Sport Recreations

How Good Are You As A Golfer?

2009-06-13T02:19:00.000-07:00

Somewhere around 106 is the apparent average golf score. It can be concluded that a great many number of men and women are shooting in the 110s, 120s and above, when you consider that numerous players are having scores in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Does this sound regular?

Whatever the case may be, we must admit that no matter what they score, most golfers are in search of that best dynamic – the sole thing –that will easily leave them with much lower scores. Many industries labor to produce countless DVDs, gadgets, and gizmos that promise the best tips for perfection. We have all probably invested in them; some have turned to be bad, and some good. But we are never satisfied. We watch the current infomercial of the Golf Channel making ourselves believe that investing some extra dollars on the credit card would not hurt that much.

There are no easy ways out if you diligently want to improve your game. Perseverance and dedication are required to practice the right things. Some instructions on golf and enough first hand experience would go a long way. Visit the range at least once every week and play one or two games per month. You will have to get a long-term evaluation of your golf game. Realize that it is bound to take some time before you hit low scores.

But are you a good golfer? I do not want to know what your score is on an average. It may give a glimpse of your game but it fails to give a general overview.

Let’s assume that you play the same golf course, or courses daily and I hope that you do have some scorecards stuffed in your golf bag or locked inside your drawer. It’s time to take them out. Start doing this from now on, if you have not done it so far. It’s time to get started on the game.

Take a look at the scoreboard and note down the best you have scored on each hole. You will see that the addition for 18 holes is better than anything you have ever scored before. Anyways, the hip thing is that this is how nice you can be. Perhaps you generally shoot a 6 on that tricky par 4, but you made par two times – and you can notice over every hole just what your potential is. Obviously it is a different ball game to put it all together in a single round. But you can see how far you can go if you follow your current game.

At times we may criticize our own game so vehemently and be hard on ourselves, that we overlook the fact that we do play some pretty good golf. This leads us to the second part of our game, and we go to the next step.

What I am now going to suggest has the capability to bring about a major change in the way you perceive your golf. We know that the scoreboard never lies. But we must delve deeper into what is taking place in your rounds. The way is to keep an additional golf score.

Here we begin to record the shots that are good. The record would also include appreciable management of the course.

Reggie Dunn
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What Makes A Great Golf Swing

2009-06-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

Think about the following questions. What makes a good golf swing and why are some people able to do it while others cannot? The major part of the answer lies in how you engage yourself off the golf course. It may surprise you to know what a little effort it can take to bring your golf swing to the next stage. What follows now are some easy to do tips that are sure to improve your golf swing and make you score big time. They could show the dissimilarity between shooting three digits and shooting in the 90s or for that matter, even 80s.

1. Do warm up exercises to stretch your muscles before you go off to tee

In case you have been to a live pro golf event, you will know that the golfers do not just make an arrival at the course and then run off to the tee box. On the contrary they head off to the driving range, stretch for sometime and then hit some balls. We know that warming up positively effects your body and you do better at your golf swing. You will thank yourself if you make it a point to reach the golf course a little earlier, relax your muscles and take a few swings.

2. At times when you are off the course exercise your golfing muscles

You need to carve out a simple workout routine for the muscles utilized during your golf swing so that you become a good player. You can expect a huge impact on your game if you get into the habit of doing this even 10 minutes every day.

3. Don’t swing for the fences just yet

It is a known fact that for good golf you absolutely need to have mental strength and holding back the temptation to give your swing the extra push is a difficult task. But the truth is you must have that control to have a good golf swing. If you can successfully control it then giving that little extra is great. But if you cannot, perhaps you will never lay your eyes on that ball again. The thing that you need to understand is that you can uniformly hit the ball more than 200 yards with a good, smooth and controlled swing.

4. Take suggestions from the veterans

In contemporary times you do not need to pay exorbitant amounts for a personal golf instructor to help you out with the game. At a negligible cost you can get your hands on plenty of good golf instruction material available through the web. When managing your deficiencies, internet-based golf lessons can be really fruitful.

Reggie Dunn
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Golfing Instructions For Beginners

2009-06-13T02:17:00.000-07:00

This is one guide that can make all the difference in the world for beginners. Perhaps you cannot get your golf swing in gear nor can you afford to spend a thousand or more bucks for an instructor or buy a costly golf aid. Read on further to combat these difficulties.

This may sound too simple, but firstly, you have just got to let your hair down and relax to get a good swing in motion. You may have acquired already the knack to swing the best motion, but you need to get it better and be as comfortable as you can be. You have to forget that anyone is near you at all. Pretend that you are all alone. At the end of the day, no one is going to care about your swings, keep on concentrating on your game and then see the results. It’s a process of trial and error.

If your golf grip is the cause of your troubles then there are different kinds of golfing grips. You should go for the one that feels right for you and then always practice with that grip. Again, hitting on the correct grip for you can be a simple case of trial and error, but eventually you will hit the ones that complement your swing the best. It may take some time, but it may be worth it in the long run when you acquire that smooth, easy and effortless swing that you have wanted to have for such a long time.

You are more than likely to end up with an ungainly swing and a bad follow-through in case you do not have a nice stance. There is nothing to be tense about though; you can get yourself set in the right way. It is only a question of time before you can get the right motion, more so if you have been playing with that bad stance for some time. But it also may be a bit tough to come out of it and pass into a neat swinging motion if you have practiced in a bad form.

There is always space for doing better and better. So clearly, once you hit the correct golf swing, hold on to it and work with it. You may not be the most sought after golf player in the whole wide world, but if your swinging motions work for you and shows your scores coming down, then I am sure you will not give two hoots for being the very best on the planet! For a start it will make you feel good just to beat your friends on the field.

You can also browse through the many books and videos that are sold on the market to improve your swings and mechanics more. If you know what it is exactly that you are looking for then go do it without the aid of an instructor or expensive trainer. Have fun!

Reggie Dunn
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Golf Fitness Exercises For The Woman Golfer

2009-06-13T02:16:00.000-07:00

It is well known in professional golf how integral golf fitness exercises are for success at the highest level of golf. Men on the PGA Tour and women on the LPGA Tour understand the benefits of golf fitness exercises in achieving success. Outside the circles of professional golf many questions exist about golf fitness exercises. Questions such as; what are the best exercises to improve golf fitness levels, are flexibility exercises and stretches better than other forms of golf fitness exercises, and what are the benefits of golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer?

These and many questions surround the topic of golf fitness. This article is to provide some answers for you on the topic of golf fitness exercises for woman. It has been well documented in magazines and television how LPGA women such as Annika Sorenstam utilize golf fitness programs to benefit their play on the golf course. Is there a difference between the LPGA player and the amateur woman golfer in relation to golf fitness training? The answer is no. Yes, the women on the LPGA Tour are the best women golfers in the world, but the physiology of the LPGA player and amateur are the same. The skeletal, muscular, and neural systems are the same. The professional golfer has the same number of muscles in their bodies as the amateur. The woman’s professional golfer has the same skeletal structure as the female amateur, and nervous system as well. Granted the LPGA player has more refined and efficient swing mechanics, but the body is the same.

As a result of the body being the same, the principles and structure of a golf fitness program for any woman is similar. Before discussing the specifics of a golf fitness program for women it is necessary to understand a few important principles. The first principle to understand about a golf fitness program is sports specific. Sports specific is a term describing the type of training utilized in a golf fitness program. Sport specific training simply states the program utilized by the woman athlete is geared towards improving them in their chosen sport.

A second principle closely related to sports specific training is cross specificity training. Cross specificity training is the utilization of exercises to develop the woman golfer in the positions, movements, and actions incorporated in the golf swing. The goal of cross specificity training is a transfer of training effect to the field of competition. Simply stated, a transfer of training effect is the ability of exercises utilized to train the female golfer having a direct benefit on their performance during a round of golf.

For example, golf fitness flexibility exercises will attempt to improve the flexibility within the woman golfer. As the woman golfer improves her flexibility parameters in relation to the golf swing. She may be able to create a bigger shoulder turn, which may increase the distance of her drives. This benefit is an example of a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. In summary, the three principles that assist in the development of a golf fitness program for women are; sports specific, cross specificity training, and transfer of training effect. Many additional principles exist that are used as guidelines in the development of a golf fitness program, but these are three essential ones.

Outside of the guidelines governing the development of a golf fitness program for woman. Specific physical components within the body are needed within the body to execute the golf swing correctly. Remember, it is the body performing the biomechanics of the golf swing. In order for the golf swing to be executed correctly and efficiently certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required. These are the actual physical components within the woman golfer a golf specific fitness program looks to develop and enhance in relation to the golf swing.

The golf swing requires the body to move through a long range of motion for an efficient movement to occur. Much of this is contingent upon the ability of the core to coil and uncoil during the swing. In order for these two biomechanical actions to occur efficiently, the development of proper flexibility in the core is necessary.

We utilize flexibility exercises that are cross-specific to the movements in the golf swing to develop flexibility. The majority of these flexibility exercises are rotational and dynamic.

The golf swing is a dynamic movement, indicating that the body is in constant motion. It is crucial to develop a range of motion for the swing in a dynamic rather than a static (not moving) method. The goal of these exercises is to create a range of motion in the core for the golf swing. Flexibility is the first physical component requiring development within the woman golfer.

One needs to maintain, dynamically, a stable body throughout the entire swing. We have all hit balls at the range and know what happens when we do not stay balanced during the swing. Improving the balance and stabilization capabilities of the core translates into a better golf swing. Better Balance equals a Better Swing. Even subtle movements are consistency killers; thus we need to develop and maintain balance for a consistent swing.

Balance is connected to the efficiency of the nervous system and strength of the muscular system working together. The development of greater balance in the core and swing is the result of two types of specific exercise. The first challenges the nervous system creating greater efficiency. The second are exercises that create increased strength in the core. The combination of these two types of exercises permit for the body to maintain posture, promote efficient weight transfer, and create power in the swing. The result is a more consistent, accurate, and powerful swing. This is the second component included with a golf fitness program for women

Remember that the golf swing is a repetitive movement. The mechanics of the swing repeat with each stroke. This process can be repeated hundreds of times in a round of golf. Ever go to the range and hit two buckets of balls? At some point the body starts to tire, and shots scatter.

Proper endurance training enables us to repeat a sound swing. We produce this through a series of exercises developing endurance in the entire body. This nets us a consistent swing through eighteen holes. Increasing endurance leads to lower scores. This is the third physical component of the golf fitness program for women.

Club head speed is a function of power. The more power generated by the body, the greater speed at which a club head impacts the ball. More power to the ball equals longer drives. Developing higher levels of power within the muscular system of the body is achieved through the implementation of power exercises. These types of exercise assist in creating higher power outputs of the muscles involved in the golf swing. Power training is the final component found in a golf fitness program for women.

In summary a golf fitness program for the LPGA or amateur woman golfer is relatively the same. Golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer are sports specific. The exercises contained within the golf fitness program are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and requirements of the golf swing. The exercises within a woman’s golf fitness program induce a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. The golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. A golf fitness program for women will look to enhance these physical components of the body. The end result is an improved golf swing equating to lower scores and more enjoyment on the golf course.

Sean Cochran
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Woods or Irons? Or Both? Get The Right Type Of Golf Clubs!

2009-06-13T02:14:00.000-07:00

The basic golf equipment that a golfer needs includes a good set of golf clubs. You could say that these 14 sticks are the most important things in your golf bag. It’s the basic set of golf equipment that every golfer needs. To start with, there are two types of golf clubs - the woods and the irons. Their names suggest their distinct characteristics and they cannot be used interchangeably.

Woods
When they were first created, wood golf clubs were actually made out of wood. Recently though, it’s been modified and steel is now used for the club head. Woods are generally used to achieve more distant hits starting with the drive (the starting shot of every hole).

Irons
Irons look very different from woods. So it’s really easy to tell the two different types of clubs apart. They have smaller heads, are made out of steel and are designed for short-distanced shots. They are also shorter and more often than not easier to use than woods.

A good golf player doesn’t stick to one type of golf club. Instead, you will want to use different clubs to achieve different desired height, distance and ball placement. For example, when you’re taking your first shot through the fairway, you should pull out your 1 wood (also known as the driver). The number 2 to 4 wood can then be used for long, low shots on the fairway and the 5 to 9 woods are used to hit higher and shorter shots.

For irons, you will have a selection from the 1 iron to the 9 iron. Each number refers to the angle of the clubface and the length of the club. The average golfer will stick to the 4 iron and below. Unless you’re a professional, there is no point wasting money on the 1 to 3 irons. They’re too difficult to use and for the results that they can produce, you’re much better off spending your money on other golf equipment.

Buying a good set of golf clubs has been known to cost a fair bit. In fact, out of all the different types of golf equipment, golf clubs may be the most expensive of them all. However, there is a solution and a way of getting cheaper golf clubs. If you’re new at the game, a set of second-hand or used golf clubs can serve you well until you get use to the game. If you decide that you like playing golf, then you can consider buying a brand new set of golf clubs.

John Lim
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The Top 3 Pieces of Golf Equipment You N

2009-06-13T02:13:00.000-07:00

Like any other sport, the game of golf has specific pieces of equipment that you’ll need. Unlike other sports though, the golf equipment that you will find are many, and they aren’t always immediately clear what they are for. Because there are so many items, I’ll only be focusing on the three main pieces of golf equipment you’ll need to play the game. They are golf clubs, golf balls and golf shoes.

The first thing to introduce to any golfer is the golf club. There are two kinds of golf clubs - the woods and the irons. The woods are named as such because when golf equipment was first developed, the heads of these clubs were actually made out of real wood. In time and technology, metals such as titanium are used to craft these clubs. The woods have a rounded head and are generally used to hit longer shots.

Irons are golf clubs that are easy to tell from the woods. They are shorter in length and are used to hit mid-length to short shots. The club face is sharper than that of a wood and varying club numbers have varying lofts. This is to give the golfer more control over their shots.

Next up on your golf equipment list would be the golf ball. Once made out of compacted feathers covered with leather, the latest form of the modern golf ball has a rubber core and a covering of Surlyn (a type of plastic). Standard golf balls must weigh not more the 45.93 g or 1.62 oz and must have a diameter of no less than 4.27 cm or 1.68 inches. As with golf clubs though, different brands of golf balls do produce different shots. Certain manufacturers choose to focus on tougher, longer lasting balls, others on distance, some on accuracy and so on. If you’re new at the game, then you’re better off getting used golf balls. This is because you might lose them during the game and used golf balls are that much cheaper.

One of the last things you’ll need to shop for when it comes to golf equipment is golf shoes. Similar to other sporting shoes, the difference of a golf shoe comes from the sole of the shoe. Instead of having normal grips the bottom of the shoe is filled with spikes. Now this might sound dangerous but they really aren’t at all. The spikes are there to help you get a better grip on the course. This is especially important because it’s easy to slip and injure yourself when playing on wet grass.

Apart from these three items, there are of course other golf equipment. Examples of these items are bags, hats, clothes, club head covers, tags and other accessories. These items can be used to enhance your game and make it more fun. But golf clubs, golf balls and golf shoes will always be the main items you need to enjoy a golf game.

John Lim
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Golf Exercises For A Better Body And Better Scores

2009-06-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

You don’t have to be at the peak of your physical fitness to enjoy golf. But if you want to play competitively or if your goal is to achieve the lowest score possible, then having a fit body helps greatly. The mistake that most golfers make when they hit the gym is build the wrong kind of muscles for golf. Don’t fall into that trap! Instead, read on and find some low impact golf exercises that will have you feeling healthier and scoring better.

Low Impact Golf Exercises

• Hip Internal Rotation - Sit on a chair with your knees pointed straight in front of you. Rotate your ankles outward keeping your knees and thighs pointed straight ahead.

• Hip External Rotation - Same position. Now, cross the left ankle in front of the right and, keeping the thighs and knees pointed straight, hold for one second. Repeat, reversing ankles.

• Hip Abduction - On your left side bend the left knee slightly and straighten your right. Raise your right leg straight up, keeping it in the plane of your body. Hold for one second and count to two as you lower the leg. Repeat on the other side.

• Hamstring - Extend your left leg, knee straight on a low bench. Keep your back straight and chin up as you slowly reach toward the toes. Hold for two seconds, then repeat on your right leg.

• Lower Back - Sit with head erect, shoulders squared on a low bench. Slowly turn to your left, to slightly less than maximum. Reach hands around as if reaching for a seat back. Remember to keep your feet nearly flat on the floor. Hold for two seconds, then repeat on right side.

• Forearms - Extending your left arm straight out with the palm face-up, use your right hand to pull back the fingers of your left hand. Then turn your palm down and again use your right hand to gently pull back the fingers of your left. Hold each position for 10 to 20 seconds, then repeat, switching arms.

As the weeks progress and you feel yourself getting stronger, feel free to add some weights on your angles and wrists. They will help provide more resistance and a tougher workout.

Those are some golf exercises you can do to strengthen and tone your muscles to achieve better golf fitness. But what’s also important is stretching and warming up before the game to avoid injury.

Stretching
Good putting requires relaxed concentration and a good drive strength and limber joints. So start your stretches by rotating all the 'golf' joints. This means your hands and fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. Once you’re done with the minor parts of your body, loosen up the main area, your neck and spine, by rotating the head gently counter then clockwise. Remember, the following instructions are just general golf exercises you can use. Keep in mind of your age and fitness before trying out awkward angles and extensions.

• Starting slowly, stretch yourself just less than the maximum possible. Hold each stretch for several seconds and repeat until you work smoothly out to the maximum extension.

• Standing straight, stretch the arms straight up, rotate the forearms, then wrists, then flex the finger joints. Follow by rotating the entire arm, first one then the other then both together. Reverse directions and repeat.

• With elbows bent and hands clasped above the head, use the right hand to pull the body right, followed by the left hand to pull the body left. That stretches those major muscles called the latissimus dorsi. (The long ones running from the shoulder blades down to the waist.)

• Separate the feet to about shoulder width and bend side to side, front to back. Remember to keep pressure off the lower back, by keeping the angles shallow until you've achieved athletic golf fitness.

John Lim
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Mastering the Golf Swing

2009-06-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

You don't have to understand all the ins and outs of the golf swing in order to play well, but it certainly will help.

A person usually cannot pick up a golf club for the first time and swing it with perfection.

But, the body can learn the correct way to swing a golf club.

One gotcha is to be sure to NOT lift your head to view the alignment of the club face during the back swing and/or downswing.

The best focusing points for a consistent swing are:

1) efficient golf swing mechanics and
2) the body.

By keeping your joints supple and flexible, you could help ensure the length of your golf swing and even your club head speed.

Golf Swing Mechanics and Your Body

In order to learn efficient golf swing mechanics, the golf swing has to match your body's ability.

The ability to maintain your body in the correct "balanced" position, while going through your golf swing, requires intense neuromuscular control.

Training muscles involved in the golf swing, particularly the lower body and torso muscles, helps to hit the ball a greater distance.

The key is to play with optimal golf swing mechanics to reduce stress on your spine. If you ignore either the body or the mechanics, it would be safe to say that your golf swing and game will suffer.

It is also important to mention that the motion of a golf swing, if done incorrectly, can cause injuries in many parts of the body.

Injuries to the key muscle groups used in the golf swing can be significantly lowered by improving flexibility.

Remember Your Posture

Your posture sets the tone for an unobstructed, free-flowing and uncomplicated golf swing.

Every error in your posture magnifies itself throughout your golf swing, and nowhere is that more amplified than on the backswing.

Look at your posture.

Proper posture allows you to make the golf swing and protect your back. You should focus to physically try to stay in your golf posture until the end of your swing.

Finally, The Swing

Without question the golf swing is one of the most important aspects about the game of golf.

Timing is the key to a great swing.

The set-up is the first crucial part of golf swing timing. If your swing is off, the golf ball could fall too short or go too far.

Allow your eyes to go to the ball to begin your swing. Remember your posture and your stance.

Now the backswing. The backswing does not hit the golf ball, but this does not mean that executing a good backswing is not important.

All of the motion ties into one another. It can be hard to master, as the golf swing is not a natural motion for most people.

But practicing and focusing on key aspects will go a long way to improving your swing.

Remember your body is one of these key aspects.

A strong lower back is critical to making an effective turning motion in the golf swing. And don't rush into it. Never try to hit a golf ball until your swing is second nature.

Now that We Have the Basics, How to Improve

Practice, practice and more practice. This doesn't necessarily mean time spent every day, but it does mean to focus on all the key aspects each time you do practice.

Two aspects require tuning and development of you wish to improve the power in your golf swing; timing and form.

You can work on drills to improve your golf swing timing, always remembering to start with a solid setup. In regard to form, powerful abdominals will improve posture at the address and help to prevent lower-back pain associated with the golf swing.

Also, by working on your stance and finishing position, your golf swing is on its way to giving you a perfect game.

Maintaining Power

As time goes on you may be losing your ability to produce power in your golf swing.

An inefficient golf swing decreases the amount of power delivered to golf swing. Great players attest that focussing on proper body stance and a smooth, focused swing maximizes your power and develops an athletic golf swing with perfect balance.

Many things go into playing a great game of golf, none as important as having the proper golf swing and body form.

This will not just increase your ability in the game, but also your enjoyment.

Lee Collins
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Stay Relaxed To Achieve Your Desired Golf Swing

2009-06-13T02:08:00.000-07:00

The golf swing is something that really affects your golf shots and golfers spend so much time thinking about it and working it out. That’s actually the greatest mistake and the best kind of golf swing is one that feels natural and relaxed. Relax during your swing? It’s easier said than done, of course. So let’s try taking things one step at a time.

The first step to your golf swing is actually your stance. You need to stand comfortably and get balanced. Worrying about whether you’re going to fall down obviously won’t help you get better. So move your heels apart, shoulder width, and don't be afraid to stick your butt out. Next take a firm grip on your golf club, but don't squeeze the life out of it. Remember to relax your arms and to avoid tension. If you’re tensed, chances are you’ll be hitting poor golf shots no matter how good your swing is.

Now we go to the two components of the golf swing starting off with your backswing.

Backswing – The backswing is exactly what it sounds like. It is the part where you take the club back in a smooth arc with your thumb knuckle above your right ear. When you draw it back your club head traces out a circle. Think of that circle as the rim of a round table tipped on edge.

Basically keeping your left elbow straight, take the club straight back and up. Have your wrists cocked at a 90 degree angle by the time your left arm is parallel to the ground and you feel anchored to the ground. At the end of your backswing your chest should be pointed away from the target.

Downswing – The downswing is where you swing the club down and through the ball. At this stage you want to let nature take its course. Let your natural body motion carry the club head through the ball's position, toward the target. Swing down in the same plane as your back swing. (Try visualizing the rim of that round table.)

To get this part of your golf swing right, you must first remember not to start your downswing with your shoulders. Instead start your downswing with your lower body and as you bring the club down, turn your belt buckle toward the target. Then turn your hips as fast and as powerfully as you can, while retaining control. At the bottom of the arc, your wrists 'snap' and you follow through, as if the ball weren't there and have your left arm swung across your body near the right armpit.

When you’re done with your downswing here’s what you should look like:
• Weight balanced on your front hip,

• Back toe on the ground,

• Hands should be up above your front shoulder and your chest, and

• Back knee should be facing the hole.

And there’s all there is to it! So if you’re having problems with your golf swing, just remember these tips and head to the practice range. In this case, practice doesn’t just make perfect, it also helps the golf swing feel more natural and smooth. When you’re swinging without thinking that’s when great golf shots will start happening.

John Lim
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5 Basic Steps To The Perfect Golf Grip

2009-06-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

A few things factor into a good golf shot and amongst them are your grip, posture and swing. While all these things come into play, some consider the golf grip the most important one of all. If you don’t have a good golf grip, you can forget about your swing because no matter how hard you try to train or fix it, it will still be broken until you nail the perfect grip.

To get the perfect golf grip just, follow the 5 simple steps listed below:

1. With the golf head down, grip using only the last three fingers and the pad of your left hand. Grasp with your left hand and adjust the club so the grip is in your fingers, not your palm.

2. Make sure your left hand’s thumb is straight down. The point where your thumb meets your hand should be near the top of club.

3. Next, grip with the fingers of your right hand. Note the small vertical crease in your right palm near the wrist. Overlap the creases of your hands.

4. Grab the pinky of your right hand with the index finger of your left. Note the index finger and thumb of right hand. You should see a 'V' where they meet. That vertex (the point where they meet) should point to your right shoulder.

5. Make sure your right thumb is not running straight down the club but instead is pointed slightly toward your right shoulder.

If you follow these instructions, you should be able to obtain a solid golf grip. The following golf tips will also help you improve your grip and help you feel more comfortable and confident with it.

• The best way to double-check whether your golf grip is correct is to look at the amount of knuckles you can see on your left hand. If you can see three of them, it means that you’re in good shape. 2 or 4 means that your club’s face is either too open or too closed.

• An important golf tip to remember is that your grip needs to be firm yet relaxed. Holding the club lightly but firmly is what you should do. Don’t try to choke it because tenseness in your golf grip will lead to a poor swing. Remember, the more relaxed your grip, the straighter and farther you'll hit the ball.

• There is a golf tip to avoid gripping too tightly. Extend your target arm and hold the club at an angle in front of you with the heel pad of your left hand on top of the handle. This puts the club across the top joints of the fingers (where the fingers meet the hand). The heel pad supports and traps the club. Hopefully relieving you of the need to hold it in a death grip.

• A common error golfers have is a weak lead-hand grip (left hand for the right-handed golfer). A weak lead-hand tends to produce slices and your shots will lack power. So take note of this golf tip if you have slicing problems.

• Practicing your golf grip isn’t crucial but it can help in the long run. If you know your grip by heart, you’ll settle into it easily without much thought. For golf, the less you need to think about and the more natural your grip and swing feels, the better the shot.

John Lim
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Beginning Golf Instruction tips: Getting a feel for the approach shot

2009-06-12T02:25:00.000-07:00

After mastering the concept of the tee shot, the next step as a golf instruction beginner is to move on to the short game and what are known as approach shots.
For most people, these shots will be increasingly more difficult because they require more skill & patience than a simple tee shot.

There are a variety of approach shots, all of which are used in different situations depending on where your initial shot lands on the course. However, your intention with these shots is always to land on the green.

The pitch shot is an approach shot that is played from farther away than the other shots. Using a wedge, the ideal pitch shot is the perfect combination of enough swing momentum to carry your shot through, but not enough to send it sailing over the green. Trajectory will be low to average depending on how far you are from the cup and you want to make sure the ball doesn't roll too far.

You must start off with a slightly open stance, positioning your right foot directly across from the ball. When following through on a pitch shot, always make sure to keep your backswing as short as you possibly can. Failure to keep your backswing in check will usually cause you to instinctively put the brakes on your shot while accelerating, which is a definite no-no. You want to have enough confidence in your wedge to let the club do the work for you: don't think you have to assist the ball through the air.

Another approach shot is known as the chip shot. You'll need to use a chip shot once you're within about 30 yards from the green, usually after a fairway drive or tee shot. The idea is for this shot to have a much shorter trajectory, so you will need to use a less lofted club. Proper weight distribution is paramount to getting off a decent chip shot. If you're a right handed golfer, you want to put the majority of your weight on the left side and hold this position through the duration of your shot.

There are generally two kinds of chip shots that we want to concern ourselves with. The first one is what's known as the bump-and-run shot, and the second is a flop shot. The Bump And Run is usually taken with an 8, 7 or 6 iron club and with the clubface hooded. That way your shot will have have less loft. You also want to have just enough power in your backswing to follow through. The flop shot is used when you want to get over an obstacle like a rough patch or a sand trap, so you're going to want to have a much higher trajectory in order to push the ball over. Open up your stance and follow through as far under the ball as possible to try and pop it up, and you'll keep your ball away from the danger zones with a good position for a subsequent shot.

Blair MacGregor
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Stance and swing 6 tips for better golf

2009-06-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

The perfect stroke is that elusive thing we all strive for, asleep in our beds at night with a smile on our faces as we dream of that drive going straight and true down the middle of the fairway or that putt dropping in to the cup at the end of its smooth 50 yard run.

Unfortunately reality bites when we get to the tee and make our shot, those niggling worries start in the back of out minds, are my feet too far apart, is my eye on the ball, is my chin too far in is my back swing too shallow, this indecision and doubt might be throwing you off your game, so take a little time and read through these tips to improving your swing and stance, if you do not learn anything at least you now know you were doing the right things all along and that doubt can be lifted and replaced by the dream stroke you always had inside of you.

1. Is your stance too narrow? A narrow stance can cause balance problems for a golfer, it also causes an unstable base and this can lead to more balance problems and so the vicious cycle continues. To solve the problem of poor balance you should take a slightly wider stance should be used, your toes should be slightly splayed out. The lead foot should be splayed out around 30 degrees, make these adjustments and you break the cycle, your base is stabilised and your balance restored.

2. When the club addresses the ball are your hands too close to your body?
This can limit the arc of the club and can cause it to be too narrow, to improve your arc you should reach a little more this produces a wider arc and improves distance.

3. Avoid swaying during the back swing, if you have a tendency to sway backwards this can seriously impair your swing, this is because you are not turning about your pivot point and the weight becomes too much for your rear leg, you should feel free to move your weight to your rear leg but only to the inside, you should concentrate more on turning than swaying to solve this problem.

4. One thing that will loose you power when you are playing golf is keeping your club too close to your body on take away, the way to correct this problem and get that power back is to extend your arms away from your body, like you were going to hand your club to somebody on your right had side, you must maintain your balance throughout.

5. To get a wider arc and more power you need to ensure that your right
elbow stays out from your body, too many golfers keep the elbow too close into their body and this causes a loss of power and severely limits your game.

6. Concentrate on not moving your weight on to your front foot during the back swing, this can cause a reverse pivot, that will lead to a loss of power, you must ensure that you move your weight to your back leg but not so much that you risk a loss of balance.

Dave Smith
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Avoiding the Golf Traps

2009-06-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

It’s every golfer’s worst-case scenario – You’re golfing great, you’ve got a perfect swing, the perfect stance, and you were able to get rid of that slice that’s been on your back. NO matter how well everything goes, even the best golfer can find himself (or herself) occasionally stuck in a sand trap, stuck in the grass or trapped behind a giant tree on the golf course. Unfortunately, the traps are what make the game interesting. Without them, the game would probably become boring for even the most devoted golfer. Obstructions help to make golf a more interesting and challenging game, and you’ll learn to appreciate the traps when you find the best ways to get out of them.

The odds that your golf ball will roll to a stop right behind a tree are slim, but it does happen. There are ways out of this situation. You could chop down the tree, or drill a hole in the tree large enough to hit your ball through, but that’s probably not going to make the maintenance crew of the golf course very happy.

A lot of golfers just sacrifice one putt so that they can place the golf ball in a more favorable position. How well this works depends on your ability as a golfer, and what you’re willing to risk on one play. If there is another tree close by, you can try a ricochet shot, but it’s not very reliable. You can’t judge where the ball will go once it hits the rough bark of the tree.

A good solution is to practice a curve ball before you get into this situation, so that you’ll know what to do when the time comes.

Sand is a whole other problem completely on the golf course. Many golfers opt for the “whack and see” technique. To do this, pull a sand wedge from your golf bag, hit the general vicinity of the ball, then watch the sand to see if your golf ball takes flight as well.

Consistency is the crucial to your golfing game on the whole, and getting out of a sand trap is not exclusive to this. It is hard to control a golf ball in the sand. Golf balls don’t really roll in sand and difficult to control a putt from a sand trap. In addition, you are probably going to be dealing with an upward slope of the trap before you’re out on the course again. Therefore, the only really dependable way to get out of a sand trap is to use the wedge and try to get enough lift on the ball to clear the sand.

Make sure that you choose your wedge cautiously. Keep in mind that you want enough lift to clear the sand. However, less lift is usually easier to manage.

No matter what obstacle you’re facing on the golf course, having good control of the ball, choosing the right club for the job, and setting up your shot just right are the ways that you will be able to get out of those sticky situations on the golf course.

Ken Snowie
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Warming up For a Round of Golf

2009-06-12T02:20:00.001-07:00

When it comes to warming up for a golf game, a lot of golfers think that hitting the driving range is enough. Actually, working on your different swings and getting familiar with the weather conditions will help to make your golf game the best it can be.

Golfing on a windy day is much different than if the air is calm. Your golf game is also affected on days when the temperature is hot than when it’s more moderate. Here are a few warm-up tips from those who hit the golf courses regularly.

Starting out by driving is fine, but make sure that you start slowly. By choosing a short iron for the first few drives, you are allowing your muscles to loosen up. Gradually work up to longer drives, but keep in mind that the goal isn’t only to see how far out you can drive the ball – control is more important than distance and this is your chance to gather your skills to exercise that control.

Just driving the ball is not enough. Some people think an adequate warm up is simply making a few good drives. Practice a little chipping and putting as well. Try to make the most of your swing, especially if you’ve had lessons recently. A round of golf means more than just teeing off.

Getting your mood under control is a vital warm-up tip in golf. The goal is not to take your frustrations out on a golf ball; it won’t help your game at all. Take time to focus on your game, get calm, and forget about your troubles. A bad mood can greatly affect your golf game.

A warm-up session is not the place to try out new clubs, swings, or try new techniques at all. This is the time you make the effort to play your best game, as if you were at the first tee. It’s fine to try a few practice swings if have been practicing them already, and you want to try it in your first game, but don’t get carried away during your practice session. The point of the warm-up session is to loosen your muscles and build your confidence. You can’t do that if you are trying something totally new, and you keep making mistakes. By using the techniques you’re used to, you will be ready to congratulate yourself on your triumph during your warm-up and your game.

If you think that you don’t need a good warm up session before your golf game, think about how you typically play if you don’t warm up. How is your first tee? How are the subsequent tees? Did you have to spend most of the game making up for poor strokes in the beginning? The warm up is your chance to make your mistakes before they end up on your scorecard. By taking the time to warm your muscles and mind up, you’ll play a more confident game of golf.

Ken Snowie
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GOLF INSTRUCTIONS

2009-06-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

The objective of golf is to hit balls into each of the 9 or 18 successive holes on the course, in as few strokes as possible. Every sport calls for appropriate equipment; golf is no different. A good technique, coupled with the right clubs will bring success. Try different clubs before deciding the right set for you. Please avoid the common blunder of buying expensive and flashy golf clubs, for starters. Instead, look out for crucial features such as length, shaft, flex, grip-thickness and swing weight in your club.

Two basic forms of playing golf are match play and stroke play with individual players or as a team. We begin by addressing the ball, taking a swing and striking it with a side stance. The full golf swing is an art and mastering it, requires constant practice and diligence. It is elementary to align your body and club to the target you are aiming. A dynamic balance as it is known in golfing parlance will insure the club strikes the ball at the desired angle, imparting right spin and trajectory. Invariably, it is your swing that will make it or break it. So, watch your balance!

An approach shot is played into the green and consists of pitch, flop and chip.

A tee shot is the first shot played from the teeing ground. Depending on the hole, tee shots have either a shallow flight and long roll or a higher flight and minimal roll of the ball. Fairway shots are similar to drives, but executed without the tee, once the ball has been brought into play. Irons or wedges are used when playing from the fairway and the rough, not to mention "hazards". A bunker shot is played when the ball is in a bunker (sand trap). Sand wedges come into play, allowing the club to skid in the sand. On the green a putter comes in handy to "putt the ball". In this case, the ball rolls on the ground, never becoming air borne.

Golf is governed by rules and etiquettes regularly published by the R&A and USGA, covering matters such as safety, fair play, players' obligation etc. Whether playing on a link course or a parkland course, golf is a great game, replete with fun and frustration, ups and downs! (pun intended).

Dave Smith
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Golf Clubs – Getting The Perfect Fit

2009-06-12T02:08:00.000-07:00

When it comes to golfing, not any old golf club will do for you. You know this if you have ever been on the golf course having make up for a club that is too long or not long enough. Besides adversely affecting you game, using golf clubs that do not fit your body can cause aches and pains after using them for a while. And if you are concentrating on making up for the poor fit of your clubs, then you probably aren’t focused on playing your best gold game.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of cash on custom-fit golf clubs, though. While custom golf clubs are one way to go, you can probably find what you are looking for at a good golf store. But there are some things think about.

Though the length of the club is important, it’s not all you need to consider. Professionals say that the size of the grip of your club should be comfortable in your hands. For this reason, clubs for younger players and women usually have a smaller grip.

If you decide that a set of custom-fit golf clubs is the way to go, there are some things to know. The aim is not just to make sure that the golf club reaches from your outstretched hand down to the ground, but also to make the most of your body and build as well. Getting a set of golf clubs custom fit is a process that takes some time.

A proper fitting session should occur both indoors and out. The best custom-fit golf clubs should be tailored so that the way swing is considered. This can become a costly endeavor.

Although many golf club manufacturers will charge a high fee for the fitting session, many offer this service on a complementary, if you buy a set of golf clubs from them. While custom clubs are more expensive than a general set purchased from a shop or elsewhere, the cost will be worth it when you see the immediate improvement in your golf game.

Think about the shots that you have been making since you started playing golf. If you’re taller or shorter than the average golfer, custom clubs can make all the difference.

You might be wondering how long it takes to get a set of custom golf clubs in your bag. Many manufacturers of custom golf clubs can offer delivery within a few days, or often no more than a few weeks.

There are few negative aspects of getting custom-fit golf clubs. If you want to buy them for someone as a gift, or resell them someday, custom clubs are probably not the way to go. More than likely, the golfer who is going to receive the custom clubs will be surprised enough to get the fitting session, and most who go to this expense and trouble don’t usually sell them.

Investing in custom-fit golf clubs is entirely up to you. If you want to perfect your swing and are planning to buy a new set of clubs, custom clubs might be the best investment you can make!

Ken Snowie -
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Golfing During Vacations – Get The Best Of Both Worlds At A Golf Resort!

2009-06-12T02:07:00.000-07:00

Looking to get away for a while but don’t know where to go or what to do? Why not plan a golf vacation? Get out of town for a while, take a break from the norm and enjoy your favorite sport.

Golf vacations or golf holidays are getting more and more popular these days. Of course it helps that the sport is now more famous and you have more golf courses to pick from. Apart from having a good selection of golf courses, golf vacations are also popular because of the growing number of golf resorts. They are really your one-stop destination for a great holiday. They’ve got all the luxuries of a hotel with a golf course attached to it. Sounds like a match made in heaven doesn’t it.

As with other holidays, you’ll need to consider your budget for the golf vacation. It’s best to find out how much you can spend early on to avoid disappointment later. Knowing your budget also helps when you’re looking for the right golf holiday package with a travel agent.

Speaking of travel agents, paying them a visit should be the next thing you should do. After all, they will provide you with lots of information and help you make the necessary arrangements. When you visit them to plan your golf vacation, you’ll save time, money and a whole bunch of hassles. When you visit a travel agent, keep in mind that you are organizing a golf holiday and you’ll want to prioritize golf courses over accommodation.

One of the ways to pick a golf resort is to firstly decide where you want to go and then locate a nearby resort. For example, the Caribbean is a great place for a holiday and you can actually head there for a golf vacation as well! There are plenty of golf resorts to choose from. Plus a golf resort in this part of the world is going to offer you amazing courses along with friendly and knowledgeable staff that will be able to help you with anything that you might during your stay. You will also be able to find plenty for the rest of your family to do while you are out on the links if they do not enjoy golf as you do.

To get even more information on your golf vacation, you could also get magazines like Golf Digest and Golf & Travel for additional travel data and golf vacation destinations. Some may even provide detailed descriptions of golf courses.

The best part about heading to a golf resort for a vacation is that you won’t have to leave your clubs behind. You can still enjoy the game while on holiday, and there will still be plenty for your family and friends (who are non-golfers) to do. Get the best of both worlds and a lovely vacation at a golf resort of your choice.

John Lim
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Avoiding "Golf Overload" - Your Guide To Finding The Right Golf Instruction Tutorials

2009-06-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've been made familiar with the popular golf instruction aids & tutorials that you've seen in the pro shops, online at bookstores like Amazon and on specialty sites all over the web. You might even be suffering from golf overload! While your first inclination might be to give that new product a try, you need to keep certain things in mind before making an impulse purchase.

First of all, let's keep something in mind. My goal here isn't to bring you down to earth or to try and stifle your dream of playing exceptional golf. However, the odds of a certain golf instruction program suddenly transforming your game from part-time amateur to a full-time golf virtuoso is somewhere between slim and none.

There are many programs and aids available that can help you improve your game in one form or another, but nothing is a substitute for good old-fashioned practice, whether that be on the course, at the driving range, or simply in your backyard. Anywhere where you can be free to make mistakes and learn from them is a good place to practice, and eventually, your game will thank you for it.

I would liken it to learning to play a musical instrument. If you've ever learned how to play piano, guitar, violin or another instrument, you'd know that even though you might have had a stellar teacher, failure to practice on a consistent basis means the lessons you're being taught will be completely meaningless. The same can be said for golf instruction. You can spend hundreds of dollars on professional golf instruction or $47 for an e-book and DVD set, but without the proper amount of practice, you will not improve your game. Period. That said, here are some things to look at when researching the latest golf instruction products & tutorials:

1. What ails your game the most?

What is it about your game that you think is the most lacking? I'm sure you can think of one thing you're consistently doing wrong on the course, whether it be slicing the golf ball, or not getting enough power on your drives, etc. Jot down one or two of these problems that you'd like solved and look for specific products to help those elements of your game the most. And since many problems in golf tend to stem from one underlying issue, odds are you will correct a number of parts to your game just by implementing a strategy or unlearning a bad habit that you might have unknowingly picked up on.

2. What credentials does the author/manufacturer have?

Does the author of that book teach amateur golfers on a regular basis? How have his students done? Do a Google search for his or her name and try to track down some of the individuals that they've tutored. People are always willing to give out reviews & opinions, and the golf world is no different. If the instructor has experience or connections with some of the PGA professionals or has a successful track record teaching amateurs, then its likely that you've found someone you can trust.

3. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.

If their product is worth checking out, the author or instructor will always be readily available to answer any questions you might have about the product before you make a purchase. Never hesitate asking questions directly to the source up front before making your decision.

Taking the time to thoroughly research the web before purchasing a golf instruction tutorial or aid will save yourself a great deal of frustration and should help your golf game moving back in the right direction.

Blair MacGregor
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Discount Myrtle Beach Golf Packages

2009-06-12T02:04:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular activities while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is golfing. In fact that area has become very well known for it, with some people planning vacations specifically around golf. The Myrtle Beach area consists of over sixty miles of sunny beaches, and is nicknamed the Grand Strand. An easy and affordable way to book a golf trip in this area is by booking it through a package deal.

The lodging in packages covers many different options. There is everything from golf resorts to villas specifically meant for golfers, to hotel suites, to chain hotels, to beachfront condos, to luxury homes. This allows you to travel individually, as a family, with a friend, or within a group. No matter who your traveling companions will be, you will have adequate accommodations, with whichever amenities you are desiring.

Rounds of golf are included with all of the different golf packages you will find for Myrtle Beach. Different packages obviously offer different courses. Just some of the courses offered are P. B. Dyes' Founders Club at St James, George Cobb's Bald Head Island Course, Freddy Couples Carolina National, The Eagles Nest, The Meadowlands, Tigers Eye, Thistle, The Witch, Shaftesbury Glen, Arrowhead, Byrd, Maples, Jones, Lion's Paw, Panther's Eye, Heather Glen, Glen Dornoch, and The Wild Wing Courses. Given all these choices, you could come back to the area often, and enjoy different courses every time.

The prices of the golf packages in Myrtle Beach vary, with most packages including accommodations for three or four nights, with three or four days of golfing, and in most cases including three different golf courses. The time of year can also vary the price of a package, looking at off-season and in-season golfing for Myrtle Beach. The prices range anywhere from $169 to $605 depending on the package length, location and time.

Golf is just one of the things that can be done in this well-traveled vacation area. There are amusement parks, water parks, shopping, theaters, and other night life, making enough things to do to fill your time when off the green, as well as offering your other traveling companions choices in activities if they don't choose to golf along with you.

A package deal can be the best way to go for any golfer, serious in his pursuit or just pursuing a casual hobby. With so many different choices, it can be the best option, especially considering you can have all your traveling secured with just one phone call.

Charles & Susan Truett
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Your Perfect Golf Vacation – Conclusion

2009-06-12T02:01:00.000-07:00

Your perfect golf vacation with your friends starts and stops with you. Toss the vacation package brochures in a heap and design your own ideal golf getaway. This is the final of four articles to assist you in providing an outing for yourself and your friends that will make you want to do it every year (as we have for 19 years running).

From the last article, you are now at the minus one month point. So far you have rallied the troops, picked the dates, selected the lodging and golf courses and are in the final preparation stage. You will soon see your friends smiling faces at the airport baggage claim. The final preps and smoothly running the whole show are child's play. The tough part was getting your bunch of friends to buy the tickets to enjoy the event. Here are a few things you will want to do before the scream of the aircraft's tires on the tarmac.

1. Transportation. The limiting factor is arrival and departure from the airport due to clubs AND suitcases. If you can just barely stuff everyone in the vehicles at this point, the rest of the week is gravy. From your experience, you know that when you pack up four guys to go golfing locally, you will entirely fill the trunk of a full sized car. With that in mind, you should plan on a full sized car for every three people. We use one minivan/SUV augmented with cars for our adventures. Just make sure you allow for the limiting case.

You need to arrange these rental vehicles ahead of time, but you can only drive one yourself. Here is the minus one-month mandatory. When you figure out your vehicle requirements, contact the group to arrange among them and you who will contact and rent the remaining vehicles. There will probably be some in your group that have existing discounts and can score a great rate. Hash this one out via email.

2. Entertainment. Unless you are going to the deserts in Arizona or get exceedingly lucky, you will have a rain day or two. You will also have a bunch of time at night after golf (after you have all told your lies). We suck that time up pretty effectively watching the golf channel, ESPN, playing cards, or watching videos. The latter is what you can address ahead of time. We have a guy that is pretty good at selecting movies to watch and we task him to bring them with him. Movies like "Gladiator", "Miracle", etc. are big. Some of your group may even have an adult video you may want to avail yourselves of. On severe rain days, we also have gone bowling (a real hoot), done the local movie theater, and toured the area.

3. Checklists. After about ten years of being asked twenty times per day where we were playing the next day, or when we had to leave, or what was for supper, or who stole my teddy bear, I finally started typing out these things. I make a copy of each and post sporadically throughout the house. I make individual laminated cards and hand to each golfer. Know what? It reduced the questions to half and now when asked, I say that I can't remember, let me walk over to the frig and read it for you. Here are the things I prepare ahead of time.

- Listing of course, tee times, course contact number, and departure time. I base departure time on MapBlast directions and factor in a stop for ice for the coolers and if we will need to hit range balls.

- Listing of the menu for the evening meals. If this is your first time, keep the menu simple and make sure you have the recipes in hand. With any size group, you are going to have a chef or two and this won't be a big deal.

- Multiple copies of the "order sheet" for sandwiches. For most of our noon meals between rounds, we dine on our self-prepared, gourmet sandwiches prepared the night before. As you saw from the previous articles, I solicit what the group wants and have that on the shopping list. What winds up being the least confusing way is to have some sheet for people to circle or fill in to specify what sandwiches they want for the next day. You rotate the preparers (two is best) every night and with that sheet, they manufacture the gourmet feast. (Don't discount this! The sandwiches you make will be superior to anything short of the full meal at the course AND you will not have to wait on it if you are pressed for time between your rounds.)

- Biggy! We did not keep a record of our scores for our first few years. Big mistake. What great history we tossed out. Keep a record! I prepare a hard copy sheet to fill in as we go. It allows us to follow who is the overall stroke leader and gives us all ammo to use in negotiating the next day's bets. I take this home and plant it permanently on our golf website.

- Expenses. I pay for everything with minor exceptions. That keeps it simple. I currently use a spreadsheet to administer this. It works great. I would provide this for you, but this article format doesn't allow. Before that, I simply used pen and paper and got it to within a penny. My point is that from the minute you start your adventure, keep a tally of what you have spent! Streamline course check in by paying for everyone, buy all the food and drink, buy all the gas, etc. If someone pays for anything, log it in immediately. If you are religious in this, you will have no complaints, only praise.

4. Things nobody else will bring but you.

- Several decks of cards, poker chips
- Cribbage boards
- Screw driver and pliers (you never know)
- Pens, pencils and permanent markers (you will need all)
- Over the counter pain killers
- Band-Aids
- Game

5. Arrival. So here you have a rambunctious group of friends descending on the Mecca of golf. You have motored to the house your staying in and it is the mad dash to the best room to be found. NOT. To avoid any hard feelings between the lodger that got the queen bed and the lodger that got the twin bed, simply set up a quick draw out of the hat. For subsequent years, do the same, but use the seniority system. Once a person misses, he goes to the end of the list.

6. Once you have dumped your bags in the drawn rooms, it is time to go shopping. With the template I gave you in the last article, and with your modifications based on menu and orders, grab one or two volunteers and get what you need.

This is the conclusion of my recommendations on how you can have the best golf outing or outings you have ever had. Since I have folks coming to enjoy my preparations for 19 years should be testimony to you. At least give it a shot once. It won't be perfect, but my guess is that it will be superior and more remembered than anything you can buy as a package. Go for it!

Randall Ulbricht
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Guide To Myrtle Beach Golf Courses

2009-06-12T01:58:00.000-07:00

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has become well-known for its golfing, with many people traveling to what has become known as the Grand Strand, specifically for this purpose. The area includes more than one hundred golf courses throughout, with the golfing being offered on an individual basis and also through golf package deals. Depending on what you are looking for from a golf course, you will find it here. These courses are designed by some of the greats, such as Tom Jackson, P.B. Dye, Clyde Johnston, George Fazio, Rees Jones, Gene Hamm, Fred Couples, William Byrd, David Johnson, and Jack Nicklaus.

These golf courses are well-honored. The Aberdeen Country Club offers the "Meadows", "Highlands", and "Woodlands" nines, and has received Golf Digest's medallions for value and service, as well as the Blackmoor Country Club. Both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have named the Arcadian Shores Golf Club as a "Course of Distinction", while Golf Magazine selected Grande Dunes as "Top Ten You Can Play."

Lion's Paw at Ocean Ridge Plantation has been judged by Golf Digest as one of the "Places to Stay" and "Best in the Myrtle Beach Area." Oyster Bay Golf Course is seen as one of the top fifty public courses in the country. Golf Week selected River Hills Golf Club as one of the top fifty in the southeast, while River Oaks was rated one of the top five on the Grand Strand by Golf Course Magazine. Tidewater Golf Club and Plantation has been ranked number one on the Grand Strand and one of the top thirty-two public courses in American since its debut. Golf Digest refers to True Blue as the seventh best in South Carolina and the number one course in Myrtle Beach.

Many of these courses have outstanding reputations. Brierwood Golf Club, just north of Myrtle Beach, is the most played course on the Carolina Coast. Myrtlewood Golf Club Pinehills Course is believed by some to be the best-kept course on the Grand Strand. Designed by Ray Floyd, holes two, three, and four of "The Cypress" at Arrowhead Country Club are said to be the most scenic in America. Myrtle Beach golfers voted one of the holes at Colonial Charters as one of the "dream holes", and hole number nine at the Indian Wells Country Club has been named to the "Grand Strand's Dream Eighteen." The three toughest holes to finish on the Grand Strand are thought to be at Eagles Nest. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club has often been thought of as the best course built in the past twenty years.

Charles & Susan Truett
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Develop The Correct Golf Swing For Women With Golf Fitness Training

2009-06-12T01:57:00.000-07:00

The woman golfer has a myriad of questions on how to develop the correct golf swing as does most any amateur. The questions from woman golfers center on a myriad of topics such as; how to hit the golf ball farther, how to develop a more repeatable golf swing, how do I hit half shots with my wedges, what are good putting drills? The list can go on and on in relation to the woman golfer and how to improve their golf swing. An area that is now presenting more and more questions from the woman golfer centers upon golf fitness. Questions such as; what are good golf flexibility exercises, and how can golf fitness exercises help me drive the golf farther? These and many more questions are arising in relation to golf fitness and the woman golfer.

It is well known on the LPGA tour the number of players utilizing golf fitness programs to improve their golf game. Annika Sorrenstam has publicly stated the benefits she has received in her golf game from golf fitness training. One area that always appears to be a concern for the woman golfer is distance. How to hit the golf ball farther and Sorrenstam does hit the ball a long way, and utilizes golf fitness training. A simple connection can be drawn between increased driving distance, women golfers, and golf fitness exercises. The bottom line is this; golf fitness exercises can benefit the distance of drives for the woman golfer.

The questions that need to be answered are how and why. First off an understanding of increased distance, the golf swing, and the woman golfer needs to be addressed. Driving distance is contingent upon clubhead speed. The faster the clubhead is traveling at impact with the golf ball. The golf ball will travel farther, an easily understood concept.

Clubhead speed in the golf swing is contingent upon two components. Component number one is golf swing mechanics. The biomechanics of the golf swing in and of themselves create clubhead speed. It centers upon physics and the coiling/uncoiling of the body during the golf swing. In relation to improving clubhead speed and golf swing mechanics. The more efficient the woman golfer performs the mechanics of the golf swing. A greater amount of energy can be developed and transferred into the golf ball as a result. First and foremost for the woman golfer; the development of efficient golf swing mechanics can improve driving distance.

The second component of increasing clubhead speed is the body. Remember, the body is the implement swinging the golf club. It is the woman’s body executing the biomechanics of the golf swing. In addition it is also the body generating power for the golf swing. Power is the ability of the body to generate the greatest amount of force in a short amount of time. Increase the ability of the body to generate more power within the biomechanics of the golf swing. An increase in clubhead speed can occur. How does the woman golfer increase power outputs of their body? This is where the implementation of golf fitness exercises can be a benefit. Golf fitness exercises can increase the power outputs of the body. Power golf fitness exercises increase the ability of your muscles to develop more force within the golf swing.

How do golf fitness exercise achieve this outcome? Golf fitness exercises develop the body around the golf swing: Very different than ordinary fitness training or aerobic classes. Golf fitness exercises develop the required flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power within the body for the golf swing. This allows the body to execute the biomechanics of the golf swing correctly. In addition, golf fitness exercises can improve the swing in areas such as clubhead speed.

This is accomplished with golf fitness exercises training the body in the positions, movements, and physical requirements of the golf swing. This allows for the proper levels of flexibility, balance, endurance, strength, and power to be developed within the body. Improving the capacities of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power can improve the ability of the body to perform the golf swing and increase distance.

To summarize, the questions surrounding women and developing the correct golf swing are many. How to improve the golf swing through golf fitness exercises is one of these questions, and one specific area within this topic is distance. Increasing distance is contingent upon increasing clubhead speed. Improving clubhead speed centers upon golf swing mechanics and the body. Improving the efficiency of the golf swing mechanics will allow a greater transfer of energy into the golf club, thus improving clubhead speed. The second component of distance lies within the body and its ability to generate power. Increasing the power outputs of the body will enhance clubhead speed. Power outputs of the body can be improved through golf fitness exercises. These exercises differ than normal gym based exercises in that they develop the body around the swing. This allows for the proper levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to be developed within the golf swing.

Sean Cochran
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Choosing The Perfect Golf Equipment For Your Game

2009-06-12T01:56:00.000-07:00

When it comes time to purchase your very own golf equipment you are going to find that the selection can be pretty overwhelming. There are hundreds of different pieces of golf equipment out there on the market and many different companies make them all. How on earth are you to choose the best possible golf equipment when you are a relative newbie tot he game of golf?

The best answer to this very important question is for you to do your homework. Before you invest in any golf equipment you need to find out what all of your options are. That means research. Check into the different brand names that are out there to see if they are actually worth the extra cash. Some of the brands are all about hype and their golf equipment is no better than the equipment sold for a fraction of the price. Find out what expensive items are just about the name and which pieces of golf equipment are actually worth what they are charging you for them. This is essential to choosing the right golf equipment for you and your golf game.

You need to do some talking to others who play golf as well. Talk to those who have no bias for or against certain companies. Ask them what they use for their golf equipment and why. What brands do they hate with a passion and which do they really like? Write everything down so that you can try to come to some sort of general understanding about the different brands of golf equipment out there.

The internet is a powerful tool when you are looking to buy some new golf equipment. You can find hundreds of reviews that can make all of the difference when you are buying your new golf equipment. This is a great way to find out any of the major flaws in certain things that you know you will not be able to live with when you are playing golf.

Shopping online for your golf equipment is great not only because you can find out so many things about each kind of golf equipment but also because you will be able to find the best prices as well. You can get the lowest possible prices on all your golf equipment if you shop online. By comparison shopping you can get your golf equipment for a fraction of the price you would pay at your local golf store. And you can compare the prices at hundreds of different stores all in a matter of minutes. When was the last time you could do that in person? Probably never right? Just think of all the money you will save on gas alone when shopping for your golf equipment this way. And the time, you could be brushing up on your swing at the club with all that time!

Always check out the golf equipment online before you make any expensive purchases.

Carl Walker
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Get To Know The Discipline Of Picking The Right Golf Clubs

2009-06-12T01:55:00.000-07:00

Golf trainers who have been to high level training sessions, such as any PGA program, know the discipline of picking the right golf clubs.

These trainers also know how to understand the effects of the body’s movement in respect to the golf club being used. Trainers act as consultants, giving important tips to their students. It is easy to fall prey to marketing hype, however. If your trainer favours only one brand, this is a sign that he may be just riding the hype. It is better to find golf trainers who are flexible in their choice of brands. This is a good sign of objectivity.

Luckily, common golf players are becoming more and more knowledgeable in getting the right equipment. Attribute this to the many shows on TV providing guides to the audience.

Common knowledge dictates that golf equipment, especially golf clubs, have a very strong influence on your game. Having substandard equipment can be a headache for trainers in teaching their students. Remember, a poorly constructed golf club, for example, does not do its job well. If you work with this ugly equipment, you will be forced to compromise form to compensate for the insufficiencies of the club, resulting in poor form, and eventually, bad habits.

Bear in mind that all golfers need correctly designed golf clubs in order to play the game in the right way. When you swing forward you produce a centrifugal force that leads your hands and club shaft into a linear angle that hits the ball. This is the natural motion of our bodies. A bad golf club can and will distort this natural motion.

Quality golf clubs are, aside from being efficient in design, also durable in temperament. Golf clubs, when made with high quality materials, should last you quite a while. These are viewed as investments. Substandard golf clubs tend to be cheaper and easily get broken.

If you do have a good trainer, he should impart to you the importance of a good investment. Many golf clubs out there are reasonably priced and have a very high level of quality in terms of craftsmanship. Value for money is your main goal. You need not jump into expensive brand names at once.

Latest golf clubs now give you the luxury of allowing modifications and adjustments. Ask your golf instructor on ways you can adjust your clubs to your unique specifications. You can make do with what you have. If your golf clubs are not brand new, you can most likely have it adjusted to fit your needs. Once your golf game gets better, then you can explore the possibility of buying new and better equipment.

Golf HQ
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Choose The Right Golf Clubs Every Time

2009-06-12T01:53:00.000-07:00

Golf is now accepted globally as a popular sport activity. Since it has gone mainstream, it is common to see commercials on TV featuring this beloved sport. I am certain that you have seen some golf clubs that are being advertised in the market, claiming they can help you hit longer and harder than ever before. These new clubs promise to improve your game, but you should beware of these promises. If something is too good to be true, then it most probably is.

Everybody should approach golf clubs with caution at first. Determine if the advertised brand is something you really need. If it is commonly seen in a TV commercial then the company manufacturing it has to have plenty of marketing budget to afford the airtime placements. This translates to more expensive equipment. Is a high price your guarantee of better quality? Not all the time.

A practical option is testing out the golf club before buying. Try to get a feel for the equipment. See if it suits your body type. Is it long enough? Does the grip hug your palms? How do you find the weight? When buying the clubs it is ideal that an experienced player that you trust accompanies you. This way you can be sure that the advice you will be receiving is honest and factual. You need not worry of being misled.

You can also ask your golf friends if you can borrow their clubs. Once you get more comfortable with the brand, you can then seriously consider taking it to the next step and buying for yourself.

When you are about to buy your golf club, make sure you find out more about the brand and model. What is its reputation? How long has it been made? Do experts recommend it? These set of questions can assist you in making a sensible decision. It will provide you with a working framework of how you can intelligently assess your options.

Not all golf clubs are expensive. If they are, then it is up to you if you wish to invest in one or not. If you are still starting to play the sport, then settle for a beginner’s set. These are inexpensive, and will allow you to play the game correctly. Expensive clubs, if used in the proper way, can give better performance. Yet it will not mean anything to a beginner or a non-professional player.

A golf club can range from being a low cost investment to an expensive piece of equipment. The decision on what golf club to buy is dependent on what you value. Remember that you do not always need the high end products. Sometimes you can make do with ordinary ones. Just think wisely and ask around before you do decide to buy golf clubs.

Golf HQ
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Some Great Golf Gifts For Father’s Day

2009-06-12T01:51:00.000-07:00

Not all dads are golfers, but those who are have a whole realm of gift possibilities for Father’s Day. There are lots of unique and fun golf gifts for Father’s Day that can be found at local golf shops and online. Some of the most popular golf gifts for Father’s Day are:

Personalized Golf Tees – That’s right! Dad doesn’t have to set his golf ball down on an ordinary tee anymore. With these personalized golf tees, you can wish him luck and let him know he’s #1 with every shot! Some sayings that are often put on golf tees are “You’re #1”, “Good Luck”, “Love (children’s names)” and “You’re a hole in one!”

Various Personalized Golf Balls –

a. Picture Golf Balls – you can have your favorite picture with dad put on a golf ball.

b. Father’s Day Golf Balls – ordinary golf balls with the message “Happy Father’s Day” printed right on the side.

c. Personalized Message Golf Balls – choose from a wide variety of clip art images and put your own special message beneath for Father’s Day.

Bar-B-Que Grilling Utensils Set – Although this may sound strange for the golfing fanatic, when you take into account the new set called the “Par-B-Que Grilling Utensils Set”, you’ll see why it is a hit with golfing dads. With golf grip handles, the spatula looks like a golf club and the tongs look like golf balls! A great gift for those dads who love both golfing and grilling.

Golf Club And Ball Markers – These personalized gifts will make it much harder to loose your favorite club or your lucky ball. Once you’ve bought them, they can be transferred to other clubs as needed.

Anything With A Golf Theme – There are T-Shirts, Picture Frames, Wrist Watches, Plaques, Golf Clubs and Golf Accessories galore that you can buy dad for Father’s Day!

Just remember, when you are buying golf gifts for Father’s Day, you may need to start looking early…especially if your gift is engraved or personalized. Look today to find the best golf gifts for Father’s Day around!

Cinneide
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Making The Right Golf Community Decision

2009-06-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

For golfers, choosing to buy a home in a golf course community might seem as easy as swinging the club on a fine spring morning. Over 2700 golf course communities have been built across the United States, with more anticipated each year. With over 26 million golfers in this country, builders clearly have a ready-made clientele for homes designed with a view of the greens. But golf course communities have an appeal for buyers who are not avid golfers, too. Many people enjoy the country club lifestyle, the view of the manicured lawn and the fact that they own property backing to land which won’t be developed with more homes or shopping centers.

While making the decision to move into a residential development designed around a beloved sport can be easy, golfers and their families may find that picking the right community can be complicated. Often the first consideration when choosing a community will be location.

While many people assume golf course communities are for retirees, most are built as multigenerational developments which appeal to young families as well as aging ones. For families with children, a big concern is always the local system. Local real estate agents can direct families to web sites with information and statistics on school districts. Older couples and singles may prefer to live in an age restricted community with other residents in their age group.

Obviously being within commuting distance of a job is important, too, and many developers are designing golf course communities within driving distance of major metropolitan areas. Potential golf course buyers should also consider whether they prefer living in a rural or suburban location. Proximity to cultural activities, the beach, a lake or mountains should also be taken into account.

Other aspects to choosing an appropriate location include the climate. In the past, retirees migrated often to warmer climates. But for golfers, a little too much blazing sun can be a problem.

Retirees may also want to check out health care facilities and transportation. As they age, it can become more important to have doctor’s offices and a good hospital located nearby. Public transportation or other options for getting around can also be crucial once seniors become less expert at driving.

For the golfers in the family, a big factor in the choice of a golf course community should be the course itself. Golf course communities are built around public, semi-private and private courses, with varying greens fees required. Golfers should look into whether the course will be complete and available for play when they move into their home, because some developments build the homes before the course is ready. In addition, golfers should determine whether the course will be appropriate for their changing level of play, whether they want an easy, relaxing game or a more challenging play.

Golf course communities often include a clubhouse or country club and a range of community amenities for the whole family, including tennis courts, swimming pools, concierge services, on-site restaurants, boating, fishing and even nearby skiing. Each family should decide which of these amenities are the most important when choosing a community.

The clubhouse atmosphere is also something to consider. For some golfers, an upscale, resort-like atmosphere is desirable, including a formal restaurant for entertaining business associates and family members. Other golf home buyers prefer a more laid-back, family-oriented style with plenty of children’s activities and casual social events such as barbecues and ice cream parties.

More important even than all these considerations, though, is the price range of the homes and the associated homeowner fees. Planned communities universally charge homeowner association fees for maintaining the property and keeping the value in the development. Golf course communities are no exception, and sometimes have higher fees depending on the range of amenities in the development.

Home styles in golf course communities can range from one-level villas, to mid-rise condominiums and larger single family homes, sometimes all within the same community. While golf used to be thought of as a rich man’s sport, players of both sexes and a wide range of income levels now enjoy the game. The variety of homes in golf course communities reflects this trend, with many of these developments offering affordable housing choices. Many others, of course, cater to upper income buyers, but middle income golfers can now find a wide range of homes on the greens as well.

An Internet search, narrowed down by the above considerations, can be a good start to finding a home in a golf course community. Then it may time to “make the sacrifice” and play a few rounds of golf in each potential development before narrowing the choice further.

Robert Flournoy
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Buying The Best Clubs For Beginners

2009-06-12T01:49:00.000-07:00

A new set of clubs for beginners is really not necessary; in fact the higher end clubs can be a hindrance on your game. Golf is unique in the fact that the sport requires a group of instruments, and equipment to play in full. Many sports like baseball or basketball just require a few items that are used by an entire team. Golf being an individual sport this aspect changes into a need for the right set of clubs.

Golf clubs are broken down into sets of complete or incomplete, as well as irons, woods, drivers, putters, wedges, and hybrids. Golf clubs can be purchased in any combination of the above, but typically for beginners it is good to start with the entire set. Also women's clubs are sold as sets, but typically differ from men's clubs in size. Golf clubs in sets typically come with a bag that has stands on it, so it can rest on itself while you are taking your shots. Also golf sets occasionally will come with tops for the heads, as well as towels, umbrellas, and even balls.

Golf club sets can be purchased at a number of places. In order of price, most expensive to least, you can buy clubs at a pro shop; this will be your most expensive option. You can also buy clubs at sporting good stores, or golf specialty stores. For those bargain shoppers you can purchase a full set of clubs at Wal Mart, or even your local thrift store. For the internet shopper's eBay offers a great selection of new and used golf club sets.

The cost for a set of clubs can vary from less than $100 for an entire set, to over $10,000 for the high end clubs. Typically golfers can buy a decent set of clubs for $400 depending on where they are shopping. High end clubs are often bought in singles, thus making it more costly to purchase a set. One driver can cost over $1,000 at a local pro shop.

The term you get what you pay for isn't true in the world of golf clubs. Unlike cars, or computers, typically golf clubs can be beneficial at a low cost. Further, many prefer cheaper clubs, or used clubs, because they offer a more standard weight and grip. Golf clubs are uniquely made out of several different materials, and can vary depending on a user's preference. The cheaper clubs have a level feel to them, and don't offer too much of any one element. If a beginner spends a large amount of money on an ultra light driver, it could be too light for them to learn the basics of their swing, this actually prohibiting them from learning the basics.

Overall it's important to start off with a modest set of clubs until your game advances to levels that call for new clubs. Plus with all the money you save you can buy your significant other a set, and make a date at the course.

Jimmy Bonner
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Choosing The Right Course For Beginners

2009-06-12T01:47:00.000-07:00

Taking out the phonebook and picking a course for its name is not a good idea for beginning golfers. Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions a golfer can make when they are first starting out. Golfers need to have confidence to continue to excel at their game, if they choose a course too hard this could ruin ones passion for the game. Conversely golfers won’t want to play a course too easy because they must be challenged to play their best each time they step on the course.

The actual build or DNA of a course can be defined by its slopes, water, traps, rough, trees, and greens. Some courses are consistently hillier than other courses. Some courses are surrounded by water; others are dry as a desert. Many courses utilize trees as a natural barrier against the public, thus many courses are plentiful with trees. The physical landscape of a course can make a lot of difference in selecting a course for beginners. Typically you wan to choose a course that is less hilly, and doesn’t have too much water attached to it. This will allow beginning golfers to hone their swings, and skills before trying to master a PGA level course. Also beginner courses should have limited brush, this makes finding your balls much easier assuming you hit a few into the rough.

Cost should be another factor in choosing a course for beginners. Courses that are too costly can be unrealistic to play on because of their cost. Unless the golfing budget is as big as a 6 figure salary, you want to be able to play on courses that will allow for an easy return at little cost. Golf, like any other sport requires a tremendous amount of practice, and patience. If you play less costly courses you will have more opportunity to play the same course often, because it’s not going to put a dent in your bank account. So choosing a cost effective course for beginners is a great first step. Look for public courses, or find out where the local college tees off. Typically the college will have its team play on a course that isn’t going to cost the school too much money.

Rules on the course are another important aspect in selecting a course. Find out what the dress code is, who is allowed to play, if they have golf carts, if they require a caddy, and if they have additional rules for guests. Many times golf clubs will have additional rules for guests that can be prohibitive towards your game. If you are playing on a course that requires you to do a bunch of tasks that will distract your game, don’t play on such a course.

Tee time in golf is also important in choosing a course. Call the local clubs and ask about the tee times available for the day you want to play. If there is a large amount of players teeing up on certain day, it may be a good idea to wait for another day to play. Typically if there are many tee times booked the course will be full of players that might want to play through your hole because you are new and still learning, thus taking more time to get your shot off. Be sure to go to a course that doesn’t have too many tee times scheduled for the day you select, if there is a bunch of times already booked simply ask for a less busy day.

Jimmy Bonner
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Learning How To Play Golf

2009-06-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone who is considering golf training will be happy to know that there are plenty of ways to learn how to play the game. Every way from the golf course to the internet, the video store and even the classroom will prove to be beneficial for those wanting to learn how to play the great game of golf. Prices will vary depending on the type of training method that is chosen, but can often be quite affordable. This is especially true of those who opt for learning at home through the use of videos or internet lessons. A professional golf trainer, however, will likely be the most expensive way to learn but will provide a hands-on experience that none of the aforementioned options can.

If you choose to hire a golf instructor, you will probably want to hire someone who has a lot of experience in either teaching or playing golf. Or, if possible, find someone who has done both. During this training, you will begin to learn the various names for clubs and how each one is used. In the beginning, golf may seem intimidating because of the number of clubs and situations that determine each one’s use. But, after a few lessons, you will be more familiar with the game and how to play it. Patience is the key to learning anything new and golf is no different.

Even prior to hiring an instructor, some new golf players may decide to learn some basics of the game before beginning the actual lessons. This can be accomplished by either purchasing books, videos or doing some research online. Either of these methods should provide an introduction to clubs and their use, the proper way to grip and swing. With this information, any new golfer will enter their learning phase with added confidence and will impress their instructor by how much they already know. Not to mention, anything that you can learn beforehand may end up saving you some money on the actual lessons.

With that being said, it’s important to know that there is nothing wrong with taking golf lessons if you are a true beginner. Even if you have never held a club before or if you think a club is the symbol found in a deck of cards, fear not. Golf instructors are there to help you to learn from scratch if that’s what you need. During your lessons, it will always be a good idea to have access to a set of golf clubs and possibly even practice a little in between lessons.

Many golf instructors work one-on-one with their students, while others prefer to educate to a group of individuals. Those who prefer to learn as much as possible, but without doing so with hands-on training may opt for online lessons. The only drawback is that this method does not provide actual practice, which can be sought separately by the learner. Friends and family can often provide valuable insight in helping one to learning how to play golf without professional instruction.

cristi
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Dressing To Win Your Golf Game

2009-06-12T01:44:00.000-07:00

Golf is about patience, vision, and what you wear. That’s right, what you wear can have a major effect on your game. Golf is a unique game that doesn’t always spell out a specific dress uniform for golfers, but if you aren’t thinking about what to wear your game can suffer. Included below are some tips for golfers of any age, and a ability to improve their game by selectively choosing what they wear.

Starting at the top of the body, wearing a hat has become acceptable in golf. In the 1980’s it was visors, in the 1990’s it was hats, and in the 2000’s it’s all about hats. Tiger Woods made a statement by always wearing his signature Nike hat, and it’s not just for style. Hats can help block out the sun, which can help you improve your shot. Hats are also good was to keep your eyes confined from other players. Got a secret putting trick that you do with your eyes? Now you don’t need to let others see it, because your hat obstructs their view. Hats also can help on colder days by keeping the head warm. When the temperature drops many golfers lose their focus, by wearing your hat and keeping your head warm, your focus can always be on the game.

Golf requires a collard shirt that is as far as many clubs will instruct you what to wear. While it is important to wear a collard shirt for requirement reasons, it is also important to be selective in the shirt you select. The number one thing for golfers to consider when purchasing a golf shirt is the room it offers in the shoulders. As most experience golfers will tell you most of the swing is in the shoulders. If you are wearing a golf shirt that obstructs this part of your swing, you can be in for a long day. Conversely golfers do not want to wear baggy shirts that may also interfere with their game. Choose a comfortable shirt that will fit normal.

Pants are also required on the course for gentlemen. Your pants should have pockets. This may sound elementary, but many a golfer has left the store mad because they don’t have pockets. You’ll need pockets for your score card, tees, wallet, and what ever else you choose to bring. Be sure to purchase pants that are light weight and made of a material that won’t irate you in the sun. For example pick light weight cotton versus a wool pant. Pants also should be a comfortable fit.

Shoes in golf maybe the most important article you wear to the course. For maximum tread you need to purchase soft spiked golf shoes. These are the shoes that have soft rubber spikes naturally built into the shoe, not the metal kind. Shoes should be comfortable, and fit very well. Fit is especially important in golf because if you walk the course in shoes that don’t fit, your feet will develop blisters. Blisters can distract you from your game, and put you in the rough quick.

Overall your golf clothing choices should reflect thought, and have a theme of comfort. You want to be able to perform your best, but if you’re just picking things out of the closet you may end up playing worse than you could with some golf specific gear.

Jimmy Bonner
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Do You Know All Of The Best Golf Tips?

2009-06-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

If you do not yet know all of the top golf tips that there are to be found then you had better get a move on. If you want to improve your game that is. There is no better way to brush up on your playing than to make use of some great golf tips. And the best thing about golf tips is that they are so darn easy to find.

You can find hundreds of the best and most popular golf tips on the internet. In a matter of minutes you can have tons of amazing golf tips at your disposal and most of them will be so basic that you will be shocked at how quickly they will improve your game.

Your game needs to be excellent if you want to be able to rule the links at your home golf course. There is some [pretty stiff competition out there and in order to you to kick butt you need to know all of the latest and best golf tips. By doing a basic search online for some golf tips you will find all kinds from tips to help you improve your swing to tips to help you aim better. You will even find all kinds of golf tips to help you choose the best possible equipment in your price range. We cannot all afford the top of the line clubs so finding out how to make the most of your dollar is one of the best golf tips that you will ever come across.

You should spend more than on day searching for good golf tips. These should be something that you are always on the lookout for, you never know where you will come across some fantastic golf tips. You can get them from your friends who play or from watching golf shows on the TV. It does not matter who or where you get your golf tips as long as they can be put to use in order to make your golf game all that it can be and more.

If you are having some trouble in a particular aspect of your game then ask someone for some advice. Do not wait for good golf tips to fall out of the sky because this does not happen very often. You need to be brave and speak up. If you see someone doing something that you have had trouble with ask him or her how they make it look so easy. This is the best way to get the golf tips that you really need and that will really have the biggest impact on your game each time that you play golf.

You may even want to take a few lessons with your local pros. These guys are full of great golf tips and they are always willing to share. Take some lessons and really pick their brains in order to glean all that you can from them. And when the lessons are over ask if they have any more good golf tips for you to take home and mull over. They might just have some.

Carl Walker
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Golf Tips For A Better Golf Swing

2009-06-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

Golfing can be an expensive past time, especially if you have to take golf lessons to boot. Taking golf lessons gives you the ability to have someone guide you and spot critical mistakes in your golf swing. There is another alternative to golf lessons even though golf lessons are the fastest and best way to a better golf game.

There is a lot of good reading material on the Internet that helps in solving your slice, hook, or whatever problem you have getting the golf ball to the hole. Taking a good golf book seriously and implementing the instructions on the course will turn your game around in no time. If your having trouble breaking 100, 90, and even 80. This article has a few tips on reaching your goals at your own pace.

Whatever book you decide to choose on the Internet or local store, read the chapters over several times before you take these instructions on the practice range. Practice at least three times a week. There are a few points to keep in mind when practicing any kind of new golf swing that amateurs tend to overlook.

Consider the slope of terrain that you are implementing your new golf swing. Take a large bucket of balls and practice the swing with different slope positions. Swing easy at first, then gradually step up to your normal swing speed. You’re not always going to have a flat lie out on the golf course. It may take half dozen balls or more to get comfortable with different types of fairway slopes, but once you follow the book closely and practice, you will soon overcome any problems at first. Be persistent!

Choose the shorter clubs first and gradually work your way to the driver. Do not leave any club in the bag. Practice them all. If you’re having trouble with a longer club, do not skip it and move past. Pause with the lesser club and go backwards until you gain confidence to move back to the golf club you dislike hitting. Pause at the club before and keep hitting it until you feel confident to play the golf club your having problems with.

Always shoot towards a target and always keep the distance in mind for each golf club. You will eventually have stronger wrists and arms as you progress through a full month of practicing three times a week. The distance will change as you move forward in your persistent self-golf training. The golf holes will get shorter. As you read through your golf book, look for tips on choking down on the club to take a little distance off your newfound power.

Find a nice quiet place to practice your short game. You need to be at least 100 yards out and work your way in with the putter being the last club to practice. If you are not hitting the greens, you must know how to chip and play out of bunkers. Mastering your short game will also take a bundle of golf strokes off your game.

Practicing your golf swing as much as three times a week for at least 1 month, and reading up on golf swing instructions will eventually move you towards a much lower scorecard if you are persistent with your goals.

George Gabriel
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The Heel/Toe Weighting Concept For Golf Putters Is Here To Stay

2009-06-12T01:36:00.000-07:00

The TOWD (True Orbit Weighting Dynamics) design family of putting instruments are for those players seeking an advanced skill level. By inducing a precise and repeatable putting stroke, through a near perfect arced pendulum effect, with a consistent, passive face rotation, The TOWD putters generate optimal passive feel, making TOWD putters the most advanced and easiest to use putting instruments in the game. Playing on undulating greens, of variable speed, the feel from TOWD putting instruments for rolling the ball, making meticulous strokes of exact distance and line control is without equal.

The more you use a TOWD, the more it becomes an extension of your anatomy and the more precise and confident your putting evolves, until a kind of awakening develops as you line-up your putts. Putting as artistry, through science, is now yours. You only need to focus on the read and the speed. Mechanics become a reliable memory.

These putters employ high density Toe High/Heel Low™ masses which move with virtually equal inertia. A dynamic never before achieved in head design. A movement dynamic that once experienced, is the new standard, satisfying the most demanding requirements of any accomplished player. These putters “know” what to do because they are designed to take advantage of the subtle yet complex physics of putting dynamics. Putting tools that help guide the user to proper swing mechanics. There is no need to manipulate the head to overcome unfavorable inertial forces. The feeling is one of a more passive stroke where the putter seems to do all the work. Resulting in the most solid feeling and repeatable putting stroke a player could experience. Physics and bio-mechanics evolve into what the user experiences as artistry and feel. The guess work and doubt of what the putter might do, disappears, leaving you to properly concentrate on the ball and the green. Demystifying the stroke, the mystery is now our advantage.

It is well accepted that heel/toe weighting in putter heads has been the most significant advancement in putter design technology since its creation. The majority of the best putters made over the last 4 decades incorporate this design feature in some way. It is a superior element to creating a “forgiving” roll, with a greater transfer of inertia at impact. Yet traditional heel/toe weighting has limitations. It’s purpose is to create stability at impact and does not address the effects of movement dynamics throughout the stroke. The TOWD has overcome those limitations through a vast improvement, Toe High/Heel Low™ weight dynamics, creating the most advanced, dynamic putter design available.

The common heel/toe configuration in putter heads, has those masses moving parallel to the ground through the stroke. However, the shaft and swing plane move on an incline through the stroke, anywhere from 10 to 23 degrees or more away from 90 degrees vertical. (The rules of golf require this.) Naturally, the putter moves through the stroke on an incline plane, inducing a small horizontally arced swing path. As the putter is moved in the back swing, the head naturally moves inside the target line and the putter face swings open in relation to that line. Ideally, the face stays perpendicular to the swing path arc throughout the swing. The face opens and then sequentially shuts, back to square. At impact, the toe mass must move at a greater velocity than the heel mass to get the face to square at impact. The toe mass is further out from the center of rotation of the swing arc than the heel, so the toe must travel a greater distance, at a higher velocity to get back to square. This heel/toe velocity differential varies with the different length strokes required for each putt as well, making a repeatable, precise club face squaring at impact, much more of a challenge than it need be. The TOWD design eliminates this problem once and for all.

Stephen Downarowicz
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How To Buy Golf Awards

2009-06-12T01:04:00.000-07:00

So, you've been a member of your golf club for years now. You have become a regular participant in every tournament that is offered to you. You are really enjoying the social aspects of club membership and now somehow (you're not really sure how) you volunteered to head the awards committee. Screw this up and you can be sure you won't find yourself on the top of anyone's party invite list. Don't fear, here is an easy to follow guide on how to organize the task.

O.K., so where to begin? Let's start by taking inventory of the situation:

• When is the awards ceremony?

Why is this the first item on the list? Because most likely whatever it is you select is going to need to be personalized, and that takes time. Some items take longer than others, but no matter what you select, you won't be able to walk into an awards store or shop on line for personalized awards and walk out the door with your awards. You have to plan ahead. Sometimes, the last tournament of the season is very close to the awards event, what do you do then? The answer is to work well in advance with your awards source. Just because you don't have the winner's name for every last event, doesn't mean you can't place your order. Your source for awards should be flexible and willing to accommodate your last minute submission of names for one or two events, so long as you have selected all of the items and submitted the personalization for the majority of events in advance.

• Who are you buying for?

The men, the women, the juniors, all? This will probably have an influence on the type of items you shop for, particularly if you plan to get creative. If you are buying a traditional trophy, it won't make much difference, but these days most recipients will be hoping for something a little more useful than the traditional old dust collector. Today there are more and more types of items that can be personalized in unique ways.

For women, consider more feminine selections that either have a practical use or, can be proudly displayed in a living room, great room, or collector's case. For men, think more in terms of something that can be used by the recipients on a regular basis such as barware or desk accessories. Even embroidered sportswear can be used.

• What to buy?

For men or women, trophies can take many forms. For golf some of the more popular items include hollowware made from pewter or silver plated metal. These items can include trophy cups, Jefferson cups, Mint Julep cups, revere bowls, and trays. Bowls and trays are available in a range of sizes and that can be helpful when buying for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. All of these items can be engraved to create a treasured keepsake that the recipient will value. Pewter is a soft metal that engraves beautifully. Silver plated items have a brighter finish, but will require regular polishing and are therefore less popular. Also, the quality of silver plate has diminished steadily in recent years as cheap imports have displaced old line suppliers from the United States.

Crystal and glass has become more and more popular in recent years. There are a number of reasons for this - the high perceived value, the vast variety of items available, and the appeal to both men and women for starters. Crystal is also available in a wide range of prices. Even when personalized, you will probably find that you can address all of your needs and remain within your budget using personalized crystal. And unlike engraving on metal, which is usually priced by the letter, crystal etching usually allows you fill an allotted space with any number of letters you desire, all for the same price. Barware, trays, bowls, tabletop items, clocks, picture frames, vases, trophies, art glass, plaques are all examples of items made from crystal that make great golf awards when personalized.

• Deciding how to personalize

When it comes to deciding what to engrave, the guideline is less is better. The club name or crest, the event name, the winner(s) name, and the year. Leave out the score or any testimonials describing the nature of the accomplishment. Be prepared with acceptable abbreviations, just in case an item you've selected has a limited space for adding personalization. Having the recipient's name is a great touch when you have the time, just be sure to triple check the spelling of names. If your award supplier is willing to except this information over the telephone, run away as fast as you can. Submit your personalization in written form, a word processing file being the very best way to go.

As you can see, with a little advance planning you will be able to look like a shinning star on awards day, just select your awards provider carefully. Trust your instincts, if you don't feel confident in the merchant's ability to supply your selections on time and correctly personalized move on to the next one. The same goes for shopping on-line. How is the appearance of the web site? Is it well organized? Are the product descriptions complete? Are the product photos large and clear? Is the price including personalization clearly displayed? Do they charge to ship your order? Call them - are you able to speak to a knowledgeable representative, or are you sent to voice mail? If these kinds of details are not well handled, then most likely, neither will your awards be produced to your satisfaction.

J. Newton
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World’s Top Five Golf Courses

2009-06-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

Wonder where the world’s richest, famous, and avid golfers tee off? In a sport where the playing field is not as rigid or as restricted as other forms of sport, the outdoor can make the difference. Where nature is not only the backdrop but the playing field itself, how this sport is played is what makes golf a very relaxing, liberating, and striking experience.

Glimpse into these greens hailed as the world’s five top golf courses, as compiled by Golf Magazine. Golfer or not, you will be enthralled and intrigued how these ultra expansive natural settings that seemingly stretch out to the sky in interesting meandering patterns and heights can be so ultra secluded from the public eye.

Pine Valley Golf Club

Located in Pine Valley, New Jersey USA, the Pine Valley Golf Club hits the number one spot. The golf course is reported to take up vast acres of greeneries, so vast that each golfer would feel a sense of isolation, not knowing that other golfers playing in other sections of the fairways feel the same.

Interestingly, Pine Valley is not new in receiving prestige and recognition in the sports world of golf. Records indicate this gold course was already at the number three spot in 1939 in a ranking by Golf Club atlas. In Golf Magazine’s biennial rankings, it has remained at the top since 1991.

But Pine Valley does not only boast of quantity in acres but the quality of the course as well. In fact, it is also considered to be one of the toughest courses. If you crave for challenge, privacy, and ultimate golfing experience, go Pine Valley.

Cypress Point Club

Cypress Point, the number two choice, is the most beautiful course. Located in Pebble Beach, California USA, it is positioned in a piece of land that meets the blue waters of the beach.

This 18-hole golf course has bunkers that have been strategically and fascinatingly built such that there is a seamless connection between what’s natural and man-made. Hole No. 16, specifically, continues to captivate golf lovers, having been acclaimed as the ultimate one-shotter in existence.

St. Andrews Golf Club

The world’s number three golf course located in St. Andrews Fife, Scotland is the number in Europe, and the oldest in the world. Europe’s quaint setting, which gives off a more relaxed and laidback ambiance so compatible with the nature of this sport, makes this region truly a golfer’s paradise.

The world first experienced golf in Scotland, right here in St. Andrews, as early as the 12th century. It received a royal patronage in 1854. Now, it is considered as the world’s oldest surviving “royal” golf club.

St. Andrews is not really that striking in appearance to new golfers. Its appeal grows as you familiarize yourself with its landscapes, reinforcing the fact that knowledge of course management is a key in golf strategy games.

Augusta National Golf Club

The number four is located in Augusta, Georgia USA. Each of Augusta’s 18 holes has been named after a flower that has come to be associated with it. During grand tournaments, these flowers are in full bloom thereby creating a colorful and festive natural backdrop as you begin those back swings.

But more importantly, Augusta has been characterized with broad fairways, exciting elevation changes, and slick greens that will pose real challenge to skilled golfers.

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Golf course number five is located in Southhampton, New York USA. It was originally a 12-hole course remodeled into 18-hole layout in 1895. Its impressive layout features undulating greens and bunkers backdropped with tree canopies, shrubs as well as ponds.

This peek into the world’s best five can be overwhelming. A walk into their greens, a swing into their air, and a golf game follow-through through their fairways, bunkers, and other intriguing nooks and spots will definitely sum up into a par that, in terms of experience, is victory itself.

Tom Takihi
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Squaring The Golf Club At Impact, The Rotator Cuff, And Golf Fitness

2009-06-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

We all know the clubface must be square at impact and the club releases thereafter. Generally speaking a large amount of golf swing mechanics center upon returning the clubface to square at impact. Additionally, the golf swing is a “total body” movement incorporating every joint in the body. In order for the clubface to be square at impact all of these joints must work in coordination to allow this to occur.

In relation to the body, specific muscles are very active in returning the clubface to square. One joint directly involved in the squaring of the clubface at impact with the golf ball is the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is a “ball and socket” joint allowing for the arms to move through a large range of motion. Review of the biomechanics of the golf swing, it becomes very evident the arms move through a large range of motion.

That being said, there are specific muscles involved in the rotation of the arms. Again, these are not the only muscles involved in squaring the clubface, but from an anatomical perspective, these muscles are active in the internal and external rotation of the arms during the golf swing.

Going back to squaring the clubface, internal and external rotation of the arms is required. To get a sense of internal and external rotation, simply stand up with your arms hanging at your sides. Rotate your hands inward and outward. This is a simple description of internal and external rotation of the arms. Now if you relate this movement to the golf swing you can see how the arms internally and externally rotate during the backswing, downswing, and follow through.

Certain muscles within the shoulder complex have a direct effect on internal rotation, external rotation, and stabilization of the shoulder complex in the golf swing. The muscles we are talking about are the rotator cuff muscles. Yes, the rotator cuff.

Not necessarily a group of muscles that go “hand-in-hand” with the golf swing and probably more thought of when we talk about baseball and pitching. Nevertheless, these muscles are an active in the golf swing. The rotator cuff is a reference to four muscles in the shoulder complex. For those of you that love the science behind this stuff, the four muscles that comprise the rotator cuff are; supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.

The rotator cuff has a couple primary functions when it comes to the shoulder complex. First off, they act to stabilize the shoulder capsule. The skeletal structure comprising the shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The “socket” part of this joint is very shallow. As a result the muscles of the rotator cuff in addition to muscles in the “back-side” of the shoulder assist in stabilizing the shoulder during movement. An over simplification would state these muscles assist in keeping the arm in the socket. If the rotator cuff muscles did not assist in stabilizing the shoulder, the arm would literally come out of the socket every time you swing a golf club.

Secondly, these four muscles are actively involved in elevating, internally, and externally rotating the arms. All of which are movements involved in the golf swing. Beginning in the take-away and completing with the follow through, the muscles of the rotator cuff are active in every phase of the golf swing. That being said, we know the muscles of the rotator cuff are under stress each every golf swing.

It is important to understand the muscles of the rotator cuff are very small. They are not big muscles such as your quadriceps or deltoids. They are very small muscles asked to perform a myriad of activities. As a result of the size and workloads placed upon these muscles. They can become fatigued quite easily. Once muscles become fatigued they begin to falter in performing their required activities. In addition once muscles are fatigued, they can easily become injured.

During my years on tour, I have never seen someone injure a cuff muscle from swinging a golf club. I have seen rotator cuff injuries impede a golf swing, and if you have ever injured a rotator cuff muscle you know how debilitating an injury it can be. The point being this: The rotator cuff muscles are actively involved in the golf swing. Injury to a rotator cuff muscle can be very debilitating to your golf swing or any activity for that case.

Knowing what we know about the mechanics of the golf swing, the rotator cuff, functions of the rotator cuff, and how they affect the golf swing. This information invariably indicates to us it is necessary to keep the rotator cuff healthy and strong. How can one achieve this goal? Simply by adding a golf fitness program incorporating rotator cuff exercises.

Rotator cuff exercises will focus on these four muscles. These types of exercises will develop higher levels of strength and endurance within these muscles. This will assist in these muscles handling the workloads placed upon them during the golf swing or any athletic activity. So I strongly suggest if you are an avid golfer or a weekend warrior. Add some golf fitness and rotator cuff exercises to your training program. This will help keep you in the game and off the sidelines.

Sean Cochran
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Building A Repeatable Swing Like Tiger Woods

2009-06-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods hits his irons straighter and more accurately than most pros. By swinging the club exactly the same way, he’s able to repeat his golf swing again and again and again. The more he repeats his swing, the more often he generates predictable results. For Tiger, predictable results mean more tournament wins and higher earnings. For the rest of us, it means better scores and lower golf handicaps.

Building a repeatable swing is ultimately the goal of all golf instruction. The secret to producing a repeatable swing with your irons is keeping the clubface square to the swing path. Failing to do so forces you to make compensatory moves to return the clubface square to the ball.

Five other keys to building a repeatable swing are

Staying connected:
One common factor among good players, in addition to low golf handicaps, is “staying connected” during the swing. In other words, good players feature a one-piece takeaway from the ball, which I often stress in my golf tips and golf lessons. Staying connected means that everything—your club hands, arms, and shoulders—moves away from the ball in unison as you start your backswing, ensuring that the clubhead travels on a wide arc away from the ball.

Set the club on the correct plane
A repeatable swing sets the club on the correct plane. To do so, hinge or cock your wrists as you move into the backswing. As your arms continue to swing upward and your body to turn, the wrists point the clubhead skyward while your left shoulder replaces the right shoulder at address. The angle of the shaft to the ball stays the same and the clubhead remains square to the swing’s path.

Swing into the top slot
As the top of the backswing, your club moves into “the slot” position, where the club’s shaft is horizontal to the ground and parallel to the target line. Also, the clubface’s angle matches your arm angle. Known as square or neutral, this is the ideal position to aim for at the top of the backswing. In addition, your original spine angle and your head position remain the same as at address. Your shoulders are turned 90 degrees, while your hips are turned 45 degrees. Most of your weight is over the right foot and you feel resistance in your right knee and right thigh.

Retain the force of the swing
Settle your weight smoothly back on your left side and start to unwind the upper body, as you move into the downswing. Also, drop your right elbow (for right handers) down to your side. This flattens the swing slightly. (This is Herb Pennick’s “Magic Move,” which I’ve previously covered in my golf tips.). As you shift your weight to the left side, your right heel comes off the ground slightly. Try retaining the 90 degree angle between your left wrist and the club’s shaft as long as possible. Your hands lead the club into the ball at impact.

Open your shoulders at impact
It’s a common belief that your shoulders should return to a square position at impact. I always address this point when giving golf lessons. In fact, your shoulders should occupy a slightly open position at impact, ensuring that the club has the room needed to travel on the correct path through the ball. In short, your body has to “get out of the way” for consistent ball striking with your irons. Finish with a balanced follow-through.

Also, important in building a repeatable swing is striking the ball cleanly and crisply. Work on this drill to improve your ballstriking. It’s a staple of my golf instruction.

• Start by assuming the ideal impact position at address with one of your irons. Start by shifting your weight onto the left side (for right-handers) and lift the right heel off the ground a fraction. The hips and shoulders are slightly open with the head over the ball, creating the feeling of a good impact position. Now, move into the back swing, shifting your weight to the right side. Return your weight to the left side, swinging the club down and through at impact. Move through the swing to a balanced position, with your weight on your front foot.

Practice this drill again and again and again until you feel yourself swinging the club the same way. Building that repeatable swing produces accuracy, consistency, and a lower golf handicap. Yours may not look like Tiger’s but it can produce more consistent and better results.

Jack Moorehouse
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The Benefits Of A Golf Club

2009-06-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

If you are a busy professional man that has any opportunity at all to be a part of a golf club, then I'd suggest you join it at all costs. I never was an advocate of golf clubs until I got married and realized just how high a level of stress my poor husband dealt with every day at work. Quite frankly, I never knew why men were always talking about their love for golfing and their need to get out and hit a bucket of balls before this.

It took me a few months to realize how serious my husband was about joining a golf club. We both knew that we didn't have the finances to make it happen, but it only took me a little while of seeing how stressed and unhappy my husband was after work before I started making sacrifices in other areas so that he could join a golf club.

Oh my goodness, what a difference being a part of a golf club has made for my husband and hence to our entire family. He looks forward to his Wednesday night golf matches more than anything. His golf club membership has given him an excuse and an obligation to do things for himself simply because he enjoys them. I encourage all of my friends to let their husbands get memberships at golf clubs. I promise them that they will see a difference at home when they are allowing their husbands to spend an evening or two a week at a local golf club.

Now, obviously a man who is wanting to spend everyday golfing is a different story. That man needs to refocus his priorities badly and take a good look at his relationships. But an overstressed and underappreciated husband, father and worker would benefit greatly from a golf club membership.

Don't get worried, women, that you have to spend an outrageous amount of money for a golf club membership for your husband. You don't. There are package deals that are becoming more reasonable all the time for golf club memberships. So take your time and look around to get the best deal. Talk to other men that go to a golf club and get their opinions.

Surprise your husband with a membership to a golf club and I guarentee you will be his favorite person in the world. You will see tremendous changes at home as you allow him to get out and enjoy some time and space to himself.

Analeese Burnabaker
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How To Find Golf Club Discounts

2009-06-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

When you are able to take advantage of golf club discounts, you will be saving money and feeling terrific about your recent purchase. There are so many stores, including both retail and wholesale, that offer golf clubs. You may be asking yourself a number of questions. How will I ever find the best price? Who is telling the truth when every store claims to have the lowest price? What if I don’t have a lot of cash, but I really want to purchase a set of golf clubs for myself or someone that I know? These are all good questions and they can be answered very simply. Shop around.

The first place to search for golf club discounts would be a clearance sale at your local department or golf specialty store. Throughout the year, especially during the close of golf season or outdoor recreation, many stores begin to offer special deals on their golf clubs. The reason behind this method is that everyone knows, during winter, it becomes more difficult to take that trip to a golf course.

If there aren’t any bargains at the local department store, stop by the local golf course and ask if they have any used golf clubs that they would like to sell. A golf course must constantly keep the newest, most innovative pieces of golf equipment available to their customers. If they are in the process of replacing old golf equipment, or simply have some extra clubs in the back, they may be willing to sell them for a bargain price. When using this method, be sure that you don’t buy a product that is broken or badly damaged. If done correctly, this is a terrific way to get terrific golf club discounts.

If you’re still in the market for golf club discounts, but just cannot seem to find the perfect items, check out the classified section of your local newspaper. This a terrific place to find almost anything, so don’t overlook the possibility of finding the perfect golf club discounts in your own neighborhood. If the classifieds aren’t working in your favor, check out internet auction sites but be on the lookout for shipping and handling charges. Because golf clubs are heavy, you may be faced with a hefty shipping bill.

If all else fails, shop around at flea markets and garage or yard sales. Many people are looking to clear out some previously used golf equipment and you may just find a terrific opportunity for golf club discounts right before your eyes.

Angel Estrella
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Principles Of Accurate Chipping

2009-06-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

Here’s a question I sometimes ask when giving a golf lesson. What do pro golfers Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, and Sergio Garcia all have in common? Answer: They don’t hit into trouble often, but when they do, their short games save them, and accurate chipping is one of the most potent weapons in their short game. In fact, most players with low golf handicaps chip accurately.

The chip shot is one of the easiest shots to learn in golf. It’s also one of the most crucial. In medal play, accurate chipping can save you one or two strokes on a hole, sometimes more. In match play, it can be the difference between winning or losing a hole or a match. And in player rankings, it’s often what separates players with high golf handicaps from those with low ones.

Confidence, experience, and imagination all contribute to accurate chipping. But so does good technique. Below are 6 keys to accurate chipping:

1.Decide on a landing spot
2.Use a one-piece takeaway
3.Maintain weight on front side
4.Keep hands ahead of clubhead
5.Hold the clubhead
6.Accelerate the club through the ball

Professional golfers play a wide variety of shots around the green. One player may use a sand wedge to chip with from a certain spot, while another hits a 9 iron from the same spot. Regardless of what club they use, they all pick out a landing spot before hitting the ball, which they play the ball off their left heels.

Picking a landing spot is imperative, as I’ve mentioned in my golf tips. So is using a one-piece takeaway. In fact, it’s as important in chipping as it is in driving. Since the shot is hit mostly with your arms and hands, it requires little or no weight transfer, so place your weight on your front side and keep it there. Also, keep your head still when hitting the ball.

The backswing is important as well. The length determines the length of the shot— the longer the backswing, the longer the shot. Be mindful of your backswing when chipping. Also, take the club back smoothly and slowly, allowing your wrists to hinge naturally.

When committing to the downswing, make sure your hands stay ahead of the clubhead to ensure crisp ball-before-turf contact. The objective is to slide the blade of the clubhead under the ball, taking only a sliver of turf in the process.

Also, don’t allow your right hand to cross over your left through impact. Known as “holding the clubhead,” the technique keeps the clubface open, creating a high shot that lands softly on the ground.

In my golf tips I tell players to finish in balance and with their hands slightly higher than the height of their backswing. Doing so indicates that the golfer has accelerated the clubhead through the ball. The motion is similar to throwing a ball underhanded, which I sometimes have players do in my golf lessons to get a feel for the shot.

Change the Club Drill
The change-the-club drill is an excellent exercise for practicing your chipping. It simulates hitting from the fringe of the green or fairway when your landing spot is about 3 feet away, but the ball needs to roll about 15 feet or more. The idea is to hit various clubs with the same motion to learn reaction and distance. It’s a golf lesson in itself.

Choose a green that’s a challenge. Maybe it has some valleys in it or maybe a significant side slope. Then pick a spot about five feet off the green and drop a ball. Set one club about two and a half feet behind the ball and another club about two and a half feet in front of the ball to give you an idea of distance. With the identical motion hit chip shots with each of four clubs—the sand wedge, 9 iron, 7 iron, and 5 iron.

After hitting the ball you’ll notice that the ball runs father as the clubs get lower and lower. Pick the club that will land the ball about two to three feet on the green and run the rest of the way to the hole. Remember to factor in slope and/or the speed of the green when selecting a club.

Using different clubs will give you a better feel for which club runs the ball farther and which lands softly and stops, making club selection somewhat easier next time you play.

Keep practicing this drill until can get within a foot of the pin every time. By then, you should start seeing the benefits of accurate pitching not only in better scores but also in a lower golf handicap. And that will keep you practicing for better results.

Jack Moorehouse
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The Best Golf Fitness Exercises For The Junior Golfer

2009-06-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

I receive many questions about the junior golfer and golf fitness programs. The questions are on a number of different topics, but they generally fall into three or four different categories. Typically the questions are; at what should a junior golfer begin utilizing golf fitness exercises, how often should a junior golfer implement golf fitness exercises, and finally what are the best golf fitness exercises for the junior golfer? Typically this last question is the most commonly asked question. This article is intended to provide some answers to the question; what are the best golf fitness exercises for the junior golfer?

First and foremost golf fitness exercises can be of great benefit to the junior golfer provided a few principles are adhered to in the development of such a golf fitness program. We are obviously aware certain exercises are beneficial to the golfer and others are not. Keep in mind regardless if you are a junior, professional, or senior the exercises within your golf fitness program should center upon developing the body around the golf swing.

This single principle indicates certain exercises are of greater benefit to the golfer than others. Generally speaking, the exercises should focus on developing your body to the positions, movements, and physical requirements of the golf swing. This equates to exercises developing the required flexibility, balance, endurance, strength, and power required of the golf swing. For example, we are fully aware the golf swing requires you to make a full shoulder turn. A portion of the ability to make a full shoulder turn is contingent upon the golfer’s flexibility (regardless of if you are a junior golfer or not). If you are lacking flexibility the ability to make a full shoulder turn, the golf swing will be compromised, and compensations may set into your golf swing. That being said, a portion of your golf fitness exercises, specifically your golf flexibility exercises will focus on developing a full and effortless shoulder turn.

The junior golfer is really no different than golfers of a different age when it comes to the basic principles of a golf fitness program. The goal of the golf fitness program is the same, and the physical components of the body to be developed are the same. The goal of the golf fitness program is to develop your body around the golf swing in order to create a more powerful, consistent, and accurate golf swing.

The difference for the junior golfer comes down to what are the best exercises within each of these categories. Typically the junior golfer is not as physically developed as an adult thus changing the exercise prescriptions that are best for them. Meaning, the categories to develop within the body for the golf swing are the same as the adult golfer, but modifications in certain exercises are required to counteract the physical development of the junior golfer.

Typically flexibility exercises for the junior golfer can be the exact same as for any other age golfer. Generally speaking, flexibility training is often much easier for the junior golfer to perform because muscles and connective tissues tend to be more flexible when we are young.

Progressing to balance exercises. Often the junior golfer is not as kinesthetically developed as an adult. Their bodies, control of the limbs, and knowing where the body is in space tends to be less developed at younger ages. For this reason we must modify some of the balance exercises to a lower level of difficulty. For example, a junior golfer may have difficulty performing an advanced airplane rotation found in my golf fitness book. As a result a modification may be required in the exercise. The adjustment could consist of keeping the junior golfer using the basic airplane rotation and adding more repetitions to increase the difficulty.

Another adjustment is usually required for the endurance, strength, and power exercises for the junior golfer. Golf fitness exercises found within these categories of training are geared towards increasing muscular strength, endurance, and power. In order to improve these components of the muscles in anyone (junior golfer included) we must overload the body with a higher workload than it is accustomed too. For example, if you were a bodybuilder and wanted get bigger biceps. You may choose to perform bicep dumbbells curls with a 50 lb. dumbbell. In the beginning this exercise may be very difficult to perform. The reason is the 50 lb. dumbbell is overloading your bicep. Over time the bicep gets stronger and the 50 lb. dumbbell gets easier to lift. This is an example of how to overload the muscles of your body to get stronger.

Many of these exercises to develop increased strength, endurance, and power can require the use of external resistance: In the form of dumbbells, elastic tubing, medicine balls, etc. The mistake with junior golfers is externally loading these exercises too much. For example, using to heavy of dumbbells for a certain exercises. The result is a compromise in form and loss of benefit from the exercise. For this reason, I have found it best for the junior golfer to use their body weight as resistance first. Then slowly progress to adding external resistance in the form of tubing, medicine balls, etc…

This format allows the junior golfer to progress in the development of their bodies for the golf swing properly. It allows them to focus on exercise technique and execution rather than the amount of weight lifted.

To recap, modifications for the junior golfer in terms of their program is required. It is a simple process if they are not overloaded with resistance or difficulty of exercise. The goal for the junior golfer is the same as any other golfer; develop the body around the golf swing. The physical components to be developed by a golf fitness program are again the same; flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power. The difference for the junior golfer lies within the implementation of the exercises within these categories in the golf fitness program.

Sean Cochran
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Golf Cars - 1001 Uses, With Imagination

2009-06-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

Golf Carts, Club cars, Golf Buggies - all the same thing - have come a long way from the golf course, although they can still be found there, too.

Golf Carts were originally designed to ferry golfers and their equipment from the end of one hole on the course to the start of the next, and back to the clubhouse. Whatever happened to golf as exercise? You will now see golf carts in all kinds of places far removed from the golf course.

Golf Cars are used on university campuses and to ferry presidents around. Their other uses are only just beginning to be explored. They are used in large warehouses and factories to move around quickly, without the noise and pollution that a conventional vehicle would cause.

In many ways these compact vehicles represent a ready-made alternative to the gas-engined automobile, except they are small and go slowly. Around town they are perfect for carrying the kids to school, or going to the grocery store. These uses have not taken off because of the attitude of most drivers, who insist on speed and protective devices around them.

You can buy standard accessories like a windscreen or enclosing body, or you can go for full customization.

You may want an electric vehicle for around the farm - you can buy spray equipment to fit to most "Golf Cars". You may want a 4x4 "Golf Car" for hunting or just driving through the forest. All of these are available at reasonable cost.

You want camouflage? You've got it.
You want weapon racks? You've got them.
You want a sunbrella? You've got it.

Golf Cars are used on university campuses and to ferry presidents around. Their other uses are only just beginning to be explored. Golf cars provide a quiet and environmentally acceptable mode of personal transport.

Sebastian Romero
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Golf Resorts Offer Much More Than Golf

2009-06-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Golf called gowf in Scots, originated in Scotland during the 15th century. Over the years, it has gradually developed to its present form from the earlier practice of hitting a pebble with a primitive club in the sand dunes.

The popularity of Golf has made it a universal game. Golf resorts have sprung up all over the world and each has its own unique features.

Extra Facilities at Golf Resorts

Golf resorts are not merely golf courses but they are resorts that offer enjoyable vacations as well. Generally golf resorts offer many other facilities to help the golfer and his family relax and enjoy. The golfer needs the maximum amount of relaxation after a hard day at the course. A wide range of facilities and amenities like, fitness centers, healthy cuisines, spas and aerobic classes are offered.

Personal Training programs

Many golf resorts are now providing personal training services, taught by experienced teaching professional, to help improve the golfersâ€™ playing capabilities. Fitness training programs are also available to improve the fitness levels of the golfers through training in flexibility, stability and strength.

How to find the best Golf resort

The Internet is the best and the most convenient way to locate good golf resorts. You have to browse through the various relevant sites and find the most appropriate resort where you can enjoy your game of golf and unwind. Check the facilities that they offer and match them with your own requirements. It is important to find out whether they have fitness centers, health resorts, spas, training studios and fitness instructors.

Go For Healthy Cuisine

At the golf course you will shed a lot of calories throughout the day. Therefore, after a day at the golf course you would need to refuel yourself. And what better way to refuel than by having a non traditional healthy meal.

A few days at golf resorts will transform you into a completely different person as far as your body, attitude and game is concerned. You will feel the power oozing out of you. When your golf vacation is over, you will start planning the next one immediately.

Barney Garcia
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Debunking Popular Golf Myths

2009-06-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Golf is replete with myths. Covering everything from driving to course management, these myths are passed down from father to son, some in the form of golf tips on swing mechanics, others in the form of wise advice on how to do things. Unfortunately, many of these myths are just plain wrong.

Below are three popular myths I like to debunk in my golf lessons and golf tips. One or two of them may have an element of truth in them. The other may have no truth in it at all. Regardless, all of them embody ideas that can elevate scores and boost golf handicaps.

1.Aim at the Target
We’ve all heard this statement before. Maybe even said it. The statement isn’t so much mythic as it is confusing. The question is, aim what at the target? Your clubface? Your shoulders? Your body? The statement doesn’t really say.

The problem with this myth is that it can cause people to misalign themselves in one of two ways, hurting his or her golf handicap.

• aiming the feet, hips, knees, and shoulders directly at the target, leaving the clubface following a line well right of the target; or,

• aiming to compensate for ballflight errors, like when you aim left to compensate for the ballflight error of a slice (for right handers).

When aimed correctly, the leading edge of the clubface sits at a right angle to the target line while your body aligns parallel-left of the target line. This set up establishes perfect parallel alignment. This position doesn’t come naturally. So you need to work on it on the range to recognize when you’re aiming correctly on the course.

Here’s a drill I use in my golf instruction sessions. First, pick a target and lay one club down on the ground a few feet in front of the ball, but on the target line. Then, take a second club and lay it down parallel to the first but along your toe line to indicate body alignment. Make adjustments as necessary. Finally, hit a few balls and see what happens. After awhile you’ll have trained your body and eyes to accept this new alignment.

2.As the swing gets longer, it gets faster
If you’re like most golfers, you swing the driver faster than the 7-iron or 8-iron. Most of us invariably ramp up our swing speed with longer clubs because we envision hitting the ball harder and driving it farther. It’s a natural tendency, one I often see when giving golf lessons.

Unfortunately, when you ramp up your swing speed, you destroy your natural swing tempo—the total amount of time it takes to create your swing from beginning to end. That’s not good. When you start varying your swing’s tempo from club to club, you destroy the timing required to hit consistent golf shots. It’s one reason why you feel that you can hit your irons well one-day but not your woods, and vice versa.

All of us have our own swing tempo. Some of us have a fast tempo, like Nick Price. Some of us have a slower tempo, like Fred Couples. Either way is fine, as long as you keep the same tempo for each club in the bag. It’s not something you control. If it takes two seconds to hit the pitching wedge, it should take you two seconds to hit the driver. Practice consistent tempo with all your clubs and you’ll hit consistent shots.

3.Play the ball back with shorter clubs
Most of us vary ball position as we change clubs. The shorter the club, the farther back we position the ball. But incorrect ball positioning can create major problems. With the ball positioned too far forward, our shoulders tend to align too far left of forward. Since your club swings where our shoulders point, we slice. With the ball positioned too far back, our shoulders tend to close, encouraging a push or a hook.

While you should position the ball more forward for the driver than the pitching wedge, you should never place the ball farther back than center for any normal shot with a level lie, regardless of the club you’re using.

Remember, for normal shots on level lies, there are just three basic ball positions;

• Short iron: one inch left of center
• Mid-irons: two inches left of center
• Long irons & woods: three inches left of center.

In addition, always relate the position of the ball to your upper body, not your toes. Using your toes can create the illusion that the ball is positioned correctly when in fact it isn’t. For example, if you use your toes to position the ball with your foot flared out but then close up your foot, the ball seems to move forward in your stance, when it actually hasn’t.

These are just three of the more popular golf myths that exist, many of which I address in my golf lessons and golf tips. There are lots more. Unfortunately, many of them are just plain wrong.

So be wary of them. And don’t be afraid to challenge them. Even if you’re wrong, the worse thing that can happen is that you can learn something valuable about the game of golf.

Jack Moorehouse
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Golf Carts: Great For Golf, But What About All The Other Uses?

2009-06-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

When most people think golf carts they think of a buggy that takes a golfer and his golf clubs around the course. And that’s a fair assumption seeing that is what they were originally produced for. But in this day and age there are other uses apart from the obvious.

Many large companies with many warehouses or factories also find a need for golf carts. Traveling to and fro between buildings is made easier and faster when using a golf buggy. These little buggies are not only convenient but also can be very useful along with the fact that they can be affordable.

You will find many manufacturers that produce these golf carts in either a manual push and pull, electric or gas version. Some can carry passengers as well as a golf bag.And for the people who like to be a little different there are companies that make custom versions to satisfy that individual need.

You don’t have to have a custom version to be a little different as you can just add some ATV wheels to make yours stand out from the others if that is what you wish.

If you are a fanatic golfer or just an occasional golfer then golf carts are still a great way to get around that 9 or 18 hole course. Of course you can purchase your own or you have the option of hiring one as well. Many courses have them for hire for reasonable prices but there may not always be one available. So if you don’t like disappointments then perhaps you should consider buying one.

A good idea is to check out the many online manufacturers that make reliable and affordable golf carts for you to choose from before making any rash decision.

Remember, whether you are a golfer or you just need the cart for convenience and versatility in your business or home you will find a wide range to choose from on the web.

Susan Dean -
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The Joy Of A Golf Cart

2009-06-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

You are going to love to read this article in search of some valuable instruction in the mystery of the perfect golf cart. But I doubt you are going to find what you are expecting. What I am going to do is give you some advice that will hopefully help you in your game but more in the head game than in the physical part of the game. I want to in the next few paragraphs talk about three truisms that will hopefully put you at ease, steel your confidence, and allow you to play up to your ability. The three areas are rhythm, routine, and consistency.

When I talk about rhythm in relation to the golf cart I mean pace of cart play AND peace in your thought. Most people have heard of the evils of hurrying a cart or of deceleration, but what about rushing your mental game or losing your concentration. First have this one swing thought in mind as you step to the ball—“smooth carts produce better rides, I don’t have to drive slowly.” This allows you to have something for your mind to latch onto in that critical moment as you stand over the ball in front of your cart. It is easy to produce and isn’t complicated or distracting.

Secondly you need to have a routine. The golf course is not the place to be thinking about the mechanics of curing your slice or cutting or drawing the ball. You have to be concentrated on the best type of shot to hit, NOT how to hit it. All of that work should be done on the range. Routine refers to the natural sequence of events that goes into envisioning the shot that you want to hit, selecting the club, and choosing the golf cart that you will use to get yourself around the course. The routine is very much a part of the rhythm of your game and allows you to find a level of “been there, done that” comfort that is so helpful to your confidence.

The last thing is consistency, and this requires discipline and time. The mechanics of the golf cart are important, sure, but the consistency of the cart is ten times more important. If you have a natural slice but you know how to use is and can trust that it is going to go in a certain way you are way better off than if you hit the ball straight 80% of the time and don’t know what is going to happen the other 20%. You can also trust your cart to get you to your shots even when they are in the deep rough.

So instead of filling your mind with all the intricacies of the newest hybrid carts and trying to always have the best, find your natural fit in a golf cart and make it consistent. Then work on the part of the game that has a lot more to do with your score, the head game, and finding the calming and confidence building influences of rhythm and routine.

Julee Mitchelsin
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Golf In Ireland Is Great

2009-06-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Golf in Ireland is a joy for sure and also one of the best ways to enjoy your golf vacation. There are no business meetings, no phone calls to bother, just you and your fantastic new golf clubs. The best experience, you can give to your life is golfing. If you love playing golf, golf in Ireland will provide you with great golfing experiences.

Finding a good golf course does not seem to be hard at all in Ireland. There are lots of golf clubs to choose from. You can find golf courses with sunny beaches or with more moderate climate.
Here are some of the famous Irish golf courses:

The Royal Dublin Golf Club:
The Royal Dublin Golf Club, more than a century old golf course is most venerate and the second oldest golf course. This golf club covers a huge area of 230 acres and belongs to the Adare Manor Estate. Adare Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. offering a magnificent parkland layout. This is one of the leading parkland courses in Ireland.

Beaufort Golf Club:
This golf course was founded only in 1995 but is fast becoming a play venue for all kind of golfers. Beaufort has been carved from natural terrain and lush with plant growth. Some characteristics of Beaufort Golf Course are the bunkering patterns, large contoured greens and generous fairways. Eighth hole is the jewel in the Beaufort crown. The beautiful green course bestow you a splendid scenery of the beautiful McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. On this course each hole asks solemn questions of a golfer’s ability.

Druids Glen:
This club is located along side of the Fota Island, Mount Juliet and Carlow. Druids Glen hosted the Irish Open Golf Championship from 1996 to 1999, was awarded with the prestigious Hertz International Travel Awards. Due to its outstanding beauty the golf club area is called as “Heaven's Reflex".

Killarney Golf Club:
Killarney Golf Club comprises three top-class parklands - Lackabane, Mahony's Point and Killeen Course. Killeen Course is the jewel of the Killarney golfing crown.

Ardfert Golf Club:
This Irish golf club is situated 15 miles north of Tralee and is the right place for people who are looking for an economical nine holer. The course is in existence from 1994 and has attracted thousands of visitors so far. It just measures 5700 yards, proving that a layout doesn’t have to be a monster to make it both interesting and challenging. Snacks are available for visitors in a clubhouse, nearby.

These golf courses will not only make playing golf in Ireland interesting and challenging but also a memorable one.

Keith George
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A Golf Umbrella - Great On Weddings

2009-06-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well, not only golfer´s can have good use of a golf umbrella. I once handed one over to the bridegroom when the sky opened as they just came out of church. The reason might not be obvious to everyone but an ordinary umbrella is too small to shelter a couple. And you can´t expect a newly married couple to separate with two umbrellas.

So golf umbrellas are bigger and the size is actually around 60-65 inches, which is just about 150-165 centimeters. Some a little smaller and you can also find some around 70 inches. Those are like having a tent, you are very well protected from rain. The big sizes of golf umbrellas are necessary as a golfer has to take care of a number of things and if possible also protect the golf bag.

If you have watched the professional golfers playing in rain you have probably also noticed that the player use big golf umbrellas. The caddie has no umbrella and on rare occasions you can see the caddie holding the umbrella for the pro. That seem to be the only time a caddie can get out of the rain. Of course it is important to protect the player, she or he is the one making money for them both.

On the first tee of a golf round up in Virginia it started to come short showers of rain. I simply had to buy a new umbrella and choose one with a dual canopy. A dual canopy has, as the name would suggest, a dual canopy design, this feature allows for any wind to blow through the umbrella while water will still run off of it.

By making the top half of the bottom canopy out of a mesh material and then putting a second shell that covers the mesh and runs about two inches past the seam, the rain will not come through the vented area. This is especially important when you take into account the size of the umbrella when opened. This will easily cover you and your bag.

How is that size possible without the thing weighing a ton? With a fiberglass shaft and spreaders, the umbrella is lightweight and lightning resistant. A push button opening mechanism makes it easy to open the umbrella with one hand. Most golf umbrellas I´ve had don´t use push button techniques simply because there is one more thing that can fail.

A golf umbrella will keep you dry for a full round of golf. If it wasn´t for the fact that you have to hit the ball from time to time. You will also get wet from walking in the grass, not to talk about lost balls in the ruff! There are times when a player just have to find the ball himself.

Golf umbrellas with the double canopy works great even when the wind pickes up a little bit. You will not fly away even it the size is really big. Some golf umbrellas now have a ergonomic handle which cut down on fatigue from carrying it. The hand stays in a natural position. Thanks to the lightweight materials used in the construction, you can carry the umbrella without having it affect your swing due to muscle fatigue.

One drawback can be mentioned with the golf umbrellas in general. The the size of it, while you want to have as much of yourself and your bag covered, when closed, the umbrella will protrude a good bit from your bag when it is not being used. This can make loading and unloading the bag a little difficult from your car. When it has been in use you should not have it in your bag. The umbrella will get dry much faster if you can unfold it and just give it some time.

A golf umbrella is great for anyone to use, it is large enough for two people to stay dry. The dual canopy will keep the umbrella from turning inside out in higher winds while not sacrificing any coverage.

Choose your umbrella with care and you can have it for many years. The one I bought in Virgina is seven years now, still working great but the looks is not the best. I don´t care, I´m on the course to play golf.

Kat. Mitrou
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Golf In Scotland

2009-06-11T18:33:00.002-07:00

Golf in Scotland is a historical phenomenon. According to records the game was first played in 1457 after which it was banned by King James II.

Golf is a national pastime for Scots since 1502. The Stewart monarchs were themselves keen to develop golf in Scotland. The reputed Scottish golf courses lie in parkland, moorland, pasture or heathland.

If you are a golf lover, Scotland can be an ideal place to spend your vacation. You can engage yourself in thrilling activities like - shoot game, fishing on a river or Scottish loch, play golf, visit a Scottish castle, hunt deer and dream of our Braveheart “William Wallace”. Walking, boating, cycling and watersports are for everyone.

With traditional warm Scottish hospitality you can relax here, listen to pipes and transcend in the world of history.

Golf courses

Dalmunzie Golf Club
This club is located in the heart of Perthshire, near Spittal of Glenshee. Dalmunzie Golf Club is a nine hole moorland course. This is the first choice for beginners and golfers who want to increase their skills. The golf course at Dalmunzie is not long – actually it is only 2100 yards. The Golf course is surrounded by mountains on three sides with an abundant of wildlife on the course. Grouse, deers and even rabbits run wild on the moors.

Rosemount Golf Course
This golf course exists in history of golf in Scotland since 1889. Greg Norman have to be fond of this Perthshire peach, as he was the first Australian to win his first European Tour event here.
No doubt, it is one of the best inland courses. Fairways are bordered with troublesome trees and patches of heather. Accuracy is the key to play golf in Scotland.

Lansdowne Course
Near to Rosemount course, there is Lansdowne Golf Course which was opened in 1977. It is the first priority for visitors who come to Blairgowrie to see Lansdowne.

Gleneagles - Kings Course
At Gleneagles, there are 3 golf courses. All golf courses are great but King’s Course is the best of all. Throughout the year, it is kept in perfect condition and it also shares the reputation of being the best inland course in Scotland.

There are 18 holes at Kings Course, each of them offer different type of golf - from drives to approach shots to elevated greens, elevated tees to cambered fairways, wickedly angled greens, sweeping plateau doglegs and much more.

Add present wildlife and the majestic scenery if you are residing at Gleneagles Hotel. With all these excellence and experience in Scotland – playing golf in Scotland will live long in your memories. If you haven’t been there don’t delay, plan your next vacation for Scotland.

Keith George
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Golf - Inspiration for the Beginner

2009-06-11T18:33:00.001-07:00

Golf continues to be one of the most popular sports in the world and it seems that almost everyone you know plays the game. But what do you do if you're a beginner and your golf lessons aren't yet paying off? The thing that beginner golfers need to remember is that golf is a game of patience and practice that is based on technique.

At possibly no other place is the adage 'practice makes you perfect' more applicable than in the game of golf. The more you practice the technique the more success you'll have on the golf course. The most important basic that regulates almost the entire game of golf is 'the swing'. This is to be mastered if you wish for success. Unless you have the swing right, you will most likely fail at the rest of the parts of a golf game.

The swing commences with the correct grip. Positioning of both hands and interlocking of fingers is essential to develop a swing that is fluid, that is complete and that allows you to set the golf ball up correctly. A golf instructor is an essential for a beginner to develop the correct technique and swing right from the beginning. While watching professions, one may feel that each one of them is distinct in their swing - this is not so. The wrist position and body movement is almost similar with very slight variations that have been developed with years of practice.

The factors that matter in a golf game are not only the grip and the swing, but also the stance. Each club require a different stance to cater to the distance, lost and spin. However, for a beginner, it is best to first concentrate on the stance required for a driver. The rest can be eventually developed and mastered.

There are some essentials for a swing and drive. For the driver, the stance needs to be as wide as the shoulder. As the club number increases, the distance to hit reduces and the lost or the height of the ball increases. This requires the stance to get narrower and the positioning of the ball to change within the stance. These are nuances that shall be perfected with time, effort and practice. You will eventually get a good feel for your golf swing and stance and how to use them together.

Having perfected the swing with the driver, as you move down the list of clubs, the position of the ball is also moved back slightly. When you are using a driver, the requirement is to hit the ball into an upward motion rather than a lower motion.

Your posture plays another important part in perfecting your golf game. The right posture is important in achieving the correct stance. If you fail to distribute your weight correctly you are liable to end up with a weak swing. Remember when you're starting to play golf that if you give yourself the right foundation and practice your technique, you won't end up quitting forever in frustration.

The positioning of feet and the resultant weight distribution is important to get a real feel for what you need for your game. When you execute a good golf swing you'll find that your body will move back from your rear foot in the back motion while at the same time your front foot will hold the weight on the forward motion. This weight shift in a fluid fashion ensures a strong smooth swing.

Keep in mind that each different golf club that you use will require a different weight distribution as well as a different golf swing. After a while you'll learn to recognize what you need for each club,

Playing golf well takes a long time and never-ending practice. Take a long time and learn to do one technique at a time rather than trying everything at once. Don't be afraid to talk with other players that you'd like to emulate.
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Tips To Help The Beginning Golfer Get Started

2009-06-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

Golf continues to be one of the most popular sports in the world and it seems that almost everyone you know plays the game. But what do you do if you're a beginner and your golf lessons aren't yet paying off? The thing that beginner golfers need to remember is that golf is a game of patience and practice that is based on technique.

The more you practice, the sooner you'll master the technique required in golf. One of the most important ones is your swing. If you don't learn to swing properly, you probably won't fare very well with the other skills you need for a great golf game.

You'll need to learn how to properly grip your golf club so that you can execute the perfect swing. Your golf instructor will be able to position your hands in the right gripping position so that you can set the golf ball up correctly. If you watch the way other golfers execute their swing you'll see that everyone is slightly different in the way they move during a swing but that the grip stays essentially the same each time.

The factors that matter in a golf game are not only the grip and the swing, but also the stance. Each club require a different stance to cater to the distance, lost and spin. However, for a beginner, it is best to first concentrate on the stance required for a driver. The rest can be eventually developed and mastered.

When you're practicing you need to make sure that your stance is as wide as your shoulders at all times when using a driver. The only time your stance will be a little shorter is when the drive that you're attempting is a narrow shot of 60 yards or less. One of the important things that you need to concentrate on when you're going to swing is that you have the target and aim correctly aligned. With time and practice you'll be able to get a good feel for your golf swing and stance and how to use them together.

Having perfected the swing with the driver, as you move down the list of clubs, the position of the ball is also moved back slightly. When you are using a driver, the requirement is to hit the ball into an upward motion rather than a lower motion.

Don't forget your posture! It's important that you have a good golf posture developed so that you have a good foundation for your stance. If your posture is off and you're not distributing your weight correctly you'll find that you always have a weak swing. You want to give yourself as much advantage as you can when you're a beginner so that you don't become discouraged and put away your clubs for good.

The positioning of feet and the resultant weight distribution is important to get a real feel for what you need for your game. When you execute a good golf swing you'll find that your body will move back from your rear foot in the back motion while at the same time your front foot will hold the weight on the forward motion. This weight shift in a fluid fashion ensures a strong smooth swing.

It will be confusing at first but each club will need a different weight distribution and a different swing. Soon it will come to you naturally as you pick up each club.

Mastering the game of golf takes time and practice. Give yourself lots of time to perfect one part of your game at a time rather than tackling all the techniques at once. Don't forget to ask for advice from other players that are having the kinds of games that you want to have.
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The Four Key Factors In Your Swing

2009-06-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

When I mention the word basics in my golf lessons, players start thinking about things like grip, posture, ball position, alignment, and so on. That’s only natural. Golf pros talk so much about these subjects in golf instruction sessions that players assume they’re the focus when the discussion comes round to the basics of a golf shot.

But there are four other basics—plane, centering, radius, and face—that key good ball striking. Players must master the four factors to cut their golf handicaps down to size. These factors, which are sometimes neglected in golf lessons and golf tips, determine consistency. If you’re off with these even slightly, you’ll slice, hook, or mis-hit the shot, regardless of your grip, posture, ball position, or alignment.

Plane:

Plane is the angle your club takes at address. Your swing should have a circular look to it when viewed from a face on perspective. The swing won’t be a pure circle, but it will have a recognizable circular shape. Looking from down the target line, the circle should be tilted the same angle as the clubshaft as it sits at address. This area encompasses the most direct and powerful route back to the golf ball.

The club must remain in this defined plane as it approaches the golf ball on the downswing. While your swing plane may change from waist high in your downswing to waist high in your finish, your club must go through the original plane at address to hit straight shots solidly. So while you may see some odd looking swings by Tour players, you’ll also see that they always return the club to the same plane of address at the bottom of their swings.

Face:

Face is the second important factor. To gain control over the clubface at the moment of impact, your hands must be at the same position when you make contact with the ball as at address or may be a bit forward. Returning your hands to the same position guarantees that your clubface is pointing in the same direction as when you set up to hit the ball.

There are three ways you can hold the club at address—with your hands on the left side of the grip (weak), the middle of the grip (neutral), or the right hand side of the grip (strong) for right-handers. The best grip is the one you can produce naturally shot, after shot, after shot. If you look closely at the pros, you’ll see players with different grips, yet they still hit consistently straight shots. Why? Because the way you grip the club matters less than the how your hands are at address. If you have a strong grip at address, you better not have a weak grip when making impact; otherwise, you’ll end up with either an opened or a closed clubface at impact.

Radius

Radius is the distance from your left shoulder (for right handers) to the end of the clubshaft. In other words, it is the distance from the center of your golf swing to the outer-edge. Your lead arm must be in line with or trailing your arm at impact, known as “maintaining radius.” Bobby Jones, the great amateur, called this “good timing.”

Maintaining radius enables you to strike the ball solidly. Many recreational players that I give golf lessons to try to force the shaft of the club past the lead arm prior to impact. This effort causes the clubface to travel up not down, resulting in a fat or thin shot. A loss of radius causes a hook, slice, loss of distance, and wide assortment of other poor shots.

Centering:

Centering refers to the spine and head at address. While you may have some lateral movement of your head and spine in your swing, consistent hitters keep these areas, or their centers, steady. A steady center involves two things. From a down-the-line-look, the amount that you bend forward from your hips at address is constant throughout your swing. From a face-on perspective, your center (spine and head) remains as constant as possible as well. Your swing, as I’ve explained in my golf tips, revolves around your center.

While the basics like grip, posture, ball position, and alignment are important, they only prepare you to take your swing. They increase your chances of hitting a golf ball when the more important basics are in order, producing accurate, solid shots. To lower your golf handicap, you must the other “basics” of the swing—plane, fact, radius, and center.

Jack Moorehouse
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Golf Carts Not Just For The Golf Course Anymore

2009-06-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

In the market for a used golf cart? Did you know that they’re not just for driving around the course anymore? You can use them to haul yard gear and transport gardening supplies and tools. They can also be utilized simply as a way to get from point A to point B if you’ve got a large piece of property or just need a little assistance getting around. Also, a used golf cart can be a big help if you’re a family who likes to travel. They’re great to have on camping trips for tooling around the grounds, or getting to the store, showers and swimming hole. And of course, they still make your golfing experience more enjoyable when cruising around the course instead of walking, especially on those warm days.

Used golf carts are available in electric or gas power and range in price from around $1,500 to higher end versions priced at around $4,000 depending on the extras you choose. There’s also lots of online companies that also sell reconditioned carts for an even more economical approach.

Another money-saving tactic is that if you’re mechanically inclined and have an old golf cart that may be out of commission due to worn out or broken parts, you can purchase a wide variety of replacement parts, either aftermarket, used, refurbished or new, from an online dealer.

One new and fun aspect of owning a used golf cart these days is that you can also get them custom painted! There are companies that will airbrush your name, boat name, or even a cartoon character or favorite scene and most places just need a picture or sketch of your idea to create original artwork for your cart which will make it uniquely yours!

What about cart stretching? Instead of purchasing a larger cart, this concept involves cutting an existing 2-seater golf cart in half and then combining it with another to ‘stretch’ your seating and space availability. It can also increase the safety and comfort of your passengers which is always a good idea.

Additionally, if you’ve got a used golf cart, or are planning on purchasing one and it may not come exactly the way you wanted, there’s lots of accessories and updates you can add to it. Some of these include heaters with 12 to 48 voltage capabilities that plug right into the cart’s power outlet. You can order custom-made seats in your choice of upholstery and color, a new canopy or even different floor mats.

Look around online to see all of the many options that are available to you. For all its uses, a used golf cart is a functional and fun way to get things done.

Synergize Marketing
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Golf Fitness Exercises To Help Your Short Game

2009-06-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

The connection between golf fitness exercises and the short game often times goes unnoticed. It is usually thought golf fitness exercises help us generate more clubhead speed, add more distance to our drives, hit longer iron shots, and play more consistently from the fairway. In this mix of benefits the short game is often lost when discussing golf fitness. Believe it or not golf fitness exercises can benefit your short game in a big way.

The idea of golf fitness exercises and their benefit to short game play came into focus during a conversation with PGA Teaching professional Christopher Smith. Christopher is a great instructor; he works with Nike Golf, is rated as a top instructor in the Pacific Northwest, and was recently featured in Golf Digest Magazine. Not to long ago Christopher and I filmed a couple of golf instruction videos together. One of the videos was on the short game.

The video we filmed was not your “typical” short game video. Where we instructed you to place your feet here, clubface in this position, hands forward of the ball, etc, etc. It was a much better approach in the video and discussed concepts of the short game. Christopher presented ways to think about short game shots, and processes to improve your short game.

One area he touched upon was how finite of an athletic action chipping and pitching are in the big picture. For example, the muscular strength in the hands, forearms, and wrists are integral parts of the short game. In addition so are the motor skills of the nerves and muscles coordinating the movements involved in such golf shots.

Christopher’s question to me in the video was in relation to these exact topics. He flat out asked me:

“Sean, are there golf fitness exercises that can help in the short game? I find as an instructor, physical limitations are showing up in some of my student’s short game. This is limiting their ability to perform chips, pitches, and most shots from 100 yards in. What are your thoughts?”

I told Christopher there are absolutely golf fitness exercises that can benefit any golfer’s short game. I first discussed the hands, wrists, and forearms. To perform chip shots and pitches the hands, wrists, and forearms come into play. In order to execute such shots consistently and correctly a level of strength is needed within these muscles. If the muscles within these parts of the body are weak and lack endurance, the ability to set the hands where they need to be, and hold the clubface in the correct position can be compromised.

I said the easiest way to correct this problem on a physical level is to implement a series of golf fitness exercises for the hands, wrists, and forearms. These exercises will increase the muscular strength and endurance in these body parts. The end result will be an improvement in their short game on a physical level.

The second problem area indicated by Christopher with his student’s short game centered upon the finite motor skills of these shots. These types of shots require a very high level of motor control. Motor control is centered upon the interaction of the brain, nerves, and muscles. It is essentially your brain telling your body what to do, how to do it, and in what order. This is a result of your brain coordinating movements of your muscles through the nervous system. The execution of your brain “telling your body what to do” can be either efficient or inefficient.

If your brain, nervous system, and muscles are operating efficiently, the execution of finite motor control movements such as short game shots are easy. On the other hand, if your brain telling your nerves, and consequently your muscles what to do is inefficient. The execution of finite motor control movements, again such as short game shots will be more difficult.

I told Christopher motor control is the second area in which golf fitness exercises can be of benefit to the short game. The types of golf fitness exercise beneficial to the short game are balance exercises. Balance exercises are a type of golf fitness exercises.

These types of golf fitness exercises incorporate your brain, nerves, and muscles. They have many benefits when it comes to the golf swing. Outside the benefit of creating higher levels of muscular strength and endurance, these exercises assist in motor control.

Let me explain, we understand motor control is the interaction of your brain, nerves, and muscles. The interaction can either be efficient or inefficient. Efficient motor control is good, especially for finite muscular activities such as short game shots. Golf fitness balance exercises “challenge” your nervous and muscular system interaction. Over time as these two systems are “challenged” through exercise they become more efficient. Essentially they operate together more efficiently. Resulting in higher levels of motor control and the ability to execute finite motor skills (i.e. short game golf shots).

So lets summarize this discussion between Christopher Smith and myself. Golf fitness exercises are often overlooked as a benefit to short game shots. The reality is different than many individuals think. Golf fitness exercises can assist the golfer’s short game on a physical level. It does this in two ways; golf fitness exercises increase the strength in the muscles involved in short game shots. Secondly, the short game is a finite motor control activity. Golf fitness balance exercises can improve a golfer’s motor control abilities, allowing them to execute finite activities such as short game shots with greater ease. Bottom line, golf fitness exercises can benefit every aspect of the golf swing and the amateur’s golf game.

Sean Cochran
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Swinging For The Gold

2009-06-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Golf Academy (SDGA) is teaming together with the Honolulu Advertiser for the second year at the annual Swing for the Gold golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics Hawaii. The event will take place on Friday, August 11th at 11.30 a.m. at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club. Paul Zagnoni, President of SDGA, promises a fun-filled day of golf followed by an awards dinner celebrating the Honolulu Advertiser’s Sesquicentennial anniversary.

Swing for Gold is part of Special Olympics Hawaii, which conducts a year-round program of physical training and competition at local, area and chapter levels. During the Special Olympics athletes compete at local and area events prior to advancing to the chapter level competition. Special Olympics Hawaii athletes are offered the opportunity to participate and compete in clinics, camps and competitions in the following sports and events: Aquatics, Athletics, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Fitness, Power Lifting, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Speed Skating.

The story of Special Olympics Inc. begins back in 1946 when the Kennedy family founded the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., Foundation, to honor the memory of Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., who was killed in World War II. The foundations’ mission was to learn how to prevent mental retardation, and to improve society's treatment of people with mental retardation.

In the 1950’s Eunice and Robert Sargent Shriver came into the picture; two remarkable individuals who dedicated their lives to helping people with disabilities. After discovering that people in the United States with mental disabilities had the greatest unmet needs in all of the nation's health care delivery systems, they were inspired to start a summer day camp for 100 mentally disabled adults and children at their home in Rockville, MD.

The day camp was a huge success, and demonstrated that people with mental disabilities could not only participate in a wide range of recreational activities, but that they also enjoyed them tremendously and benefited greatly from the experience. As a result, the foundation awarded more than 80 small grants to organizations throughout the USA, enabling them to create similar day camps in many communities.

Special Olympics Inc. was originally established in December 1968, as a non-profit organization, to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental challenges. The program also helps to foster increased understanding and integration of people with mental retardation in the general community. All the money raised in Hawaii stays in Hawaii to establish and maintain programs for the thousands of people with mental disabilities that live throughout the state.

People wishing to support Swing for the Gold golf tournament can choose to become bronze, silver or gold sponsors, or make a regular donation. The last day for sponsorship is July 21st
For more information regarding the tournament, contact Kehau Christian at (808) 943-8808 ext. 34

Andy West
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Getting Started With Golf Training

2009-06-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in golf training, there are a variety of teaching options to get you started. From the internet to the video store and even the classroom, there is no shortage on available lessons. Depending on the type of golf training that you ultimately select, prices can be quite affordable. Professional golf training, however, will be more costly.

If you would like to hire an instructor to help you learn to play golf, consider a professional instructor or someone who has a lot of past experience in golf training. The first thing that you will learn is the difference between clubs and the names of each. At first, golf training may seem intimidating because there are so many clubs and they are each used for a different situation. But, after a few golf training lessons, you will be able to recognize the clubs and their intended use in a snap.

It may be a good idea to learn to play golf on a beginner level before hiring an instructor. Become familiar with the clubs by purchasing an instruction book or video. These type of manuals offer an introduction to the different clubs, how to grip them properly and even the proper way to swing. By reading closely, or watching an instructional video, you will enter into golf training with more confidence. Rather than starting from scratch, your instructor will notice that you will likely learn to play golf a lot faster than absolute beginner students.

If you aren’t comfortable staring on your own, there is nothing wrong with entering golf training as a beginner. After all, that’s what the training is for. For practice purposes, it is a good idea to have access to a full set of golf clubs during the times that golf training isn’t being given and you would still like to practice. Your instructor may or may not ask that you practice but, if they do, it will help you to be better prepared for future golf training lessons.

When selecting a golf training instructor, you may even have the option to learning to play at a golf course. Many golf training instructors work one-on-one with students while others offer instruction to a group of students, which is similar to any other type of class. Online instruction is for anyone who doesn’t want to leave home or doesn’t have the time to attend regular classes, but this type of golf training does not provide an actual hands-on teaching technique.

Michele Oberton
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How To Choose The Best Golf School

2009-06-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

More people are becoming enamored with watching and playing golf. Even children are taking to this laidback sport that has become a household word, thanks to Tiger Woods and other famous and charismatic golfers.

Most people find golf interesting because it gives them a chance to indulge in sports while keeping themselves physically fit at the same time. True enough; golfers prefer to walk the greens than take a ride in one of those fancy golf carts.

A person who wants to learn how to play golf should get the services of a good trainer. Even people who already know how to play golf will benefit from the experience of a good trainer.

All golf enthusiasts should start with the basic know how of playing golf and this can be best learned through a golf school. A good golf school can make the difference in a golfer’s future playing style and performance. A person who wants to play golf professionally should avail of the training of a golf school.

There are various golf schools but choosing the perfect golf school depends on the player’s preferences. However there are basic factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing a golf school. The first rule is to always check out the golf school before enrolling in any of their golf courses or trainings. This way, you avoid wasting your money and your effort when you find out later that you have made the wrong choice.

Majority of the people who want to enroll in a golf school either want to learn how to play golf or improve their existing skills. The primary consideration should thus be the reputation and the ability of the instructors in the golf school. Good instructors will help you learn h\golf or improve your skills in playing gold. An inept instructor will only make you a worse player than you already are.

It is also advisable to ask if the sessions are individual or in group because you might want to get the full attention of the instructor if you are a beginner. Also ask for the qualification of the instructors to help you decide in choosing the best golf school.

The popularity of golf has made possible the proliferation of golf schools and you can find them anywhere, even through the internet. It is easier to get information on the golf schools and their courses through the internet because you only need to do computer research unlike visiting them physically and getting the information you need one at a time.

Enrolling in a golf school will cost you money so you should make sure that you make time for the lessons or that the training schedule coincides with your free time. This way you get the most of your money and at the same time learn a new sport or improve skills you have already acquired.

David Sanders
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How To Have 5 Simple & Proven Ways To Improve Your Golf On The Course?

2009-06-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

When you go out to play a game of golf you’re hoping for a good round. Do you? I bet you would especially amateur golfers out there.

I know many golfers do, and I have some question for you:-

Question 1 : How often does your outcome match what you hoped for? Not as what you have expected for, right?

Question 2: Do you usually shoot the scores you had envisioned before you teeing off? Again not what you want, right?

Question 3: If not, do you ever study where and how you could have saved strokes and avoided those blow up holes, without losing very badly.

I’ve got 5 easy and proven tips for you to implement immediately that will shave 4-6 or even more strokes off your score the next time you play. Give them a try and see what happens, but now I am only to include the first two:-

Here they are:

1) First off you’ve got to put the proper fuel in your body before you leave home. I mean eat something not too heavy that gives you enough energy. Most golfers don’t give it a second thought.

They either don’t eat at all before they leave home or they eat something that is not going to give them the long-term energy they’re hoping for.

So whether it’s lunch or breakfast before you leave you need to consume a complex carbohydrate and a good protein source.

This combination will warrant the best use of your energy for the long haul.

An example for breakfast would be a bowl of oatmeal and a couple of eggs with a piece of fruit or a juice.

For lunch you could have a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a piece of fruit. Lot’s of lettuce on the sandwich and try to avoid mayonnaise or butter.

2) The second tip is to properly warm up your body before you even hit your first ball. I see so many golfers show up 5 minutes before tee time, hack a few balls and head to the first tee.

I mean doing some simple stretching exercise before injure your hamstring.

Those golfers are headed for a double bogey right off the bat - but hey they’re just getting “warmed up” right?

A better approach is to give yourself at least 30 minutes before your tee time.

First do some dynamic (movement oriented) stretches to prepare your body to perform.

Things like arm circles, partial squats, toe touches, etc. Then take some half swings with a 7-pound iron club.

Now after that you’re ready to hit some wedges. You’ll find with this approach your hits on the range will be much better, which will build your confidence.

3) Drink lots of water even before you leave your house. Try to consume up to a gallon of water before you get to the course.

This will help you absorb and digest your pre-game meal and hydrate your muscles for optimal performance. This is important and should not be overlook, otherwise the consequences is adverse.

Don’t take this lightly. Dehydration causes energy loss, lack of focus and concentration and fatigue later in the round.

And remember, that’s before you even come to the course. Once you get there, you should be drinking water every hole. Don't forget about it.

4) Don’t wait till you get tight to stretch on the course. You should be constantly moving your body and stretching your joints while you play.

I see and hear too many golfers complaining of tight lower backs or shoulders during the round.

What amazes me is that with all that complaining they do nothing about it. Why? Think of your body as a machine.

If the machine starts to break down – fix it. I mean stretch those areas while you’re playing. You’ll see a big difference in your swing mechanics late in the round.

5) Snack while you play. No I don’t mean the full meal but having mini snacks bar that most people taking before heading for the gym.

When you supply your body with the proper nutrients your energy levels stay balanced and you will avoid those mental lapses late in the round.

How many times have you had a good score only to blow up late in the round? I’ll bet more than a couple of times. I know I have. Treat your body like a Ferrari not a Ford Pinto. You only 1 body if you want to win.

I hope you enjoy this series. Stay tuned for more golf ideas and tips.

Eddy Thomas
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Golf Tips - Getting Started

2009-06-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

History has it that the game of "golf" was born in 15th century Scotland. Then around 1744, the first rules of play were codified and established in Edinburgh by The Company of Gentlemen Golfers. Golf has become one of the most popular sports in the world; played in countries as far reaching as Mexico and Ireland, South Africa and China. And, of course, Scotland. And the world has not been the same since. It's come as no surprise that there are universities offering degrees in Golf.

The best way a beginner can begin is by learning what NOT to do. So, for the novice getting started, the game entails entering a world with a rich and varied history, a major investment of time and money, a demanding physical and mental learning curve and last but not least - days with huge amounts of "FUN"!

Now, don't go running out and spending a small fortune on things you don't know anything about. Such as course fees, golf lessons, and golf attire. Some courses are not worth the fee nor are the costs for equipment claiming to be of high quality. The clothes and lessons can also wait for a time.

The newness and the joy of finding a sport that you can play alone, with friends and spouses, or even with the whole family is part of the excitement. Learning to play golf well can be an emotionally exhausting experience not to mention expensive. Take some time and do a bit of research. You'll not want to enter into this without being armed with what you need to know.

Learn to take baby steps first and remember to have fun and not take yourself and everything else too serious. The pros will generally advise against spending too many weeks on the driving range at first, claiming you may develop some bad habits that are difficult to break once you start playing on the course. However, spending a bit of time on the driving range can be beneficial, helping to get the muscles moving, discovering if you've got any inclination or interest in the game and an idea of what and where to use what clubs.

Find a cheap course and wear comfortable, baggy clothing that doesn't restrict your arms and shoulders. Save that $1,000 you'd spend on pants, shoes, and shirts for later. To start use a simple three club set you can borrow from a friend or use a clubhouse rental. A Nine iron, a wedge, and a Number 5 wood is plenty. Actually the wedge won't get much use on a driving range, but you can add a putter and move to the putting practice area later. Some have miniature versions of sand traps to practice escaping.

Take it easy, watch those who hit well and imitate their grip, stance, and posture. Tee up, keep your eye on the ball as you swing, and give it a firm whack. If you miss a few, so be it. Have Fun. You're teaching your body what the swing feels like, what angle and impact produces what kind of flight..

On the putting green, start very close to the hole — no more than a couple of feet. When you can make 25 putts in a row more or less consistently, move back to six feet, 10 feet, 20 feet — no farther. 'More or less' consistently — even the pros sometimes miss a two-footer!

Whether driving or putting, stand so that a casual push wouldn't knock you over. Golf is about balance, concentration, and some simple physics. Now, go have a cool drink in the clubhouse and enjoy the day.

Art-Luff
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Ireland's Challenging GOlf Courses

2009-06-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

In Ireland golf courses abound, both links and parklands varieties, about 410 in total, and this is a good number compared to the population of almost 6 million (4 million people in the Republic of Ireland, and 1.8 million in Northern Ireland). Ireland is one of the world's great venues for a dream golfing holiday.

Links golf courses are usually found around the coastline where they've been scratched out of the abundant sand dunes, where the wind often challenges players, especially on the west Atlantic Coast side of the island. Their designers have also used the proximity of water to make the game on these courses more interesting. One of the most famous links courses is the Ballybunion Old Course, whose contures and sea breazes challenge every player.

Parkland golf courses are mainly inland amongst the naturally hilly landscape where woodlands provide tree-lined fairways, which are used to advantage by their designers to test the competence of even the best of the pros. A notable parkland's course is the K Club just outside Dublin, which has been chosen to hold the Ryder Cup in September 2006. The Slieve Russell course in the Irish midlands is also another fine example.

Seven of Ireland golf courses are included in a list of the best 100 golf courses worldwide (Golf Digest)

They are:
In Northern Ireland: Royal Portrush Golf Club (Dunluce) and the Royal County Down
In the Irish Republic: the "Old" club of Ballybunion (in the 1st ten world ranking), Lahinch, Portmarnock, The European Club and Waterville.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Golf high season: June, July, August
Mid season: May, September, October
Low season: November through to April

Book tee times well in advance of your vacation. About 20% of Ireland golf courses have their own website on which you can make a booking. Visit the author's website to see a list of them.

Take care of how you dress. You may have difficulty at some venues if you do not take notice of the following advice regarding clothing. Wear proper shirts with sleeves and collars, golf shoes and sports socks, trousers or smart, tailored shorts. Clothes NOT TO WEAR include - denims, short shorts, trainer shoes or runners, track suits, sweaters without shirts, clothing with slogans.

Always be at the course well before your tee time. Most courses allow spikes - some encourage their use in wet weather. Many links courses do not allow motorised golf buggies because of the hilly terrain.

Take your handicap certificate with you as many golf courses will insist on visualising it. The handicap limit will usually be 28 for men, and 36 for women.

If you are taking your own golf clubs with you, you'll need to acquire a very strong golf bag to protect them during manhandling by luggage personnel. Some find an easier solution is to hire golfing equipment in Ireland, in which case this should be done at the earliest time, when booking tee times.

You'll find a friendly welcome not only from the Irish golfing community, but also from the population in general. Ireland has now become a very popular venue for a stimulating golfing vacation.

Ron Mills
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“Think” Your Way to a Better Golf Game

2009-06-11T17:50:00.000-07:00

There’s more to a good game of golf than practicing your swing, buying the latest and state-of-the-art equipment, or even devoting your entire weekends to practicing on the greens. Golf is also about mental preparation—what experts call “Being in the Zone”. The best golf players are very skilled at concentration and focus, enough to stay calm under pressure, and make calm decisions even when millions of dollars are at stake.

Mental preparation isn’t just a trick of the pros. Even casual golfers, the ones who like to use it for business networking, have to be able to play a good game while keeping track of their business objectives. Exactly how do you “seal the deal” on an important account, chatting casually without looking too desperate for the contract, while deciding what kind of swing and golf club you need for that particular moment? This is especially true when you are playing with particularly talkative people, who could be joking around or asking you all sorts of questions just when you’re about to make a crucial move.

There are several books written on the mental game of golf. Most of them are based on actual research on sports psychology, by experts who have studied the styles and moves of golfing champions. After all, all of these people are understood to be good at the game: they would never have made it to the playoffs without that. However, all things being equal, what sets apart a great golfer from a golfing champion? Here are some of their findings.

The first trait is the ability to concentrate, tune out the voices of other players and other background sounds, like the plane flying overhead, the sound of the lawn mower. Concentration lets you focus on your swing whatever your environmental conditions might be. It prevents you from making that age-old excuse for a bad move: “I was distracted!”

Another ability is to tune out internal distractions, meaning the thoughts and emotions which may prevent your ability to really focus on the shot. This includes the insecurity, the fear, the negative thinking. The energy you spend on telling yourself why you can’t win the game is taking away from the energy you need to actually win it.

Which brings us to another important trait: stress management. This doesn’t just include the sense of pressure and how everything’s riding on this one shot—it’s also reining in the rush of adrenalin and excitement. Many players will “blow” a good game in the last few holes, because of the “winner’s jitters”. Some tricks to manage this includes deep breathing.

Another important winning trait is confidence. This isn’t arrogance: you have to know what your weaknesses are, and develop your game accordingly. In fact, many pros will tape themselves as they practice their swing, to detect the problem areas. By honestly assessing your game, and working to improve it, you can go to the actual game with real confidence—that you are truly at your best playing level, and that you have what it takes to handle the pressure.

Philip Nicosia
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How To Find Discount Golf Equipment

2009-06-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for discounts on golf equipment, then you probably already know that they aren’t too easy to find. Golf equipment is very expensive and can sometimes be downright unaffordable. If you know where to look and how to scout out the best deals, however, golfing doesn’t have to break the bank account.

Every golfer needs a quality set of golf clubs, which are readily available at retail and specialty stores. Whether you are looking to shop online or in person, the same rules apply to snagging a good deal. With everyone advertising their price to be the best, it can sometimes be difficult to know which one really is the bargain and which ad is just boasting a high price disguised as a sale. The best way to learn the answer is to simply shop around.

The first place that you will want to look for golf equipment is at a clearance or closeout sale. This could either be at a local retail or golf specialty store. During the year, especially as the golfing season draws near an end, retailers offer amazing discounts on their outdoor sports equipment. Everyone knows that the winter months aren’t really ideal for the sports fanatic, so plan your bargain shopping accordingly.

If there aren’t any bargains to be found in the retail world, consider a quick visit to your nearest golf course. While you are there, ask if they have any previously used golf equipment for sale. As a recreational area, golf courses have to keep the newest and most innovative pieces of equipment available for their customers. In doing so, they often have to unload their equipment from the previous year(s) and this could mean big savings for you if you know when to ask. The best time is just before a new golf season is about to begin, which is when the new equipment will be arriving. You know the old saying, “out with the old and in with the new.” If you decide to purchase used golf equipment, make sure that you aren’t buying something that is badly damaged or broken. Inspect the equipment closely before sealing the deal.

If you are still in search of discounts on golf equipment and just haven’t found the perfect deal as of yet, consider browsing the classified ads in your local newspaper. This may be a great way to find anything, including previously owned golf equipment. And best of all, there are no shipping fees involved if a product can be found locally. This isn’t always the case with online shopping, including the use of online auctions. When browsing online, consumers should be ready to pay a hefty shipping charge.

If all else fails, stop by the local flea market and/or garage and yard sales. A number of people may be looking to clear out their old golf equipment and you may just be the one to benefit if you can find a terrific set of golf clubs at the right price. With so many shopping options, there are plenty of ways to find discount golf equipment without emptying your wallet.

cristi
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Golf Adventures

2009-06-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas might be a city of glitz and glamour but it is also a popular golf destination. With its extensive golf courses, golf resorts and one-of-a-kind packages, this city is where it all happens. There are several providers that offer exciting golf packages in Las Vegas, but none like www.lasvegasgolfadventures.com. Whether you come for the experience or for the game, this is something to watch out for.

Golf is a game you can thoroughly enjoy. After you play your eighteen hole game, you can walk over to the ‘ninetieth hole’ to take a break. Exciting water hazards and bunkers will add to the excitement. But to enjoy all this, you will probably require a golf guide. Choose someone who not only knows the city but also the game. This is a vital element that can add value to your golf adventure.

Las Vegas Golf Adventures offers affordable golf packages that will be the highlight of your vacation. The expert golf professionals will advise you on different avenues of the sport that you can play here. Not only do they take care of individual golfers but groups and corporate golf tournaments. Their end-to-end services include a plethora of gold entertainment. Your golf trip can take you from deserts to lakes with panoramic backgrounds to motivate you to play at your best.

These golf trip providers will make all the arrangements to ensure that your trip is a memorable one. They offer excellent service by knowledgeable staff. That makes all the difference. If you are looking for accommodation then Las Vegas Golf Adventures can also arrange good quality rooms at affordable hotels. You can also enjoy your lucky streak at the nearby casinos. Combining a bit of gambling to your golf vacation can be lots of fun. These partner hotels offer world-class facilities and excellent cuisine. It will surely be a pleasure staying at the Las Vegas hotels.

To play your game of golf you can choose from a wide selection of lush green golf courses. From the Aliante Golf Club and Reflection Bay Golf Club to TPC Canyons and Bear’s Best Golf Course, your choice can only be the right one. These renowned architect-designed courses are breathtaking especially to the avid golfer.

There are several packages that are offered to golfers. You can choose one that suits your schedule and liking. Some packages are for three nights, others for four nights. Some offer three rounds and others four rounds. You can go online to check out the complete details and pricing on each. Further, the online booking facility makes this experience so much faster and easier. An online booking form will allow you to plan your golf vacation down to the very last detail.

Alex Isaac
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Affordable Golf For Seniors

2009-06-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

An affordable senior golf course can be found in Calistoga, California, known for it's small town atmosphere, great hot mineral pools and mud baths. The Mount Saint Helens Golf Course is located near downtown and is a public municipal course (Rating/Slope 66.4/102). It is flat, well maintained and walkable. The 9 hole course is very affordable. It has golf car and club rentals available. Accommodations are somewhat pricey in Calistoga because of the draw of the hot pools and mudbaths as well as the location in the Napa Valley wine country. If you want a wonderful 1930's experience stay at the Indian Springs resort and Spa. ($$$) For something more affordable, consider staying at Dr. Wilkinsons Hot Springs Resort. ($$) There are many wonderful, affordable eating places on the main street. The local grocery store across from Indian Springs also carries prepared foods that are perfect for a picnic or take home. On your way to or from Calistoga you might want to check out the Vintners 18 hole Course in Yountville. It is a more upscale, expensive course in a beautiful setting, looking over the Napa Valley.

The Palm Royale Country Club in La Quinta, California is a par 3, 18 hole course situated within a beautiful condominium complex. In addition to the signature palm trees the course includes numerous mini-lakes strategically placed among the holes. It is relatively flat, walkable with very reasonable green fees. Being located about 35-40 minutes from Palm Springs provides opportunities for shopping, sightseeing and casino hopping. Accommodations can be pricey. For example, one night's stay at the Courtyard By Marriot in Palm Desert starts at $129. ($$$) In Palm Springs, the Spa Resort Casino owned and operated by the Aqua Caliente Indian Tribe with all of the amenities will start at $98. ($$) Casino Resorts tend to be more reasonably priced to lure you in to spend more money in the casino and restaurants. Casino Restaurants also offer excellent, reasonably priced meals and buffets.

John Smith
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What to do if you are struggling with your woods.

2009-06-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of golfers who struggle with the woods. When I say woods I mean both the driver and fairway woods. The reasons that golfers struggle with their woods can be due to many things. It could be that the ball is placed incorrectly in the stance, it could be that you are not transferring your weight correctly, it could be something in your swing etc.

If you are a golfer who is currently struggling with your woods, be this slicing, pulling, topping, fatting etc then there is no reason to lose heart. The first thing to do is to book a lesson with your local PGA pro so that he/she can analyze the problem and give you valuable advice as to what the problem may be and how to rectify the issue. Practice as often as you can at your practice are or driving range and before long you will be hitting them sweetly again.

On the golf course though if you are struggling with your woods then this could be causing you to lose shots, lose confidence and in extreme circumstance cause you to give up this wonderful sport. Many beginners to the game find it hard to hit drivers, fairway woods and long irons, this is normal as beginners tend to try to hit the ball rather than swing the club through the ball, with a driver, fairway wood and long iron this is hard to do and can end up being a pull, slice, topped shot etc.

If you are a golfer who is struggling then why not leave your fairway woods and driver at home and play with just your irons. Sounds strange doesnt it but if you think about it you should be able to reach most of the green in regulation or at worst one over regulation. For example you are on a par five which is 500 yards long, you know that you can hit your six iron 160 yards and your 5 iron 170 yards so hit your five iron off the tee, then off the fairway hit your six iron leaving you another six iron to the green, two putt and walk off with a par.

Hitting an iron is a lot easier than hitting a driver, you should be able to hit your ball more accurately. Granted there is nothing as satisfying as hitting your driver down the middle of the fairway but if you dont know if it is going to go left or right then what is the point in hitting it. If you play the game with your mind using your irons as much as possible then you should be able to get some good scores, build your confidence and still enjoy the game whilst you are working on the issues with your woods.

If long irons are an issue as well as your woods then maybe you could try a hybrid wood from your local golf shop, these are designed to replace the long irons and are much easier to hit.

Of course you can still use your woods on a practice round which will help you to work out what is wrong or work on the drills which your pro has given to you, but during a competitive round, or even a practice round if your shots are getting you frustrated then pull out an iron and play if off the tee.

The biggest bit of advice that I can give is to sat 'dont worry about it'. If you worry about it then you will become frustrated which will cause you to tense which in turn will cause a bad shot which will get you more frustrated - can you spot the circle which happens here. There is nothing to be embarassed about if you decide to take an iron from the tee. Have a look at your golfing partners face when you birdie that hole after teeing off with an iron.

Peter Cunningham
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Mastering Your Mental Golf Game with a Secret Method the Pros Do Not Want You to Know

2009-06-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

Introducing Tap-In-Golf: The Ultimate Mental Game Mastery System. This cutting-edge technique combines centuries-old wisdom and quantum physics to allow you to drop your handicap like a bad habit...in minutes!

There is a brand new mental golf game technique out there that most of the top players would rather keep a secret. It's called Tap-In-Golf. Perhaps you have already heard about the buzz it's creating in the golf world. Currently, golfers from over 33 different countries are using this system to master their mental game, cure the yips, cut strokes off of each round, reduce their handicaps, and enjoy the game again. In this short article, you will discover and experience this simple technique that delivers results almost immediately – results that you will feel in your body and see on your scorecard.

What is the Tap-In-Golf (TIG) Mental Game Mastery System?

Warning – This may seem a little weird... but give it two minutes and experience the results. Do yourself a favor and suspend disbelief for a short time, and test out the demonstration detailed below. The chances are good that you won't care that it's "unconventional".

Tap-In-Golf is simply a do-it-yourself form of acupuncture, except you don't use needles. Instead you simply "tap" on a few "clearing points" while focusing on the negative feeling or emotion. Let’s get right to it!

Step One: Visualize a Stressful Golf Scenario and Rate the Intensity of Your Feelings

Sit down comfortably and close your eyes. In a moment I will instruct you to imagine yourself out on the golf course. Not some generic course, but rather one you know very well. You will imagine yourself on the toughest hole, or possibly the most challenging shot you have ever had to execute.

Is it a tee shot over water, a deep greenside bunker, or a tricky chip onto a sloped green? Whatever it is, I will encourage you to fully immerse yourself into that scenario and to vividly imagine yourself standing over the shot.

While you are performing this mental exercise, make a note of what particular negative emotions (nerves, anxiety, fear) or physical symptoms (butterflies in stomach, sweaty palms) arise, and give them an "intensity rating". We will use a simple scale of 0 – 10 (0 = no intensity, 10 = very high intensity).

For example, fear at level seven.

Please go ahead and do that now. Take a couple of minutes if necessary.

Write down your "intensity number" on a sheet of paper. We will use it for a subjective test in a few minutes.

Step Two: Tap the Clearing Points (Negative Focus)

Next, you will tap three points approximately ten (10) times each while focusing on the negative emotion or physical symptom you identified above. It is important that you focus on the negative while tapping

Point One – Collarbone

You will use an open hand to tap this area. Technically speaking, it is not the collarbone, but rather the two boney notches at the base of your neck (the location of the knot of a necktie). Tap it lightly ten times while focusing on the negative emotion.

Point Two – Under Eye

Use the tips of your index and middle finger to tap on the bone about one inch directly below the eye. Tap it lightly ten times while focusing on the negative emotion.

Point Three - Double Wrists

Simply tap the insides of both of your wrists together (about the area that you would wear a watch). Tap them together ten times while focusing on the negative emotion.

Interesting (sort of) side note: this wrist point is the one that can reduce sea sickness. If you have ever been on a cruise ship, you may have used one of those wrist bands for your queasy stomach. The truth is, those bands are designed to stimulate these exact wrist points. The manufacturers often times don’t tell you that because it seems too weird!

Step Three: Tap the Collarbone Point (Positive Focus)

Now tap the Collarbone Point once again with an open hand approximately 10 times while repeating (aloud or silently to yourself) the phrase "Let it be easy".

Step Four – Take a DEEP BREATH.

Step Five – Imagine the Exact Same Golf Scenario Again and Check Your Intensity Rating

The chances are very good that the intensity of your emotion or physical symptom will have decreased substantially or disappeared completely.

If you experienced a decrease but there is still some intensity remaining, or if a different emotion or symptom surfaces, simply perform another round or two of this method until you feel calm, confident and as if you could take on Tiger himself!

Question: Will this calm feeling actually carry over to the golf course in this situation?

Answer: Usually. The subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between what you imagine and what is "real". However, if you experience any negative emotions or symptoms while "live" on the golf course, simply apply this technique on the spot and eliminate them in short order.

The above demonstration is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the enormous potential inherent in these unique techniques for mastering your mental game, lowering your golf handicap, curing the yips, and increasing your enjoyment out on the links.

Mike Geary
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Golf Travel Case: Travel in Style

2009-06-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

A golf travel case is a necessity for any golfer that travels. Not only are golf clubs heavy and troublesome to move around, it is very hard when carrying further luggage on a trip.

Most golfers like using their own golf clubs so a golf travel case is just the answer. There are a few different kinds of golf travel cases with some better for airline travel and others for automobile travel.

The hard golf travel cases are a little pricier but are the best for airline travel as they can take lots of rough handling. When you fly, you have no idea how they put your golf clubs on or off the plane. A hard golf travel case is the best way to cover your golf clubs when flying.

Soft golf travel cases are more flexible so for traveling by car, they are ideal. They are a little less steep than the hard golf travel case but are far easier to store when you arrive at your destination as they fold up into a small bundle.

When looking for a golf travel case to buy, here are a few things to look for:

1. Whether it is a hard or soft case, make sure they have a fully padded interior from bottom to top, as you do not want your golf clubs broken.

2. Golf travel cases with a padlock and an I.D. window are very useful.

3. Make sure the stitching is double on the soft golf travel cases.

4. Double latches or zippers opening from top to bottom will make the case more user friendly.

Golf travel cases with lots of pockets give you extra space for your golf products. Locked recessed golf shoe pockets, expandable outside pockets and padlocks for all zippers is something to look into.

Golf travel cases need wheels, preferably inline skate wheels as your do not want them to break down. Handles along the side, top and bottom help in carrying the golf travel case. Lastly, a golf travel case should be waterproof.

John Thompson
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Golf Travel Packages: Livin' It Up!

2009-06-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

For any golf lover that wants to incorporate their favorite sport with a well-earned trip, a golf travel package is exactly what him or her are looking for. A golfer cannot only have the golf escape of their dreams but there are customized golf travel packages to meet there every desire and need. For a memorable, low-priced and efficient golf sojourn, a golf travel package can match you with the golf trip that is perfect for you.

Golf travel items are a fantastic way to spend time golfing while still enjoying everything a vacation offers. For the non-golfer, golf travel packages offer other activities and amenities to keep them happy while their partner or friend is on the golf course.

One of the most awkward decisions that you have to make when considering a golf travel package is where you would like to spend your golf retreat. There are golf travel packages accessible across the United States, Canada and internationally. One you have picked your destination, choose a golf course that matches your skill level. If it is a difficult course that the pros play and you are just learning the game of golf and as tempting as this is, find one more appropriate to your skill grade.

Select a golf destination that has a large amount of courses to choose from that you can play daily. This way you can choose the degree of difficulty you that you want to play. If you are traveling with someone who does not play golf, select a golf travel package that has other points of interest, attractions and activities. Not only will they enjoy themselves but also if the weather does not let playing golf for a day or two, you have other means of being entertained.

A golf travel package is perfect for anyone that loves golf.

Golf travel is just the beginning! Travel in style with quality golf travel bags from name brands such as Callaway golf bags and much more.

John Thompson
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Why you need to have a postiive mindset in the game of golf.

2009-06-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Golf is a mental game, you need to think your way around a golf course. If you watch any of the tour professionals they always enter a round with a game plan. This game plan varies depending upon numerous factors, this can be the type of course that is being played, the weather conditions and many many more.

Of course we are all not PGA professionals, the majority of golfers around the globe are amateur golfers. No matter what level you are at you need to play the game with your mind. If you can get both your mind and your body to play in harmony with each other then you are onto a winner. There are a lot of occasions where a golfer has a good swing, however this is hindered via the mind. If you let your mind creep into your swing and you start to think to much about your swing then the probability is that something will go wrong with your swing. The golf swing is a fluid motion - it is back and through simple as that. Remember that you are swinging a golf club - it just so happens that a ball is in the way of the club. Utilising practice time attempt to make your golf swing as natural as possible and then utilize your mind to play the course - not to control your swing, stance etc.

The mind - in the game of golf can ruin a round - if you make a bad shot it is human nature to attempt to analyze that shot in an attempt to rectify the problem. It is a very hard thing to master the art of forgetting about that shot. I have a personal rule which I abide to - if I make a bad shot I allow myself to think about it for 10 yards after I have put my club back in the bag and then started the walk to the next shot - after I pass the 10 yards I blank that shot out of my mind. If I allow my mind to come into the game to analyze my shots then I know that I will have a terrible round.

Using your mind to play the game is easier than it sounds. The most important thing is that you must have a positive mindset. If there is any doubt whatsoever in your mind about your next shotthen there is a high percentage that something may go wrong. If you are positive about the shot then your body will take over and you will make a much more relaxed shot resulting in a better shot.

Whilst on the course think about each and every shot prior to playing the shot - for eample if you are on the tee of a par 4 and you are hitting your 7 iron well then take a club from the tee which will leave you a seven iron for your next shot into the green. On the same not if you are hitting your pitches well and landing them close to the hole then tee off with a club which will leave you a pitch into a hole. You do not need to take a driver from every available tee. When not on the tee think about the shot and think about what you would like to do with the shot - attempt to picture the shot you would like to achieve in your minds eye. Once you have the shot pictured play the shot and your mind will automatically put your body into position to make that shot.

You need to believe in yourself - for example always think on a par 4 that you are going to get to the green in two and two putt. Everything on the golf course is out to get you - don't let your mind be your enemy as well - use your mind as your allie and conquer the golf course.

Use your mind to play the course - not to control your swing.

Peter Cunningham
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Golfing: Practice Makes Perfect Times 10

2009-06-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

I've enjoyed golfing on weekends regularly since I was in high school. Over the decades, I've put in immeasurable hours on the links, at the driving range, and on the putting field. As much as I'd like to make the assumption that all this hard leg work has been the single most major reason for my consistently lowered handicap, I have to say that a lot of the credit belongs to the great advances in club and ball technology that have taken place in the last few of years. But this technology doesn't come cheap, which is why I do all my shopping at golf rate cut establishments.

Golf markdown establishments offer name-brand materials and accessories for a fraction of the price levels that standard retail outlets charge. Yes, I'm talking about brands that any golfer would be familiar with, such as Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, and Nike. The cost of a single titanium driver can be a large number of hundred dollars, so I'll gladly take whatever savings I can get. All golf price reduction companies have slightly different pricing policies of course, but I can traditionally count on paying anywhere between 10 to 40 percent off the manufacturer's suggested retail market values for my clubs and accessories.

Even though there are a good amount of golf price cut companies within driving distance of my house, I prefer to shop online. I've found that unless a place by my house is having a large sale, online golf discount establishments almost always have better market prices on everything due to the lower overhead costs involved with maintaining a website versus a physical retail location. But since choosing clubs and other golfing supplies is largely dependent on how that materials feels in your hands or how it fits your body, an extra step is required here. Before ordering any new products from golf discount sites, I go to a nearby shop and test out the prospective items. Once I settle on an exact model or size, I can order from a website and save money. This approach may sound like a lot of extra work, but believe me, it's worth it.

I save an adequate amount of money by shopping at golf rate cut sites that I can afford to get higher-grade items once in a while or replace resources sooner than is 100% necessary. This gives me an advantage when I'm out on the green, and the results show up on my scorecard week in and week out.

If you're a golfer planning to save extra funds on your next resources purchase, then I suggest you try browsing around at online golf discount sites. After all, better equipment can really work wonders on your handicap!

John Thompson
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Choosing The right Golf Bag

2009-06-11T17:32:00.000-07:00

Till some years ago, the game of golf was popular mainly among a selected few, comprising the elite class of society. Things have changed tremendously over the last few years.

Choosing The right Golf Bag

One must consider a few things before selecting the bag that suits him/her the best. First, one should decide if he/she wishes to walk the course or use a cart. Although carry bags won’t be heavy, it won’t contain as many ‘extra’ items either. A cart bag, on the other hand, will be heavier but will include more features. Choose your golf bag keeping in mind the room needed for the number of clubs you will usually carry to the course. It will be even better to buy one, which can accommodate some more clubs you may wish to add soon. See to it that the height and the width of the bag are adequate to provide sufficient room for your golf clubs.

You can also choose a bag having more pockets for accessories such as water bottle holder, towel hook and even golf shoes. Check whether the straps and handles are strong enough to hold all your equipment.

Various Gold Bag Models and designs

You will find different models and designs. Carry bags if you prefer the walking game. These bags are lightweight, strong and user-friendly. There are also staff/tour bags and cart bags. Cart Bags got their name because they are designed to be used on a Golf Cart. Carry Bag is the best choice if you prefer to carry your own bag as you play Golf.

How do we carry the Golf bag Bag

If you have a caddie to carry your bag for you, like the pros, you do not need to worry about the weight of your bag that much as long as it is not too back- breakingly heavy. Golf Bag weight won't also matter that much if you intend to ride golf cart most of the time. But if you plan to walk around then you will definitely need a bag that is very light in weight. Most golfers love light weight Carry Bags with stands.

Prices are important too

Before buying a Golf Bag this is perhaps the first question you should ask yourself: "How much money am I willing to spend on a Golf Bag?”. Just like in many other things you can buy, the more money you spend, the more elaborate the features will be. When buying a Golf bag remember that the Golf Bag is not a piece of equipment directly used in your game.

Acario Daire
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A history of the Callaway golf club.

2009-06-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

The Callaway golf club is a golf club which the majorty of golfers around the globe have heard of, it is one of the most popular brands of golf club currently seen in the marketplace. Callaway, along with the success of the PGa professionals that they sponsor are currently at the top of their game.

The Callaway golf club was created and founded by Ely Callaway who started off firstly in textiles, moving on to be a vintner before finally becoming known as the worlds most trusted manufacturer of top quality golf equipment.The Callaway golf club designs are truly revolutionary which is why the Callaway golf club is known as a golf cub which is one of a kind.

All Callaway products are designed, created and built to help all golfers. Callaway Golf is widely known to have a tradition which is hugely backed via science based performance.The Callaway promise to all golfers all around the world is that they offer an 'unwavering commitment to innovation in products that deliver uncompromising results. Using better science, better golf and a better game come by design'

Callaway were one of the first golf club manufacturers to create a stainless steel golf driver, this driver had a larger head which in turn was more forgiving than any of their previous designs.This club was and still is known as 'Big Bertha' which apparantly was named after a famous German cannon which had the ability to shoot missiles a tremendous distance. The Callaway golf club 'Big Bertha' quickly became a houselhold name to golfers and can be identified by other golfers by the unique sound that it makes at impact.

Currently there are various versions of the Callaway golf club on the market - these are the drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges, putters and recently a hybrid club. There are various different revisions of each of these ranging from the Fusion and X480 Driver, Fusion fairway, Heavenwood hybrid, Fusion and X18 irons, X tour edges and numerous putters specifically the world ranked favourite - the Odyssey.

A Callaway golf club can be of benefit to any golfer irrelevant of handicap level - Give one a try the next time you are at the range - you may be pleasantly surprised.

Peter Cunningham
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Golf equipment - what you need to get started.

2009-06-11T17:29:00.000-07:00

As with any other sport to play golf you need to ensure that you have the correct equipment so that you can play golf correctly. Hopefully this article will provide you with a basic understanding as to what is required.

Basically, there are two main components to play golf - there are the golf ball and the golf clubs. The golf ball is not just a ball it is a scientifically designed piece of equipment. The dimples on a golf ball are designed so that there is less resistance in the air - if you look closely at different brands of golf ball the dimples are slightly different and it you count the dimples on a golf ball some balls have more than others. The inside of the golf ball is also different - this inside of the ball is normally determined by how much spin you want to be able to impart onto the ball, both in the air and upon contact with the ground.

There are numerous different varieties of golf clubs available at present, these are the driver, fairway wood, utility club sometimes also known as a hybrid club, irons, wedge and putter. Each of these different varieties has their relevant use on the golf course. For example the driver is the club which you use from the tee when you want to make a shot which goes a long way, the wedge is used for the short approach aspect of the game when you are coming into the green and of course the putter is used when you are on the green. Which club you decide to use for each shot is individual choice and can depend upon numerous things, game style, course style, ball lie, distance etc etc.

To make it easier to transport your golf clubs, both on and off the course you require something to carry them in. This is where the golf bag is used. The golf bag is used more than just for carrying your clubs however, it is also a piece of equipment which you use to protect your golf clubs. There are numerous varieties of golf bag available and the choice bag is down to both personal preference and requirements. For example if you will not be using a golf cart then a stand bag will probably be your requirement, however if you will be using a golf cart then it may be more beneficial to use a cart bag. The golf bag will protect your golf clubs from banging into each other and also protect the shafts against wear. The golf bag is of course able to carry other things other than your clubs, there are numerous pockets on the bag where you can put your golf balls, tees, drinks, waterproofs etc.

Another good item which is used to protect your golf clubs (normally your woods) is the golf head cover, this is a device which slides over the club and protect the club from damage.

If you are going to be playing on a golf course then you will need good grip. To facilitate this you will require a good quality set of golf shoes, Golf shoes are different to normal shoes as they have 'spikes' on them - these are so that you feet grip into the ground when you are making your swing. Slipping when you make your swing can have disastrous results - in some cases it can cause you to miss the ball altogether. These spikes come in all sorts of varieties, however soft spikes are the normal preference as they do not cause and damage to the greens when you walk on them. Golf shoes do more than just assist you in retaining your grip - the also give you the ability to keep your feet dry. When choosing a pair of golf shoes choose a pair which are sturdy, however they need to be comfortable as you could be walking a long way in them. If you do not feel comfortable in your shoes you will definitely not be able to concentrate on your game and could even do some damage to your feet.

You will require some tees. Tees are either made from wood or plastic and are used when you are teeing off on a hole. You balance the ball on the top of the tee and strike the ball from it rather than from the ground.

Most golfers tend to wear a golf glove. The golf glove is normally worn on the other hand to your 'master hand'; therefore if you are right handed you would wear the glove on your left hand. The glove is there to prevent the club from slipping in your hand and assist you in getting a better grip on the club. There are various types of glove available, you need to ensure that the glove is a good fit and is like a secondary piece of skin.

When you play golf there is a lot of walking involved which is why a lot of golfers invest in a golf cart. There are 2 different varieties of golf cart available, there is the manual cart which you either push or pull and there is the electric cart which is driven by an electric motor. In your golf bag will be a lot of equipment and the bag can be heavy, it will also feel a lot heavier as the round goes on. When you use a golf cart you place the bag onto the cart and pull or push the cart along. This makes the round a lot less tiring and therefore a lot more enjoyable.

You can purchase golf equipment from various shops both online and offline. Golf equipment can be expensive to purchase initially, therefore if you are on a budget you can look into purchasing second hand equipment. The Internet is a fantastic resource for locating good equipment. All golf equipment is not alike, however which is why it is recommended that you investigate each product prior to purchase.

Peter Cunningham
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A Wonderful Game-Golf

2009-06-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

The golf ball has undergone many upgrades and enhancements throughout its long life. There are four distinct stages in the evolution of the golf ball: Wooden golf balls, Feather stuffed leather covered (Featherie) golf balls, Gutta Percha (Gutty) balls and Rubber Core balls. From the original wooden ball to the modern Rubber-Cored, the ball has changed the way we play the game of golf.

A golf ball is a ball designed for use in the game of golf. golf ball must not weigh more than 45.93 grams (1.620 oz), that its diameter must not be less than 42.67 mm (1.680 in), and that its shape may not differ significantly from a symmetric sphere. Like gol clubs,golf balls are subject to testing and approval by the ‘Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ and the ‘United States Golf Association’..

Today's golf balls have progressed into having cores of titanium compounds, hybrid materials, softer shells and a more pressurized core. They usually consist of a two-, three-, or four-layer design, consisting of various synthetic materials like surlyn or urethane blends. When a golf ball is hit, the impact, which lasts less than a millisecond, determines the ball’s velocity, launch angle and spin rate, all of which influence its trajectory.. Every modern golf ball has dimples; their purpose is to increase and shape the lift and drag forces by modifying the behavior of the boundary layer. In order to keep the aerodynamics optimal, the ball needs to be clean. Golfers can wash their balls manually, but there are also mechanical ball washers available.

Most golf balls on sale today have about 300 - 450 dimples. There were a few balls having over 500 dimples before. The record holder was a ball with 1,070 dimples -- 414 larger ones (in four different sizes) and 656 pinhead-sized ones. All brands of balls, except one, have even-numbered dimples. The only odd-numbered ball on market is a ball with 333 dimples.

Before Buying A Golf Ball One must Know that There are many golf balls we could choose from,so don’t hesitate to tell the dealer about your interests and your game,only then could you Buy the right Golf ball which suits your game.

Acario Daire
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How To Improve Your Golf Swing - Get A Pro Golfer To Help You

2009-06-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to get better at your golfing skills, is to hire the training of a pro-golf trainer. If you're anything like me, you're a "do it on my own" king of person. But this is in many cases the wrong approach. A pro golfer can give you specific instruction and exercises that will help you improve a lot faster that you will on your own. It will also be a lot less painful.

So getting a golf pro to rain and instruct you on your golf swing is a great idea. Now, how do you go about finding just the right golf instructor?

There are a number of ways to do that. You can go to golf shops and look at ads or ask the shop keeper and other people who come to the shop. Another way is to go the country club or golf course and ask around. Don't just go for the first instructor you meet, but examine a few of them. Try to watch them as they give lessons to other students, and than ask yourself - is this an instructor I would like to work with?

When hiring a golf instructor, it's important you take a few lessons with them and ask yourself - do I have good communication with this gold pro? If you feel there remains a communication gap between two of you, there is no harm in parting ways and looking for a new gold instructor. Even your current pro may be able to make a recommendation if you just explain to him/her your difficulties in a polite and respectful manner.

When you do find a good instructor you want to work with, don't make the mistake of thinking that you can have the perfect swing in just a few sessions. It takes a lot more than that to improve your game significantly. Every student has his/her own pace, and golf techniques take time to learn, and even more time to perfect. Always listen to your gold trainer, and don't waste your and his time by neglecting to implement his instructions. Your instructor will also recommend additional practice time, and you will be wise to listed to this advice and take advantage of this.

If your gold pro does a good job, there is no harm in giving them a nice tip or bonus. It's worthwhile to keep in mind that golf pro's take much pride in their work and profession. They also have a lot of passion to the game and if you show similar passion and respect their skill, you will get a lot in return.

Gill Reese
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10 Tips To Collecting Free Golf Autographs By Mail

2009-06-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Collecting autographs is fun, rewarding and can even be free if you know the right technique. Every day, people are going to their mailbox and pulling out autographs from their favorite athletes, movie stars and other notables. If you are a golf fan and/or a collector of autographs, then you are in luck. This article will provide you with 10 important tips to making your autograph hunt a successful one.

Tip # 1 of 10
When requesting golf autographs through the mail, the first and most important thing to have is an accurate mailing address. You can reach male golfers in care of the PGA Tour and women golfers in care of the LPGA. Both addresses are listed below:

PGA TOUR
112 PGA TOUR Blvd.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

LPGA
100 International Golf Dr.
Daytona Beach, FL 32124

Tip # 2 of 10
When preparing your letter of request, always be polite and complimentary. It’s best to keep your letter short as most golf professionals are very busy and may be more likely to read your request if it’s brief.

Tip # 3 of 10
Always handwrite your letter and avoid typing it unless your handwriting is unreadable. The reason is because a typed letter may seem form-like and impersonal, which may lessen your chances of receiving a free golf autograph.

Tip # 4 of 10
Always include a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) with your request. More often than not, no SASE equals no response.

Tip # 5 of 10
When preparing your SASE, make sure that you include ample postage for the item to be returned to you. In most cases, if you are requesting a signed photo, two First Class U.S. postage stamps will be sufficient.

Tip # 6 of 10
Write the following caption in the bottom left hand corner of your SASE: “Photo Enclosed - Please Do Not Bend.” If possible, use a permanent marker and choose black or blue ink so that the writing is bold and will not be overlooked.

Tip # 7 of 10
As you address your envelopes, including your SASE, pay close attention to handwriting. Print legibly so that your items will be delivered properly and without delay.

Tip # 8 of 10
If possible, mention some aspect of golf or highlight of the golfer’s career in your fan letter. This will let him/her know that you are a genuine fan who would truly enjoy an autograph.

Tip # 9 of 10
Have patience. Depending on the time of year that you write, the golf schedule and/or a golfer’s popularity, a response may take awhile. If you do not receive a reply within six months, try sending your request again. In some cases, it may be simply impossible to receive a free autograph from certain notables. However, many are willing signers and are happy to accommodate the requests of their fans.

Tip # 10 of 10
Limit your request to two items if you are sending your own golf collectibles (i.e., trading cards, index cards, photos, etc.) and one item if you are requesting that the golfer send you their own photo. If your request exceeds either of these two scenarios, it may be construed as greedy and this will not increase your chances of success.

cristi
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What is a golf ball?

2009-06-11T17:23:00.001-07:00

Many years ago golf was played in Scotland, they obviously did not have all the equipment that we enjoy nowadays and certainly did not play the game in the structured manner that we do. Back then they had to utilise both golf balls and clubs which were both manufactured from wood.

It as back in the 17th century that the feather golf ball was designed and introduced, another word for this type of ball was the featherie. The feather golf ball was made from goose feathers which were compressed into a sphere which was normally cow hide. The feathers were compressed into the cow hide whilst the cow hide was still wet. When all the feathers were in the hide was left to dry and as it dried it shrank creating a hard golf ball.

These balls, however due to the nature of creation and build time were very very expensive and quite often cost much more than the golf club itself. Due to the cost of purchase only the more financially privileged golfers could afford to purchase such a ball.

After the feather ball came the creation of the guttie golf ball. This type of ball was made from the sap of a gutta tree, the gutta tree is predominantly found in the tropics, These balls were created whilst the sap was hot where the ball was shaped, when it dried it formed a hard rubbery golf ball. Due to the ease of manufacture these golf balls were a lot cheaper to both manufacture and purchase.

There was a huge difference between the featherie and the guttie though. The guttie did not fly as far or as true as the featherie. This was identified as being due to the completely smooth surface of the gutterie which limited the golf ball in the air.

Designers of golf balls eventually came up with a solution - the creation of the golf ball dimple - and these are still utilised on golf balls nowadays.

The dimples on a golf ball are created to reduce resistance to air whilst the ball is in flight. When a ball without dimples is in the air a huge pocket of dead air is created behind the ball which creates drag, therefore slowing the ball down. The dimples on a golf ball reduces this dead air behind the ball, therefore reducing drag and allowing the golf ball to travel. It does this by the dimples creating turbulence in the air around the golf ball which in turn ensures that a spiral like trail of air is left behind the ball rather than a huge amount of dead air. This spiral of air allows other air particles to flow around the ball rather than just past it.

The dimples of the golf ball dependant upon the type of center in the ball can allow for an amount of spin to be imparted onto the ball at impact, this can either create backspin upon impact with the ground or allow the golfer to control the ball better in the air - ie to draw a ball.

Dimples have been on golf balls now for many many years, however it is believed that they were created after the introduction of a one piece golf ball with a rubber core. This golf ball had a smooth outer on it and golfers found that they were able to hit a better shot as the ball started to wear - ie the outer edge started to become rough. It was around 1905 when the dimpled golf ball was officially introduced and from this time dimples have been used on all golf balls, in 1921 the golf ball was modified so that all balls were a standard size and they were all the same weight.

Nowadays, there is an absolutely staggering amount of variety when it comes to the selection of a golf ball. There are golf balls which are designed to go a long way, other which are designed to be very soft so that more control can be achieved. Even the dimples vary slightly between balls, there are some balls which have more than others and some balls have slightly different shaped dimples. No matter which golf ball you decide to play you can be sure that you are playing with an item which has evolved through evolution and is at present at or very near its optimum.

Peter Cunningham
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Arnold Palmer The Man Beyond The Golf Course

2009-06-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

To most, Arnold Palmer is best known as the legendary golfer who dominated the golf course for many years. To others, he is a successful business executive, sportsman, aviator and spokesman. To his family, he is a dedicated and devoted man with a loving heart. Above all, it is his personality and down-to-earth demeanor that has made him one of the most popular and accessible notables in history.

Arnold Palmer’s golfing success came about in a way that few others will ever experience themselves. During the 1960s, he was named as ‘Athlete of the Decade’ by the Associated Press. After racking up 92 championships in professional competition, 62 of which were won on the U.S. PGA Tour, Arnold Palmer quickly became a household name.

During his time away from the tee, Arnold Palmer developed a keen business sense and developed a variety of interests in various fields. Among them, Arnold Palmer Enterprises, which is a multi-division structure that handles his commercial business. In addition, Palmer has become involved in automobile and aviation service firms and remains the principal owner of a car dealership in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Since 1971, Palmer has been the sole owner and president of Latrobe Country Club.

Although his love for other business ventures occupies much of his time, Arnold Palmer signed on as a consultant to The Golf Channel, which first aired on cable networks in January 1995. Over the course of more than 40 years, this golfing great has given his approval on more than 200 new courses throughout the United States and the world. His business ventures and golfing participation keeps Palmer busy and on the move for most of the year. Luckily, he is a skilled aviator and often mans the controls himself onboard his Cessna Citation X jet aircraft, which he commonly uses for travel. After having dedicated so much to the world of aviation and his local community, the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport was named in his honor.

Speaking of contributions, Arnold Palmer has given much to the sport of golf and it’s fans. In turn, the sport has given back. In 2004, Palmer received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush during a White House ceremony. In addition, he is a charter member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and a member of the American Golf Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the PGA Hall of Fame, which is headquartered in the sunshine state of Florida.

During the 1980s, Palmer played a significant part in the fundraising activities that led to the creation of the Orlando-based Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women. Today, Palmer divides his time between Pennsylvania, which he primarily enjoys during the warmer seasons, and California. For fans, Arnold Palmer is one of the most gracious sports figures in history. A willing autograph signer and a kind-hearted gentleman who always has the time to shake hands or pose for a photo, Arnold Palmer is a fan favorite both on and off the golf course.

cristi
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Golf bags are great for golfers.

2009-06-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

It does not matter if your are a beginner to golf or whether you are a seasoned pro - one that that is for sure is that a good golf bag is a necessity nowadays. Probably next to the golf club and ball the golf bag is the next most important piece of equipment you can own.

Owning a golf bag will accomplish 2 things - firstly it will help you to protect and organise your clubs and other accessories, secondly it will remove one of the things to think about so that you can concentrate on your game.

When looking to purchase or replace a golf bag there are some things that you need to know before rushing out and purchasing the first one you can lay your hands on.

Firstly - what type of bag are you after, carry bag, stand bag or cart bag.

A carry bag does what is says - it is a golf bag which you carry over your shoulder between shots, the only issue with this type of bag is what to do with it when you are playing your shot - you will probably have to lay it on the ground.

A golf stand bagg is the same as the golf carry bag with the exception that it has stands which protude from its underside. These stands are triggered when you place the bag on the ground, when you place the bag on the ground the stands come forward and you are able to rest your bag on the stands. This removes the requirement to lay your bag on the ground and you can be safe in the knowledge that both your bag and clubs will be safe and secure.

A golf cart bag is similar to the other two however it is designed to be utilised on a golf cart. It is normally slightly larger than the other two types of golf bag as there is no requirement to make the bag less bulky to carry around - the benefit of this is that you can arrange your equipment much better as well as having the ability to carry more.

If you are an absolute beginner to the game then you may well be asking - 'What is a golf bag used for when I only have a few clubs?'

A golf bag is a valuable piece of equipment, no matter how few clubs you have with a golf bag you will have the ability to take other equipment onto the course with you as well as all the accessories that golfers carry. The majority of good golf bags come with a multitude of pockets for you to carry your accessories and personal trinkets. The majority of these are waterproof, however it is recommended that you check the bag prior to purchase. Some bags nowadays come equipped with a pocket which is effectively a drinks cooler so that you can keep your drinks cool when you are on the course. Dont forget as well that you can also get half sized bags to accomodate players with fewer clubs.

When looking to purchase a golf bag take your time, look for ones which you find both pleasing to the eye as well as having all the functionality which you require. If you are looking at a golf carry bag then ensure that you check the shoulder straps prior to purchase and definately try the bag on to ensure that it is comfortable - if you are unsure then ask at the shop to borrow some clubs to fill it with so that you know what it will be like when full of clubs.

No matter which type of golf bag you are looking at make sure that you check the weight - if it is a carry/stand bag then you will have to carry this weight along with everything else inside the bag on your shoulders and a game of golf takes a long time. Even if it is a cart bag check the weight as you still have to lift the bag into/onto the cart as well as to/from your vehicle.

Most bags will have various dividers in them - these are used to both separate your clubs as well as providing valuable protection for both the heads and the shafts. Cart bags tend to have a separate divider for each club, however the other variety tend to have less. One thing to remember is that the more dividers a bag has the more heavier it probably will be.

You will be spending a long time with your golf bag when you are out on the course so you want to ensure that you purchase on where you can get to your clubs and all other equipment/accessories quickly and easily. Try not to be tempted into purchasing one of the cheaper varieties as they do not last as long as the more expensive counter parts and no doubt you will need to change it before long.

Peter Cunningham
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The benefits of a custom golf club.

2009-06-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

The physical capability of every golfer is different - what I mean by that is that the stance, posture, size, swing characteristics etc of each and every golfer is different, however golf manufacturers make golf clubs identical as an off the shelf product.

The majority of golf clubs which you can purchase today can be customized to accommodate the individual differences between golfers. The lie angle/loft, type of shaft, length of shaft, grip type and grip size can be modified. All that is required to custom fit these clubs is some simple measurements and a basic analysis of your swing.

The definition of a custom golf club is the modification of the technical architecture of the equipment to suit the individuals needs and requirements.

It does not matter what level you have attained in the game of golf custom fitting your clubs will help your game. With a custom fit golf club in your hands you can be safe in the knowledge that your clubs are personalized for you. With a custom fit club you can be sure that when you make a good swing the club will be square at impact and you shot should soar down the middle of the fairway.

So how you do custom fit a club?

Arranging a custom fit is quite straight forward - when you go to arrange your fitting the following information will be taken into accounts :-

Gender
Height
Distance from the wrist to the floor
Age
Handicap/Skill Level
Swing Speed

Gender is utilised as the golf industry in general utilises different definitions as to what the standard length is for both a male and a female.

Height and distance from wrist to floor is used jointly so that the fitter can determine the length of club which is best suited for you. For example a tall man with long arms could easily be fitted with a shorter shaft than an average height male with short arms. The majority of golfers however use standard length clubs.

The remainder of the measurements are used to determine what type of flex the shaft on your club should have.

Benefits of a custom golf club.

If you slice or pull the ball then quite possibly the toe of the club is leading into the ball which subsequently opens the face of the club causing excessive side spin. This may not always be the case though, this problem could be down to a problem in your swing. When you are fitted your swing should be analyzed, this analysis shows the fitter what type of swing you have. For example if you have a flat swing then the club can be made more upright, performing this modification will ensure that the tope of the club will be just off the ground to compensate your swing.

What happens in the fitting process?

When you are fitted for a club the fitter will probably put some tape onto the bottom of the club and you will hit some balls from a specially designed impact mat. This mat, at impact leaves a mark in the tape which details the lie of the club at impact ie is it the heel or toe hitting the ground at impact. This mark will detail whether your club needs to be flatter or more upright. The majority of golfers during this aspect of the fitting slow down their swing - this is normally a mental thing as the golfer is worried that the club may crack the plastic mat. Don't let this worry you - swing as you would on the course.

After this however the fitting can become more technically advanced depending upon the fitter. Some fitters attach you to special analysis equipment so that your swing speed, ball spin etc can be recorded. This information is used so that your clubs can be fine tuned in order for you to attain maximum distance possible from your clubs. Other things which are measured are the launch angles, backspin ration and impact efficiency.

Who should have their clubs custom fit?

Well in my opinion every golfer should. As stated every golfer is different in numerous ways and clubs are mass manufactured for the average person.

You do not need to purchase new clubs in order to have them custom fir, the majority of golf retailers offer custom fitting to existing clubs. If you are purchasing new clubs then you may find that the cost of having them custom fit is free, however if you are hoping to have your current clubs custom fit then there may be a small charge.

One thing to note is that having your clubs custom fit will not cure each and every one of your bad shots. In order to remove these shots you should attend a golfing lesson with your local teacher. Custom fitting your clubs however will ensure that when you perform a good swing there is a much higher percentage that the ball will travel upon its intended path. This fact alone should shave shots from your round

Peter Cunningham
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Golf Lessons

2009-06-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

For all that’s worth in the field, some esteemed individuals do make a complete jackass picture, unknowingly or no when they are on the green. The reason for such is they may either never tried golf or never considered that etiquettes do preside over this gentleman’s game. Do you belong in one category, or both? So stop being someone else’s eyesore whenever a round of golf is decided by reading over this golf lessons. Who’s to say, it may save your face, your job, or your prospects in the long (or short) run.

Golf Lesson 1: Be a Gentleman

Golf is a game of elegance or it won’t be called a gentleman’s sport. There are strict regulations on some clubs to wear a certain outfit but for some public golf courses, this regulation may be a bit slack. Still, golf should be participated in a proper decorum. As golf become more and more a platform on which professionals intermingle and negotiate the quality of one's dress can often be regarded the expression of an individual’s success.

Golf Lesson 2: Leave every Golfer alone

Each player’s Addresses are treated as sacred. That means all players stay away and stay put. Nothing can be more exasperating when somebody acts like a buffoon: standing in front and observing somebody swing; standing behind and take the risk of getting whacked by a Seven Iron or even standing near enough to be in somebody else’s corner of the eye. Another man’s presence is the ultimate distraction for players getting ready on Address. What you should do is stand way back about 5 yards and make no noise. Utterly silent that he’ll forget you were there. Trust me, he won’t though.

Golf Lesson 3: Do your share and shout “Fore!”

Be responsible of your shots. Suffice to say: take care of your ball. Do watch the entire flight of the ball and take note where it landed. Nothing can be more frustrating than an hour spent searching for your ball, especially if your “boss” also conducts the search for you. Does this happen? Yes it does and quite surprisingly it often happens to those novice players occupied with their cool histrionics that they ultimately missed to remember where the ball landed. And yeah, do your share and shout “Fore!”

Golf Lesson 4: Etiquette marks Sportsmanship

You’ll be surprised how much etiquette can be observed in a sport. If you don’t believe it, wait until you can have your first try of the game. A lot are to be observed. Even replacing divots is a considerable etiquette. And no, you just can’t stamp them down; proper etiquette requires it to be gently tapped by your shoe, as if tucking a child to sleep. And even then there are other cultures specific to some golf clubs. A gentleman can really suck in a game big time and still exude such professionalism that he’d be a hot topic on the bar and grill anytime.

Milos Pesic
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Golf Clubs

2009-06-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Every golfer knows how superb golf clubs deeply affects gameplay; providing loft, making important backspins, and even those crucial moments and deft touches over the green. Golf clubs are the immediate extension of a player’s skill, the player’s game. It is a mutual collaboration of skill and contrivance that will spell how a game proceeds.

Suffice to say (or simply put!), getting the best golf club can always make your game improve. Some clubs are designed to compensate your weak spot. The only hindrance though is the seemingly endless option of good clubs out there that would ultimately leave you more confused than when you first started.

Getting the best golf clubs doesn’t require a mean technique. It’s a matter of choosing the right one in case something else’s isn’t working. Take for instance Utility Woods over Long Irons. Utility Woods is perfect for those who can’t wield Long Irons. Likewise, many people tend to forget how essential shaft lengths can be. The rule is: Make sure length and lie angle matched to your swing. Shortening the shafts can lead to a more comfortable stroke; however you might not notice the weakening of the power of the strokes you’ve made. Why is that? Physics. The lesser the length of the shaft, the lesser too the speed at which the club head travels. In such event you need to add a bit lead tape at the back of the putter to compensate the power loss. Alternatively, Graphite Shafts are also other cool choice for selection of golf clubs –for those who don’t have much strength to wield a heavy one.

While Woods are fairly non existent in any golfers’ bags in the past, almost everybody now uses the Fairway Woods. That is because everybody knows how Woods provide a reasonable power with minimal precision, unlike the Long Iron which requires a strong swing and a fairly accurate hit to get the ball up, especially on rough grass.

Remember though, it’s by experiencing each type that you can eventually decide which is best. Like the aspect of flexibility with the golf shafts and how it also can affect ball delivery which is relatively unknown to starter players. Make sure of golf clubs if they have the appropriate flex for you. Start with the softest flex then move towards the stiffer ones while choosing the best flex. And weight is always beneficial to any strokes as it makes your swing smoother and adds impact.

Milos Pesic
.

Golf Tips

2009-06-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Do you often drive an ace or mostly dub double bogeys? Because if you find yourself doing fat shots and bogeys more than making holes in one, chances are you may not be a sandbagger than you’d wanted others to believe. Most probably you are a dub.

Well, here are some golf tips that can really help you spruce up your play.

Golf Tips on Clearing Sand Traps

Hazards like ponds and sand traps are prickly areas to play. Even if you’re quite adept in handling lob shots in ranges, executing it in on bunkers is different. It involves not hitting the ball for one. To make an effective shot, the golf club must never touch the ball or you could overdrive it.

To execute it properly, you must understand how being plugged affects the mechanics. First is the sand. No ball rolls better in the sand. It is easy to get your ball out of the sand and back on the green. You can do it even by hitting the ball directly. But hitting to get it close to the hole requires something more. For starters, close the face of your sand or lob wedge. When you execute the stroke, you must dig into the sand to reach beneath the ball. Take some sand with the shot to put a stop on the ball. Remember, this kind of stroke should put some back spin on the ball to limit the amount of roll.

Golf Tips about Backhand Shots

Backhand shots don’t happen very often. But when they do, they make average players look spoofs. In these situations, a lie prevents you to address the ball with a normal stance. Such cases backhand is an option, a difficult option.

Seven Iron is the best club for such situation. Some competent golfers turn their backs around while delivering a stroke. Others do it sideways and slanting. Whatever it is, this situation is best done on a controlled stroke with Seven Iron.

Achieving that Longer Drive

It may be mundanely easy to look and observe those better players do the golf swing but mastering it is notoriously difficult. Ask somebody to tutor you on. You’ll never know how bad your form is unless someone is observing you. Considerably long (or short) drives are factors of many things. Like a good shoulder turn which is the key for most hitting power. It would help if your arms aren’t bunched together with your torso as you start the swing. This is the common mistake of starter golfers who deny themselves greater range by constricting turn.

If the golf clubs are the concern, the Callaway x460 or the Taylormade r7 460 should address that problem squarely. These drivers have considerable heads which adds weight and power to the drive.

Bear in mind, golf tips exist for a reason. And so does golf duffers. They exist to make the good players stand out. Don’t worry so much about being the golf duffer. After all, if everyone has to hit every shot into the green, there would be no point over beverages at the 19th hole.

Milos Pesic
.

Over The Hill Golfers Get More Roll

2009-06-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

Over a decade has passed since I crested the hill of age continuum and yet it just dawned on me last year at 53, I should be getting more roll out of my drives than I did before! Seriously I'm no physicists but even I know that golf balls roll further down hill. And I'm definitely over the Hill!

Despite my convoluted theory, the evidence shows that I'm hitting the golf ball shorter and shorter each year. Not only that but I'm twice as pooped after each round! None of this seems fair...not when you consider the thousands of rounds played, hours practiced and dollars spent on golf equipment and golf lessons. All for what? Not since I fired my last financial advisor had I seen and ROI this bad.

In a last ditch effort to salvage my dying personal golf corporation, last spring I made a rather large investment in a robotic massage chair. Passing through the mall after a particularly brutal round of golf I popped in to a novelty store in search of a gift for a nephew. Instead of a present for him I ended up taking a nap in the stores demo shiatsu massage chair!

Needless to say the nap didn't last long as I was awoken by a pimply sales kid who wanted to tell me all about the model I was sitting and the benefits of massage chairs in general. In my foggy, have asleep state, I politely mumbled something about just looking and stumbled out of the store.

It didn't dawn on me until the next morning what an impact that brief encounter with the massage chair had. For the first time in years I awoke without a stiff back!

A little research online and I found that most experts agree that a good massage can help increase your flexibility, prevent injuries and help you recover faster from a round of golf. Experts aside, I couldn't argue with the way I felt, and I didn't want to.

So I did indeed end up purchasing a massage chair, but not that pimply mall sales kid's model. By doing some massage chair comparison online I found a whole world of superior products. Now I enjoy a massage in the comfort of my living room every morning and every night.

Despite dreams of rewinding my golf game 20 years not coming true, I can say this for sure, now that I regularly use my massage chair I feel a whole heck of a lot better after a round of golf than I did before. I walk on to the first tee with a loose back from my morning massage and that helps to keep me from aggravating my muscles during the round.

I may still be missing out on that extra roll on my drives from golfing over the hill, but at least the enjoyment is back! And that's what really matters.

Todd Harmon
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How To Choose A Great Pair Of Golf Shoes - Essential To Your Golf Success

2009-06-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

So you decided to start playing golf, and be the next Tiger Woods? Well, you're mot alone. Golf's popularity is exploding, and not only in the US. This great game is one of the most challenging and rewarding ones around. It gives all of us the opportunity to see who we really are. If you play for a few years, you'll know what I mean by that.

If you are starting out with golf, after you get your clubs and balls, the next thing you should be looking at is getting a good pair of golf shoes. If you think you can stroll into the golf course with a pair of tennis or basketball shoes, you will soon find out that most of the golf clubs won't allow you to enter the course with anything other that a good pair of golf shoes. You should check with them even before you're first visit to make sure you show up properly equipped.

They do that to protect the grass from being harmed by inappropriate shoes. But beyond that, it's your best interest to get a pair of great golf shoes to begin with.

You see, the heart of the game is the swing, and in order to get a great golf swing you need to be standing properly. You simply can't get the best swing if you're shoes are sliding and don't have a proper grip in the ground. Take into account the fact that you'll be hitting the ball on all kinds of slopes and angles, as the golf course is "natural" and not necessarily a plain. Golf shoes are especially designed to provide you with a great ground grip while you swing.

You can find golf shoes with soft spikes as well as hard spikes. The soft spikes are in many cases the ones that are preferred by the golf club, as they don't hard the grass, and you can use them in the club area, too. The hard spikes shoes may provide better traction, but in mast cases they are less comfortable. These should be left for pro's (maybe you'll be one of them one day).

Choosing your golf shoes is as easy as going to a golf equipment store or even going online and ordering it via the Internet. Golf shoes used to have a very boring look, but in the last years golf shoes manufacturers have gone a long way to improve their look and make them much more appealing to the eye.

Before you choose your shoes, ask yourself - are you going to walk the course or are you going to use a cart? It you're going to walk, make sure your new pair of golf shoes are comfortable. You are going to walk a few hours with them, so make sure you won't need a stretcher at the end of the game. If you are going to use the cart, you can go for a pair that looks good, even if it's less comfortable.

Gill Reese
.

Golf Equipment Tips

2009-06-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Are you the type of golfer who blames every aspect of the game down to your swing, posture, balance, tempo etc? If you are then you may have probably missed one vital aspect out of this equation. You could very easily be spending hours upon hours practicing aspects of your game which in fact may not require practice at all, have you thought that maybe you are using equipment which is not suited to either yourself or your style of play.

Simple isn't it - the majority of golfers blame an aspect of the swing to a bad shot or a bad round of golf but if you are using unsuitable equipment then you might be onto a loser right from the word go.

It might be worthwhile you utilising the following tips to ensure that you are using the right tools for the job.

If you are a beginner/junior and have chosen to play this game using a set of pre-owned clubs then you must ensure that you fully check your new golf tools prior to purchase with a very keen eye. Every aspect of the clubs needs to be checks, the shafts, club heads, grips are the initial parts which must pass inspection. Grips can easily be changed but check the price first, If there is damage to the shaft or club head then this is a potential hazard and you should consider leaving them alone. Prior to purchasing a set of pre-owned golf clubs always check how much they are to buy new - you will be surprised that some pre-owned sets are not much cheaper than a new set - especially if you have to re grip them or have some aspects rectified prior to playing them.

If you choose to purchase a set of pre-owned clubs or have a set of golf clubs which require re-gripping then you need to be careful. The grip on a golf club is the only contact that you have with the club, therefore you need to be sure that they are gripped correctly.You can purchase sets whereby you can grip the kit yourself, you need to ensure that you align the grip correctly. If you are not comfortable with performing this yourself then your local golf store should be able to accommodate you. When choosing a grip ensure that your hand size is taken into consideration, having big grips with small hand or having small grips with big hands can be disastrous to your game.

Always, always clean and change your grips regularly. You will shave shots of your round with this one tip alone.

Using golf clubs which are not fitted can and will lead to wayward shots. Every golfer is different in many different aspects and when golf clubs are manufactured they are designed for the average person of average size and stature. Can you guarantee that you are that person. If not then get your golf clubs checked, measurements will be taken and the fitter should watch you take a few swings, normally with tape attached to the clubs and a swing plate on the floor. At impact the tape is marked by the club hitting the floor and the fitter is able to determine what lie angle is optimal for you. The shaft will also be checked to ensure that it is the correct length for you. Having a set of custom fit golf clubs is like having a brand new set of golf clubs and is probably one of the best investments you can make in this game, at the end of the process you will have a set of golf clubs which have been professionally modified for your individual requirements.

One thing that you need to look at is that the golf clubs you play with, no matter if these are irons, wedges, woods or putters - they must match your skill level as a golfer. There are various different models of golf clubs on the marketplace - some of these clubs are designed for low handicappers, some are designed for mi/high handicappers and some are designed for all skill levels. If you are a high handicapper then playing with a set of clubs which are designed for low handicapper probably wont help your game.

One big point is that you must feel comfortable with the clubs which you have chosen to use - if you feel comfortable with the club you will not think about it and will generally make a better swing - the better the swing the more enjoyable the game.

Peter Cunningham
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La Finca golf apartments

2009-06-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

The famous golf course in Spain is the La Finca golf course which is a long and well maintained golf course opened throughout the year to play the championships. La Finca golf apartments are grand and spacious apartments, well-equipped with modern gadgets and furniture.

Sited in a beautiful locale with mountain views near the inland village of Algrofa, La Finca golf apartments is less than 40 minutes drive from the airports of Alicante and Murcia both of which are supplied by most of the low-cost airlines. La Finca golf apartments which is a high quality, two bed roomed ground floor holiday apartment is furnished to a very high standard. It is furnished with sophisticated gadgets like AC, TV, DVD player, hi-fi stereo system and many more.There are 2 bathrooms, one fitted to the bedroom which has a shower house and the other with shower and bath. These apartments are circled by a big swimming pool and an adjacent lawn where one can sit and relax and enjoy the splendor of nature. Moreover, it has a well-fitted kitchen inclusive of a washing machine, fridge-freezer, microwave, electric oven and gas and electric cooker top. La Finca golf apartments are surrounded by a private garden with cosy sitting arrangements where one can sit and chat. The apartment is only a short drive from the club house. The local area is a 'golfers' delight with numerous courses within 30 minutes drive including, El Plantio, Las Ramblas, Villamartin, Bonalba, Real Campoamor and of course La Finca, and is only about an hour from the world famous La Manga Golf Resort at the southern end of the Costa Blanca. The booking terms of La Finca golf apartments are £100 nonrefundable deposit plus £100 returnable security deposit with all bookings. The balance is to be paid 6 weeks prior to arrival date.

Thus there is no better place to sit and relax and have an exclusive holiday than to spend a couple of days at La Finca golf apartments and enjoy the splendor of nature.

La finca
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Luxury golf apartment La Finca

2009-06-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Spain is the best place to make a holiday in Europe. La Finca is a large estate in Spain with one of the best golf courses in Europe. Moreover, La Finca estate is bordered by wonderful mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, salt water lagoons, long stretches of greenery that makes it an ideal place to make a holiday. The luxury golf apartment in La Finca provides perfect accommodation facility to the tourists.

One such luxury golf apartment is Los Arqueros, situated in the La Finca residence. The luxury golf apartment in La Finca has 3 bedrooms, 1 double with ensuite and 2 twins. There are 2 integral bathrooms with showers, hair dryers and all other bath furnishes. The kitchen and breakfast area and laundry room are fully fitted with Bosch appliances; integrated oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, as microwave oven, kettle, toaster washing machine and tumble dryer. The granite worktops add to the luxury feel of the apartment in La Finca.The apartment has a large and spacious lounge and a dining room with TV, DVD player and CD/MP3 player providing gala entertainment to the tourists. The luxury apartment in La Finca has fully marble flooring which gives it a grand and luxurious look.

Moreover, the luxury apartment in La Finca is bordered by a large swimming pool for the exclusive use of the La Finca guests. Within 3 minutes walking distance is the Club House which offers a golf pro-shop, tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, squash courts, gym and sauna facilities, an outdoor children's playing spot, together with an excellent bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining ranging from bar snacks to four-course meals. Then there is a well maintained beautiful garden aside the common pool.

Thus, the luxury apartment in La Finca is designed in a planned way to provide 100% comfort to its tourists. Moreover, the additional provisions available at the apartment provide satisfaction to the guests and make their holiday a truly fruitful venture.

Aggtimber
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Golf accommodation scotland

2009-06-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Scotland is one of four constituent nations that form the United Kingdom (the other three are England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Scotland forms the northern part of the island of Great Britain. The land of cakes, Scotland is famous for its oatmeal cakes. Caledonia is the poetic name of Scotland. Scotland is well known for its mountainous and beautiful scenery.

Apart from bakes and cakes, Scotland is famous for "Golf". Scotland is one of the sizzling tourist destinations in the world. The Scotland vacation, Scotland golf vacation and Scotland vacation packages are famous all over the world. Scotland Golf accommodations are known for their excellence, comforts and luxuries. They offer the discriminating picturesque views full of romances. And undoubtedly Scotland provides you with some of the finest hotels for golf accommodation. There are hotels in every area of Scotland, from Edinburgh to Inverness, from the Borders to the Highlands. Affordable or luxurious, lively or serene - whatever you're after, you're guaranteed to find a Scottish hotel to match your needs. Golf accommodation in Scotland has literally many of hotels on offer.

Golf accommodations in Scotland are perfect for the links enthusiast who wants to get a round or more! - Into a leisure or business break, or wants to make an entire golfing holiday and itinerary. Golf courses on site or nearby some of these notable hotels mean your golfing adventure is never more than a few minutes away. Bring your clubs, pack your golf bag, throw in your plus fours and be ready for a golf holiday to remember at one of our golf accommodation!

www.golfaroundscotland.com - one of the best golf tour company in Scotland.
Go through the links below, some of the finest Golf accommodations in Scotland.

1. Golf Scotland- Perthshire accommodations:
Royal-Dunkeld, Birnam-Guest-House, Atholl-Arms, Cherrybank-Inn, Murrayshall, Birnam-House, Kinnaird-Guest-House.

2. Golf Scotland-Ayrshire accommodation:
Thistle, Beechwood-Guest-House, Anchorage, Horizon, Turnberry, Arrandale.

3.Golf Scotland-Fife accommodation.
Craws-Nest, St-Andrews-Bay, Old-Course, Kirkton-Barns, Rusacks, Queens.

4.Golf Scotland-Highland Accommodation:
Windsor, Columba, Claymore, Aviemore-Highland-Resort

Golf Around Scotland is one of the well-established package tour companies who specialises in Scotland golf packages, Scotland golf short breaks and Scotland golf vacations with the best golfing accommodations, green fees, land travel and any extras you may require. All of our golf Scotland accommodation providers are participants in the visitscotland quality assurance scheme, and as such you can be sure that each one meets the high standards expected by today's golf scotland traveller.

Golfaroundscotland
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Ouch My Aching Wrists: No More Keyboarding Or Golf

2009-06-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

You may have heard either experienced computer users or serious golfers lamenting that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has affected them big time. Just what is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and how can I prevent it from affecting my computer keyboarding and golf activities.

The hand to keyboard relationship is the most strained interface between you and your computer. Typing can be more than a bothersome task. Typing can cause permanent damage to your hands and wrists. It has been found that approximately 60 % of keyboard operators can be found to have recurring symptoms of keyboard related injury. Damage to wrist and hand function can be so severe that in approximately 10 % of those affected have had to contact health care professionals - be it Physiotherapist, chiropractor, medical gp or orthopedic medical specialist.

The most serious of the health problems associated with keyboard use is the same ailment suffered by chicken puckers and meat packers. The formal medical name for this ailment is Repetitive Stain injury (RSI). The name explains the cause. Straining to perform the same hand movements over and over again and again eventually leads to physical wrist and / or hand damage. The most common manifestation of RSI among computer keyboard users is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). In addition a similar ailment – wrist tendonitis has also been associated with extensive regular keyboard use.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist through your median nerves: it carries sensations for your entire hand. As well the median nerve affects the finger flexor tendons, which link your fingers to the muscles in your lower arm. The tunnel is formed by walls of solid bone on three sides with the bottom enclosed by the transverse carpal ligament, a tough inelastic cartilage.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the tendons protect themselves from overuse. Each tendon is surrounded by a thick, fluid filled sac called a synovial sheath, which swells with extra fluid to protect the tendon. Scientifically, this swelling called tendonitis. When these sacs swell in the carpal tunnel, they can pinch the median nerve against the bones of the carpal ligament. This can result in the loss of sensation in the hand and debilitating pain.

Although the problem develops over a period of years, the onset of pain caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the onset of pain is often sudden. Some sufferers have no symptoms at night and wake up the next morning with excruciating pain. Often these people with carpal tunnel syndrome are unable to work for months. And it is not only the computer skills that suffer.
It is not as if these people can lead normal lives. Other enjoyments such as the game and sport of golf may not be possible to be played. In most cases those afflicted with carpal tunnel syndrome have ignored all the pain warning signs: a minor pain in the wrist after a day of typing or some numbness in the thumb or fingers.

People have been typing for over 100 years, yet Carpal Tunnel Syndrome appears to be a recent phenomenon. The diagnosis is not new, and the condition is not caused by a recently evolved virus or bacterium. People’s typing habits have actually changed.

Today, a computer user’s fingers stay as close to the home row on the keyboard as possible, a simple press of the pinkie is all that is needed to issue a carriage return. Old typewriters required a definite change of the position and a resounding right hook to send the carriage back to the left after each page, and the end of the page, the typist had to extract one sheet and roll a new one in the typewriter. All of these simple necessary acts added variation to the typing process. Computers encourage extended use, resulting in hour upon hour of entering and editing text and data.

These difference between classic typing and modern keyboarding hint at one way of avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What can you do to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or reduce your symptoms?

First you may wish to replace your keyboard with an ergonomic friendly model. Avoid the following hand and wrist postures – ulnar deviation where the wrist is bent outwards in the direction of the little finger, abduction – where the hands and arms are angled together in front of the body rather than at shoulder width. Avoid flexion which is the anatomical term where the wrist is bent down in such a manner where the fingers are lower than the wrist joint. Extension of the wrists and hands where the wrist is bent up and back so that the fingers are higher than the wrist joint. Finally pronation is a bad idea. Pronation refers to the anatomical term describing a forearm and hand position in which the hand is open, palm down and parallel with the flat surface of the desk or floor.

If you are involved with computer keyboard tasks for very long period of times of time here are several tips to spare your keyboarding and golfing abilities and skill levels. Try to keep your wrists straight while typing. Adjust your chair so that as you type, your elbows are at the same height as your wrists. A proper computer desk which lies at the proper height rather than an old office desk that you just happened to have lying around is an excellent idea. As well spring on a proper, adjustable ergonomically designed chair. Be sure that you rest your wrists often.

Lastly and most importantly take frequent rests and relaxation periods along your conquests.
It may be important to be on par with the other players in your office. However it is false economy at the end of the game if both your keyboarding skills and golf game on the fairway suffers.

maxwell Rubin
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The Perfect Golf Swing

2009-06-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

Trying to achieve the perfect golf swing, believe it or not it is well within your ability, even if you are a just started playing golf. Executing the perfect golf swing is a difficult feat and doing it consistently is even harder to accomplish. How you start out learning the mechanics of the perfect golf swing is crucial. The perfect golf swing is the one that is effortless through good technique. If you break down the golf swing both mechanically and physically you will see that the body goes many turns and pivots to create the perfect golf swing. The proper or perfect golf swing is really a study in physics. Indeed the perfect golf swing is every golfer’s goal and dream. Golfer’s believes the perfect golf swing is a myth, but it is attainable all you need to do is practice the basics until the swing becomes second nature.

Practicing creates muscle memory to develop a perfect golf swing. If you do, you'll develop your perfect golf swing and realize the wonderful rewards that the game of golf returns in a much sooner fashion. As a beginner you want to develop the right foundation. There are many training aids available to help you develop a good golf swing. Every golfer appears ready to do anything to develop more power in his/her golf swing. When playing golf on the golf course, and you develop a golf slice, here are three easy ways to improve the horrible left-to-right slice shot. It is just a matter of wanting to develop that skill to the fullest potential. If you have the right swing you will develop an excellent golf game. By seeing your own swing plane in action you could rapidly develop the perfect golf swing. A consistent position helps develop a repeatable swing.

Or are you more serious, do you want to develop your game to a higher level. It is actually impossible to play a good game of golf without being able to execute an effective golf swing. Thankfully, there are sufficient programs available which can really promote your game to the next level. Close to a million people are looking for assist with their golf game each month. Improve your golf game by analyzing your current golf swing from all angles. In fact any strength exercise will have an impact on the golf game. It is the same when you develop a psychology for your golf game. These easy golf putting tips will help to improve your golf game score and experience. To really improve your golf game you need to start with an open mind. In the game of golf, no two people ever have the same golf swing. Practice your golfing skills and improve your overall game with our practice golf balls.

You'd be amazed at how quickly you can improve your golf swing and game with this approach. The inside approach is another great golf training aid to help improve any golf swing. But more avid players are always trying to improve their swing and overall game. These easy golf putting tips will help to improve your golf game score and experience. Improve your distance and accuracy. Your distance and accuracy will improve after only a few trips to the range. Not to mention the fact that you will improve your overall golf game. You can improve your swing, your putting, and your shot. If you want to improve your game, it might be a good idea to get some golf instruction.

The perfect golf swing is what we all aspire to attain. To execute the perfect golf swing is not easy especially when trying to do it consistently. Indeed the perfect golf swing is every golfer’s goal and dream isn't it.

DMF
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Did The Game of Golf Come From Outer Space ?

2009-06-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

Art Bell I live by the golf course and almost eveynight there are UFOs at the links .

The exact origins of the game of golf remain a subject of continual debate. Although Scotland is generally considered as the birthplace of the game, as it is played today. This claim is due in large part to a number of specific historical references dating as far back as the mid 1400s.

The most commonly cited of these references is a written record that a games called either geoff, gowf or gawd , this is a hard game was played during the reign of James II of Scotland. In 1457 King James proclaimed by royal decree that the playing of “fluteball : and “gowf” were forbidden so that the men of Scotland could concentrate on their archery practice.

Thus the pursuit of golf remained outlawed until the signing of the Treaty of Glasgow in the year of `1501 m which brought peace between the warring parties. At this point even Scotland James IV took up the game of golf himself. A long relationship between golf and royalty ensued – although both commoners and gentry alike frowned upon Mary Queen of Scots when, in 1567 was found to be playing golf just days after the death of her husband Darney.

In an alternate theory of golf’s beginnings, a Dutch historian, Steven von Hengel, has argued that golf originated in Holland around 1297. A form of the game called spel metten kove and also called Colf. Colf, it is believed, was played primarily on ice. Nevertheless golf may have grown out of this game and another game that was popular in Holland, called Jeu De Mail. This letter carrying game was played in wooden shoes with soft spikes.

Without question golf’s major growth occurred in Great Britain, primarily in Scotland. Golf became an accepted part of the culture as early as 1604, when William Mayne was appointed Royal Clubmaker, although the game was still reserved for the elite who had the wealth and leisure to enjoy it. Early golf was played with a feathery golf ball - a stitched leather ball stuffed with boiled goose feathers. A feather ball cost three times as much as a club and because feathery balls were so delicate, players had to carry three to six balls In addition the balls flew poorly in wet weather, a fact that further dissuaded the working class who, unlike the gentry did not possess the flexibility of flexible time and leisure for scheduled games of golf.

The ball, as it has throughout history, dictated other matters pertaining to the development of the game. Because the feathery ball performed so inadequately when damp, early golf was played predominantly on the relatively arid eastern side of Scotland. Furthermore the eastern seaside location was popular because the underlying sandy soil drained more rapidly than the and the grass was naturally shorter. It must be noted that the invention of the lawn mower is a relatively current occurrence. Along the way this short grassed seaside golfing location came to be too referred to as links.

If the debate over whether the Scots or Dutch created the game of golf, the Scots certainly had a hand in creating the golf club. Leith is considered the birthplace of organized golf, and the golf club called the Honorable Company of Gentleman Golfers was founded by William St. Clair in Leith in 1744 and later became the Company of Edinburgh Golfers. Ten years later, the Royal and Ancient Golf Company was founded under it original name, the Society of St. Andrews Golfers. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club runs the British Open and British Amateur duties that it assumed in 1919 , and since 1951 has administered the rules of golf in cooperation with the United States Golf Association . The R & A also established 18 holes as the standard golf course. In 1764, the Old Course at St. Andrews consisted of 22 holes with golfers playing 11 holes out and 11 back. Eventually the last 4 holes on each side, all short converted into 2 holes leaving 18 to be played.

Thus is the history and origins of our modern game of golf that we treasure today.

Syd Nohcud
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Playing Golf on the Cheap: Buying Used Equipment

2009-06-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

Investing in a set of quality golf clubs is an important step to take for anyone serious about learning the sport. The first thing to consider when choosing a set of golf clubs is your basic ability level. Choosing to buy used golf clubs is an affordable way to take part in a game that has been a favorite for centuries. One of the most common myths about golf clubs is that the brand of clubs you use makes a significant difference.

Searching golf product sites for used golf clubs is a reasonable process in your quest for used golf clubs.Shopping for close-outs and last year model golf clubs is a great way to save money. Exploring golf product websites for used golf clubs is a reasonable process in your quest for used golf clubs

The best way to purchase used golf clubs is to actually hold them in your hand and swing them to get a feel for what you want. A "set" of golf clubs is restricted to no more than 14 clubs. Buying golf clubs is, in a lot of ways, like buying a car. The ultimate goal in buying your new golf clubs is so you can have more fun out on the golf course and hopefully win a few rounds with your foursome. Now another best way of trying out golf clubs is to rent it first from golf rental clubs. Let's face it, buying new golf clubs is exciting and we all like to do it.
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You should also purchase your golf bag depending on the number of golf clubs that you have. Golf equipment must consist of no more than one golf bag with golf clubs, golf balls, and shoes. Make sure that your golf bag accommodates the unique specifications of your golf clubs. A golf bag is an essential piece of equipment. Finding the right golf bag can certainly be a challenge sometimes.

Critical to the performance of any golf clubs is that the clubs themselves FIT the person who is playing them. Purchasing golf clubs is a major investment, and proper fitting is the single most important factor in performance. Getting hooked up with the right golf clubs is just as important as learning how to swing a golf club correctly. The first thing to know about the basic of golf clubs is what clubs make up a set.

Woods
A typical 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 (usually 45 inches) making it the toughest to control 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, whereas a cavity back’s clubhead is hollow. It is hollowed out to create 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 often 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 option to get is a personal choice.

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.
Typically, the center of gravity on a lot of golf clubs is around the middle to high point on a clubface.

Finding used golf clubs is the best bet for golf. Storage of golf clubs is another consideration. To rush out and buy a brand new set of shiny and expensive golf clubs is a mistake usually made by those who want to get started.

Robin Larson
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How golf is played

2009-06-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

The game of golf was first played in Scotland some 400 yrs ago. Players are required to hit a ball, using a wooden or iron club, from a smooth level point or “teeing ground”, down the “fairway”, and on to a putting green where the target hole is located. The fairway is a strip of clear land along which there are Natural hazards- Such as ponds and streams,
Man-made hazards– such as bunkers (sandpits), and rough (areas of uncut grass). Championship golf courses have 18 holes. The object of the game is to hit the ball into each hole in turn, and to complete the “round” using as few strokes as possible. Playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke of successive strokes in accordance with the rules. To play this game efficiently good Golf equipments are a must.

How golf is played:

The land on which the game is played on is called course. This course consists of series of holes. Mostly it is 18. There are 2 meanings for the word hole.
• The hole in the ground into which the Golf ball has to be put in.
• The total distance from the tee (the pre-determined from when the ball is first hit) to green.

Tee:
• The first stroke is always done from the tee, while doing so a tee is used. It’s a wooden or a plastic peg. It makes it easier for the shot. Mostly the courses offer a range of tee boxes which have names associated with degree of competence (e.g.: professional and amateur) or by the sex, age. Many hazards can be escaped if the tee is used.
The player next hits the ball towards the green again from the place where the ball comes to rest from the previous shot; this is done ignorant of where the ball is, i.e. on the rough or the fairway. There are advantages if the ball is on the fairway as it is smooth and the ball can just slide, but if it is on the rough then it Is a disadvantage as it is very rough and it will take a great effort to get the ball on the green. Once the ball is on the green, the ball is struck with a flat faced club which in turn makes the ball roll along the ground towards the hole until the ball comes to rest in the cup.

There special rules which apply to playing balls that come to rest in a hazard. For example, a player must not touch the ground with his club before playing a ball, not even for a practice swing. A ball can be played even when it is in a hazard. If suppose it can not be played due to any reason then the ball is picked by hand and dropped outside the hazard. within two club lengths of its original position. doing so calls for a penalty of one stroke. If the ball cannot be taken out from the hazard, then another ball may be dropped into the same hazard along the same plane from wher it went in earlier, but no closer to the hole, again at the cost of a one stroke penalty. A golf school is often associated with a course or club.

The green part of the course is cut very short. Because the Golf ball has to roll easily over distances of several yards. The direction of growth of individual blades of grass often affects the roll of a golf ball and is called the grain. The slope of the gree is called break. The flag and pole combination is often called the pin. the finest quality greens are well kept so that a ball will roll smoothly over the closely mowed grass. The borders of a course are marked, and beyond them is out of bounds, that is, ground from which a ball must not be played. ground under repair: a ball coming to rest in them may be lifted and then played from outside such ground without penalty.

Acario Daire
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Golf accessories of golf

2009-06-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Golf accessories:

Some people use special golf carts carry their Golf equipments, clubs and other equipments are carried in golf bags.
Golfers wear special Golf shoes, which are light weight with spiked soles. The exchangeable spikes (small plastic claws termed soft spikes) are attached o the soles. Golfers often wear gloves that help to grip the club and present blistering.
Golf tee resembles nails with a small exp on the head and are usually made of wood or plastic. A tee is pushed into the ground to rest a ball on top of it for an easier shot. However this is allowed for the first stroke of each hole.
When the ball is on the green it may be some times picked up to be cleaned or if it is in the way of an opponent’s putting line, its position must then be marked using a ball marker. The markers used are flat, round pieces of lastic or coins.
A ball mark repair tool or pitch fork is used to repair a ball mark depression in the green where a ball has hit the ground). To repair a ball mark, one has to push the tool under the mark and lift upwards gently, loosening the compoeted turf to allow rapid regrowth of grass. Series are recorded in a score card during the round.

Golf accessories:

1. Score board and pencil.
2. Ball markers.
3. Tee pegs.
4. Pitch mark repairer.
5. Practice ball.
6. Light weight shoes with spiked sole.
7. Gloves.

Golf clubs:
A player usually several clubs during the game according to the limit defined by the rules of golf, one can carry no more than fourteen. There are three major types of clubs known as woods, irons and putters.
Woods are played for long shots from tee or fairway and occasionally rough. A new type of wood known as a “hybrid” combines the straight-hitting characteristics of iron with the easy to hit in the air characteristics of higher-lofted woods. A hybrid is often used by players who have a difficult time getting the ball airborne with long irons.
Irons have the straight hitting characters. Wedges are iron used to play shorter shots. Wedges are played from difficult ground such as sand or the rough and for approach shots to the green.
Putters are mostly played on the green, but can also be useful when playing from bunkers or for some approach shots.
Teeing ground: smooth level point.

Fairway: is a strip of clear land along which are natural hazards such as ponds and streams, and also man made hazards such as bunkers and areas
Rough: areas of uncut grass.
Bunkers: sand-pits.

Range of wooden clubs: 3 types. While the wooden golf cubs are classified into driver (10 degree loft), 5-wood (15 degree loft) and 5-wood (21 degree loft).

Range of iron clubs: 9 types Then the iron clubs are classified into 3-iron club(22 degree loft),4-iorn (26 degree loft), 5-iron (30 degree loft), 6-iron (34 degree loft), 7-iron(38 degree loft), 8-iron (42 degree loft), 9-iron (46 degree loft), pitching wedge (50 degree loft) and sand wedge (56 degree loft).

Acario Daire
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Golf instruction is the vital key to lower scores

2009-06-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, as part of a press trip to see European Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie in action, Monty gave an impromptu golf instruction lesson to gathered journalists at Northwick Park golf club. And even though it came from a man whose skill levels are way beyond mere golf mortals, some of his tips struck a real chord.

Holing pressure putts the Monty way
In a career that has seen him top the European Order of Merit eight times, Monty has sunk his fair share of short putts in pressure-cooker environments. And no matter how much golf instruction he’s had in his years at the top, stroking six footers into the back of the hole still presents a stern test.

But Monty has an interesting way to stay calm on the green – he talks to himself. He told more than 20 of the UK’s leading golf writers that when standing over the putt, he repeatedly tells himself: “You’ve done this thousands and thousands of times”. And he revealed that anyone watching him on TV can often see his lips move as he utters the phrase.

His golf instruction demonstration also revealed how he makes sure he eliminates all doubt from his mind before hitting the putt. “I agree the line of the putt with my caddie, and that means any element of doubt is removed. All I then have to do is strike the putt at the correct weight.”

The key to being a great iron player
To golfers on both sides of the Atlantic, Colin Montgomerie is regarded as one of the world’s best iron players. And during his golf instruction masterclass the unassuming Scot had an interesting explanation why – he makes sure he hits the fairways with his drives!

Here’s how. Throughout his career, Monty’s trademark swing has produced a high left-to-right ‘fade’. So to ensure he has the best chance of landing on the fairway, he aims down the left side of the fairway.

If he aimed straight down the middle, he’d effectively only have a 50% chance of hitting the short stuff. Simple, but effective.

Latest research from club manufacturers Taylor Made, shows that 61% of golfers suffer from a slice – a vicious left to right shot. Those sufferers, while trying to fix their swings, might also benefit from Monty’s golf instruction – start the ball left. It’s not the total answer, but worth a try.

Michael Rad
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Gold full hand swing

2009-06-11T16:51:00.000-07:00

You would have obviously heard about the gold full hand swing. The swing plays a very important role while playing golf. It deiceds the destiny of the golf ball. Putts and short chips are ideally played without much movement of the body, but most other golf shots are played using variants of the full golf swing. The full swing is used in tee and fairway shots.

We need to know about the full swing, it means the complex rotation of the body aimed at accelerating the club head to a great speed. The full golf swing is an unnatural, highly complex motion and notoriously difficult to learn. For a right hander, it consists of a backswing to the right, a downswing to the left (in which the ball is hit), and a follow through. It is a very common thing for the new commers to practice for months, for the full hand swing. the player stands with the left shoulder and hip pointing in the intended direction of ball flight, with the ball before the feet and the club is held with both hands, the clubhead resting on the ground behind the ball, hips and knees somewhat flexed, and the arms hanging from the shoulders.

The backswing is a rotation to the right, consisting of a shifting of the player's body weight to the right side, a turning of the pelvis and shoulders, lifting of the arms and flexing of the elbows and wrists. After the Golf ball is hit then the next stage consists of a continued rotation to the left. You need professional instruction if you want to get the perfect swing. It can never be aquired even if we keep practising for several months or years. Golf simulator may help you.

Very few golfers play with their left hand. Even if there are players who are left handers, they choose to play the right hand swing. This has been mosty because then we could not find left-handed golf clubs. A golfer who plays right-handed, but holds the club left-hand-below-right is said to be "cack-handed". It is difficult to obtain the same consistency.

This swing also happens to be according to their mental and not physical aspect. There is no one to bame but one’s own self if they are not able to do it. So you have be prepared mentally. The course is what the golfers must play agaisnt not each other. This pressure exists on all levels of play. When they hit the golf ball, it spins. Due to the golf club’s loft back spin is imparted. When the clubface is not obliqued perpendicularly to the plane of swing then sidespins. This sidespin helps the ball turn left and right. When the ball curves to the left it is called draw. When the ball curves to the right then it is called as fade. These both are in the case of right handed players. Some times it becomes very difficult to control or predict the amount of sidespin, balls take an undesirable trajectory, such as hook to the left, or slice to the right.

Acario Daire
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