golf education

How To Choose The Right Golf Clubs

2006-10-31T21:26:00.000-08:00

Golf is a game which depends on the right kind of golf clubs, apart from the skill of course. With so many clubs out there, deciding which one to get can be a tough choice. Here are some tips on how to narrow down the range.

- Determine your levels for playing

Some play for the weekend activity and there are others who'd like to move up in the ranks. If the occasional pastime is your stride, a low- to mid-performance club can work for you, while a high-performance club is suitable to those who'll play more often.

- Set a budget

The notion that the more costly the club, the better it is purely doesn't hold water anymore. If you do enough research and read reviews you'll find a club that matches your degree of interest. Don't be fearful to check out used clubs as they can give you the best odds of getting the club you want at a good value.

Now that you know your interest level and have established a budget, here's a concise run-through of kinds of golf clubs and what each one does.

Woods

A standard golfer's bag will have a driver (called 1-wood) and a couple of fairway woods (3- and/or 5-wood). A driver is the longest club (typically 45 inches) making it the toughest to handle during a swing.

Irons

Irons feature thin clubheads with grooves on it. Experienced players opt for a blade style iron while beginners get a cavity-back style. A blade-style has a clubhead with a full back, while a cavity back's clubhead is hollow. It is hollowed out to make a perimeter weighting effect helpful for less-experienced golfers.

Irons are categorized as long (1, 2, 3,4), mid- (5,6,7) and short (8,9). Short irons are the easiest to hit while the long ones are the hardest. The shorter the iron, the more loft there is and for beginners, the more loft, the better.

Putters

Putters are the clubs most regularly used in the game and come in clubhead styles of blade, heel-toe and mallet. Lengths come in belly putters, standard and broomstick (long) putters. Which selection to get is an individual pick.

Utility clubs/hybrids

The clubs combine features of woods and irons and are best for beginners who may not want to buy too many clubs straight out.

Lastly as a final word before bringing them out of the golf shop, most new clubs fit individuals at the typical height of 5'10" for men and 5'5" for women. If you are significantly shorter or taller than these numbers, you should get your club fitted to your height.

Begin with these considerations to develop on your study when choosing your golf clubs. The game becomes that much more fun with the little endeavor you make now.

Golf Travel Tips

2006-10-31T21:24:00.000-08:00

Since your vacation includes a few rounds at the golf course, you may want to use your own set of golf clubs. You can rent them at most resorts but they may not be as comfortable as your own set and may even hinder your game. Once you’ve decided to bring your own equipment, there are several things to consider. If you are concerned about protecting your golf clubs from damage during flight, here are a few tips and tricks which should help ensure that they arrive safely.

Clean out your golf bag and get rid of any old items you won’t be using. Refresh with new towels, balls, tees, gloves and so on.

If you don’t already have a golf travel bag or case, then you’ll need to invest in one. There are basically two types of golf travel bags, soft and hard.

The soft golf cases are less expensive and will not adequately protect your paraphernalia against rough handling unless you pack right, and even then there’s a chance of damage to your golf clubs. If you opt for a soft travel case, it’s best to wrap the club heads with a cover and keep them in your regular golf bag. Put that inside the travel case along with some clothing and/or shoes. You can also pack sunscreen lotion, extra balls, tees, gloves, markers and any other accessories you may need on the course, thereby keeping everything in one place.

The hard golf cases are practically indestructible. These bags will set you back a few hundred dollars but they are what the professionals use when they travel and will definitely protect against damage. Although it is said that they will survive a 30,000 foot fall out of an airplane, I haven’t personally tried to put one through a tree shredder but be that as it may, they are the best choice if you own an expensive set of clubs.

If you own a deluxe set of golf clubs, you may want to check with your homeowner’s insurance beforehand to get extra coverage. Airlines may not cover the entire amount in case of loss or damage.

Don’t miss your flight! Get to the airport early enough so that your bags can be properly checked. Be sure to allow extra time just in case your golf bag has to be searched.

Sometimes, even with the best preparation, things do happen. It’s wise to plan for potential mishaps by bringing enough money to pay for golf club rentals just in case the airline does lose your bag.

Have a wonderful vacation and see you at the course!

What You Should Know When Buying Golf Equipment

2006-10-31T21:15:00.000-08:00

Buying the right gear to play the game of golf is not that hard. All it takes is for you to look at the right place and receiving worth for one's money. You can check the community directory or ask somebody for directions on how to get there. Here are some tips buying golf equipment:

1. Before you start buying, it is best to first determine your budget for it. There are many brands offered and this is sometimes the determining reason which will make you do well in the green or not.

2. How regularly will you use it is another reason. It doesn't take that much to upkeep golf equipment because all you need is a roller brush or a small towel. If you are just starting out in golf, the brand does not matter but it will later on as you decide to invest more in the sport.

3. Most golf shops advertise brand new and used gear. If you can't afford a new set, it is advisable to first begin with a used one then save up for a brand new one later on.

4. Some people can't tell the difference how one brand is better than another. If you have that issue, you should ask the sales person for help because that individual is more familiar with what is available in the store.

5. Buying golf equipment can be challenging. By looking in more than one store, you can possibly get a good deal or find an item that is cheaper in one store than the one down the street.

6. Golf specialty stores are just one place where one can get good merchandise. The other is via the internet. There are many websites that also specialize in selling brand new and second hand equipment. You can order it online and have it delivered to your doorstep. Another way of doing, which may not carry a whole line of things for golf, are auction sites where you can bid on a certain item and if you are the winning bidder, you will also be able to get it in a few days.

7. Some experts who have played golf for some time prefer to sell the old equipment to somebody which saves money in paying for a new one. If you ask around, there is a prospect that you will be fortunate to get it at a good price which is a far better deal then getting it from any golf store.

The Secret To A Better Golf Game

2006-10-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

A better golf game is achievable by any golfer. It doesn’t matter what your age is, how good a player you are or how long you’ve been playing. But the key to a better golf game may not be what you think.
The ‘standard’ approach to a better golf game is taking lessons; buying more equipment; and hitting hundreds of golf balls at the range.
Although, the above approach is not altogether incorrect…there is one crucial missing element. That element is your BODY! You swing those fancy clubs; you hit all those balls at the range; and you physically participate in the aspect of taking lessons.
The common denominator is your body. Do you agree? If you don’t, I’d like to hear you’re explanation of why not.
If you are following me, and think I’m remotely correct, then why wouldn’t you work on your body to play a better golf game?
I’m constantly hearing golfers say they’ve taken lessons, bought new equipment and pounded hundreds of balls but still have not seen improvement.
That’s the telltale!
That leaves just one thing…YOU.
Don’t get me wrong…I firmly believe you need an understanding of golf swing technique, and golf equipment can help. But pounding balls just for the sake of doing it won’t help you play a better golf game.
Now picture this.
You do a few simple stretches and golf exercises daily and go out to play. You now realize you can make a bigger backswing with less tension; you have more clubhead speed enabling you to hit longer drives; and you are not worn out on the back nine.
Isn’t that worth the minimal investment in your time?
To play a better golf game…you’ve got to take a different approach than what you are currently doing. One that gets to the root of the problem. The one that’s causing those mishits and inconsistencies.
You will be amazed at your outcome if you take this approach. You will finally play a better golf game.

Tips For Correcting A Golf Slice

2006-10-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

Correcting a golf slice is the fastest way to shave strokes off of your golf game. Slicing a golf ball is one of the most common errors that an average player makes.
Some golfers remain frustrated for years because they never find out why they are slicing a golf ball. But if you are ever going to become a good golfer, correcting a golf slice is a must. These simple tips will show you how to cure golf slices just by practicing some basic golf swing tips and instructions.
Proper Golf Stance
A proper golf stance should be about as wide as your shoulders. Make sure your shoulders are aligned at your target. Point your right foot straight ahead and point your left foot slightly to the left. Keep your elbows as natural as possible to maintain a proper golf stance.
Even minor adjustments to your stance can make major changes in where your golf ball will end up. Practice the proper golf stance at the driving range and make small adjustments until you get the results you are looking for.
Proper Golf Club Grip
Another common way of correcting a golf slice is adjusting your hands for a proper golf club grip. Grip the golf club with your left hand and put your thumb along the shaft.
The line between your thumb and index finger should be pointing toward your right eye. Wrap your right hand over your left and rest your left thumb into your right palm.
A common mistake most right handed golfers make is gripping the club too tight with the right hand causing the ball to hook towards the left. But the opposite is true with a slice. A weak grip creates an open club face causing your ball to slice to the right.
The best way of correcting a golf slice caused by your grip is roll your hands back so that your non dominant back hand faces the target and your dominant back hand faces the opposite direction.
Practice the proper golf club grip at the driving range to determine if this is what's causing you to slice the ball. Take your time and make small adjustments to your grip. Even though a proper golf club grip seems simple, it is one of the most common ways of correcting a golf slice.
Correct Golf Swing Mechanics
Correct golf swing mechanics is another cure for correcting a golf slice. A proper golf backswing starts with your hands, is immediately followed by your arms and shoulders all in one smooth motion.
A proper golf downswing begins with your hips, keeping your eyes on the ball and your head behind the ball as you follow through. Once you practice the correct golf swing mechanics, you'll be amazed at how quick you will lower your golf score.
Becoming a good golfer is a matter of practicing and playing on a regular basis while developing good habits. Small changes can often make a big difference in your score. Once you practice correcting a golf slice you'll soon be hearing, "great shot!"
Copyright © 2005 1 Stop Shopping Online.com. All Rights Reserved.

Tips For Correcting A Golf Slice

2006-10-07T02:39:00.000-07:00

3 Steps for Improving Golf Swing Techniques

2006-09-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Golf is a tremendously challenging sport. Millions of people want to play better golf and raise their game to higher level. The single best way to do this is by improving golf swing techniques.
The 3 important steps to improving golf swing techniques are to keep your head from moving, relax your muscles, particularly those in your neck back and shoulders and ensure the golf club head remains straight when swinging through to make contact with the ball.
The simplest thing for improving golf swing techniques is to keep your head still throughout the shot. You want to focus on the ball as your club travels through to make contact. If you lift your head before striking the ball you stand a good chance of missing the optimal location for club and ball contact. You should concentrate on the ball and look at where you want the golf club to make contact with the ball.
The second step for improving golf swing techniques involves relaxing your muscles and seeking a balance in your body. If your muscles are tight and rigid it will affect your balance in a negative way. You will find that in order to deliver a good, solid golf swing you will have to maintain proper balance. Balance can only be achieved if your muscles are relaxed.
Balance and keeping your head still really work together in these improving golf swing steps. If you are relaxed, steady and can stay focused on the ball without moving, you will find that your golf swing will improve dramatically.
The third step for improving golf swing techniques requires that you keep your golf club straight while making contact with the ball. You should find a comfortable stance that will give you a good foundation base to hit the ball from. A proper stance and keeping your golf club straight will help you avoid the dreaded slice or other mis-hits.
Every player has to understand that no two people can hit the golf ball the same way. There are too many variables involved in a golf swing. These golf swing techniques are basic rules to follow when trying to perfect your game but ultimately it will come down to the player finding a method that works best for them. If you concentrate on developing these basic improving golf swing rules then you will discover a technique that works well but also follows these basic golf swing principles.

Effective Golf Driving Tips

2006-09-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

In a lot of activities, the more effort you exert, the powerful the result should be. This is the same in golf. A lot of golfers think that the stronger force they exert in driving, the further they can get the ball to travel. There's more to it though.
1. As a golfer, your physique must be trimmed and toned, not flabby and tense. If it is the latter, it would only make your stance weak and your swing weaker.
2. The secret is actually on the design of the golf club. A golfer knows that each club is customized depending on how far a golf ball is actually meant to travel. He must leave the work to the golf club. After all, it was designed specifically for it.
3. Another factor that affects driving is the golfer's stance when he hits the ball. Hit the ball hard but not too tense because this could result to an inefficient swing. Most of the time, your swing is not as efficient as you effected it to be.
4. You can also increase yours swing by doing rotational exercises. This can be done at home or when you're sitting behind your desk at the office. Cross your arms and place them across your chest. Sit up with your back straight.
5. Work on your physical abilities. If you feel your shoulder drops as soon as you take a swing, then this could also be affecting your driving skills. Do proper golf conditioning exercises and attune your body.
At this point, you must understand that the club, the swing and the golfer's physique are all the factors affecting the distance of the swing.
The most effective golf driving tip is to ensure that you are using the right club, you are conducting the perfect swing and your stance is relaxed and firm.

Golf With Your Quantum Mind

2006-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Does that headline create some curiosity in you? Are you wondering what the heck this is going to be about. As I came up for the idea to write about this, I wasn't quite sure myself. But then I thought, let's just go first to a book called "Quantum Golf" by Kjell Enhager.
I first read this book a couple years ago, before I was trained in Neuro-linguistic Programming (I'm now a Master Practitioner). And to be honest, I didn't understand it at all. I even discussed it with my local pro and between the two of us, decided that it was a book that was better left to the psychology wizards.
Lately, I've been extremely fascinated with learning about what is called "Quantum Physics" (What does this have to do with golf? Don't worry, I'll get there). It seems that scientists have been studying about things that are smaller than atoms since the turn of the 20th century and that's what they call this science. Remember in high school or maybe before that, we were all taught that the building blocks of all matter are atoms? Well, it turns out it's not true.
The big "Aha" about Quantum Physics is that we create our reality through our observations and thoughts. And it's now been proven by physicists. These scientists were so baffled by this idea that some of them ended up turning to mystic religions and others went bonkers over it.
Fast forward to Quantum Golf. It's a fictional story about a man named Smith. He's from New York and a typical golfer who has taken numerous lessons and done everything under the sun in an attempt to improve his game (sound like anyone you know?). In desperation, he is told of this golf pro, St. Claire, who lives in the middle of nowhere in the farmlands of middle America.
Smith flies out to take lessons from him and at the end of the story, of course, he "gets it" and starts to play beyond what he thought was possible. He is taught about creating a "superfluid" swing. He learns to have "Q vision." St. Claire tells him about the difference between "classical golf" and "Quantum golf." Classical golf is about the conscious swing and has gotten him nowhere so far. He tells him that those who have mastered Quantum golf hit the ball perfectly straight!
St. Claire teaches him such ideas as: "The mind has its attention only on the surface level, and then what you're failing to take into consideration as your priority is the unchanging, reliable inner being of the individual who is swinging the club."
Starting to sound a little far out now? Ok, that's what I thought too the first time I read this book. But now, it all makes perfect sense to me. You see, classical physics teaches us about how everything is mechanical. About how you can trace back every cause to it's effect in a way that can be described or codified by mathematics and known laws of our planet such as gravity. This is so much like folks who think that the gateway to playing great golf is to consciously work on their golf swing until they somehow come to the idea in their own mind that it is now perfect...and THAT never happens!
Quantum golf and Quantum physics itself allows for the dynamic of the human mind to actually change reality. Yes, that's what I wrote...CHANGE REALITY. Now, I'm not going to get into a discussion about what is reality because I sometimes get dizzy thinking about that myself. However, too many great philosophers have said things like: "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Henry Ford.
or:
"Nothing is good or bad, except what thinking makes it so." William Shakespeare
In the past, I would have read this kind of great quote and thought to myself something like: "Oh that's nice" and went on my merry way of doing what I've always done and not getting what I wanted to get.
Today, when I hear or read such quotes I not only believe it in the deepest part of my golfing body and mind, but I can teach it with the backing of science behind me.
Once you really believe in the Quantum nature of your own mind, all sorts of good things happen to your golf game. Can you think of a time when you played with pure joy and exhilaration? Have you ever had a time when you stood over a putt...AND YOU KNEW you were going to make it !? Have you ever played with another golfer and just felt his or her attitude rub off on you? And then you played better because of it? I want you to have more of these experiences.
Copyright 2006 Craig Sigl

Practical Things to Know About Custom Made Golf Clubs

2006-09-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

You can have golf clubs custom-made for you at some golf shops. These clubs are made with heads that are not from the major manufacturers but, for the most part, they have the same types of shafts and grips made by the most popular grip-makers.
Clubs can be made to fit your various requirements and often cost less than a brand-name set of clubs. This is a good choice if you do not mind playing with clubs that do not have a big brand name on them.
You could build the clubs yourself. Components are sold at many places, along with instructions on how to build your own set. It is not that hard to do, but you will need several pieces of equipment and supplies to do it.
For starters, you will need a vise, rubber shaft clamp, epoxy, a shaft cut-off wheel to trim the shafts, grip tape, grip solvent to install the grips, very coarse sandpaper to rough up the tips of the shafts (so that the epoxy will bond properly with the steel or graphite), heads, shafts, grips, protective glasses to avoid eye injury (from grip solvent, epoxy, etc), paper towels, some sort of pan to collect excess grip solvent.
That is a basic list. How much you require depends on how many clubs you want to make and whether there are other things you want to add to the clubs. Generally, use graphite if you want light clubs, especially in the driver.
If the total weight of the clubs is not important to you, it is good idea to use graphite shafts in your woods, but lightweight steel shafts in your irons. This is the best combination for distance and control.
If you can’t afford top of the line clubs, there are a couple of alternatives for you:
1. Buy used clubs. 2. Build you own clubs. Go to one of the club component suppliers for supplies and instructions on how to do it. 3. Re-grip your current clubs with new grips. Most golf stores provide this service, or you can do it yourself. 4. Buy yourself a top-notch glove. This combination will make your clubs feel much better because the grips and glove will feel more “tacky” and the clubs will be easier to control.

Improve Your Golf Swing Now

2006-09-29T20:18:00.000-07:00

The golf swing is an interesting thing. On the surface it seems fairly simple, especially if you're looking at someone who does it well. Kind of like the people we watch on television every week. What has to be remembered is the fact that there are some fundamental rules that can help your golf swing tremendously.
The first one is to relax. Relaxing your muscles will aid you tremendously in keeping proper balance. And balance my friends, may be the most important part of your golf swing. Balance is important in all sports but this is especially true in golf. And relaxing your muscles will help your balance. So don't be afraid to shake out your arms and legs before you stand up there and hit the golf ball. Simply put, balance is the foundation of a good golf swing. Good balance will make up for many other problems that you may have.
Keeping your head still throughout your entire shot will help you improve your swing immediately. Keep your eyes (and subsequently your head) still the entire time. Resist the urge to follow the ball with your eyes from the time you make contact. This should also aid you in keeping the club head in a straight line, which will help prevent either slicing or hooking the ball.
One of the most important things to do is find the methods that work the best for you and help you produce results. If your golf swing isn't working, check out some new training techniques until you solve the problem. There are a ton of golf training aids out there to assist you is your search for the perfect swing. Study it all and take the parts that work best for you and implement them into your game.
Above all don't forget the old saying that practice makes perfect. Like most things in this world, the more time you spend practicing something, the better you will become. So take the necessary time to practice your game as well as your swing. How much time do you think the guys you watch on television spend practicing their game? I would imagine Tiger Woods has spent countless hours on his golf swing alone, not to mention the rest of his game.

Should You Move Your Head in Golf?

2006-09-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, the most common piece of amateur advice is KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN.
Here is a common scenario:
People look at good players' video and notice a simple swing with very little head movement.
Then they turn to look at their friend who has a complicated action with a lot of unnecessary head movement. The head seems to lift up through impact. Their kindly lesson is TOO KEEP THE HEAD STILL on the next shot - because they saw their friend's head move up on the last one. The person concerned then concentrates everything on not moving his/her head. What happens?
THE HEAD MOVES EVEN MORE !!
Why?:
The reason is that the still head of a good golfer results from simple body movements – there is no need for the head to move until the arms swing past and lift the shoulder up. The body is relaxed so everything can work around the head. If we try to physically keep the head still we are creating a lot of tension – this does not allow the body to work around the head. In this case to allow the arms to swing through, the head must move out of the way. The golf lesson that we should listen to: is that we should develop simple body movements and drain out the tension as much as we can. A very good way of doing this is to swing with the feet together.
Yes, simply by swinging with the feet close together encourages a simple action - too much movement and you will fall over !! Try it - just swing ( do not hit balls at first) and concentrate on noticing the tension draining out of your swing.
Benefit – Head will remain steady, the natural way. More consistent striking of the ball. More power because of efficient use of energy.
Practice
Home: Find room and with a short golf club swing with the feet together. Notice the weight of the club swinging.
Range: Start without the ball. Notice the weight of the club swinging freely as the body becomes relaxed.

5 Golf Tips For A Better Game

2006-09-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

1) Don't play too much golf.
Three rounds a day is too much for anyone. Playing any chance you get will make your game suffer. Two rounds a day are more than enough. Any more and you risk becoming careless. Concentration and thought are critical. The player who settles down first to a concentrated effort often wins the match. If you are physically and mentally fatigued this will be difficult.
2) Concentration wins the match.
Think about your good shots. How exactly did you do it? Notice your stance, your grip and try to remember the exact swing and how you followed through. This will help you do the same thing next time. Many players think over the bad shots. You often see them swinging again without the ball just after a bad shot, wondering what went wrong. They would be much better off practicing the good shots again and forgetting the bad ones. Mentally practicing your perfect shots will impress them on your mind and help you repeat them.
3) Win the first hole.
More matches are lost through carelessness at the beginning than through any other cause. Always make a point of playing the first as well as you have ever played in your life. A favorite saying, "I never try to win the first hole", is the most foolish thing ever said in connection with golf. Win as many holes as you can early on. You may need a fallback later.
4) Ignore your adversary
Avoid mental exertion, and exhaustion, by treating your opponent as a non-entity. Don't think about his shots and game. Focus quietly on your own. Give all your mental concentration to your own game. Steady players win the match. Play your own game, from first tee to last, never getting upset by anything in between.
5) Don't count your total strokes.
Do not get into the habit of counting your strokes from the beginning of the round in every match that you play, in the hope that each time you may be able to beat your own record for the course. If you do so, and play one or two bad holes to begin with, you will suffer from a sense of disappointment which may have a bad effect upon your play for the remainder of the game. Avoid this extra mental exertion.

Start With Golf Swing Basics to Improve Your Game

2006-09-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Golf swing basics are the foundation to becoming a better player. Most players are constantly refining and improving their golf swing in order to get the most out of playing this difficult game of skill. The following tips on golf swing basics will help you improve your own swing so you can get the most out of spending time on the links.
The Swing is in the Core
Golf swing basics start with the core of your body really. In order to drive the ball far you must generate energy from your abdomen, back and hips. The back swing is where you in affect coil up then release the spring to drive into the ball. The power in the swing comes from turning your torso quickly while pressing forward the back foot. Of all the exercises that you can do, those that workout your core will benefit your golf game the most.
Keep Your Arms Steady
The best golf swing involves your waist, stomach and side muscles. As such, your arms should stay strong, relaxed and straight, involving very little movement.
The golf club should reach far behind your back. As you are swinging through you should ensure that you do not snap your wrists on the point of impact with the ball. Many players feel that this will have a greater effect on driving the ball further but actually it will slow the club head down before making impact. The speed of your torso is where the velocity of the ball speed will come from. Again, it is best to keep your arm straight yet strong.
Drive through the Swing
Follow through is important during the swing. Just because contact is made with the ball you do not want to slow your swing too soon. Complete follow through will help you to accelerate the ball without any minute pauses which may affect the ball speed. Do not allow yourself to think that the swing is over when contact is made with the ball; rather force yourself to believe it is complete when your torso has made a complete rotation into the direction of the ball.
Golf swing basics look easy to perform but are very difficult to master. Many pros spend years trying to perfect their swing so they can generate more distance in their drives. Not everyone has a gift for power like a Tiger Woods but with practice golf swing basics, while never quite mastered, can be tamed.