaten. Join me as we and share all things golf.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_L_Bennett
Life as a golf professional had its ups and downs just like all professions but getting paid to do what you really enjoy cannot be beaten. Join me as we and share all things golf.
READ MORE
Electric Golf Cart Batteries - How to Make It Last Longer
If you are an avid golfer, you may find it expensive to replace
your golf cart batteries every now and then. But of course you can find
ways to make your electric golf cart batteries last long.
Maintaining your electric golf cart batteries is one of the important things you can do to make your batteries last long. Of course, efficient operation of your cart depends also on how you maintain your power source to avoid problems with running your cart as well.
If you are looking for simple and easy ways to maintain your battery to make it run efficiently and make it last long, here are a few things that you may find useful.
Of course, if you want to make your electric golf cart batteries last, you have to follow the manufacturer's prescribed manual and when it comes to the care, maintenance as well as the correct usage of your batteries. You may need to check out the time it needs to charge your batteries. You also need to check your power source regularly to check for leaks and other defects.
In maintaining this power source for your cart, it is important that you also have to have enough knowledge on how to take care of batteries. Keep in mind that maintaining the battery can be dangerous so make sure that you are well protected when cleaning the batteries. Protective clothing is a must when doing some maintenance work on your golf cart batteries.
Cleaning the battery and making sure that the battery terminals are clean are also simple ways to maintain the efficiency and long life of your battery. You can clean this with acid neutralizing chemicals that are readily available in the market. To have an efficiently running power source, you have to make sure always that the areas near and around the battery are clean and dry.
Charging also plays an important role in making your batteries last long. Golf cart batteries are different from your car batteries as they do not charge itself when in use.
So when you charge your batteries, you have to pay attention to charging time. For these types of batteries, a 3-phase charger with a setting of six volts can help make your power source last longer.
You can then set the charging voltage to 2.30 to 2.35 volts which can also help make your batteries last longer. A well charged battery will surely last longer than those that are not discharged properly.
Making sure that the power source is fully charged before use can also be a good practice to make it last longer. In most cases, a green light indicator will show that the battery is already fully charged. It is also important that you make sure the battery terminals are properly connected as well and make sure they are always clean as well.
Indeed, proper care and charging is always important if you want a long lasting battery for your cart.
Maintaining your electric golf cart batteries is one of the important things you can do to make your batteries last long. Of course, efficient operation of your cart depends also on how you maintain your power source to avoid problems with running your cart as well.
If you are looking for simple and easy ways to maintain your battery to make it run efficiently and make it last long, here are a few things that you may find useful.
Of course, if you want to make your electric golf cart batteries last, you have to follow the manufacturer's prescribed manual and when it comes to the care, maintenance as well as the correct usage of your batteries. You may need to check out the time it needs to charge your batteries. You also need to check your power source regularly to check for leaks and other defects.
In maintaining this power source for your cart, it is important that you also have to have enough knowledge on how to take care of batteries. Keep in mind that maintaining the battery can be dangerous so make sure that you are well protected when cleaning the batteries. Protective clothing is a must when doing some maintenance work on your golf cart batteries.
Cleaning the battery and making sure that the battery terminals are clean are also simple ways to maintain the efficiency and long life of your battery. You can clean this with acid neutralizing chemicals that are readily available in the market. To have an efficiently running power source, you have to make sure always that the areas near and around the battery are clean and dry.
Charging also plays an important role in making your batteries last long. Golf cart batteries are different from your car batteries as they do not charge itself when in use.
So when you charge your batteries, you have to pay attention to charging time. For these types of batteries, a 3-phase charger with a setting of six volts can help make your power source last longer.
You can then set the charging voltage to 2.30 to 2.35 volts which can also help make your batteries last longer. A well charged battery will surely last longer than those that are not discharged properly.
Making sure that the power source is fully charged before use can also be a good practice to make it last longer. In most cases, a green light indicator will show that the battery is already fully charged. It is also important that you make sure the battery terminals are properly connected as well and make sure they are always clean as well.
Indeed, proper care and charging is always important if you want a long lasting battery for your cart.
Carolyn Anderson loves to share resources that can help you make
your golf cart batteries last long. To learn more about making your own
healthy food, check out Golf Cart Battery Guide. Also check out Recondition Batteries At Home, where you can learn how to make good use of your dead batteries and save money from getting a new golf cart battery.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carolyn_Anderson
Do You Have 10-Minutes To Improve Your Putting?
If you don't then there's no
reason to
continue reading!
continue reading!
My name is Don Smith. If you're reading this then I know you're serious about improving your putting game. If you're anything like I was, you have tried countless ways to improve your golf game, only to come up short.
I have spent thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours trying to improve my putting. I've purchased all the top putting aids out there today, which includes countless books, video tapes, gadgets, putters (don't get me started on putters), and even a CD to hypnotize me into being a better putter.
I worked hard putting their strategies and advice to work. No matter how hard I worked I could never make much difference in my putting. I know you're tired of all the "quick fix putting" programs. I am too!!!
READ MORE
Golf Swing Tips - How to Hit a Fairway Wood High Or Low For Duffers
With the advent of the hybrid clubs fewer and fewer golfers are
playing the 3-wood or 5-wood from the fairway these days.
I don't blame them really; I have a 2-hybrid (16 degrees) that I use for the second shot most times on the par fives. I am usually left with a short pitch for my third shot leaving me a birdie putt. That is all I can ask for on most days.
However, on some days when I am swinging well and the ball carries long I may find myself inside 235 yards for my second. That's when I begin thinking about pulling out the 3-wood and going for it in two.
The odd thing is that, on my home course, the two par fives on the front side require two different ball flights for this same club.
The fourth green is downhill with a small opening in the front where you could run a ball onto the green. The ninth green is elevated and requires a high shot to get it to stop. Same club in my hand but I need two different ball flights depending on the hole.
Have you ever wanted to reach a par five in two? You'll need courage, confidence and to know how to fly the ball high or low.
Below are the five tips to fairway wood swing and then the adjustments to fly it high or keep it low.
The High Fairway Wood Swing
Place the ball back - Most duffers play the fairway wood too far forward in their stance. This is not a tee shot so you do not want to hit up on the ball. Moving it back will promote the proper angle of approach.
Sweep the ball - The clubhead should pass through the hitting area nearly parallel to the ground. You do not want to take a divot on the shot. The clubhead should just disturb the grass in the impact area.
Use a descending blow - The clubhead should pass through the impact area with just the slightest downward trajectory. This will create the proper backspin on the ball you will need to control the shot.
Weight transfer - The success of this swing is determined largely by the transition. Once the club reaches the top of the backswing, start the downswing by shifting your weight from the back leg to the front leg. That weight transfer is vital for the club to bottom out at the ball.
Swing through the shot - Stay committed to the shot. Swing within yourself to a full finish. Avoid the tendency to over swing or to lift the ball into the air with the club. Make your best balanced swing and take what the swing and club will give you.
Now that you have the swing down, you should take note of the adjustments you will need to make in order to flight the ball either high or low. Generally speaking those adjustments should be to your stance or set up rather than altering your swing. Stance adjustments using the same swing will produce the desired far more often than if you attempt change something in your swing.
The High Fairway Wood Shot
For the high shot adjust your set up from that mentioned above by moving the ball a bit forward and holding your hands lower (closer to the ground) at address. Tilt your spine away from your target placing a bit more weight on the back foot. Swing as outlined above. The set up will add loft to the club and the ball will fly higher and land softer.
The Low Fairway Wood Shot
To play a shot with a lower, creating a more piercing trajectory, just reverse the directions above for creating a high shot. The ball should be positioned a bit farther back similar to where you would play a long iron shot. Lean the shaft forward a bit creating a forward press to de-loft the club. You weight should be more on the front leg. This set up combined with the swing discussed above will keep the ball down for the low running shot.
Don't dismiss the fairway wood shot too quickly. I know they are among the longer clubs in your bag and are therefore more difficult to hit properly. Under the right conditions this shot could well give you a attempt at eagle with an almost certain birdie. You are a full stroke better off than the alternative lay up strategy.
Let the fairway wood shot save you that lay up shot. Because we all know that every shot counts, except those you don't have to take.
I don't blame them really; I have a 2-hybrid (16 degrees) that I use for the second shot most times on the par fives. I am usually left with a short pitch for my third shot leaving me a birdie putt. That is all I can ask for on most days.
However, on some days when I am swinging well and the ball carries long I may find myself inside 235 yards for my second. That's when I begin thinking about pulling out the 3-wood and going for it in two.
The odd thing is that, on my home course, the two par fives on the front side require two different ball flights for this same club.
The fourth green is downhill with a small opening in the front where you could run a ball onto the green. The ninth green is elevated and requires a high shot to get it to stop. Same club in my hand but I need two different ball flights depending on the hole.
Have you ever wanted to reach a par five in two? You'll need courage, confidence and to know how to fly the ball high or low.
Below are the five tips to fairway wood swing and then the adjustments to fly it high or keep it low.
The High Fairway Wood Swing
Place the ball back - Most duffers play the fairway wood too far forward in their stance. This is not a tee shot so you do not want to hit up on the ball. Moving it back will promote the proper angle of approach.
Sweep the ball - The clubhead should pass through the hitting area nearly parallel to the ground. You do not want to take a divot on the shot. The clubhead should just disturb the grass in the impact area.
Use a descending blow - The clubhead should pass through the impact area with just the slightest downward trajectory. This will create the proper backspin on the ball you will need to control the shot.
Weight transfer - The success of this swing is determined largely by the transition. Once the club reaches the top of the backswing, start the downswing by shifting your weight from the back leg to the front leg. That weight transfer is vital for the club to bottom out at the ball.
Swing through the shot - Stay committed to the shot. Swing within yourself to a full finish. Avoid the tendency to over swing or to lift the ball into the air with the club. Make your best balanced swing and take what the swing and club will give you.
Now that you have the swing down, you should take note of the adjustments you will need to make in order to flight the ball either high or low. Generally speaking those adjustments should be to your stance or set up rather than altering your swing. Stance adjustments using the same swing will produce the desired far more often than if you attempt change something in your swing.
The High Fairway Wood Shot
For the high shot adjust your set up from that mentioned above by moving the ball a bit forward and holding your hands lower (closer to the ground) at address. Tilt your spine away from your target placing a bit more weight on the back foot. Swing as outlined above. The set up will add loft to the club and the ball will fly higher and land softer.
The Low Fairway Wood Shot
To play a shot with a lower, creating a more piercing trajectory, just reverse the directions above for creating a high shot. The ball should be positioned a bit farther back similar to where you would play a long iron shot. Lean the shaft forward a bit creating a forward press to de-loft the club. You weight should be more on the front leg. This set up combined with the swing discussed above will keep the ball down for the low running shot.
Don't dismiss the fairway wood shot too quickly. I know they are among the longer clubs in your bag and are therefore more difficult to hit properly. Under the right conditions this shot could well give you a attempt at eagle with an almost certain birdie. You are a full stroke better off than the alternative lay up strategy.
Let the fairway wood shot save you that lay up shot. Because we all know that every shot counts, except those you don't have to take.
Find more help for your golf swing here: Golf Swing Instruction
Wayne Hudler is an avid golfer of more than 30 years and golf writer.
He partners with Dooley Duffer over at Dooley Duffer Golf. Are you a duffer? Know you can play better and want to learn how? We are devoted to helping ordinary golfers (duffers) improve every aspect of their games.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Hudler
Wayne Hudler is an avid golfer of more than 30 years and golf writer.
He partners with Dooley Duffer over at Dooley Duffer Golf. Are you a duffer? Know you can play better and want to learn how? We are devoted to helping ordinary golfers (duffers) improve every aspect of their games.
Golf Ball Comparison - How to Select the Right Golf Ball
The buzz in golf is all about the drivers, irons and the putters.
But, we often forget another piece of golf equipment which is just
technologically advanced as the rest - the golf ball. All golf balls
like clubs are not all the same. They differ in a variety of features
such as core composition, outer layer covering, compression etc. Well,
which ball is right for you? The only way to find out is to do a golf
ball comparison.
There are many different balls available for many different types of golfer, low compression balls are generally suited for novice golfers, and while high compression ones offer the best results for the tour pros.
The compression of the golf ball determines the core reaction you get when striking the ball. The lower the compression the less explosive the reaction, the higher the compression the more the ball will zoom off the tee.
What is known as a softer ball or low compression somewhere in the range of between 70 and 80 units. This ball will not have the distance that a high compression like 100 would give you. The lower compression balls are actually great for control, and are ideal for short game shots like wedges and high irons.
Medium compression balls in the 90-compression range carry more distance than their 70-80 compression counterparts, yet still have a softer feel on contact and offer greater control.
And finally we get to the high compression such as the 100; this ball is for maximum velocity and distance. This ball is not easily manageable by the average golfer, as it has explosive tendencies. This ball will give you the distance to carry the fairway on a long par 4 or relatively short par 5, yet will be more temperamental when it comes to keeping it in play.
Besides compression, we also have to keep in mind the number of pieces used to make the golf ball, the number of dimples and any other features that help in control or feel.
There are many different balls available for many different types of golfer, low compression balls are generally suited for novice golfers, and while high compression ones offer the best results for the tour pros.
The compression of the golf ball determines the core reaction you get when striking the ball. The lower the compression the less explosive the reaction, the higher the compression the more the ball will zoom off the tee.
What is known as a softer ball or low compression somewhere in the range of between 70 and 80 units. This ball will not have the distance that a high compression like 100 would give you. The lower compression balls are actually great for control, and are ideal for short game shots like wedges and high irons.
Medium compression balls in the 90-compression range carry more distance than their 70-80 compression counterparts, yet still have a softer feel on contact and offer greater control.
And finally we get to the high compression such as the 100; this ball is for maximum velocity and distance. This ball is not easily manageable by the average golfer, as it has explosive tendencies. This ball will give you the distance to carry the fairway on a long par 4 or relatively short par 5, yet will be more temperamental when it comes to keeping it in play.
Besides compression, we also have to keep in mind the number of pieces used to make the golf ball, the number of dimples and any other features that help in control or feel.
To learn which golf ball brand will give you the best results click here.
For free tips on picking the perfect golf ball visit http://www.idealgolfball.com/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Singh
For free tips on picking the perfect golf ball visit http://www.idealgolfball.com/
The Proper Takeaway And Backswing
When it comes to the swing, my golf instruction hinges on a simple
idea: The swing is a chain reaction. What occurs at the start of the
swing influences what happens at the end. If you execute the takeaway
and backswing properly, you’ll hit the ball with accuracy and power. If
you don’t, you’ll hit the ball off-line and with little power.
A proper takeaway is critical to a good swing. Like the catalyst in a chain reaction, the takeaway starts everything in motion, as I stress in my golf tips. It introduces width and coordination in the swing, and determines the quality and shape of the shot. In fact, many experts consider the first 30 inches of the takeaway the most crucial point in the swing.
A one-piece movement starts the takeaway. To achieve this, sweep the club back low and slow as your left knee, hip, and shoulder turn to the right. Shift your weight slightly onto the right foot (for right-handers), creating the feeling as if the move was “all arms.” And hold your chin up as you take the club away to allow for a full left shoulder turn.
Here, some golf instruction differs on the position of the left heel. No hard and fast rules state that it should remain planted during takeaway. You’re free to lift it if you have to. I recommend in my golf lessons that you keep it planted as long as you can, creating resistance in the swing. However, if your heel must come up to complete the body-turn, then by all means lift it. It all depends on how flexible you are.
Also, keep your wrists passive until the club reaches the height of your right hip. Cock your writs at this point as you complete the body turn, forming a right angle between the shaft and the left forearm.
This is a good checkpoint. If your wrists form a 90-degree angle and the club is on plane, your takeaway has been sound.
Continue turning your arms and body until you’re at the top of the swing, or in the slot. Your weight is on your right foot and your club is as close to horizontal as possible. Both thumbs are under the shaft.
Next comes a key transition point, one that I really focus on in my golf lessons. It needs to be smooth and unhurried, so don’t rush it. If you do, your swing will be come too narrow.
Many tour players and players with low golf handicaps employee Harvey Penick’s “Magic Move” at this point. It’s ideal for beginning the downswing. And it’s simple.
At the start of the downswing, shift your weight gradually to the left side while, at the same time, bringing your right arm closer to your body. That’s it. It’s a subtle but highly effective move.
The Magic Move flattens out the swing plane slightly, putting it on the ideal position from which to swing the club on the optimum path and deliver the clubhead squared to the ball with power.
The rest of the downswing is basically a reaction to what has come before. Retain the 90- degree angle between the left forearm and club as long as you can. Keep the flex in your knees and the gap between them as the club comes down. And settle your weight gradually on the left side of your body. Finally, make sure you keep your body behind the ball at impact.
At this point, if you’ve executed the takeaway and downswing properly, you’ll return to the same position you assumed at the start of your swing. The rest of the swing should follow naturally.
A good exercise to practice when you can’t get to a driving range is the tire drill. It’s one I sometimes use in my golf lessons.
Take an old tire and line it up where the ball should be in your swing. Then take a club, assume your normal set-up. Execute the takeaway and downswing, hitting the tire instead of the ball. Substitute a golf bag for the tire, if you want. Practice this drill as often as you can. It helps perfect the takeaway and backswing.
Your swing, as I said at the beginning of this golf tip, is like a chain reaction. What happens at the start affects what happens at the end. Practice the sequence detailed here, including Harvey Penick’s Magic Move, and you’re well on your way to developing a consistent, error-free swing
A proper takeaway is critical to a good swing. Like the catalyst in a chain reaction, the takeaway starts everything in motion, as I stress in my golf tips. It introduces width and coordination in the swing, and determines the quality and shape of the shot. In fact, many experts consider the first 30 inches of the takeaway the most crucial point in the swing.
A one-piece movement starts the takeaway. To achieve this, sweep the club back low and slow as your left knee, hip, and shoulder turn to the right. Shift your weight slightly onto the right foot (for right-handers), creating the feeling as if the move was “all arms.” And hold your chin up as you take the club away to allow for a full left shoulder turn.
Here, some golf instruction differs on the position of the left heel. No hard and fast rules state that it should remain planted during takeaway. You’re free to lift it if you have to. I recommend in my golf lessons that you keep it planted as long as you can, creating resistance in the swing. However, if your heel must come up to complete the body-turn, then by all means lift it. It all depends on how flexible you are.
Also, keep your wrists passive until the club reaches the height of your right hip. Cock your writs at this point as you complete the body turn, forming a right angle between the shaft and the left forearm.
This is a good checkpoint. If your wrists form a 90-degree angle and the club is on plane, your takeaway has been sound.
Continue turning your arms and body until you’re at the top of the swing, or in the slot. Your weight is on your right foot and your club is as close to horizontal as possible. Both thumbs are under the shaft.
Next comes a key transition point, one that I really focus on in my golf lessons. It needs to be smooth and unhurried, so don’t rush it. If you do, your swing will be come too narrow.
Many tour players and players with low golf handicaps employee Harvey Penick’s “Magic Move” at this point. It’s ideal for beginning the downswing. And it’s simple.
At the start of the downswing, shift your weight gradually to the left side while, at the same time, bringing your right arm closer to your body. That’s it. It’s a subtle but highly effective move.
The Magic Move flattens out the swing plane slightly, putting it on the ideal position from which to swing the club on the optimum path and deliver the clubhead squared to the ball with power.
The rest of the downswing is basically a reaction to what has come before. Retain the 90- degree angle between the left forearm and club as long as you can. Keep the flex in your knees and the gap between them as the club comes down. And settle your weight gradually on the left side of your body. Finally, make sure you keep your body behind the ball at impact.
At this point, if you’ve executed the takeaway and downswing properly, you’ll return to the same position you assumed at the start of your swing. The rest of the swing should follow naturally.
A good exercise to practice when you can’t get to a driving range is the tire drill. It’s one I sometimes use in my golf lessons.
Take an old tire and line it up where the ball should be in your swing. Then take a club, assume your normal set-up. Execute the takeaway and downswing, hitting the tire instead of the ball. Substitute a golf bag for the tire, if you want. Practice this drill as often as you can. It helps perfect the takeaway and backswing.
Your swing, as I said at the beginning of this golf tip, is like a chain reaction. What happens at the start affects what happens at the end. Practice the sequence detailed here, including Harvey Penick’s Magic Move, and you’re well on your way to developing a consistent, error-free swing
How To Putt Better With Distance Control?
Golfers have been
tricked to believe touch and feel in their putting stroke and on the
putting greens is something hard to achieve. In golf, we are told
that putting distance control is something that is supposed to be
difficult. Realistically, putting is no different from throwing a ball
or opening the door in the morning. Learning how to putt a golf ball
better with proper technique shouldn’t be a mystery any longer.
Learn How To Putt Better For a Lifetime
You use this skill everyday and there is no reason why distance control on the putting green should be difficult or any different. You already posses the ability required to be a great putter.
The closer you get to the hole, the more important putting speed control becomes. The counterpart to distance control is direction, which is more important the farther away you are from the golf hole. Scoring well in golf requires a rock solid performance within 100 yards and how well you putt on the greens. This makes distance control one of the most important aspects in golf as it relates to scoring. As a keynote, the less loft you have on a golf club, the more side spin you can impart on the golf ball. This is why direction control is more important off the tee just as distance control is the closer you get to the green. Typically within 100 yards you have a sand wedge in your hand, which has a lot of loft, making it hard to put much side spin on the golf ball. This causes the ball to naturally fly straighter putting more emphasis on distance control.
Thankfully, on the putting green side spin isn’t an issue. The ball turns because of the contours of the putting green and speed. Even if we put side spin on the ball, it is quickly removed from the friction between the green and the ball.
Putting comes down to controlling distance and starting the ball on a specific intended line.
Learn how to roll the ball a specific speed to make the hole the biggest and make more putts.
Changes In Putting Green Speed
No two golf courses are alike, the speed at which the ball will roll is dependent upon the green speed which is out of our control. To measure the green speed, most golf courses use a stimpmeter to specify how fast or slow they are by assigning a number to them.(the higher the number, the faster the green) To make matters more complicated, there are several types of different grasses with different grains, all affecting the speed and how the ball will roll. The same green can even experience a degree of change throughout the day because of the grass growing. Add spike marks, imperfections, uphill, downhill putts, and wind to putting and you can see why putting speed control becomes difficult. Perfect your attitude, control what you can, and you know how to improve your putting.
Learn The Speed Through Your Putting Stroke
Unlike hitting a wedge shot to a specific distance, your feel for a specific distance on the putting green will be different day-to-day. Before playing a round a golf, make a few putting strokes from several different distances to get acclimated to the speed of the greens. Be sure to putt a combination of uphill and downhill lag putts and short putts. Also, do not forget to take in wind speed and direction. Just because your golf ball is on the ground doesn’t mean wind will not affect how the ball rolls.
Putting Tips For Distance Control – Proper Stroke Techniques
Solid Contact
If you want to know how to putt better, the first step is making sure your hitting your putts solid. A putting stroke that yields an end over end role, caused when clubface matches path, struck in the sweet spot of the putter face consistently. A putt hit with the same force off the toe will not travel the same distance if struck in the center.(same for anywhere else on the club) You can test to see where you impact the golf ball with a small strip of impact tape placed on your putter.
Lock your lower body
Any extra movements (laterally) in the body will cause the ball to travel inconsistent distances. Develop a putting stroke with the fewest moving parts. Using just your shoulders and arms to create the power. As a drill toe in both your feet at address to feel this sensation or a stable lower body. You can also imagine your shoes being stuck in cement.
Feedback is Key
Your hands are an incredible source for both touch and feel. The stronger you grip the club the less feel you will have. Grip the club as light as you possibly can without it falling out of your hands. The best way I can describe it would be having a light pressure in the hands and fingers. The club is very secure because of a stable and tight grip while the pressure is light.
READ MORE
Learn How To Putt Better For a Lifetime
You use this skill everyday and there is no reason why distance control on the putting green should be difficult or any different. You already posses the ability required to be a great putter.
The closer you get to the hole, the more important putting speed control becomes. The counterpart to distance control is direction, which is more important the farther away you are from the golf hole. Scoring well in golf requires a rock solid performance within 100 yards and how well you putt on the greens. This makes distance control one of the most important aspects in golf as it relates to scoring. As a keynote, the less loft you have on a golf club, the more side spin you can impart on the golf ball. This is why direction control is more important off the tee just as distance control is the closer you get to the green. Typically within 100 yards you have a sand wedge in your hand, which has a lot of loft, making it hard to put much side spin on the golf ball. This causes the ball to naturally fly straighter putting more emphasis on distance control.
Thankfully, on the putting green side spin isn’t an issue. The ball turns because of the contours of the putting green and speed. Even if we put side spin on the ball, it is quickly removed from the friction between the green and the ball.
Putting comes down to controlling distance and starting the ball on a specific intended line.
Learn how to roll the ball a specific speed to make the hole the biggest and make more putts.
Changes In Putting Green Speed
No two golf courses are alike, the speed at which the ball will roll is dependent upon the green speed which is out of our control. To measure the green speed, most golf courses use a stimpmeter to specify how fast or slow they are by assigning a number to them.(the higher the number, the faster the green) To make matters more complicated, there are several types of different grasses with different grains, all affecting the speed and how the ball will roll. The same green can even experience a degree of change throughout the day because of the grass growing. Add spike marks, imperfections, uphill, downhill putts, and wind to putting and you can see why putting speed control becomes difficult. Perfect your attitude, control what you can, and you know how to improve your putting.
Learn The Speed Through Your Putting Stroke
Unlike hitting a wedge shot to a specific distance, your feel for a specific distance on the putting green will be different day-to-day. Before playing a round a golf, make a few putting strokes from several different distances to get acclimated to the speed of the greens. Be sure to putt a combination of uphill and downhill lag putts and short putts. Also, do not forget to take in wind speed and direction. Just because your golf ball is on the ground doesn’t mean wind will not affect how the ball rolls.
Putting Tips For Distance Control – Proper Stroke Techniques
Solid Contact
If you want to know how to putt better, the first step is making sure your hitting your putts solid. A putting stroke that yields an end over end role, caused when clubface matches path, struck in the sweet spot of the putter face consistently. A putt hit with the same force off the toe will not travel the same distance if struck in the center.(same for anywhere else on the club) You can test to see where you impact the golf ball with a small strip of impact tape placed on your putter.
Lock your lower body
Any extra movements (laterally) in the body will cause the ball to travel inconsistent distances. Develop a putting stroke with the fewest moving parts. Using just your shoulders and arms to create the power. As a drill toe in both your feet at address to feel this sensation or a stable lower body. You can also imagine your shoes being stuck in cement.
Feedback is Key
Your hands are an incredible source for both touch and feel. The stronger you grip the club the less feel you will have. Grip the club as light as you possibly can without it falling out of your hands. The best way I can describe it would be having a light pressure in the hands and fingers. The club is very secure because of a stable and tight grip while the pressure is light.
READ MORE
How To Make A Golf Yardage Book – PGA Tour Style?
The use of golf laser range finders or gps devices are illegal on the PGA Tour and many other amateur and professional golf tournaments. There is an easy way to make a professional free golf yardage book like what the PGA tour players use with google earth. I have been to golf tournaments where they will charge as much as $20 for each detailed yardage book.
Obviously playing with a rangefinder will dramatically speed up pace of play and is a excellent golf distance finder but a yardage book can improve your game in many ways that a rangefinder device cannot. A golf GPS system can be distracting and give incorrect yardages. When you watch golf on TV, the pros carry detailed PGA tour yardage books in their pocket giving them golf course yardages and other important information.
Use A Yardage Book And Stick To Your Game Plan
Before playing a round of golf it may help you do determine a specific game plan for each particular hole. A yardage book can help you review not only specific yardages but personal notes about past wind directions and help you to stick to your game plan and strategy.
There are multiple benefits in using a golf yardage book:
- Chance to record your intended targets, landing areas, what club to hit, and the slopes of the greens.
- Increase your confidence, knowing you have a secret weapon that no other golfer has.
- Getting the exact yardage to everything on the golf course helps with club selection and confident decisions.
- Yardage books help you focus on scoring.
- Using a Yardage Book helps you plan out your shots, instead of just hitting shots.
- Using a Yardage Book will help you play faster and take less strokes.
- Will teach you to play golf with a strategy.
- Promotes disciplined play.
How to make a professional golf yardage book:
Open Google Earth and zoom into the golf course that you are making the yardage book of. Use the ruler function (make sure you set to yards) to measure distances from the back of the tee box to important points. (distinct tree’s in fairway, sprinkler heads, hazards, green depth)You can get as detailed as you wish. Try to add as much detail as possible, getting the yardages to the front edge of bunkers and clearing yardages to trouble spots. I would suggest taking the yardages from the back of the tee box that you intend to play. You can then pace off and subtract however many yards it is from the markers you are playing.
Skills Required When Using Your Feet To Find Distances
Each yardage book will have its own means of measuring distance. Some golf courses decide to show distances on sprinkler heads measuring to the center of the greens while others show distances to the front edge. Whichever the case, make sure you know before calculating the distances. If a pin sheet is provided before you start your round of golf, finding distances to the flag stick will become much easier since they are also measured by the number of paces. (usually from the front or middle of the green)
Just recently I have decided to stop using any golf distance finder. This means any gps or laser rangefinder to determine the distance. I have found that after using such distance finder you become dependent and cannot play freely any other way. If you decide to play in a golf tournament not allowing rangefinders you will lack the skills necessary for using a golf yardage book. With a yardage book I can also get more information about my landing area which leads to better club selections. (front of the green, middle, back, and exact distance to the pin) It would be hard for a laser distance finder to determine an exact distance to these spots on the golf course.
Below I have included a video that shows exactly how a caddy on the PGA tour creates professional yardage books for his players and other players on tour. It may surprise you the technology involved. Since this equipment may be a bit expensive google earth will do just fine.
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What’s The Weakest Part Of Your Golf Game?
The Proven 5 Step Consistent Golf Formula™
Step 1
Remember your last 5 games of golf and then rank these four aspects that make up a game of golf from the weakest to strongest:
a) The Long Game – this includes driving, fairway woods, hybrids and iron shots
b) The Short Game – which comprises of pitch shots, bunker shots and chip shots
c) The Putting Game – This is made up of short putts, long putts, green reading, distance control and so on.
d) The Mental Game – And this includes such things as concentration, anxiety, confidence etc.
b) The Short Game – which comprises of pitch shots, bunker shots and chip shots
c) The Putting Game – This is made up of short putts, long putts, green reading, distance control and so on.
d) The Mental Game – And this includes such things as concentration, anxiety, confidence etc.
Step 2
Get a proven step-by-step practice program that will improve the weakest part of your golf game.
Step 3
Follow that improvement program and focus exclusively on improving the weakest part of your golf game until it’s at a level you’re happy with….considering the time and effort you want to put into it.
Step 4
Golf The Real Thing
The grass is always greener on the other side. Not as green as I felt on
the inside the day I decided to check out this golf lark.
I could never get my head around why all the excitement and fuss at the sheer mention of the word golf.
Off to the local driving range I did go, selected myself a golf club and purchased a token for fifty golf balls..Maybe if I had more knowledge on the game, I would have realized the importance of choosing the right size golf club.
Inserting my token into the slot to collect the golf balls. What a nightmare. Well? no one told me to place a basket underneath the shoot. Those balls came flooding out like Niagra falls. I hasten to add these balls did not roll they bounced. Some even higher than me, cursed they were without a doubt.
Doomed from the start a golf stick to suit Shrek and only twenty balls of my fifty. The rest for all I know could be in Timbukto.
I remember more misses than hits but I was slowly beginning to like and enjoy this so called golf lark.
Why not try the real thing? a voice called out from the cubicle next to me. Is this not the real thing I asked. No mate, came the reply. You need to be on a course.
Determined to find out why this sport is so popular. I went in search of a course to play the real thing.
Found myself a course with eighteen holes. Now for the real thing.
Taking the first shot and not taking my eyes of the ball, I watched it rotate in and around several humps down a funnel and then swirl in and out of a maze of curves. Bit like the krypton factor but I was desperate to find out about the real thing.
It is 5pm and we are closing the attendant called out. But I am only on hole number three I explained. I am sorry sir, why not come back tommorrow? and that I did for the next fornight. Because that is how long it took me to finish this particular course.
Pedro (The Attendant) and I had struck up a friendly relationship in all the time I was going back and to. I am afraid Pedro this golf lark is not for me.
Senor this is crazy golf, it is not the real thing. What is the difference I asked. I will need to show you senor? he answered.
Pedro explained that he had a few friends that he would like me to meet up with. He also went onto say that they could help me in my quest to find out what the major attraction in golf is for many thousands of people.
What lovely people Pedro’s friends were. Very informative on the game. Oh and boy oh boy they sure showed me a few tricks of the trade.
It is was all falling into place now.
Knowing all the rules simplified and made this game more understanding.
Yes? I was loving this new found sport that was to change my whole way of life for the rest of my life.
It was time to leave so I thanked everyone for their expert guidance. Now over to my good friend Pedro, who I grabbed with so much force giving him such a manly hug and shaking his hand at the same time. I could not thank him enough for his time and patience. It was a pleasure Senor, Pedro replied. By the way I did not quite catch your name senor.
I could never get my head around why all the excitement and fuss at the sheer mention of the word golf.
Off to the local driving range I did go, selected myself a golf club and purchased a token for fifty golf balls..Maybe if I had more knowledge on the game, I would have realized the importance of choosing the right size golf club.
Inserting my token into the slot to collect the golf balls. What a nightmare. Well? no one told me to place a basket underneath the shoot. Those balls came flooding out like Niagra falls. I hasten to add these balls did not roll they bounced. Some even higher than me, cursed they were without a doubt.
Doomed from the start a golf stick to suit Shrek and only twenty balls of my fifty. The rest for all I know could be in Timbukto.
I remember more misses than hits but I was slowly beginning to like and enjoy this so called golf lark.
Why not try the real thing? a voice called out from the cubicle next to me. Is this not the real thing I asked. No mate, came the reply. You need to be on a course.
Determined to find out why this sport is so popular. I went in search of a course to play the real thing.
Found myself a course with eighteen holes. Now for the real thing.
Taking the first shot and not taking my eyes of the ball, I watched it rotate in and around several humps down a funnel and then swirl in and out of a maze of curves. Bit like the krypton factor but I was desperate to find out about the real thing.
It is 5pm and we are closing the attendant called out. But I am only on hole number three I explained. I am sorry sir, why not come back tommorrow? and that I did for the next fornight. Because that is how long it took me to finish this particular course.
Pedro (The Attendant) and I had struck up a friendly relationship in all the time I was going back and to. I am afraid Pedro this golf lark is not for me.
Senor this is crazy golf, it is not the real thing. What is the difference I asked. I will need to show you senor? he answered.
Pedro explained that he had a few friends that he would like me to meet up with. He also went onto say that they could help me in my quest to find out what the major attraction in golf is for many thousands of people.
What lovely people Pedro’s friends were. Very informative on the game. Oh and boy oh boy they sure showed me a few tricks of the trade.
It is was all falling into place now.
Knowing all the rules simplified and made this game more understanding.
Yes? I was loving this new found sport that was to change my whole way of life for the rest of my life.
It was time to leave so I thanked everyone for their expert guidance. Now over to my good friend Pedro, who I grabbed with so much force giving him such a manly hug and shaking his hand at the same time. I could not thank him enough for his time and patience. It was a pleasure Senor, Pedro replied. By the way I did not quite catch your name senor.
Get Fit For Golf To Play Your Best
Fit for golf is a term you should have heard by now. It’s all over the
television and now becoming mainstream with amateur golfers wanting to
reach their full potential. Golfers are now realizing there is a
fitness component to golf, and are seriously considering getting fit for
golf.
It may sound like an oxymoron, but tell me if you’ve ever hurt yourself playing golf. How about a strained lower back? Or, a sore shoulder after playing? The list of injuries from swinging a golf club is a mile long.
This would defend the point that getting fit for golf is NOT an oxymoron, but in fact a necessity, if you want to end the frustration, and play like you know you are capable of.
Golf is a ‘physical’ game that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. Muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints pay the price if your golf muscles are not strong enough to withstand the forces from swing at up to 100 mph.
Think about that!
You swing a 3 foot implement at up to 100 mph, while maintaining a very dynamic body position. That’s physically impossible unless you’ve got the muscular strength and flexibility to achieve these swing mechanics.
Look at putting! How often have you practiced for only 5-10 minutes and your lower back was killing you? You know what the culprit was? Tight hamstrings and a weak lower back. Golfers who are fit for golf don’t experience this. They can practice putting for an hour and not feel it.
Wouldn’t that be nice?
How about hitting out of deep rough? How many times did you leave the ball right where it was when you started? Or if you did advance it, your wrist was killing you after that?
This would not happen if your were fit for golf!
You’ve got to take a look at the facts! Golf is ‘physical’. Golf takes a tremendous amount of strength and flexibility. Golf causes injuries to body’s that are out of shape. Golf is frustrating when you are the shortest hitter in your foursome. Golf can make you crazy!
Stop the insanity…and Get Fit For Golf!
It may sound like an oxymoron, but tell me if you’ve ever hurt yourself playing golf. How about a strained lower back? Or, a sore shoulder after playing? The list of injuries from swinging a golf club is a mile long.
This would defend the point that getting fit for golf is NOT an oxymoron, but in fact a necessity, if you want to end the frustration, and play like you know you are capable of.
Golf is a ‘physical’ game that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. Muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints pay the price if your golf muscles are not strong enough to withstand the forces from swing at up to 100 mph.
Think about that!
You swing a 3 foot implement at up to 100 mph, while maintaining a very dynamic body position. That’s physically impossible unless you’ve got the muscular strength and flexibility to achieve these swing mechanics.
Look at putting! How often have you practiced for only 5-10 minutes and your lower back was killing you? You know what the culprit was? Tight hamstrings and a weak lower back. Golfers who are fit for golf don’t experience this. They can practice putting for an hour and not feel it.
Wouldn’t that be nice?
How about hitting out of deep rough? How many times did you leave the ball right where it was when you started? Or if you did advance it, your wrist was killing you after that?
This would not happen if your were fit for golf!
You’ve got to take a look at the facts! Golf is ‘physical’. Golf takes a tremendous amount of strength and flexibility. Golf causes injuries to body’s that are out of shape. Golf is frustrating when you are the shortest hitter in your foursome. Golf can make you crazy!
Stop the insanity…and Get Fit For Golf!
Golf Basics Build Your Foundation First
More and more people every year get bitten by the golf bug. Golf’s
popularity continues to rise year after year. With more and more people
becoming interested in golf, more and more people are taking their first
steps in wanting to learn how to play the game.
And the great thing is – it is people of all age groups, genders, race and social strata. I have really been enjoying working with every type of golfer.
The first aspect of the game of golf that I talk with about a person or group of people that are just beginning to take up the game is that learning to play golf is going to take some time and much patience. In fact, the patience part never goes away in this great game!
The second aspect (or at least real close to it) that I speak with beginning golfers about is practice; and the amount you spend with quality practice time will get you to the point in your game you want to be.
Everyone has different ambitions and expectations as to how far they want to take their game. Whether it’s just a spouse who wants to learn enough of the game and the golf swing to enjoy an afternoon with their significant other, or someone who one day wishes to play competitively, the game of golf can accommodate. But, it’s fundamentals and practice that will get you to your goal.
At its core of the game of golf is the golf swing. Your golf swing. How you start out learning the mechanics of the golf swing is crucial. Don’t skip the basics! Learn some fundamentals before you even begin to tackle the swing.
The grip, the stance, the setup to the ball, and your posture, is the foundation from which you must learn the golf swing. If you don’t spend the time early on ingraining these aspects into your physical psyche, you’ll not (if ever) consistently strike the golf ball. So, make sure when you are working with your instructor, you don’t just start whacking at balls. Make sure you build the proper foundation with the aforementioned elements.
When you do progress to actually swinging the club, I like to have people start with middle iron (usually a 6 or 7 iron). In my opinion, the middle iron is the best club to begin learning the golf swing. With a six iron, for example, the ball placement is in the middle of your stance. This means that as you progress to higher and lower irons you will have a benchmark to work from. Also down the road, if you swing begins to trouble you, I usually suggest that you get back to your basic neutral position club of the six iron and get your rhythm and timing back.
If you are just beginning, you must understand that the longer the shaft on the club, the longer it is going to take you to consistently and accurately hit the golf ball. It’s just the physics. I see way too many beginners want to rush to justice and hit the driver and they never learn the proper swing. Always learn, tune, and groove your swing with a middle iron. Then work to keep that mindset as you climb the ladder of your clubs.
From you middle iron placement your longer shafted clubs will find your ball placement more toward your front foot’s instep; while your shorter irons will have the ball work more toward the back foot’s instep.
But before you do any of this, make sure you start with your foundation. Make sure that when you speak with your teaching professional you let them know that you want to spend time with and make sure you understand the concepts of the grip, stance, alignment, and posture. This will ensure that you don’t build a house of cards with your golf swing that will always be tumbling apart.
Once you get past your first couple of lessons of working on the foundations, don’t forget them. Always, always, always, be cognizant of your grip, stance, alignment, and posture even as you begin developing your golf swing. Be sure to incorporate a quick check of these before you engage your swing.
And finally, we come full circle. Be patient with yourself and spend time practicing. If you do, you’ll realize the wonderful rewards that the game of golf returns in a much sooner fashion.
And the great thing is – it is people of all age groups, genders, race and social strata. I have really been enjoying working with every type of golfer.
The first aspect of the game of golf that I talk with about a person or group of people that are just beginning to take up the game is that learning to play golf is going to take some time and much patience. In fact, the patience part never goes away in this great game!
The second aspect (or at least real close to it) that I speak with beginning golfers about is practice; and the amount you spend with quality practice time will get you to the point in your game you want to be.
Everyone has different ambitions and expectations as to how far they want to take their game. Whether it’s just a spouse who wants to learn enough of the game and the golf swing to enjoy an afternoon with their significant other, or someone who one day wishes to play competitively, the game of golf can accommodate. But, it’s fundamentals and practice that will get you to your goal.
At its core of the game of golf is the golf swing. Your golf swing. How you start out learning the mechanics of the golf swing is crucial. Don’t skip the basics! Learn some fundamentals before you even begin to tackle the swing.
The grip, the stance, the setup to the ball, and your posture, is the foundation from which you must learn the golf swing. If you don’t spend the time early on ingraining these aspects into your physical psyche, you’ll not (if ever) consistently strike the golf ball. So, make sure when you are working with your instructor, you don’t just start whacking at balls. Make sure you build the proper foundation with the aforementioned elements.
When you do progress to actually swinging the club, I like to have people start with middle iron (usually a 6 or 7 iron). In my opinion, the middle iron is the best club to begin learning the golf swing. With a six iron, for example, the ball placement is in the middle of your stance. This means that as you progress to higher and lower irons you will have a benchmark to work from. Also down the road, if you swing begins to trouble you, I usually suggest that you get back to your basic neutral position club of the six iron and get your rhythm and timing back.
If you are just beginning, you must understand that the longer the shaft on the club, the longer it is going to take you to consistently and accurately hit the golf ball. It’s just the physics. I see way too many beginners want to rush to justice and hit the driver and they never learn the proper swing. Always learn, tune, and groove your swing with a middle iron. Then work to keep that mindset as you climb the ladder of your clubs.
From you middle iron placement your longer shafted clubs will find your ball placement more toward your front foot’s instep; while your shorter irons will have the ball work more toward the back foot’s instep.
But before you do any of this, make sure you start with your foundation. Make sure that when you speak with your teaching professional you let them know that you want to spend time with and make sure you understand the concepts of the grip, stance, alignment, and posture. This will ensure that you don’t build a house of cards with your golf swing that will always be tumbling apart.
Once you get past your first couple of lessons of working on the foundations, don’t forget them. Always, always, always, be cognizant of your grip, stance, alignment, and posture even as you begin developing your golf swing. Be sure to incorporate a quick check of these before you engage your swing.
And finally, we come full circle. Be patient with yourself and spend time practicing. If you do, you’ll realize the wonderful rewards that the game of golf returns in a much sooner fashion.
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