Young guys are the worst offenders of this.
A young string guy comes to the golf course and there is an overwhelming tendency to hit the ball.
It's the big drives that impress and big drives need big hits don't they?
I have done this myself only to be out-driven by a small lady or an elderly gentleman.
They were stroking the ball rather than going for the big hit.
This allowed them to have more control, which translated to more distance and they were hitting the ball better.
We all watch the professionals and see them hit the ball with fast powerful drives, but they aren't actually 'hitting' the ball.
They are actually stroking the ball albeit at a lot faster speed and a whole lot more powerful manner than people who 'hit' the ball.
This 'stoking' becomes all the more important with short play where a stroke will result in more accuracy and a more accurate level of distance for the particular choice of club.
If you are a 'hitter' of golf balls then you can start correcting this area of your game by concentrating on how you putt.
Everyone naturally has a tendency to stroke the ball on the green because they know that the distance can be achieved with a light touch.
The next step it to take that relaxed action to the next step with your short game using the pitching wedge, 9-iron and 7-iron.
Once you see how well the ball will travel and the additional control you have by stroking the ball you can then use that same relaxed flowing action with the other clubs in your bag.
As you move to your woods and then your driver you might be quite surprised how a change in action from hitting to stroking the ball will get you all the distance you have been aiming for effortlessly.
READ MORE
Showing posts with label Beginner Golf Tips - Know Your Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beginner Golf Tips - Know Your Game. Show all posts
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.
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
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.
READ MORE
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
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
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.
READ MORE
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!
READ MORE
"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 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.
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
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.
Golf Specific Fitness Is Underrated
Golf specific fitness is mainstream on tour! There is no way around it!
To play your best, you’ve got to be in better golf shape! Golf is
physical…and requires both dynamic strength and flexibility.
Gone are the days of the 19th hole! That’s if you want to be top dog in your foursome. Instead of going to the 19th hole after your round, why not do some cool down stretches so you’re ready for the next round?
I’m not saying you have to be a fanatic, but just realize there is a definite “physical component” to optimal golf performance. The demand on the body to swing a club at upwards of 100 mph and stay in your golf posture is huge.
A golf specific fitness program incorporating golf exercise and golf stretching will maximize your body’s ability to produce awesome power where it counts…at impact!
What is golf specific fitness?
I can tell you it’s not going to a gym and doing a seated chest press. It’s not spending 2 hours everyday beating yourself up. It’s not lifting heavy weights. But it does require a commitment. Just like anything else worth achieving.
That phrase, “if it were easy, everybody would be doing it” is so true.
With over 70 million baby boomers who want to enjoy life, be healthier and a big majority of them playing golf…golf specific fitness “kills two birds with one stone”. A fitter, stronger body and an awesome golf game. What better way to spend your quality years?
Golf specific fitness incorporates dynamic strength and flexibility; muscular endurance directly related to your golf swing; balance; coordination: stability; and a much improve sequence of timing to produce maximum power through the impact zone.
Golf specific fitness does not require heavy weights, but improving your golf swing strength is always a goal. Being stronger in your golf swing takes a unique approach that is not accomplished with a general fitness program.
The main focus should be on “rotational” strength and flexibility!
The golf swing is a high-speed rotational movement. The goal for maximum distance is to create a higher level of torque and be able to store and unleash it at the right moment in time.
This requires a major emphasis on core rotational movements with resistance. This is the ONLY way to improve your backswing AND follow through range of motion and power. These movements should be done sitting on a stability ball; standing erect; getting in your golf posture; and even on one leg.
It kills me to see a trainer do a bicep curl with a golf client. This will NOT help your golf swing. Just take a look at the position your wrist is in doing a standard bicep curl. It’s turned out very awkwardly (and uncomfortably).
Do you grip a golf club like this? Then why would you do this exercise? If you’re a golfer, you wouldn’t!
How about a seated chest press on a machine?
I’ve seen golfers in the gym doing this one.
Golf is “on your feet”, using every major muscle group in your body in a certain sequence of motion. How would a “seated” chest press on a “controlled” machine help your golf swing?
It wouldn’t!
Golf specific fitness will get your body moving powerfully through your golf swing for 18 holes. Your swing will become more consistent. You will add a ton of yards to all your clubs…especially your driver. And your incident of injury will plummet.
Isn’t this reason enough to get start on a program of golf specific fitness?
Gone are the days of the 19th hole! That’s if you want to be top dog in your foursome. Instead of going to the 19th hole after your round, why not do some cool down stretches so you’re ready for the next round?
I’m not saying you have to be a fanatic, but just realize there is a definite “physical component” to optimal golf performance. The demand on the body to swing a club at upwards of 100 mph and stay in your golf posture is huge.
A golf specific fitness program incorporating golf exercise and golf stretching will maximize your body’s ability to produce awesome power where it counts…at impact!
What is golf specific fitness?
I can tell you it’s not going to a gym and doing a seated chest press. It’s not spending 2 hours everyday beating yourself up. It’s not lifting heavy weights. But it does require a commitment. Just like anything else worth achieving.
That phrase, “if it were easy, everybody would be doing it” is so true.
With over 70 million baby boomers who want to enjoy life, be healthier and a big majority of them playing golf…golf specific fitness “kills two birds with one stone”. A fitter, stronger body and an awesome golf game. What better way to spend your quality years?
Golf specific fitness incorporates dynamic strength and flexibility; muscular endurance directly related to your golf swing; balance; coordination: stability; and a much improve sequence of timing to produce maximum power through the impact zone.
Golf specific fitness does not require heavy weights, but improving your golf swing strength is always a goal. Being stronger in your golf swing takes a unique approach that is not accomplished with a general fitness program.
The main focus should be on “rotational” strength and flexibility!
The golf swing is a high-speed rotational movement. The goal for maximum distance is to create a higher level of torque and be able to store and unleash it at the right moment in time.
This requires a major emphasis on core rotational movements with resistance. This is the ONLY way to improve your backswing AND follow through range of motion and power. These movements should be done sitting on a stability ball; standing erect; getting in your golf posture; and even on one leg.
It kills me to see a trainer do a bicep curl with a golf client. This will NOT help your golf swing. Just take a look at the position your wrist is in doing a standard bicep curl. It’s turned out very awkwardly (and uncomfortably).
Do you grip a golf club like this? Then why would you do this exercise? If you’re a golfer, you wouldn’t!
How about a seated chest press on a machine?
I’ve seen golfers in the gym doing this one.
Golf is “on your feet”, using every major muscle group in your body in a certain sequence of motion. How would a “seated” chest press on a “controlled” machine help your golf swing?
It wouldn’t!
Golf specific fitness will get your body moving powerfully through your golf swing for 18 holes. Your swing will become more consistent. You will add a ton of yards to all your clubs…especially your driver. And your incident of injury will plummet.
Isn’t this reason enough to get start on a program of golf specific fitness?
Beginner Golf Tips - Know Your Game
When it comes to the game of golf, nothing shows your expertise
better than knowing your golf terminology. However, as a beginner,
there's a lot to learn and you may find yourself scrambling to figure it
all out unless you've grown up on a golf course.
One of the first things you should take the time to learn is the different types of golf games. If you're out on the course and meet up with someone who wants you to join in a friendly game or if you head out for a tournament or play with friends or colleagues, you want to be aware of what you're playing and the general idea of how the game is played.
Here are some of the standard golf games and how they are played:
Stroke Play
In stroke play golf, each players hits their own ball and counts each attempt at the ball as a stroke. At the end, all of the strokes for the round are totaled and the player with the lowest score is deemed the winner. Handicaps will usually be considered in stroke play, except for certain championships and tournament play. You will know before you begin if they are allowing handicaps or not.
Learning these types of golf games will also help you understand golf when you watch it or hear others talk about their games. Master this and you are one step closer to playing like- or at least sounding like- a pro.
Match Play
This type of golf can be played individually or in teams of 2-4. In match play, you hit your own ball and try to win the hole. At the end of the round, the player who wins the most holes will win the match. This is a lot of fun and you will often see Match Play used in charity tournaments and events.
Best Ball
In Best Ball golf, teams of 2 to 4 players will usually play against one another. We also use best ball to teach our kids how to play. Once the hole is played, the team will use the score of the player who did the best on that hole. If you have a team of 4 players, then you have 4 chances to get the best score possible for your team. Usually handicaps are allowed.
Scramble
Our local course does a weekly scramble match and anyone can enter. In golf scrambles, teams of 2 or 4 people will group up and play against one another. Scramble is a form of "best ball". Everyone on the team will tee off and then the team will decide which player had the best ball and they will play the next stroke. Each member of the team picks up their ball and places it where the best ball was for the next strike. The idea of a scramble is to get the least amount of strokes at the end of the round.
One of the first things you should take the time to learn is the different types of golf games. If you're out on the course and meet up with someone who wants you to join in a friendly game or if you head out for a tournament or play with friends or colleagues, you want to be aware of what you're playing and the general idea of how the game is played.
Here are some of the standard golf games and how they are played:
Stroke Play
In stroke play golf, each players hits their own ball and counts each attempt at the ball as a stroke. At the end, all of the strokes for the round are totaled and the player with the lowest score is deemed the winner. Handicaps will usually be considered in stroke play, except for certain championships and tournament play. You will know before you begin if they are allowing handicaps or not.
Learning these types of golf games will also help you understand golf when you watch it or hear others talk about their games. Master this and you are one step closer to playing like- or at least sounding like- a pro.
Match Play
This type of golf can be played individually or in teams of 2-4. In match play, you hit your own ball and try to win the hole. At the end of the round, the player who wins the most holes will win the match. This is a lot of fun and you will often see Match Play used in charity tournaments and events.
Best Ball
In Best Ball golf, teams of 2 to 4 players will usually play against one another. We also use best ball to teach our kids how to play. Once the hole is played, the team will use the score of the player who did the best on that hole. If you have a team of 4 players, then you have 4 chances to get the best score possible for your team. Usually handicaps are allowed.
Scramble
Our local course does a weekly scramble match and anyone can enter. In golf scrambles, teams of 2 or 4 people will group up and play against one another. Scramble is a form of "best ball". Everyone on the team will tee off and then the team will decide which player had the best ball and they will play the next stroke. Each member of the team picks up their ball and places it where the best ball was for the next strike. The idea of a scramble is to get the least amount of strokes at the end of the round.
Sports Zone Media
is your #1 source for all things sports. Here you will find news,
articles, updates and more on your favorite sports topics, professional
teams, youth coaching, high school sports and health/nutrition.
Lisa Mason has been writing professionally since 1998 with a specialty in Internet content. A youth coach with a passion for a variety of sports, she founded Sports Zone Media to combine her love of sports and writing.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
Lisa Mason has been writing professionally since 1998 with a specialty in Internet content. A youth coach with a passion for a variety of sports, she founded Sports Zone Media to combine her love of sports and writing.
Do Golf Lessons Really Help
For many years I would go to Phoenix Arizona between Christmas and New
Years to visit some relatives and friends. Every year my friend Ray and I
would play golf at least 3 times during my stay and every year it would
be a contest to see who won the most games.
Over the years, I think we were about equally matched, we each had our good games and bad games, but over all I won more games then Ray did.
One year I won all three game of golf and I could tell that Ray was a little frustrated. The last night of our stay, we met back at Ray’s house for supper and Ray said if he couldn’t beat me at golf, he’ll beat me at Chess. Well, I hadn’t played Chess for years, but for some reason, I won all the games and Ray was even more frustrated, but we were still friends.
The following year, Ray called me at home right before I left for Phoenix. He told me our first golf game tee time was the number one spot, early the next morning. After driving to Phoenix, knowing I had to get up early, I made sure I had everything ready for the next morning.
The next morning I drove over to Ray’s house and when I got there he was waiting for me and was real eager for us to get going to the golf course. He put his clubs in the car, got in the car and started putting on his golf shoes while I was driving. When we got to the course, he had me drop him off at the club house before I parked the car and said he would meet me at the driving range.
After parking my car I went to the club house, signed in, grabbed a cup of coffee, got my golf cart and drove to the driving range. By the time I got there, Ray had already gone through his worm up exercises and almost finished hitting most of his practice balls. He then told me to hurry up and put my golf shoes on and take a few practice shots that we had to get going. I ask him why he was in such a rush and he said he just wanted to get started playing.
Normally we would take our time, BS for awhile, joke around and just have fun. But this time was different, Ray was real anxious and focused on getting started and I couldn’t help but wonder why. After taking about three practice shots and gulping down my coffee, we drove over to the first hole. Ray said he wanted to tee off first and I said okay because I still needed to stretch and wake up.
Well, I found out why Ray didn’t say much and wanted to get started that morning. He teed up, took a couple of practice swings, stepped up to the ball, swung and hit the ball. I watched the ball take off and after it looked like it would level off, it kicked in the after burners and kept on going. It was one of the best shots I had ever seen, on or off television.
After Ray took his shot, I looked at him and ask, when did you learn how to do that. He looked at me with a big grin on his face and said, I have been taking lessons almost every day since you left last year. He said he was so frustrated at himself, that know matter how hard he tried to beat me, it just wasn’t enough. So, he said he made himself a new years resolution, that know matter what it took, he was going to learn how to play golf better.
Needless to say, Ray was a lot better then he ever was and for me, well, Ray had to wait for me on almost every green until I got there. So, to answer the question, do golf lessons really help?
I had taken a few lessons, that’s why I was able to beat Ray most of the time before.
Over the years, I think we were about equally matched, we each had our good games and bad games, but over all I won more games then Ray did.
One year I won all three game of golf and I could tell that Ray was a little frustrated. The last night of our stay, we met back at Ray’s house for supper and Ray said if he couldn’t beat me at golf, he’ll beat me at Chess. Well, I hadn’t played Chess for years, but for some reason, I won all the games and Ray was even more frustrated, but we were still friends.
The following year, Ray called me at home right before I left for Phoenix. He told me our first golf game tee time was the number one spot, early the next morning. After driving to Phoenix, knowing I had to get up early, I made sure I had everything ready for the next morning.
The next morning I drove over to Ray’s house and when I got there he was waiting for me and was real eager for us to get going to the golf course. He put his clubs in the car, got in the car and started putting on his golf shoes while I was driving. When we got to the course, he had me drop him off at the club house before I parked the car and said he would meet me at the driving range.
After parking my car I went to the club house, signed in, grabbed a cup of coffee, got my golf cart and drove to the driving range. By the time I got there, Ray had already gone through his worm up exercises and almost finished hitting most of his practice balls. He then told me to hurry up and put my golf shoes on and take a few practice shots that we had to get going. I ask him why he was in such a rush and he said he just wanted to get started playing.
Normally we would take our time, BS for awhile, joke around and just have fun. But this time was different, Ray was real anxious and focused on getting started and I couldn’t help but wonder why. After taking about three practice shots and gulping down my coffee, we drove over to the first hole. Ray said he wanted to tee off first and I said okay because I still needed to stretch and wake up.
Well, I found out why Ray didn’t say much and wanted to get started that morning. He teed up, took a couple of practice swings, stepped up to the ball, swung and hit the ball. I watched the ball take off and after it looked like it would level off, it kicked in the after burners and kept on going. It was one of the best shots I had ever seen, on or off television.
After Ray took his shot, I looked at him and ask, when did you learn how to do that. He looked at me with a big grin on his face and said, I have been taking lessons almost every day since you left last year. He said he was so frustrated at himself, that know matter how hard he tried to beat me, it just wasn’t enough. So, he said he made himself a new years resolution, that know matter what it took, he was going to learn how to play golf better.
Needless to say, Ray was a lot better then he ever was and for me, well, Ray had to wait for me on almost every green until I got there. So, to answer the question, do golf lessons really help?
I had taken a few lessons, that’s why I was able to beat Ray most of the time before.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)