Thursday, June 26, 2008
Taylor Made Golf Club: The Metalwoods Phenomenon
Taylor Made’s metalwood golf clubs boast of the following models with features that surely makes each golf club a hit to golfers:
R7 Fairway Woods is the Taylor Made golf club, which is with Taylor Made Launch Control (TLC) Port. TLC cartridges can be installed and removed to permit users in changing the CG location to vary the degrees of draws and fades that will consequently promote more accuracy and distance.
R5 Titanium Fairway is another Taylor Made golf club that has a titanium clubhead that is very easy to hit. It has permanent TLC cartridges that facilitate the launching of the ball high, long and straight for the players who would rather not change cartridges.
V Steel Fairway Woods claims its having the ultimate combination of power, accuracy and versatility. It is the Taylor Made golf club that attributes its excellence to its V-shaped sole that improves the force of how the sole interacts with the turf at impact.
Rescue Dual is a Taylor Made club that has double TLC ports that are widely spaced for increased forgiveness on incurring mis-hits. It has a new T-shaped sole that is responsible for the increased clubhead stability and decreased drag at impact that in turn promotes better accuracy and distance. With its low center of gravity (CG), it’s a lot easier to launch than a long-iron and this makes shots higher and longer.
Rescue Dual TP, with dual TLC port and Taylor Made’s movable weight technology,is best known to promote the variation of degrees of draw and fade. Further off, it makes for greater forgiveness. The difference between Rescue Dual and Rescue Dual TP is that TP has a higher center of gravity (CG) position that allows a lower, piercing ball flight that many experienced golf players find easier to manipulate.
Rescue Mid is said to be Taylor Made’s breakthrough utility club that is engineered to be easier to use than a long-iron while displaying prowess in providing better distance. This golf club’s excellent performance is from its way of uniting a high flash of inertia with a lower, deeper center of gravity. This creates maximum forgiveness on mishits, high launch angle and high spin for high, long shots that quickly stops.
Rescue Fairway is the Taylor Made golf club that indulges in its having a low profile that is responsible for its low and deep center of gravity (CG). It is
The Ping Golf Club: An Overview
Karsten Solheim was the one who invented the ping golf club with different intentions. The story has it that Karsten was practicing golf but he could not hit the ball so he started to practice up to the time that he began to design and experiment his very own putter so that he could play better through it. He thought of designing his own putter without a figment of a though that it would be known worldwide. By the year 1959, his putter experiments had evolved into 1A design. While deciding for the name, he heard the sound of his putter and declared proudly to his wife that he would name the putter from its sound, hence the name “ping”. At that same year, Sports Illustrated published an article in their August issue regarding the ping golf club dubbing it as a musical putter.
This was the beginning of success for the ping golf club. At present, the Ping golf club is manufactured in Phoenix, Arizona by Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. There are more than 400 patents registered for the ping golf club and each of these designs are all innovative and very original designs that are suited for each and every golfer. Here are some of their key patents and products:
In the year 1962, the Heel-toe weighting type of ping golf club was granted patent. This design was the one that revolutionalized other modern designs and golf clubs that are manufactured in the market today. In the year 1969, another type of ping golf club was introduced which was the perimeter-weighted, investment-cast iron. The reason for this type of ping golf club is that the perimeter weighting is able to increase the moment of inertia thus when a ball is not struck squarely on the face it makes the club more forgiving. Another innovative movement for the ping golf club was the application of investment casting in the manufacture of the K Series Irons. This is not really a new technology in fact; the old name for it is the lost-wax process. The purpose of this type of method is to ensure precise detail and consistency to all of the parts of the ping golf club. Another type of patent for the Ping golf club is the Cushin Selective Filtering Insert. This is a patented invention which screens out and disperses the unwanted frequencies that can harmfully affect muscle, bone, and connective tissue. Through this invention, the golfer receives less vibration with greater feel on each shot.
The reason why the ping golf club is popular and widely used is because of its innovative, ever-changing yet reliable design. These designs are what people, particularly golfers, recognize about ping golf club. lost one of your ping golf clubs? Do not worry because serial numbers are here to save you! In every ping golf club, there are serial numbers which are etched on every PING iron. If ever there is a need to replace one club, the company has the exact specs at the time of manufacturing on file and could actually build a new club to match your set.
THGOLF STORE
Typically, golf stores have the latest, if not the best, golf equipment and accessories needed by somebody who plays golf. Things could range from golf clubs to golf balls, to even posters, shirts, and wallpaper.
Most golf stores focus on ensuring the proper equipment for the interested golfer. They will provide hints on how to choose the right club and the appropriate golf ball. Golf stores do not only supply things relative to golf but some also offer services and knowledge about the sport itself.
Additional services could include club repair, club fitting, and swing analysis. Most of these golf stores use the True Temper Shaftlab and Achiever Launch Monitor swing analysis. These machines measure everything, from ball speed, club head speed to carry distance. They also provide printouts illustrating extreme deflection, shaft loading, downswing time and face angle.
Also, there are other golf stores that offer golf classes being thought by local pros.
Golf tutorials can also be offered for juniors along with women's clinics on the sport.
Golf collectors will find many interesting items in a golf store as well. Hobbyist may find collector items like golf balls used by some of the world's most renowned players. Signed items may be available too.
Plus, there are golf stores that offer unusual golf gifts. These things range from the most common to the most creative golf gifts one could get for just about any occasion.
Most golf storeowners are actually golfers themselves. Usually, they put up a golf store after retiring from playing golf. Like most businessmen assert, it's good to be passionate about what you are selling. This "passion" will give feelings of satisfaction and gratification to the golf shopper and this is something money cannot buy.
TEE YOUR WAY TO GREAT GOLF RESORT
In particular, golf resorts provide more than a golf player would ask. Generally, it caters to different kinds of people and not just golf enthusiasts. Golf resorts can really stand out in the vacation business.
Due to its nature, golf resorts literally have rooms and villas situated in a secured place. The rooms and villas are full of necessary services usually seen in a typical resort: large air-conditioned rooms, luxurious bathrooms, cable televisions, and internet connections.
Most of these golf resorts have magnificent views coupled with mild and healing climate. Landscapes and ornamentations are carefully drawn in the most luxurious way. There are beautiful pools and ponds that captivate visitors.
However, unlike other types of resorts, a golf resort caters to the specific needs of a golf player or a golf aficionado. These golf resorts are specially made for people who want to relax, have fun, and at the same time enjoy playing golf.
There are golf resorts that offer a variety of golf packages. They have several golf championship courses. Generally, most golf resorts have 18-hole course, par 63 Challenge course, and an 18 hole live turf Putting course.
Because of its specialized nature of market, golf resorts are dedicated to make every golf player a better player by trying out their different golf courses in a more comforting manner. Nearly every golf resorts offer golf lessons that will help every golfer improve their playing skills such as swing and putting.
Other golf resorts offer a variety of golf instruction programs for golfers of all skill levels. Golf resorts may offer individual instruction, group clinics, corporate clinics, junior clinic or multi day golf instruction packages.
On the other hand, there are golf resorts that can give practice facilities to beginners or to those that just want to try playing golf for the first time. In this type of golf resort, their practice facilities can give you the chance to work on all aspects of your game from wedge to driver. These golf resorts could offer you a place where you can practice your putting, chipping or pitching on a large two tier putting green.
In the United States, the most well known golf resorts are situated in Central Florida and Southern California where the climate and views are a perfect concoction so as to make golf resorts very entertaining.
Other golf resorts are Avila Beach Golf Resort in California, Eagle Crest Resort in Central Oregon and Championship Golf Resort in Central Florida.
The Eagle Crest Resort boasts of its golf courses carved out of an ancient juniper forest huddled at the foot of the majestic Cascades. Eagles Crest Golf Resort is also known for its meticulous grounds keeping, fast true greens, and beautiful summer wildflower displays. And because of their lower elevation, Eagle Crest Golf Resort have the longest quality golf season in Central Oregon making them adept in keeping one of their championship courses open all year round.
The Avila Beach Golf Resort, on the other hand, has lavishly landscaped greens. The Avila Beach Golf Resort driving range has great teeing areas and is open from dusk till dawn. They also offer various golf instruction programs.
The Championship Golf Resort likewise caters to most golf fanatics and players. This golf resort is easily within 20 minutes of all the top attractions such as Disney and Universal Studios. And because it is situated at the west of the attractions, Championship Golf Resort could be easily reached using Florida Turnpike and Osceola Parkway toll roads, with which vacationers could avoid the heavy congestion often experienced when approaching from the east.
Aside from these three marvelous golf resorts, there are still many other golf resorts waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. You could try looking for them at the Web because most of them have Web sites already; or you could ask for brochures and pamphlets of different golf resorts.
With the wonderful things mentioned, you can be assured that golf resorts are great alternative ways of making your vacation or golf activities truly an invigorating one.
Happy teeing!
GOLF EQUIPMENT: GEARING UP PROPERLY FOR GOLF
For starters, the basic golf equipment is a golf ball. Golf balls are dimpled tiny balls, use in to play golf. They are dimpled to reach farther length when driven by golf clubs.
Another important golf equipment is a golf club or golf driver. Golf drivers come in different varieties. This is because a golf course has different landscapes and different golf clubs are required to make the proper drive. Depending on the landscape, either sand, grass or cement, a golf club is essential to make the perfect drive. Professional golfers usually have a bag or two of golf clubs to cater to their golf needs. Most golf stores and sports equipment store sell golf clubs. Some golf clubs are sold in sets while other are sold individually.
To protect your golf equipment, such as your golf club, a golf bag golf club cover is essential. A golf bag will, of course, hold your golf club in one place and will make it easier for your caddy to bring your many golf clubs. Golf bags can also hold golf balls and other golf equipment like water bottle to quench your thirst while under the sun or extra shirt or your regular shoes. On the other hand, a golf club cover covers the edge of your golf club. This is done so to protect your golf club from unwanted scratches and dents. Dents can cause your drive to go from ok to bad. Dents in golf clubs can affect the drive of your golf ball. With these golf equipment, you can take care of the state of your club and your game.
One golf equipment that you need to invest on is a good pair of golf shoes. Golf shoes are different from usual rubber shoes or walking shoes. Golf shoes are created to walk on greens - the type where the sport is played. Golf shoes usually have pointed rubber under the soles to grip the earth and sand under your feet. This way, unnecessary shaking or moving is avoided. This is important because shaking can cause you to not hit the golf ball or to hit the golf ball in the wrong direction. If you plan to play professional golf a good pair of golf shoes is a necessary golf equipment to add up to your list. Choose one that is sturdy yet comfortable enough for you to walk into. Golf is a sport that requires walking from one hole to another or to where your ball landed (you can not use golf carts on the greens) and thus, if your golf shoes are uncomfortable, you would have a hard time concentrating on your game.
A golf equipment usually provided by most golf courses (aside from the golf ball) is the tee. The tee is the tiny pin like thing that you punch to the ground to stand your ball into. The tee is use in teeing off (the start of your first drive) thus the name.
The most amazing golf equipment ever created (for me, that is) is the golf cart. Golf carts can take you from one hole to the other, though as I said earlier they are not allowed on the greens, they still lessen the burden of having to walk under the hot sun. This golf equipment can be acquired from golf courses. Golf players are usually made to use golf equipment such as this to give them a better and easier time playing the sport.
Many specialty shops and sport shops offer golf equipment. The internet is also a good source of golf equipment. Second hand golf equipment are even auctioned off the internet
WHAT'S IN A GOLF BALL?
During the earliest days of golf on the eastern coast of Scotland, most players used ancient apparatus in order to play the game in a more disorganized and informal way. Here, the first clubs and golf balls are made up of wood.
It was on 1618 that the feather golf ball was finally introduced. This was commonly known as the "Featherie". This feather golf ball was a handcrafted ball made with goose feathers securely pressed into a horse or cowhide sphere. This is being done while the ball is still wet. After drying, the leather shrank and the feathers expanded creating a hardened ball.
But because these kinds of golf balls are specially handcrafted, they usually cost higher than the clubs. In doing so, only a few privileged people could afford to play golf during those times.
Next came the Guttie golf ball. This prehistoric kind of golf ball was made from the rubber like sap of the Gutta tree that can be found in the tropics. Normally, these Guttie balls can be easily shaped into a sphere when hot and eventually used as a golf ball. With its rubber nature, guttie balls can be cheaply reproduced and can be easily repaired by reheating and reshaping.
However, between the two earliest forms of golf balls, the feather golf ball was said to travel farther than the gutties. This is due to the smooth surface of the gutties that limits the capacity of the golf ball to cover more distance.
With this new scientific analysis, the developers of golf ball finally came up with balls with the "dimples" that are predominant in modern golf balls nowadays.
Dimples are crafted into golf balls so as to reduce the aerodynamic drag, which will be acting on the ball if it were totally smooth. This is because smooth balls, when sailing through the air, leave a huge pocket of low-pressure air in its stir therefore creating a drag. With the application of drag, the ball slows down.
Hence, by having dimples on golf balls, the pressure differential goes down and the drag force is reduced. These dimples create turbulence in the air surrounding the golf ball. This, in turn, forces the air to clasp the golf ball more closely. By doing so, the air trails the warp created by the ball towards the back instead of flowing past it. This results to a smaller wake and lesser drag.
Dimples also help players to put backspin on a shot making the golf ball break off on the putting green.
The idea of putting dimples on golf balls can be traced back during the gutta percha phase. Coburn Haskell introduced the one-piece rubber cored ball encased in a gutta percha sphere. It was during this time when the players observed how their shots become more and more predictable as their balls turned rough from play.
When William Taylor applied the dimple pattern to a Haskell ball in 1905, golf balls finally took their modern form.
From then on, dimpled golf balls were officially used in every golf tournament. In 1921, the golf balls took its form with standard size and weight.
Today, there is an abundant selection of golf balls to fit different golf game and condition. There are golf balls that offer control, while some offer distance. In whatever ways golf balls vary, only one thing is common and known. Golf balls are not just elements of the sports arena; they are more than ever paradigm of a concept in physics.
Golf Bags for Beginner Golfers
It is considered a necessity. A good golf bag will lessen your worries on the golf course, (i.e. all your clubs are in their proper place) and you can focus on your teeing.
If you're a beginner golfer, then golf bags are definitely a must. However, there are things that you should know before going to the nearest golf store and buying a golf bag on impulse. First, there are two types of golf bags? carry bags and cart bags.
Carry bags are golf bags that are used when you are planning to have a lot of walking on the golf course. Cart golf bags are those that you use when walking is not possible (as some golf courses prohibit walking), and riding a golf cart is your option. A beginner golfer will most definitely buy a walking bag at first, although if you are a serious beginner of the game, then you will eventually buy both types of golf bags.
If you are a newbie in the game, you might ask "What is a golf bag for? I only have four golf clubs." A golf bag is a functional equipment rather than a fashion statement. It is not just for your golf clubs, but it can also hold your other golf equipment and accessories. Some advanced golf bags even have pocket coolers that can keep your drink ice-cold even for hours! You might want to consider that, especially when you will buy a carry golf bag.
When buying a golf bag, especially a carry golf bag, find a comfortable one. One should check the straps to see if it fits comfortably and whether it can be carried easily. Remember that your golf bag will be one of your trusted companions on the greens, and that you will spend hours with it. So choose wisely. Don't buy low quality bags, because you will end up purchasing another bag in the next few months if your old golf bag tears up. You should also buy your golf bag depending on the number of golf clubs that you have. Most golf bags can carry up to 15 golf clubs. A tournament however limits the number of golf clubs in your golf bag.
Another important thing to consider when purchasing a golf bag is its weight. This is one of the most important things to know. Golf bags should be light enough to be carried or carted easily, but sturdy enough to hold your clubs and protect them. Some golf bags are even water resistant, and are rain proofed for the protection of your clubs. Most of these golf bags have 8 or 9 dividers or pockets. Again, the number of dividers that you will need depend on the amount of clubs and accessories you will carry. If you have many golf clubs then choose a golf bag with many dividers. However, these types of golf bags have the tendency to be heavier. Some bags can weigh less than 5 pounds! These types of bags are made up of space-age materials such as graphite, however, they more expensive.
Remember that when buying golf bags, the lighter it is, the better and more comfortable it will be.
Golf Tips Involving Golf Equipment
Now is high time for you to consider the following golf tips that involve checking on your equipment's quality.
If you plan to choose used golfclubs as beginner's tools, scrutinizing before purchasing is a must. The clubheads, the shafts, and the grips are golfclub parts that should pass inspection first before landing a decent spot in your golf equipment cabinet. Another excellent golf tip that will get you through the game is making sure that the set of used golfclubs you're eyeing have set consistency. It will also help a lot if you check first the price of new clubs vs. used.
A golf tip for a golfer that plans to regrip his clubs: Be cautious. This is because the grips are the only contact points one can access to affect the shot. Before carrying out the regripping, know the core grip of the club and your hands grip size. To determine your core size grip, measure the diameter of the butt of the shaft you're going to re-grip. The shaft's diameter should match the grip's core diameter. In determining your hands grip, the available size grips are regular, mid-size, oversize and jumbo. Use only the best re-gripping materials that will provide optimum performance for your golf clubs.
Another golf tip or advice is that using ill-fitted clubs will be an obstacle to your golf playing success. A golfer must consider his or her body type in choosing the best-fitting equipment to support and deliver his backswings efficiently. Too steep angles in carrying out backswings may be avoided if one selects the perfect fitting equipment available.
Custom golfclub fitting makes a better option than just buying new golf clubs. Getting custom fitting golfclubs is a golf tip that translates to a very worthy investment. The uniqueness of each person is attributed to the need of this way of buying new golf clubs. A custom fitting produces golfclubs that specifically suit the height, strength, swing characteristics and clubhead speed of the golfer.
The type of club shaft also helps in predicting whether you'll do good in a game or you won't. There's a choice between a steel club shaft and a graphite-made club shaft. This golf tip aims to make you realize which type of golfclub shaft will benefit your game. Observations tell that the steel club shafts are more preferred by professional golfers while graphite shafts become more popular with women, senior players and beginners. Steel shafts are less expensive than graphite shafts though.
One more golf tip that could help you is that the golf clubs that must be the main content of your bag must suit your skill level. Since various skill levels need various golf clubs, it won't be wise to just use or bring a golf club that is just lying around. And, don't ever forget about the maximum golfclub load your bag is allowed to hold. You can only bring 14 golf clubs in your bag. No more. No less. Aside from your skill level contemplation, your mastery of a certain golfclub and your being comfortable with using it must also be put into consideration in deciding which golfclub to hit.
A good combination of the right moves and good choice of equipment will better arm you to become the best golfer you could ever be.
Custom Golf Club: Custom fitting golf clubs
Custom fitting is the process for tailoring a golf club to suit your personal swing.
Whatever your level, with a custom golf club the aim is to ensure that if you do make a good swing, the club will be square at impact and should produce a straight shot.
Custom Golf Club How To's:
To custom fit your golf clubs, you need to know: your gender (male or female); your height in your stockings or socks; the distance from your wrist (where it bends) to the floor with your shoes off; your age; your handicap or skill level; how fast you swing a golf club; what club you use at the 150 yard marker.
Gender is used to put you into the correct fitting scale for custom golf clubs. The golf industry uses different definitions of "standard length" for men and women.
Your height and the distance in inches from your wrist to the floor are used together to determine the length of a custom golf club that is appropriate for you. The starting point for club length can vary up to 3 ½-inch ranging from ladies to men plus 1 ½-inch. A tall person with long arms can very easily require shorter clubs than an average height person with short arms. About 80 percent of golfers are standard length.
Your age, handicap (if you happen to have one), self-assessed skill level, estimated golf swing speed and club you use at the 150 yard marker are all combined to determined the custom golf club's shaft flex that is appropriate for you.
Custom fitting can fix your slice. If you slice the ball it means that the toe of the club is leading into the ball which opens the face of the club. That may be down to a swing fault, but it could be because the club is too flat. So as part of the custom fitting process you can make the custom golf club more upright to help with this. This will mean that the toe of the club will be slightly off the ground at address to compensate.
There are different methods of fitting according to custom golf club manufacturers but ultimately they are all trying to improve your game. To begin with simple measurements such as wrist-to-floor, height and hand size are taken and will point you to the right size club and at what angle it should be to the ground. Then you will take a club and hit some balls. One method is to place impact tape on the bottom of the custom golf club and an impact board on the floor.
As you hit the ball the board will leave a mark on the tape showing whether the heel or the toe of the custom golf club is striking the floor first. The resulting mark will show whether the club face needs to be flatter or more upright. Then things get a bit more advanced. Analysis equipment can measure everything from your club speed to the side spin of the ball so that you can get maximum distance from your shot. You can also measure the launch angle of the ball, how much backspin you generate and impact efficiency - all which affect distance. The angle in which the custom golf club approaches the ball and the sidespin of it can help fix your game too.
Rather than bringing down your old clubs, it might be better to start from scratch. It's a big misconception that custom fitting is only for good golfers. Anyone can benefit. That said, if you plan to upgrade a new set of clubs with the same manufacturer they may be able to adjust your old set to become custom golf clubs.
Custom fitting won't cure all your bad shots. Coaching will sort that out. But if you do make a good swing, then the custom golf club will arrive correctly at impact and should produce a straight shot at your target. That alone will save shots during a round.
Lastly, custom fitting is often free of charge. But it is usually on the condition that you buy some clubs once you've been fitted. So it really depends on what your budget is. If you're prepared to buy a new set of clubs it's definitely worth getting fitted.
The Callaway Golf Club
The Callaway Golf club is headed by Ely Callaway. He bought half of Hickory Stick USA and renamed it Callaway Hickory Stick USA. After purchasing it, he decided to hire the best people that would be an instrument in supporting his dream of Callaway golf club. He hired Richard C. Helmstetter to be the Chief Club Designer and this as others would say is the point of no return. The designs for Callaway golf club are truly revolutionary and innovative which is why the Callaway golf club is dubbed as the type of golf club that is unique and also high-performance kind golf equipment. After that, Ely Callaway renamed his company into Callaway Golf and then relocated from Cathedral City, California to a sleepy seaside town called Carlsbad, which is just north of San Diego.
One of the most innovative designs that the firm came up with was to create a stainless steel driver that had a larger and more forgiving head than any previous design. The CEO, Callaway dubbed it as “Big Bertha” which was derived from a German cannon back in WWI which was famous for its capability of shooting long distance range. This type of design was the one that made Callaway golf club a house hold name in the states because it experienced millions of sales and the Big Bertha type of Callaway golf club was the reason why Callaway became the number one manufacturer of golf clubs not only in the US but in the whole world which shows how popular golf is to the whole world.
At present, there are six classifications of the Callaway Golf club. The first classification is the drivers which are comprised of two models which are the Big Bertha Fusion FT4 and Big Bertha Titanium 454. The next classification of Callaway golf club is called the Fairway Woods. Fairway Woods have three types of clubs which are Big Bertha Fusion Fairway Woods, Big Bertha Titanium Fairway Woods, and Big Bertha Fairway Woods. The next classification of the Callaway golf club is a hybrid which is designed for long and distant shots. The model for this type of Callaway golf club is called Big Bertha Heavenwood Hybrids. The next classification is called irons which are divided into five types of models and these are Big Bertha, Big Bertha Fusion, X-Tour, X-18, and X-18 Pro. Another classification of the Callaway golf club would be the wedges and the model here is called Forged+ Wedges. The last classification for Callaway golf club is called the Putters. The Putters have two models in its classification which are Callaway golf I-Trax Putter and tour Blue.
The classification and models of Callaway Gold Club mentioned above are the ones that the firm manufactures. All of these models were made in the lieu with science, research, and practice. All of these models are worth a try and who knows? You might be the next Tiger Woods in the world of golf.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Easiest Way to Swing a Golf Club
Part One: How to Stand
Some pros are good at teaching, others are not. The problem is that professional golfers are real athletes, and are usually 'naturals'. In other words, they know what to do, but not necessarily how they do it, let alone how to tell you what to do. Don't get me wrong: some pros are brilliant teachers, and these are usually people who are not winning a fortune on the Tour. They have learned to teach.
The thing is that to play golf well, when you have limited time to practice and play, you need a simple swing. We need to be able to repeat it easily, as we are not athletes. Just ordinary guys.
How you hold the club, how you stand
If you stand in the right position and hold the club the right way you are halfway there. If you don't get these things right you will not hit the ball well.
The first thing about the grip is that it is best for almost all of us to use an overlapping grip. If you are right-handed put the right hand on the grip, then overlap the little finger with the index finger - the one nearest the thumb - of your other hand.
This will feel odd if you are new to golf, but it works. Next, you lower the club to the ground. Look down at your left hand. You should be just able to see the third knuckle. If you can't you will swing too far out on the downswing, and have to pull the club back into the ball, resulting in a slicing action - the ball curves out to the right, losing lots of length.
Legs apart for a good foundation
How do you actually stand? Stand with your feet apart about as wide as your shoulders. The right foot should be at right angles to where you are hitting the ball - that is straight out in front of you - and the left foot should be turned about 10-15 degrees outward, toward the direction you are hitting.
Now stand up straight, lifting the club up, and make sure your shoulders are square. Then, lean forward, keeping your back straight till the club touches the ground just behind the ball. As you lean forward, so your knees will flex automatically to maintain balance. If they are straight up, then flex them a little. It is important that the knees are flexed and that your arms hang down more or less straight to the grip.
Now, make sure that the weight of your body is on the balls of your toes - not your heels. When you got that right, you are all set!
You need to practice getting in that position, with the grip right, and you are ready. In Part 2 of this article I will tell you the rest of the easiest way to swing a golf club.
Get good advice on golf plus the latest news at http://www.swingingagolfclub.com, run by John Hartley, who has been a student of golf and an avid golfer for many years, and has played amateur golf at a high level. Having had a lay-off for 20 years, he has been relearning the game, and so is the ideal person to pass on tips.
Golf Shoes - Get Spiked
The right golf shoe will save you strokes.
An army marches on its stomach so the saying goes. A golfer marches on his feet. You only have one pair of feet and they have to last a lifetime so look after them. A carefully chosen pair of golf shoes are a very wise investment on a par with a well chosen club.
A game of golf will involve walking around three and half miles and probably more once you take into account the trek from tee to green and the odd foray into the long stuff for a miss hit so it makes sense to select a shoe which will support your feet and cushion them on your round. Believe me you do not want to be nursing a sore heel or turned ankle for the last six holes, not only is it desperately uncomfortable but more importantly you will mess up your score card.
A good golf shoe will support your foot as you walk and also give you a firm foundation for your swing. A sliding foot whilst in the middle of your down swing is less than desirable and certainly can cause an injury, not only to your foot but to your knees, your groin or your back, which is a sore spot for a lot of golfers anyway
How to select a golf shoe
Shoes are made from a lot of different materials nowadays from textiles such as the trainer style to good old leather. The internals of the shoe are important too and this part known as the sock can play a large part in the overall comfort factor. Materials which incorporate breathability help to keep your foot cool in summer and warm in winter by wicking away the moisture that your foot produces
The shoe should fit without pinching straight away , don't think that you will "wear it in" you may do but if it is uncomfortable to start it is not the right shoe for your foot. It should support your instep and be firm in the sole whilst the heel must fit your heel and not be slack allowing your foot to slide around, this will be uncomfortable and indeed may lead to blisters. The front of the shoe is also very important, it should follow the contour of your foot .There should be room to wiggle your toes without feeling that your toe is pushed up to the top of the shoe.
The best tip a scout master gave me many years ago was wear two pairs of socks. They should preferably be natural fiber cotton or wool although modern micro fiber materials are available now and the can incorporate an anti fungal and anti-odor element. The layers will help keep your foot cool and dry and will prevent most blisters.
Now we know what to look for in the shoe we should consider the externals. A golf shoe will have studs, metal or plastic which are removable and replaceable. In winter or even in summer after a lot of rain metal studs or spikes will give you the most grip whether when walking or when playing, as said before a slip at either time can cause you a lot of grief. Do you want to risk it?.In summer and indeed on a few courses ,especially those in the drier areas, and for me that means Spain and Portugal "soft" spikes ,i.e. the plastic ,flatter variety are the only ones allowed due to the lower risk of damage to the greens. Give the green keepers a thought ,without them you would be teeing off in a field
How To Choose Clubs For A Round Of Golf
Many, not all, but many golfers struggle to decide what clubs best fit their bag. The answer is that it depends on your ability and what kind of course you're playing that day. Here are some tips
1. Get fit for clubs- After getting fit for my golf clubs, I discovered my current clubs were 3 degree too flat! This means I had to make compensations in my swing to make the ball go straight consistently. Think of all the time you may waste 'correcting' a bad swing when it may be your clubs
2. Replace long irons (4, maybe even 5, and up) with hybrid clubs. Unless you have a low single digit handicap, your swing is probably not consistent enough to hit long irons very well. Hybrids have the added benefit of getting up in the air rather quickly (and thus, landing softly) and helping you to chop through rough or fairway fringe more efficiently.
3. Add a wedge. I am surprised at how few golfers carry enough wedges. Invariably, the better golfers carry 3-4 wedges. These wedges (probably a PW, GW, SW, and LW) give a golfer a multitude of options around the green and inside 100 yards. 70% of your results will happen within this range, so be wise and get another wedge. (If pressed to choose 1, get the 60 degree wedge with low bounce)
4. If possible, find out the type of sand at the course. Although I hope you avoid the sand, often it is impossible. The think sole of a sand wedge with a lot of bounce will cut through fine sand better. Fine sand will cause the ball to sit in a 'fried egg' lie and thus will be difficult to cut under like a normal sand shot.
5. Check your driver loft. Many golfers have drivers with loft that is too low. Studies show that a higher launch often yields more in the way of distance. Unless you have a low single digit handicap, avoid drivers with less than 9.5 degrees of loft. This will have the added benefit of carrying the ball farther on the off chance you miss hit into the rough. Better to be closer to the hole, right?
6. Choose a putter- many people have several different putters. I think putting is mostly mental, so I would go with the one that feels that best that day. It's as simple as that. You will have more confidence and putt better. My better putting days are invariably those where I just "feel" on.
For more tips, visit www.squidoo.com/shootpar or My Golf Blog,Quickly Improve Your Golf Swing
Do you need some golf swing tips? If you could use a few golf swing tips you have come to the right place.
Golf swing tips will help you with confidence as well as improve your game in general.
Golf swing tips #1: Find a way to talk to yourself in a positive way while golfing. Negative self-talk will not help you or your game.
Golf swing tips #2: Develop a good mental attitude, be tough.
Golf swing tips #3: Practice, practice, practice!
Golf swing tips #4: Learn how to perform in tough situations
Golf swing tips #5: Find golf swing aids that may be helpful
Golf swing tips #6: Spend a few sessions with a golf pro
Golf swing tips #7: Read some good books that offer golf swing tips and then practice them.
Golf swing tips #8: Watch a golf video and learn from the pros
Golf swing tips #9: Work on a few golf swing tips each week until you have mastered each one or at least improved.
Golf swing tips #10: Take lessons that concentrate on golf swings.
Golf swing tips #11: Use the “hitchhiker” position when working on your backswing. Try looking back at your thumb and making sure it is pointing to the sky like you are hitchhiking.
Golf swing tips #12: When you are working on your backswing keep your weight on the inside of your right foot. Also be sure to keep a slight bend in your knee.
Look these golf swing tips over and choose a few to work on before your next golf game or tournament.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Golf Equipment Isn't Working
Just the other day I was watching the Golf Channel and they were talking yet again about the latest and greatest drives and irons. This golf equipment (new technology) that has gotten totally out of hand, is making these companies a ton of money.
Why?
Because they prey on vulnerable, frustrated golfers looking to play better through golf equipment.
Here’s my beef!
It’s not working! I don’t care what these companies say…I see golfers everyday, buying new golf equipment and STILL not playing any better. It’s a known fact that the average golf handicap has not gone down in over 20 years!
It’s NOT the equipment that’s going to improve your game…it’s YOU!
You swing that club. You show up to the range or course. It all depends on your current physical condition how well you will swing…and especially for 18 holes.
Is that registering with you yet?
How many new clubs have you bought lately? Did it allow you to play better…consistently? Be honest. Don’t let your pride answer that question. Just state the facts. Are your scores lower? Do you swing with better consistency?
These are questions to constantly ask yourself to make sure you are seeing progress. If you’re not…then save your money and get working on YOU!
It’s always fun to see the new golf equipment that’s coming out…but your game is dependant on your physical capabilities, not compensations with golf equipment.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.
The golf swing is a physically demanding movement. Until golfers realize this, their pursuit of the perfect swing will never be achieved. Mike Pedersen is President/CEO Perform Better Golf which offers golf training dvds, manual and equipment. Get Mike's free Fit To A Tee ebook by subscribing at http://www.performbettergolf.com
Why Exercise Is Crucial In Achieving The Correct Golf Swing
However the correct golf swing becomes very difficult to pull off for one simple reason. And that is the fact that the body usually violently resists it. The reason is because the correct golf swing is a set of movements that the body finds extremely unnatural and uncomfortable. Thus the muscles all struggle to find comfort in the body and in the process a golfer finds it extremely difficult to achieve the correct golf swing with any degree of consistency.
Exercise has a tremendous effect in helping the body and all the muscles involved to find more comfort in the unnatural correct golf swing movements. In fact any exercise that will strengthen the numerous muscles necessary for the correct golf swing will have an impact. There are quite a number of muscles that are used in the correct golf swing. They range from muscles in the feet to the lower leg and right up to the hamstring and hip muscles. The lower back is an extremely important part of the body in executing the correct golf swing.
We then move up to other muscles in the back arms and neck.
A golf specific-exercise program will be much less strenuous and much more effective in helping a golfer to achieve consistent execution of the correct golf swing. This will usually involve both strength exercises as well as stretch exercises.
Another aspect that tends to interfere with the performance of a golfer is tiredness and fatigue after a brief session on the course. Golf is actually a sport that demands a lot of energy contrary to what many people believe. If your body is not conditioned, what will tend to happen is that your game will deteriorate as you continue playing.
Playing good golf will only happen when the body has enough endurance to last a long session of golf. Exercises play a major role in helping to achieve this and ensuring consistent correct golf swing techniques.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.
The golf swing is a physically demanding movement. Until golfers realize this, their pursuit of the perfect swing will never be achieved. Mike Pedersen is President/CEO Perform Better Golf which offers golf training dvds, manual and equipment. Get Mike's free Fit To A Tee ebook by subscribing at
Golf Swing Release...How Important Is It
And the muscles involved are not just those in the arm. The feet, knees, hamstring, hips and spine are all very important in achieving a good golf swing release.
The perfect golf swing release will happen with one coordinated and smooth movement. The fact is that it always looks a lot easier on the outside than it really is.
The truth of the matter is that it is not easy, whatever the golf gurus tell you. It is something that requires a lot of work on your part in preparation as well as training, right from your body and muscles so as to be able to execute the perfect golf swing release.
It is important to know that your entire body fights you violently and resists every effort on your part to achieve proper timing for your golf swing.
This is simply because the golf swing movement does not come naturally to the body. Kicking a soccer ball or swinging a baseball bat comes much more naturally to the body that a golf swing.
Want golf exercises do is they strengthen the muscles and body so that the golf swing feels much more natural and faces less resistance from the body.
This is the reason why doing the right golf exercise program will play a central and key role to helping you get the golf swing release you know you are capable of.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.
Golf Exercise For A Great Game And New Body In 2006
You are a “golfing athlete!” And ALL athletes work on their “machines”.
Why wouldn’t you?
Participating in a golf exercise program that works on all your personal, physical limitations is the approach you need to take.
Every golfer has different physical needs, and they should be at the top of your golf exercise program list.
This is the year you’re going to make it happen! 2006 will be your year! No more excuses. No more reasons not to do it. Just one thing on your mind.
Playing BETTER golf and feeling like you did years ago.
The “use-it-or-lose” phrase is SO true. The human body declines rapidly in both strength and flexibility if you don’t keep up with it.
Don’t you feel like you’ve lost these two key components for optimal golf performance? It’s a natural occurrence, but you can do something about it!
It’s called “golf exercise”.
Exercise that’s specific to the demands the golf swing puts on your body…and there are many.
Just getting in your golf posture takes a higher level of both strength and flexibility in your hamstrings. Just getting in your posture! Now how about making a decent swing? It’s not going to happen if your body is broken.
I don’t like to sugar-coat things. I like to wake people up and get them going asap! That’s the only way.
I don’t want to say I’m not empathetic, but “crap-or-get-off-the pot”.
A fitter body and better game aren’t going to happen on their own. You’ve got to start your golf exercise program right now.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf exercise site - Perform Better Golf.
What Causes Golf Back Pain?
Does golf back pain have something to do with the game or do most players bring back pains acquired elsewhere into the game?
While it is true that there are golfers who started having back pains and related problems long before they set foot on the course, there is clear evidence that golf does cause back pain, especially to those who do not exercise and condition their bodies for the game.
One reason is that many of the back pains are aggravated by playing the game for long periods.
So why do many golfers continue to suffer in silence and yet simple golf specific exercises can permanently cure a golf back pain for good? The following powerful, but simple exercise has helped many golfers gain more endurance to play golf the whole day without experiencing the usual nagging lower back problems that are extremely common on the course.
This golf back pain exercise also does an excellent job in adding endurance and strength to the muscles and usually makes such a tremendous difference in your strength that you have to try it to believe and experience the impact for yourself.
This exercise that cures golf back pain is done by lying flat on the floor on your stomach with your hands at your sides. You then raise your chest and upper body as well as arms and legs as high as you can. You do this so that your stomach supports the weight of your entire body. Hold the position and go for a count of 10. Doing this simple exercise for 2 sets daily will completely eliminate your low back pain for good.
Keeping yourself golf fit by getting involved in a good golf specific exercise program will keep any golfer free from golf back pain.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.
The golf swing is a physically demanding movement. Until golfers realize this, their pursuit of the perfect swing will never be achieved. Mike Pedersen is President/CEO Perform Better Golf which offers golf training dvds, manual and equipment. Get Mike's free Fit To A Tee ebook by subscribing at http://www.performbettergolf.com
The Secret To Golf Swing Consistency
The are many aspects to golf swing consistency that can make it seem overwhelming and unachievable…but there is one aspect that every golfer should consider, that will have a dramatic impact on golf swing consistency.
We know golfers hit hundreds of balls every week. They take lessons with some success, but not 100% satisfaction. It’s fun buying new clubs, but did they really make a difference? Did you lower your score by 4-6 strokes?
When trying to achieve a higher level of golf swing consistency, the mechanical component comes in to play. But digging a little deeper will get you to the ‘real’ answer to your lack of golf swing consistency.
If it’s not hitting more balls…or taking more lessons…or buying more equipment what could it be? What’s left to work on? Am I getting warm yet? Are you following where I’m going with this? We’ve just eliminated what seems like everything haven’t we?
We haven’t! There is ONLY one thing left! Your BODY! Your “golfing machine”. The one and only thing that can make a direct and almost immediate impact on your golf swing consistency and power.
When you step onto the golf course, do you feel like your body moves efficiently during your golf swing? Do you feel like you can make a full turn with minimal tensions? Can you stay in balance throughout your entire golf swing for 18 holes?
If you answered no to any of the above…it’s time to “get it going!” It’s time to become a “golf athlete!” No longer will you step onto the tee box and feel like an out-of-shape, has-been. You’re going to have an intensely higher level of confidence, and your golf performance will show it.
When you get your body moving better, your golf swing mechanics and golf swing consistency will happen naturally. You won’t have to stress out about it. You can let it go and just play.
It’s time for a new approach to your golf improvement…and it starts now!
You will reach new levels of performance and golf swing consistency.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing training site - Perform Better Golf.
More Muscles Than You Think Are Used In the Golf Swing
Many do not even realize how imperative it is that muscles used in the golf swing are exercised and kept in tip top condition. Actually, if this is not done, it becomes extremely difficult to for anybody to enjoy the game as too many factors stand in the way of a golfer who does not exercise.
For example a common complaint amongst many golfers on the course is that of pain in the lower back which is usually aggravated by golf. This pain is especially evident after longer sessions on the course.
How can any golfer improve golf swing, let alone have any hope of enjoying the game with such a nagging, persistent pain? Yet this problem is easily solved by simply strengthening lower back muscles used by doing certain exercises.
The result is that there is a higher level of endurance which will also have a tremendous impact on the golf swing of any golfer. There is actually a very simple exercise to achieve this which can be done from the comfort of your home and without having to go into a gym or special exercise area.
Muscles used in the golf swing include some in the lower leg as well as those higher up like the hamstring which is crucial in accomplishing the perfect golf swing.
It is a proven fact that muscles used in the golf swing that are not exercised and conditioned on a regular basis with the correct exercise, will usually not respond to the correct golfing techniques.
Without being conditioned to obtain the necessary stamina and staying power it is unlikely that muscles used in the golf swing will be able to deliver the required performance
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.
The golf swing is a physically demanding movement. Until golfers realize this, their pursuit of the perfect swing will never be achieved. Mike Pedersen is President/CEO Perform Better Golf which offers golf training dvds, manual and equipment.
A Golf Training Club To Quickly Improve Golf Swing Speed
There are many golf training clubs on the market and new ones coming out every year; but the one I’m talking about is a weighted golf training club. When you can literally mimic your athletic movement with resistance, you stand the make the biggest improvement…and quickly.
The goal of most strength coaches and trainers is to come up with exercises that closely resemble that particular athletic movement, but with some for of resistance. It could be handweights (dumbbells), medicine balls, tubing, or even a stability ball.
The direct impact on a golfers swing using a golf training club is an almost immediate increase in driving distance. This is because you are training your golf muscles during the movement, through the same (or even bigger) range of motion, with many repetitions.
A secondary benefit of using a golf training club that’s weighted is promoting an increase in backswing and follow through range of motion. This equates in more power at impact. Golfers are always trying to find ways to improve golf flexibility and power; and this is one way to do it.
Using a golf training club won’t be the cure to all your physical ailments and limitations, but will give you a head start on swinging with higher clubhead speed.
Just think about it! Swinging a golf training club won’t improve hamstring flexibility, nor will it strengthen your lower back. There are many specific areas of the body that don’t get worked when swinging a golf training club.
This is where you would do specific golf exercises, stretches and drills to isolate those weak areas to greatly improve your overall golf performance and prevent future injuries.
Another benefit of a golf training club that’s weighted is a quick warm up before you hit balls at the range or even play. Swinging it 20-30 times will quickly get your golf muscles prepared to hit balls more effectively.
Just beware! When you swing it before practicing or playing, you’ve got to swing your regular clubs, and hit balls with them, to make sure your sequence of motion is correct, before you hit the course.
As you can see, there are many benefits of using a golf training club; so go out and get one. They are a great training aid as part of your ‘off-season’ training program.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his site - Perform Better Golf.
How To Achieve A Full Golf Swing
You’ve probably heard your golf teaching pro say, “you’re not getting a full golf swing”, but has he told you how to get it? It’s easy to analyze, but much harder to come up with a solution…until now.
You see…a full golf swing is impossible to achieve if you do not have a higher level of golf-specific strength and flexibility. Let me say that one more time.
“A full golf swing is impossible to achieve if you do not have a higher level of golf specific strength and flexibility”.
Let’s look at these so-called “requirements”, for you to see I’m not just blowing smoke.
A full golf swing is considered a 90 degree shoulder turn, with a 45 degree hip turn. This is what we read in all the analysis’ of the golf swing.
Achieving the above physical components in your golf posture proves almost impossible for the senior golfer who has declining physical abilities.
Are you in this category?
Are you a 50-70 year old golfer who has lost a ton of yards off the tee and watched your scores get higher and higher?
If so, don’t you think if you did a simple, “in-home” golf performance program you’d see dramatic improvements in your body’s ability to make a bigger, even “full golf swing”?
To achieve this doesn’t mean hitting more balls at the range or taking more lessons. In fact, you can eliminate hitting balls altogether for a short time while you get your body back in tip-top shape.
When you do, the next time you go out to practice or play, you will be shocked!
That full golf swing you’ve dreamed about will happen without you even thinking about it. Your body will do it because it has been ‘trained’ properly.
A Quick Tip – you’ve got to focus on your rotational strength and flexibility to make a full golf swing! You can even do this sitting in your chair. Reach around the back of your chair and rotate your upper body, while leveraging your opposite arm against the chair. This is a simple, yet very effective rotational stretch you can do all day long.
You don’t need fancy, expensive equipment to improve your physical abilities, but a simple and effective program will do wonders for achieving your full golf swing.
About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his site - Perform Better Golf.
This article is free for republishing The golf swing is a physically demanding movement. Until golfers realize this, their pursuit of the perfect swing will never be achieved. Mike Pedersen is President/CEO Perform Better Golf which offers golf training dvds, manual and equipment. Get Mike's free Fit To A Tee ebook by subscribing at http://www.performbettergolf.com