Buying golf equipment can be like dumping money into a
money pit, but armed with some knowledge you can save
time and money in selecting the right clubs for
yourself. As with most things in life, you can spend a
lot or you can spend a little several times before you
get what you really need.
If you are first starting out and not completely sure
you want to commit to this addictive game, you should
either rent clubs at the golf course, or buy a starter
set of clubs.
Buying a set of started clubs enables you to become
accustomed to them; enabling you to concentrate on
your swing instead of wondering how this set of
miss-matched clubs you just rented are going to work
out.
As you become better at the game, you should invest in
a better set of clubs, fitted to you.
Generally, a set includes a driver, one or two fairway
woods, 4-9 irons, a wedge or two and perhaps a putter.
As you become more experienced and start thinking
about new clubs, you may want to consider buying your
driver separately. Some players want a driver to give
them more accuracy; some need the distance.
There are numerous balls available and the box will
usually have a chart on the back and direct you to the
right ball for your needs. As you learn the game and
get better at it, you should experiment with different
balls which could improve your accuracy or distance.
Having the right equipment is an important aspect of
the game; buy wisely!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
How to Choose Golf Shoes
Your swing will change, your accuracy and distance
will improve with practice, and you’ll become deadly
with a putter, but you will always do these things
while standing on your feet.
Your feet need to be comfortable! Have you ever
developed a blister while walking or running? It’s all
you can think about and it ruins the experience. Don’t
let uncomfortable shoes ruin your golf game.
This is one area where you shouldn’t let your
frugality make the decision for you. You will be
wearing these shoes many times and they should be
considered an investment.
Comfort should be your biggest concern when buying
shoes. Your foot should not move at all on your heel
when you walk, yet your toes shouldn’t feel cramped.
Have you shoes professional fit to your feet and walk
around in them before you buy them.
Proper golf shoes should be waterproof so that your
feet remain dry in damp conditions. Good socks are
important too; they will wick perspiration away from
you feet, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
All golf courses prohibit metal spiked shoes in the
effort to protect their delicate greens. Purchase
shoes that allow you to change the rubber spikes
easily, and while you’re there, purchase some extras.
You never know when you might lose one. Replace the
spikes when they become worn.
With all the things you have to worry about while
playing golf, your feet shouldn’t be one of them. When
it comes to golf footwear, quality counts.
will improve with practice, and you’ll become deadly
with a putter, but you will always do these things
while standing on your feet.
Your feet need to be comfortable! Have you ever
developed a blister while walking or running? It’s all
you can think about and it ruins the experience. Don’t
let uncomfortable shoes ruin your golf game.
This is one area where you shouldn’t let your
frugality make the decision for you. You will be
wearing these shoes many times and they should be
considered an investment.
Comfort should be your biggest concern when buying
shoes. Your foot should not move at all on your heel
when you walk, yet your toes shouldn’t feel cramped.
Have you shoes professional fit to your feet and walk
around in them before you buy them.
Proper golf shoes should be waterproof so that your
feet remain dry in damp conditions. Good socks are
important too; they will wick perspiration away from
you feet, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
All golf courses prohibit metal spiked shoes in the
effort to protect their delicate greens. Purchase
shoes that allow you to change the rubber spikes
easily, and while you’re there, purchase some extras.
You never know when you might lose one. Replace the
spikes when they become worn.
With all the things you have to worry about while
playing golf, your feet shouldn’t be one of them. When
it comes to golf footwear, quality counts.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Golf tournaments - an insight
Once upon a time, the world’s best golfers were all British – usually Scottish. Since the early twentieth century, though, most of the leading golfers have been American.
For this reason, the biggest golf tournament in the world is the PGA (Professional Golf Association) Tour, a series of events held on many different American golf courses. This is where the world’s best golfers play, for a top prize of almost a million dollars, along with hundreds of smaller prizes (‘purses’, in the golf jargon). There are very few golfers in the world who play golf full-time, but the top players can make millions, and the top few hundred can all at least make a modest living, thanks to the way golf prize money is divided up.
As the PGA Tour is held mostly in America, the European Tour has been gaining ground with non-American golfers in recent years, and is now widely considered to be the number two tournament.
The other important tournaments are the Opens, including the US Open and the British Open. While Tours are only open to professional golfers, Opens can be entered by anyone who pays the entrance fee, which means that thousands of people can try their luck every year, and the next generation of golfers can easily get their start. The winners of the Opens each year will be invited into the Tours, to compete at the next level, but there is nothing stopping the Tour pros from entering the Opens, and most do.
These are only the most famous of the golf tournaments: there is no shortage of smaller, independent tournaments, and each of the big golf playing countries has its own. Golfers who are not American or British will often progress by first playing in their home country’s smaller Open tournament, and then moving on to the bigger Opens, before hopefully being accepted into one of the big Tours.
For this reason, the biggest golf tournament in the world is the PGA (Professional Golf Association) Tour, a series of events held on many different American golf courses. This is where the world’s best golfers play, for a top prize of almost a million dollars, along with hundreds of smaller prizes (‘purses’, in the golf jargon). There are very few golfers in the world who play golf full-time, but the top players can make millions, and the top few hundred can all at least make a modest living, thanks to the way golf prize money is divided up.
As the PGA Tour is held mostly in America, the European Tour has been gaining ground with non-American golfers in recent years, and is now widely considered to be the number two tournament.
The other important tournaments are the Opens, including the US Open and the British Open. While Tours are only open to professional golfers, Opens can be entered by anyone who pays the entrance fee, which means that thousands of people can try their luck every year, and the next generation of golfers can easily get their start. The winners of the Opens each year will be invited into the Tours, to compete at the next level, but there is nothing stopping the Tour pros from entering the Opens, and most do.
These are only the most famous of the golf tournaments: there is no shortage of smaller, independent tournaments, and each of the big golf playing countries has its own. Golfers who are not American or British will often progress by first playing in their home country’s smaller Open tournament, and then moving on to the bigger Opens, before hopefully being accepted into one of the big Tours.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Golfing Rules - Explained
The rules of golf are relatively simple once you know them, but they take a while to explain. If you’re not even sure of the basics, read this: the object of the game is to hit your ball from the start (tee) of each of the 18 sections of the course (holes) into the hole itself. The hole is situated on a particularly short and well-maintained piece of grass (the green), and once you’re on the green you must use a putter (a club with a slab-like end) instead of a normal golf club.
Each one of the holes has a certain target number of shots, known as the par. On a par 4 hole, for example, you are trying to get the ball into the hole in four shots or fewer. If you take exactly that number of shots, you have scored par. One under par is a birdie, while two under is an eagle. Three under is very rare, and is called an albatross – it is only possible if you get the ball in the hole with two shots on a par 5 hole. The best score of all, however, is a hole in one, which is when you hit the ball straight from the tee into the hole.
By the same token, if you don’t make par, there are special words for that too. One over par is a bogey, while two over par is a double bogey, and so on. If you ever go over 12 shots, you forfeit the hole, and have to move on to the next one.
Along the way, though, you will have to deal with various hazards. If you hit the ball into long grass (the rough), you might find it very hard to get out again, and trees are also often placed on courses to make them more difficult. The worst hazards are ponds and lakes, as hitting the ball into one will cost you both the shot you just took and an extra one shot penalty, making it very difficult to even reach par on that hole.
Each one of the holes has a certain target number of shots, known as the par. On a par 4 hole, for example, you are trying to get the ball into the hole in four shots or fewer. If you take exactly that number of shots, you have scored par. One under par is a birdie, while two under is an eagle. Three under is very rare, and is called an albatross – it is only possible if you get the ball in the hole with two shots on a par 5 hole. The best score of all, however, is a hole in one, which is when you hit the ball straight from the tee into the hole.
By the same token, if you don’t make par, there are special words for that too. One over par is a bogey, while two over par is a double bogey, and so on. If you ever go over 12 shots, you forfeit the hole, and have to move on to the next one.
Along the way, though, you will have to deal with various hazards. If you hit the ball into long grass (the rough), you might find it very hard to get out again, and trees are also often placed on courses to make them more difficult. The worst hazards are ponds and lakes, as hitting the ball into one will cost you both the shot you just took and an extra one shot penalty, making it very difficult to even reach par on that hole.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Getting the Most from Golf Lessons
It’s never easy asking for help, but in golf, it is
almost a necessity. Unfortunately, we often ask our
buddies and partners, when in reality we should take a
lesson or two.
We think that a Pro would critique harshly, but they
are honest, positive and very helpful.
Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you
might think and they are worth it because your game
will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration,
making the game much more enjoyable for you.
Of utmost importance, is being honest about your game.
The Pro will ask you what you want to start with;
driving, chipping, putting or whatever you feel you
need help with.
Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may
have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip
or your swing; the Pro knows best.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if
the question or concern in stupid-they’ve heard it all
before and will not make you feel like an idiot for
asking. If you don’t "get it", tell him/her that
you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from
a lesson with unanswered questions.
You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or
several. You might start with a lesson in driving; get
the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the
right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice
it. Next time, you might work on your short game, or
putting.
You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make
sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and
improve your abilities?
almost a necessity. Unfortunately, we often ask our
buddies and partners, when in reality we should take a
lesson or two.
We think that a Pro would critique harshly, but they
are honest, positive and very helpful.
Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you
might think and they are worth it because your game
will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration,
making the game much more enjoyable for you.
Of utmost importance, is being honest about your game.
The Pro will ask you what you want to start with;
driving, chipping, putting or whatever you feel you
need help with.
Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may
have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip
or your swing; the Pro knows best.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if
the question or concern in stupid-they’ve heard it all
before and will not make you feel like an idiot for
asking. If you don’t "get it", tell him/her that
you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from
a lesson with unanswered questions.
You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or
several. You might start with a lesson in driving; get
the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the
right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice
it. Next time, you might work on your short game, or
putting.
You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make
sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and
improve your abilities?
Friday, May 13, 2011
THE GOLF STORE
With an increasing market of high-end retailers selling golf equipment, one could possibly miss a "real" golf store.
Typically, golf stores have the latest, if not the best, golf equipment and accessories needed by somebody who plays golf. Things could range from golf clubs to golf balls, to even posters, shirts, and wallpaper.
Most golf stores focus on ensuring the proper equipment for the interested golfer. They will provide hints on how to choose the right club and the appropriate golf ball. Golf stores do not only supply things relative to golf but some also offer services and knowledge about the sport itself.
Additional services could include club repair, club fitting, and swing analysis. Most of these golf stores use the True Temper Shaftlab and Achiever Launch Monitor swing analysis. These machines measure everything, from ball speed, club head speed to carry distance. They also provide printouts illustrating extreme deflection, shaft loading, downswing time and face angle.
Also, there are other golf stores that offer golf classes being thought by local pros.
Golf tutorials can also be offered for juniors along with women's clinics on the sport.
Golf collectors will find many interesting items in a golf store as well. Hobbyist may find collector items like golf balls used by some of the world's most renowned players. Signed items may be available too.
Plus, there are golf stores that offer unusual golf gifts. These things range from the most common to the most creative golf gifts one could get for just about any occasion.
Most golf storeowners are actually golfers themselves. Usually, they put up a golf store after retiring from playing golf. Like most businessmen assert, it's good to be passionate about what you are selling. This "passion" will give feelings of satisfaction and gratification to the golf shopper and this is something money cannot buy.
Typically, golf stores have the latest, if not the best, golf equipment and accessories needed by somebody who plays golf. Things could range from golf clubs to golf balls, to even posters, shirts, and wallpaper.
Most golf stores focus on ensuring the proper equipment for the interested golfer. They will provide hints on how to choose the right club and the appropriate golf ball. Golf stores do not only supply things relative to golf but some also offer services and knowledge about the sport itself.
Additional services could include club repair, club fitting, and swing analysis. Most of these golf stores use the True Temper Shaftlab and Achiever Launch Monitor swing analysis. These machines measure everything, from ball speed, club head speed to carry distance. They also provide printouts illustrating extreme deflection, shaft loading, downswing time and face angle.
Also, there are other golf stores that offer golf classes being thought by local pros.
Golf tutorials can also be offered for juniors along with women's clinics on the sport.
Golf collectors will find many interesting items in a golf store as well. Hobbyist may find collector items like golf balls used by some of the world's most renowned players. Signed items may be available too.
Plus, there are golf stores that offer unusual golf gifts. These things range from the most common to the most creative golf gifts one could get for just about any occasion.
Most golf storeowners are actually golfers themselves. Usually, they put up a golf store after retiring from playing golf. Like most businessmen assert, it's good to be passionate about what you are selling. This "passion" will give feelings of satisfaction and gratification to the golf shopper and this is something money cannot buy.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
So You have Decided to Take up Golf
You have bought some clubs, a few new golf shirts and have even been to the driving range. Maybe you have played a few rounds, but you did not do very well. Your friends Tried to give you pointers and tips, but it only confused you.
If you really want to play and enjoy the game, then do yourself a big favor.
Take Some Lessons!
You have several choices when it comes to lessons.
A.You can find a friend who is really good, and go out for some one on one help.
B.Find a local Pro and spend a few dollars. Most of them will video your swing. And help you adjust it so you can play without being embarrassed.
C.Read all the golf magazines and watch the golf channel. Buy some videos.
D.Plunk down the cash and go to a golf school for some serious training.
Whichever option you choose to pursue, the most important thing is to learn from your lesson, especially if you are paying someone. Pay attention to what you taught. As soon as possible you need to go to a driving range and practice your new swing or stance. Even the pros that you watch on TV spend a lot of time at the practice tee.
Your golf experience will be more enjoyable when you can go down the fairway not side to side. The more you practice and play the better you will get at the game.
If you really want to play and enjoy the game, then do yourself a big favor.
Take Some Lessons!
You have several choices when it comes to lessons.
A.You can find a friend who is really good, and go out for some one on one help.
B.Find a local Pro and spend a few dollars. Most of them will video your swing. And help you adjust it so you can play without being embarrassed.
C.Read all the golf magazines and watch the golf channel. Buy some videos.
D.Plunk down the cash and go to a golf school for some serious training.
Whichever option you choose to pursue, the most important thing is to learn from your lesson, especially if you are paying someone. Pay attention to what you taught. As soon as possible you need to go to a driving range and practice your new swing or stance. Even the pros that you watch on TV spend a lot of time at the practice tee.
Your golf experience will be more enjoyable when you can go down the fairway not side to side. The more you practice and play the better you will get at the game.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Golf Tips – What’s the Latest Gadget?
With the ever-increasing popularity of golf among both men and women, there’s a constant quest for the next gadget that will help players improve at the game. And – as is the case in almost any market – there’s no shortage of companies offering gadgets and gizmos promising just that. So how do you know what will work and what won’t? Here are some things you can do.
Listen to friends, pros and fellow golfers. There’s no doubt that you’ll get some bad advice, so listen to the entire statement about a particular item. For example, if someone tells you that he wasted $20 on a gadget that was supposed to help his swing, find out why it didn’t work. It could be that the very reason it didn’t work for your friend would be the reason it does work for you. For example, if your friend is battling a consistent slice and your problem is distance, that gadget may help you out – even though it was no help to your friend.
Another point about golf gadgets is to evaluate what the product claims to do and how. Remember that golf is a sport that requires time, practice and effort. There are no “magic” gadgets or golf tips that will suddenly make your game improve. If you find those gadgets that make outlandish claims, be wary. Your grandmother had some good advice when she said, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Before you buy golf gadgets that are supposed to help, consider how they work. It may be that a putting game or some other video gadget is a great idea, but only if you have what it takes to make it work. Don’t buy expensive equipment to evaluate your swing if it requires more hard drive space than you have.
Listen to friends, pros and fellow golfers. There’s no doubt that you’ll get some bad advice, so listen to the entire statement about a particular item. For example, if someone tells you that he wasted $20 on a gadget that was supposed to help his swing, find out why it didn’t work. It could be that the very reason it didn’t work for your friend would be the reason it does work for you. For example, if your friend is battling a consistent slice and your problem is distance, that gadget may help you out – even though it was no help to your friend.
Another point about golf gadgets is to evaluate what the product claims to do and how. Remember that golf is a sport that requires time, practice and effort. There are no “magic” gadgets or golf tips that will suddenly make your game improve. If you find those gadgets that make outlandish claims, be wary. Your grandmother had some good advice when she said, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
Before you buy golf gadgets that are supposed to help, consider how they work. It may be that a putting game or some other video gadget is a great idea, but only if you have what it takes to make it work. Don’t buy expensive equipment to evaluate your swing if it requires more hard drive space than you have.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Why, oh why, is the Golf Swing SO hard?!
What part of the body contributes the most to generating the maximum speed of the club head?
This single answer allowed me to make a huge leap in my understanding of the golf swing, and in everything I had seen and read about the golf swing none of it emphasised it enough.
I carried out a survey on the Internet over several weeks and asked visitors to my web site the question:- What part of the body contributes the most to generating the maximum speed of the club head?
Only 20% got the answer correct – That’s only 1 in every 5 golfers! And these golfers had a wide range of handicaps down to single figures.
Interestingly this figure corresponds to another golfing statistic - Did you know that only around 20% of golfers have a handicap of less than 18? It made me wonder whether the misunderstanding of the fundamental aspect could be the one thing that is holding so many golfers back.
Which part of the body do you think creates the maximum speed of the club head?
Is it:
Shoulders
Arms
Hands
Hips
Legs
Torso
wrists
....So the answer to the question that I posed above is that it is the hands (or wrists) that contribute the most to generating the maximum club head speed.
The club is moved through over 180 degrees whilst the arms move through less than 60 degrees – all of the rest of the movement of the head of the golf club is generated by the movement of the hands. Unfortunately the large majority of golfers think that it is with the shoulders and arms.
I’ll come back to this point later as even when you get everything else right in your swing this can be a real good swing killer!
This single answer allowed me to make a huge leap in my understanding of the golf swing, and in everything I had seen and read about the golf swing none of it emphasised it enough.
I carried out a survey on the Internet over several weeks and asked visitors to my web site the question:- What part of the body contributes the most to generating the maximum speed of the club head?
Only 20% got the answer correct – That’s only 1 in every 5 golfers! And these golfers had a wide range of handicaps down to single figures.
Interestingly this figure corresponds to another golfing statistic - Did you know that only around 20% of golfers have a handicap of less than 18? It made me wonder whether the misunderstanding of the fundamental aspect could be the one thing that is holding so many golfers back.
Which part of the body do you think creates the maximum speed of the club head?
Is it:
Shoulders
Arms
Hands
Hips
Legs
Torso
wrists
....So the answer to the question that I posed above is that it is the hands (or wrists) that contribute the most to generating the maximum club head speed.
The club is moved through over 180 degrees whilst the arms move through less than 60 degrees – all of the rest of the movement of the head of the golf club is generated by the movement of the hands. Unfortunately the large majority of golfers think that it is with the shoulders and arms.
I’ll come back to this point later as even when you get everything else right in your swing this can be a real good swing killer!
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