Take Strokes off of Your Golf Score
July 29, 2008
There are plenty of golfers out there, from the beginner to the professional playing worldwide weekend events. They all have something in common, they all want to shave one or two strokes off their golf game, practicing for hours at the range, to trying to refine their swing. If you are a golfer who wants some advice that you can actually use there are certain things that you can do to shave a couple of strokes from your golf game.
The biggest tip that can be given to any golfer is developing a good rhythm in terms of swinging and playing. Many golfers who get themselves into a bad swing or other bad habits on the course do so mainly because they are rushing themselves on the course. Taking your time and developing a good pace in swinging the club can reduce the number of errant shots and poor strikes of the ball.
The second piece of advice to shave some strokes off your golf game is to change your putter to one that is more suitable to your tempo and swing. A lot of times golfers tend to use a putter that is either too light or too heavy for them. This can lead to either over hitting or under hitting the golf ball on the putting green, not to mention what it does to your line of the put. That is why many more golfers are now buying a belly putter, it’s a putter with an extended shaft that pokes the golfer’s belly, they’re able to regulate their putting stroke better since the weight has become more balanced.
The third piece of advice you can use to shave those strokes off your game is to make sure and use the proper tees. A lot of beginners seem to get better results when they tee up the ball high, the added height helps them hit the ball cleanly, thus reducing them from scuffing the ground.
A fourth tip that can knock a shot or two off of your golf game is to take the time to scout your course before starting a round. Even a quick look at a course overview map can help identify potential holes of difficulty and help you formulate a strategy that can potentially help you avoid hazards and shoot a lower score.
A final tip to consider in reducing your score on the course is to lighten up your approach to the game and enjoy the course and the playing experience. Many golfers are too deep in the mindset of competition and can play particularly poorly as a result of this hypercompetitive though process. Many golfers will tell you that positive thinking does more to help a golf game than many of the other tips one can take into account.
Find Out How to Save More Than $1200 For Your Golf Clubs!
July 29, 2008
Summary: PGA tour golfers have a distinct advantage over amateur golfers. They have golf clubs that are specially made to their precise specifications. Pro golfers have talent and practice daily. If you do not have this talent and dedication, you are an amateur golfer looking for a way to save your money. Her is a way to save on your golf equipment and still be able to buy golf balls.
Article: Brandt Snedeker fired a remarkable 63 in his final round at the 2007 Wyndham Championship with the help of his TaylorMade r7 driver. Now, you might be thinking that you should have what Brandt has in his golf bag. That way, you too can shoot a 63!
Eventually, you will come to the realization that you are not a professional golfer and won’t come close to shooting 63 in an 18 hole round of golf. You will find that you can save a lot of money by choosing discount golf clubs over name brand golf clubs. You should also understand that Mr. Snedeker probably had his clubs given to him by the company.
Check what Brandt Snedeker has in his golf bag and how much those name brand golf clubs cost. $1809.00 is the grand total, if you were to buy those name brand golf clubs that are in Brandt’s golf bag. Perhaps you have that kind of cash to lay down for a brand new set of brand name golf clubs. If you don’t, then you are in luck as there is a different route to take.
Look at the knockoff golf club alternatives. Their total $535.00 for essentially the same golf clubs. That would be a savings of $1278.00. Now that kind of savings for knockoff golf clubs would buy a lot of rounds of golf instead of paying the premium price for name brand golf clubs.
Yes, the argument can be made that the name brand golf clubs perform better. That argument holds water if you are one of the top 100 or so golfer in the world. Odds are you are not. So, if you can’t tell the difference between the name brand golf clubs and the clone golf clubs, why not save over $1200.00 to be like Brandt Snedeker?
Another argument that does not seem to hold water is that the name brand golf clubs are built to your specifications. This is definitely a good thing, but clone golf clubs can be just as easily built to your specifications for less. Any golf club can be built to your specification, no matter the name on the golf club. You should definitely have your golf clubs built to your specifications. Why not save the money and get more golf balls?
But what about the guarantee that comes with that name brand set of golf clubs? Well, guess what! Clone golf clubs can be obtained with a 30-day play guarantee. If you don’t like the clubs after playing them for 30-days, return them. How many name brand golf clubs will let you do that? You can’t lose!
Check out the prices for the name brand golf clubs in Brandt Snedeker’s golf bag and the clone golf club equivalent.
Golf Driver: TaylorMade r7 425 9.5 - $250.00 Power Max KC2 425 Ti with UST ProForce 65 shaft : Knockoff golf club driver equivalent - $120.50
3 Wood: Bridgestone 5 Tour Premium 14 - $150.00 Power Max KC2 Fairway : Knockoff golf wood equivalent - $49.00
Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue mid 19 - $220.00 Power Max KC2 3 Hybrid : Knockoff hybrid golf club equivalent - $39.00
Iron Set: (3-PW)TaylorMade r7 TP - $800.00 Power Max KC2 with True Temper Dynamic Gold with Sensicore shaft : Discount golf iron set equivalent - $233.00
Wedge: (SW)Cleveland TA 588 54 - $110.00 SGS Black : Clone golf club wedge equivalent - $29.50
Wedge: (LW)Cleveland TA 588 58 - $110.00 SGS Black : Discount golf club wedge equivalent - $29.50
Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG Rossie - $169.00 Ecliptic Three Ball : Discount golf club putter equivalent - $34.50
Name brand golf clubs total: $1809.00, Knockoff golf clubs equivalent $535.00, a savings of $1274.00.
Golf Swing Elements
July 28, 2008
There are some basic elements of the golf swing that the golfer should use as a mental checklist when taking a shot. The first element is the body’s alignment toward the target. Stand five to ten feet behind the ball, with the ball directly between your body and the desired target. Locate guidance targets on the ground (leaves, blades of grass, dirt, etc.) inches in front and behind the golf ball that should be on a direct line with where you are standing and the target. Keep your eyes on those ground targets as you approach the ball.
Step number 2 of golf swing involves club face alignment. We already have our body aligned from the previous step. Now let’s get our club face aligned. Set the golf club face behind the golf ball, aligning the middle of the golf clubs face with the targets you picked out on the ground directly in front and behind the golf ball. Gripping the golf clubs with a tension-free grip will allow you to be relaxed through out the duration of the golf swing. Line your feet up about shoulder width apart on a line parallel to the line made by your golf ball and the ground targets directly in front and behind the golf ball. As Tiger Woods has mentioned, you should have your knees slightly bent in an athletic stance. In order to allow your hips to rotate without restriction, the front foot should open a little toward the target.
Tilt your torso slightly towards the ball while keeping your back straight. The arms should now hang freely in front of the body to grip the club. The shoulders should be parallel with the ground targets and the toes, and your head should be tilted downward with your eyes on the ball. These motions described are known as the set-up, or addressing the ball.
You are ready to begin the golf swing. Keeping your back elbow tucked as closely to your ribs as possible, slowly take the club back on a straight line along the plane of the ground targets. Keep your front elbow locked throughout the back swing and never take your eyes off the ball. This motion should naturally tuck your chin into your front shoulder. Hips should remain still and slightly tilted, while the front knee will turn inward. At the apex of the back swing, allow your wrists to break slightly.
The down swing involves bringing the club down toward the ball. You will uncoil your wrists and start shifting your weight toward your front foot. With gravity helping, your down swing is where you can generate force and speed. Never take the club face off of your target line. This defines the swing plane. The club face should strike the back of the ball first, then continue on through the arc of the swing. This will result in the club taking a divot out of the ground, just past where the golf ball initially was sitting. Continue the swing on past the second target you picked out just in front of the golf ball.
Finish the golf swing with a nice, high follow through of the club. Your hips should be turned toward the target. Your weight should have shifted, and should now be firmly on your front foot. Smile and watch the ball fly toward the target.
Everything You Wanted to Know about Golf Clubs, almost!
July 28, 2008
A good set of golf clubs is the weapon of choice for the advanced golfer. A complete set of clubs consists of at least one driver, fairway woods (which are now metal woods), irons and a putter. Some clubs in recent years have been replaced with hybrid golf clubs to replace longer irons and fairway metal woods.
According to the rules of golf, as set forth by the United States Golf Association (USGA), a golfer’s bag may hold 14 clubs. Most golfers will carry a driver, two fairway woods, 7 irons, 3 wedges and the putter. Each golfer has their own preference for the mix of golf clubs that comprise the 14 golf club limit. As mentioned earlier, some longer irons and fairway woods have been replaced in recent years with hybrid golf clubs.
The most expensive golf club would be the golf club driver. It also has the longest shaft and the biggest head. The driver properties allow the golfer to hit the golf ball the farthest of any of the golf clubs. This distance is usually at the sacrifice of accuracy. Club head size is limited to around 460cc. Prices will range from $200 to upward of $400 or more. Less expensive golf club drivers can be found for usually under $100.
Sometimes referred to in modern days as metal woods, these clubs have more lofted club heads than drivers. A set of fairway metal woods, consisting of a 3, 5 and 7 wood, can run anywhere from $150 to $300. A set of discount golf woods would provide quite a savings over name brand golf clubs. A typical use of the fairway metal wood is a second shot on a par 5 golf hole or for accuracy off the tee on a narrow fairway.
Hybrid golf clubs are a kind of cross between a fairway wood and a longer golf club iron. The shaft is usually a bit shorter, but the golf club hybrid head is similar to a fairway wood. They can be used from the rough or off the fairway and are very versatile golf clubs. Some are even used to putt from just off the green. Retail prices for hybrid golf clubs can be similar to a driver.
Golf irons are the essence of a set of golf clubs. Two thirds of the shots in a normal round of golf will utilize an iron. Irons are used to hit the golf ball off the ground from distances of 125 yards to 225 yards. Each iron is assigned a number based upon the loft angle of the club head. The 9-iron has the most loft, a shorter shaft, and is used to hit short, high shots. A 2-iron has very little loft, a longer shaft, and is used to hit low, long shots.
Golf club wedges can be part of the golf club iron set purchase. Normal golf club wedges include a pitching wedge, the sand wedge and different lofts of lob wedges. These golf club wedges are used for shots that are within 100 yards or closer to the green. These shots are sometimes referred to as the money shot because they should get you very close to the pin. The number of wedges carried by the golfer is dependent upon their particular golf game and their strengths and weaknesses.
Also worth noting, there are two primary types of irons available. Forged irons are precision clubs that can give experienced golfers a greater ability to shape their shots. Cavity-back irons are considered to be more forgiving, with a larger sweet spot and primarily for golfers who want to focus on hitting straight shots. A set of 10 irons can range in price from as little as $250, to as much as $1,500. Clone golf irons can provide similar quality to name brand golf club irons. They are also known as knockoff golf irons.
The final and perhaps most important golf club, is the putter. The putter is also known as the “money club” because it is the club used to tap the ball into the hole. The purpose of the putter is to roll the ball, so there is no loft on the club head.
Being the most important golf club, the putter has gone through quite a change in recent years. The size and shape of the putter head comes in many different varieties. The shaft length also can be very short or very long and anywhere in between. Conventional putters, belly putters, mallet putters - the choices seem endless. Golf club putters also have a wide range of prices, ranging from around $20 to around $300.
Do You Need The Best Ladies Golf Clubs
July 28, 2008
If you are a female golfer looking for ladies golf clubs that actually fit you will know that this is not an easy task even though many more women now play golf.
Like any situation where you are trying to find equipment for use by a human being, whether male or female, there is always going to be compromise in how suitable the equipment will be.
Ladies Golf Clubs are a Smaller Market
Unfortunately golf clubs are not an exception and the problem becomes even more acute when trying to find suitable clubs for a lady golfer. Mainly this is due to a much smaller market for ladies golf clubs and the fact that development and manufacturing costs of any high specification item continue to be high.
Sometimes a lucky lady will find just one she needs in a golf club straight off the shelf but it is definitely more usual for this not to occur. What normally happens is that the search for a ladies golf club that is comfortable to use takes a long time to find and this becomes an even longer process when the complete golf club set is required.
Women Are Different Than Men
Because men and women are physically different the needs of the woman golfer are always going to be different too and golf clubs are no exception to this requirement. Lady golfers may find that most clubs are too stiff or in more extreme cases maybe too flexible and often women golfers will find a golf club designed for men will not be right for their swing action.
If the golf clubs are lighter then they are more likely to be suitable for ladies as the increased swing speed will longer shots, but the lady may find that there is a slight loss of the control that would be available from a heavier club. The actual length of the club is also important as women are normally shorter than men and only a shorter ladies club will bring the comfort required for a better fit.
As with all things where fit and comfort are of great importance it always pays to test the product if at all possible before making the final commitment to part with your money. With ladies golf clubs you must prepare yourself for a lot of research before you reach this point.
What About Custom Clubs or Clubs Designed for Women
Today many golf clubs for females are purpose built for all types of clubs, including irons, woods and wedges using different designs and incorporating different materials to help the woman golfer. The general trend here is for lighter clubs that will help ladies improve their game and therefore enable them to progress more easily.
When a woman golfer improves her game her demands for a better club will mean that getting a better fitting and more comfortable golf club become greater. This requirement may mean that the only solution to getting the perfect clubs is to seek out custom ladies golf clubs to ensure the best fit.
Of course these will not be cheap and you will have to be prepared to pay the cost of perfection. However this maybe a small price to pay as the benefits and additional enjoyment you get as your golf game improves will probably be worth it.
Today it is actually now easier to find golf clubs that a designed just for the woman golfer, however it really should be easier than it is for female golf players to find clubs that will help her improve and that match her style.
Do Not Give Up
Get the best ladies golf clubs you can and as soon as you can because to progress quickly and improve you need equipment that is going to help you not hinder you.
How to hit a golf ball correctly
July 28, 2008
For some golf trainers, the very 1st lesson they will teach their students is how to grip the golf club correctly. Why? Because if you don’t grip the golf club correctly, it could cause you to slice the golfball almost everytime.
Driving mats come in different sizes and are nice for practicing while you are home or even at work in your lunch break. They are made from a turf-like fabric which means you can practice and not have to worry about ruining your gear.
The key to practice is creating actual circumstances.Ideally,you should duplicate that situation and try to execute your best swings.Working on hitting shots from bad lies is crucial.
You can improve your putting even in your living room or at the office. You need a putter, a little space and you can get putting aids that you can attach to the head of the putter. The putting aids can help you center the stroke until you are comfortable enough with hitting the ball with the center of the putter.
This really does make a difference, it may not seem like it would, but it has been proven to help golf swings. You can buy handles and re-grip your clubs if you want to go that route, that way you don’t spend a fortune on new clubs, just fix your old ones to fit your hand size, check out a pro golf shop and ask them about getting your grip measured and about getting grips to fit you.
Many amateur golfers have shaved 3 or 4 strokes off their games just by practicing 5 or 10 minutes while waiting for dinner or supper to be served. Putting is something you can easily practice at home.
In the most extreme case, if your club is too long or too short you will not be able to swing it properly. Your golf clubs will either keep on plowing into the ground or miss the golf ball. Either way, you will look stupid and feel stupid.
Whether you are already a die hard golfer or are a beginner, you want to learn how you can get the best golf swing so that you can start having fun and enjoying the game.
Vacations in the Western Isles
July 15, 2008
If asked where we are planning to visit for this year’s annual vacation few of us would reply “the Western Isles of Scotland” but to be fair the Western Isles of Scotland have, in the last ten years or so, seen a noticeable increase in tourism. Each year there has been an increase in the number of visitors from elsewhere in the United Kingdom and the U.S.A. Below we examine some of the reasons for this apparent increase in popularity.
You will find the Western Isles just out from the western Scottish mainland across an area of sea called the Minch. Consisting of around 100 islands the archipelago is also known as the Outer Hebrides where the main language is Gaelic. The largest and most densely populated island is the Isle of Lewis which is where you will find the main town of the region, Stornoway.
The people of the Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are known as Hebrideans and they are some of the most widely travelled people in earth with many families from the islands settling in far off places such as America and Canada. With most emigration being during the eighteenth, nineteenth and very early twentieth centuries there are now vast numbers of people who can trace their roots back to the region. More and more folk are developing an interest in genealogy and therefore this can account for some of the increased number of visitors to the islands.
One famous person who can trace his roots to the Western Isles is Donald Trump who is currently in the headlines for his interest in creating a Scottish golf resort. Golf is played all over Scotland and is considered the home of the sport and golf tourism is an important part of the Scottish economy. Another important sport to Scotland is fishing, especially fly fishing and some of the finest fishing is in the islands of the Hebrides. The golf courses in are also something special and other sports such as surfing and cycling attract more and more visitors each year.
If you visit the Western Isles to enjoy sports you will quickly discover how great it is to be surrounded with some of the most incredible scenery in the United Kingdom. Not only is the scenery diverse, if you are lucky, you will also see that the flora and fauna of the Hebrides is also diverse and extremely interesting. Few things are as enjoyable that watching an otter or two at play only a few yards from where you are standing. Take a closer look around and you may see a Golden Eagle or maybe deer.
One place that you really must visit in the Western Isles is Calanais (Callanish) where you will find an amazing stone circle which is only second in important to the famous Stone Henge in England. All around you will see other, smaller, stone circles and numerous monoliths appear all over the islands. Near to Calanais is an excellent example of an iron age broch, a unique building found in the islands which is believed to have served a defensive purpose. Numerous other historic sites such as iron age houses and duns (forts) appear across the islands making it an ideal vacation destination for folk interested in such things.
Another time period to leave it’s mark on the islands is the time of the Viking raids. Often the Vikings would raid the Western Isles on their outward journeys and also on their return journeys. At one time the Norse ruled the islands and most place names can trace their origins to the original Norse name given.
And now we arrive at one of my most favourite things about the Western Isles that, for me, is one of the most important reasons for visiting the islands as often as I can. The Western Isles have the best beaches in the United Kingdom, not only are they spotlessly clean, they are void of the crowds of folk that you are forced to endure elsewhere. Often you will find that you are the only people enjoying the sun on a long stretch of soft silvery to golden shell sand being gently washed by the waves of the Atlantic ocean. Words can not describe such a blissful place.
Visit An Affordable Myrtle Beach Golf Resort
July 10, 2008
If you golf a lot, perhaps you have a particularly favorite fairway or other place to play. However, if you want to try a new and beautiful place, try Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In fact, Myrtle Beach is considered the “golf city of the world.” Because it has endless vistas of smooth green fairway, you can see why.
In the Myrtle Beach area, you can choose from about 120 different golf courses within about a 60-mile area. In fact, if you visit Myrtle Beach, you’ll be among 14 million people a year who visit this beautiful area. If you’re a golf enthusiast, you’ll agree with those who say that courses and greens are both challenging and can be a great learning experience to help you hone your game. Architects have landscaped and designed various golf course layouts in Myrtle Beach to be both functional and beautiful. Tournaments as well are played in Myrtle Beach at one of the many golf courses there — known for their beauty as well as their functionality. Charity exhibitions are also held in Myrtle Beach.
One recent study concluded that Myrtle Beach was among the top golf course meccas. It’s gotten five out of five stars, not surprising when you consider that it very clearly caters to the golf world.
You can also find testimonials from those who’ve played Myrtle Beach’s golf courses to see just how great they are before you travel there to play yourself. And if you’re not interested in golfing (or have just played a great game and are ready for other pursuits), there are many family oriented attractions around the courses. You can sunbathe on the beach, surf, or watch the boats on the horizon, to name just a few things you can do in Myrtle Beach.
In addition, Myrtle Beach has something for everyone in its dining experiences, attractions, and shops. If you decide to vacation here, you won’t be disappointed. Your visit will give you fond memories for years to come.
Myrtle Beach also has a flair for resort and hotel living, as evidenced by the many fine accommodations available. If you bring your family to Myrtle Beach, kids, too, can find something to do. There are attractions that are suitable for the whole family, not just for grown-ups or for those who love to golf.
If you’re interested in traveling to Myrtle Beach, consult a travel agency in your area or go online to research the many package deals available. Some package deals or websites are targeted more for golf lovers, while others have more broad-based appeal. Myrtle Beach also has many places available where you can buy or rent golf equipment, assuming you don’t bring your own.
Of course, it has a definite attraction to golfers, but Myrtle Beach is also host to many events for those who don’t golf, too. It has beautiful scenery, posh accommodations, and many events that attract visitors worldwide. This is true whether they love to golf or would prefer to do something else. So give Myrtle Beach a try, and see for yourself.
Tips For Beginning Golf Players
July 4, 2008
Golf is a very rewarding sport, and few can attest to being as relaxing or stress reducing as golfing can. It does, however, require much practice and a certain amount of knowledge to best advance one’s skills in the sport. Luckily, there are a few tips to take the long learning curve out of the sport, and instead get beginners onto the professional level sooner.
The average beginner will always make the mistake of swinging their arms when they go to drive the ball. It may seem like a logical thing to do, but in all actuality, the golfer must move his or her body in the swing. Using one’s arms will only add to the likelihood that the drive will be off target and won’t be driven as far. Thus, proper swinging technique should be observed.
There is a big myth floating around that the proper golf form will require that golfers keep their left arm straight (Given that they are right-handed). This is somewhat true, but it isn’t a requirement in observing proper golf form. Professionals have been known to bend their left arm slightly, so following the rule strictly isn’t necessarily giving anyone benefit over those who don’t.
Another misconception in golf comes from how to actually hold the golf club. When presented with a club, beginners will be first to grab the club first and worry more about how to swing it later. But they are skipping an important step, since how one holds the golf club determines how the golf ball is going to be hit. It is recommended that the standard form be used, which can be learned from other golfers or through books and magazines.
It’s good to note that not all learning is going to be done outside. Popular video games and simulations are available today that mimic golf just like it is played in the physical world. These gadgets can be quite pricey, but they are great for rainy days that render actually going out to play golf an issue- not to mention it’s a neat way to play with technology and have an excuse.
In the end, golf is not going to be an easy sport to pick up. It’s something that takes a certain amount of skill, persistence, determination, and of course the will to become a professional in one of the toughest sports in existence. But keep in mind while on the road to success in golf, there should be plenty of fun times with friends and family along the way- don’t just make it an obsessed hobby! After all, golf is one of few sports that offers a stress release- so don’t go adding more stress than is going to be taken away!
Closing Comments
Golf for beginners is a tough subject to consider, since there are so many things to review in the sport of golf. Although it may seem like a basic sport, it’s much more complex than other popular sports such as baseball or football. In the end, the best practice is going to come from asking others on the field for tips, practicing, and finding new ways to drive the ball harder, faster, and more precise.
How To Use Course Management For A Better Round
July 4, 2008
Course management is a skill and it’s only by gaining experience and actually getting on the golf course that you will develop your ability in this area. We all make mistakes, but you have to learn in order to avoid making the same mistakes in the future and increase your chance to score well.
You must bear in mind your own limitations and play to your strengths.
Positional Play
It may sound logical but always look for the easiest way to the hole. When you are standing on the green, look at the position of the flag. If the flag is on the right edge of the green then coming in from the left side of the fairway will leave the easier shot.
It may be that the hole is near a hazard or a bunker, in which case a shot to the middle of the green will be the sensible play. The flag may be at the top of a slope, if this is the case it is better to play below the pin as this will give you an easier putt.
Try before you start a hole to imagine where you would like your shots to be and play to those positions. We all know it is easier to hit shots from the fairway than the rough.
Hazards
Occasionally you will find a hazard in your line of play which you are unable to get over. The best play will therefore be to lay up short. All too often the error of using too much club is made with the result of ending up in the hazard. A ‘lay up’ should be exactly that, and you should choose a club which will not allow your ball to enter the hazard.
Dog Legs
When playing dog legs it it always tempting to cut off too much. Is is usually a better plan to be too wide off the tee than too narrow as this will ensure that you have a good view of the next shot without obstacles in your path.
Recovery Shots
No matter how carefully you play you will often find yourself in positions which require an ‘escape’ shot of some sort. Always take the safe option - it may be the chip out sideways - but it wont land you in more trouble, and if you play the shot correctly it will get you out of trouble. Don’t be tempted to ‘have a go’ unless you are feeling very confident or it doesn’t matter!
When you are in a bunker, your primary aim should be to get out - in one shot. If you do not use the correct club and end up back in the bunker, then you have made a silly mistake and incurred an extra shot or two!
Course management is the ability to accurately assess what your current ability is and then making the most of it. This is what keeps us all guessing and coming back for more each week…………..
