Most people love golf. After all golf is one of the most popular sports in America. Many people get into golf every year and after playing golf a few times, decide to purchase a set of clubs. Here are some tips on picking out the perfect set of golf clubs.
Golf clubs are one of the most important accessories in playing the game. A good set of golf clubs can dramatically increase your play. There is plenty of information out on the market on which clubs are best, however if you are just starting out you should wait to consider a large purchase or a customized club for your game.
Many people make the mistake of buying a high end brand new set of clubs before they are playing golf for a while. Many golfers swing and playing techniques can change early on and it is not the best idea to buy customized clubs before a golfer is set in his ways.
While a great set of clubs will help your game, you don’t have to spend a fortune. There is a difference between a $200 set of clubs and a $500 set of clubs but you will see little difference between a $700 set of clubs and $1200 set. So when picking the perfect golf clubs, follow the above advice.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Did you know that Golf was invented in Scotland?
Golf was invented in Scotland, and dates back to at least the 17th century, possibly even earlier – the name is believed to come from an Old German word, ‘gowf’, meaning a club or bat. The oldest golf course in the world is Musselburgh Links, but there are many vary old golf courses in Scotland, most famously St. Andrews. It is believed that the reason golf courses today have 18 holes is that St. Andrews only had room for nine, but the early golfers decided to play the course through twice each time.
Golf’s Scottish origin is a matter of some controversy among the Dutch, the Chinese and the French, who all claim that they had much similar club-and-ball games much longer ago. While there is no doubting they did, however, it seems clear that there is more to golf than just the club and the ball, and that golf as it is played today was at least perfected, if not entirely invented out of thin air, in Scotland.
Since then, little has really changed about the game. The grass has got shorter and smoother, as lawnmower technology has improved, the wooden clubs have been replaced with metal ones, and the balls have been improved by the addition of rubber, but that’s about it.
It wasn’t until the 20th century, however, that golf really started to spread all over the world. There were no golf courses in China until 1985, but now there are more than 200. Since the Second World War, golf has become insanely popular in Japan, even though they don’t really have the space to build the courses – they have become pioneers of indoor and virtual golf. Today, it is thought that there are over 30,000 golf courses in the world – that’s well over a hundred for every country, although some countries obviously have far more courses than others, particularly in the English-speaking world.
Golf’s Scottish origin is a matter of some controversy among the Dutch, the Chinese and the French, who all claim that they had much similar club-and-ball games much longer ago. While there is no doubting they did, however, it seems clear that there is more to golf than just the club and the ball, and that golf as it is played today was at least perfected, if not entirely invented out of thin air, in Scotland.
Since then, little has really changed about the game. The grass has got shorter and smoother, as lawnmower technology has improved, the wooden clubs have been replaced with metal ones, and the balls have been improved by the addition of rubber, but that’s about it.
It wasn’t until the 20th century, however, that golf really started to spread all over the world. There were no golf courses in China until 1985, but now there are more than 200. Since the Second World War, golf has become insanely popular in Japan, even though they don’t really have the space to build the courses – they have become pioneers of indoor and virtual golf. Today, it is thought that there are over 30,000 golf courses in the world – that’s well over a hundred for every country, although some countries obviously have far more courses than others, particularly in the English-speaking world.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Improve Your Golf Swing A Different Way
You have probably tried everything, from following advice that worked for your friends to so called ‘tips from experts.’ So what else can you really do to improve your golf swing?
Actually there is plenty you can do, as long as you are prepared to change your mindset.
Thinking “outside the box” is a common expression we all like to use in boardrooms and offices these days, and yet the mindset or prejudices we have still hang heavily and hinders many people from making progress at anything.
The situation is really very much the same when it comes to any attempt to improve your golf swing.
You my have heard that professionals do work outs of sorts but your mindset keeps you from even taking a look to find out whether the exercises are really as strenuous and vigorous as you fear they may be.
Meanwhile 70 year old and 80 year old men and women continue to dramatically improve their golf swing taking simple exercises and work outs that even help to improve their general health.
Difficult to get out of the sort of mindset that emphasizes that golf is a leisure activity where workouts have no place, no matter how light. At least that’s the sort of golf you want to play. So do you really have a chance of ever getting to improve your golf swing?
I really do not think so. To improve your golf swing you really have to be prepared to look at things from a slightly different perspective. And maybe to take a closer look at why other people’s games and most important their golf swing has improved so much.
Actually there is plenty you can do, as long as you are prepared to change your mindset.
Thinking “outside the box” is a common expression we all like to use in boardrooms and offices these days, and yet the mindset or prejudices we have still hang heavily and hinders many people from making progress at anything.
The situation is really very much the same when it comes to any attempt to improve your golf swing.
You my have heard that professionals do work outs of sorts but your mindset keeps you from even taking a look to find out whether the exercises are really as strenuous and vigorous as you fear they may be.
Meanwhile 70 year old and 80 year old men and women continue to dramatically improve their golf swing taking simple exercises and work outs that even help to improve their general health.
Difficult to get out of the sort of mindset that emphasizes that golf is a leisure activity where workouts have no place, no matter how light. At least that’s the sort of golf you want to play. So do you really have a chance of ever getting to improve your golf swing?
I really do not think so. To improve your golf swing you really have to be prepared to look at things from a slightly different perspective. And maybe to take a closer look at why other people’s games and most important their golf swing has improved so much.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Golf Tips – What’s Your Score?
If you’ve ever wondered about your composite score or your handicap, you now have an incredibly easy way to come up with those figures. Several companies offer the option to use software or Internet websites to keep your scores over a long period of time. These computer programs will also give players a way to come up with handicaps, even if you need those scores for tournament play.
You’ll find there are several ways to use technology for saving scores or establishing handicaps. There are hand-held devices that very much resemble a cellular telephone or PDA. With these devices, you simply enter scores as you play. Many offer the option of saving scores for several players so that you can compare those of all the players in your group.
You may also enter the information onto a website once you leave the green. Typically, you’ll be asked to pay a membership to the site, then you’ll be allowed to save your information each time you play. There are usually some requirements related to verifying scores, but the information can then be used to establish your handicap. If you’re planning to use the information for tournament play, remember to find and use a service that is certified for that purpose.
If you’re looking for a way to get your handicap or simply to retain your scores for comparison over a period of time, this could be the answer. You’ll find that there are plenty of options and you’re sure to find some device, service or website to suit your needs.
There’s no doubt that technology is becoming more involved in the golfing industry, whether you’re using it to establish your handicap, evaluate your swing or searching the Internet for golf tips and golf aids. Even if you’re not really comfortable with technology, you may find the benefits are worth the effort.
You’ll find there are several ways to use technology for saving scores or establishing handicaps. There are hand-held devices that very much resemble a cellular telephone or PDA. With these devices, you simply enter scores as you play. Many offer the option of saving scores for several players so that you can compare those of all the players in your group.
You may also enter the information onto a website once you leave the green. Typically, you’ll be asked to pay a membership to the site, then you’ll be allowed to save your information each time you play. There are usually some requirements related to verifying scores, but the information can then be used to establish your handicap. If you’re planning to use the information for tournament play, remember to find and use a service that is certified for that purpose.
If you’re looking for a way to get your handicap or simply to retain your scores for comparison over a period of time, this could be the answer. You’ll find that there are plenty of options and you’re sure to find some device, service or website to suit your needs.
There’s no doubt that technology is becoming more involved in the golfing industry, whether you’re using it to establish your handicap, evaluate your swing or searching the Internet for golf tips and golf aids. Even if you’re not really comfortable with technology, you may find the benefits are worth the effort.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Golf Exercise And Stretch Program For Total Golf Performance
Golf exercise and stretch. This is a combination I use in all of my golf fitness programs both online and with my personal golf clients. It’s the ultimate combination to improve the golfers swing quickly and efficiently.
A fitness program for golfers that does not incorporate a golf exercise and stretch is doing more harm than good. Golfers need that blend of dynamic strength specific to the golf swing and the range of motion to hold it for 18 holes.
So many times I hear a golfer mention stretching only. This is a big mistake! Stretching without strengthening does not equal permanent range of motion improvements. An over-stretched muscle that doesn’t have strength opens up the possibilities for injury.
That is why golf exercise and stretch is the key. For every golf exercise, there is an appropriate stretch. Taking this approach will create a powerful swing with less tension and stress put on the body.
An example of golf exercise and stretch is doing a back hyperextension for strength, and then lying on your back, grabbing your knees and pulling them into your chest to stretch your back. That would be a perfect combination for your lower back.
This is how your entire golf exercise program should be laid out. And notice, it’s never just one or the other. It’s both!
If you ever come across a golf fitness trainer who doesn’t incorporate both…run! That’s not the program for you. Any professional should mention both topics, not just one or the other.
So hopefully you have gained a little knowledge as to a golf exercise and stretch program.
A fitness program for golfers that does not incorporate a golf exercise and stretch is doing more harm than good. Golfers need that blend of dynamic strength specific to the golf swing and the range of motion to hold it for 18 holes.
So many times I hear a golfer mention stretching only. This is a big mistake! Stretching without strengthening does not equal permanent range of motion improvements. An over-stretched muscle that doesn’t have strength opens up the possibilities for injury.
That is why golf exercise and stretch is the key. For every golf exercise, there is an appropriate stretch. Taking this approach will create a powerful swing with less tension and stress put on the body.
An example of golf exercise and stretch is doing a back hyperextension for strength, and then lying on your back, grabbing your knees and pulling them into your chest to stretch your back. That would be a perfect combination for your lower back.
This is how your entire golf exercise program should be laid out. And notice, it’s never just one or the other. It’s both!
If you ever come across a golf fitness trainer who doesn’t incorporate both…run! That’s not the program for you. Any professional should mention both topics, not just one or the other.
So hopefully you have gained a little knowledge as to a golf exercise and stretch program.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Amazing Timeline Of Michelle Wie
One of the biggest individuals in golf right now is arguably Michelle Wie. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 11, 1989; Michelle is making headlines around the world for her outstanding performances in women’s events, and particularly for her aggressiveness in competing in men’s events.
While there is a bit of talk lately about the way she is supposedly getting easy access into events, I just thought we’d instead look at some of her astonishing achievements to date, that got her to the amazing position she is in now.
- Michelle first started playing golf at age 4, and played her first 18 hole round at age 7, scoring 14 over par.
- At age 12 she was the youngest ever player to qualify for an LPGA tournament (the Takefuji Classic). Then at just 13 years of age she became the youngest ever player to make an LPGA cut at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
- At just 14 years old she was already over 6ft tall. And at only 15 she managed two second place finishes in LPGA events, and missed the cut into a few men’s events by just a couple of strokes.
- She turned pro just after she turned 16, and made her first cut into a men’s event. She is now receiving multi-million dollar invitations into a number of different women’s and men’s events, and she still hasn’t turned 17.
Now they are definitely some pretty amazing accomplishments, but it’s really only a sample of what Michelle has achieved. If you would like to see a full timeline of Michelle’s golfing career, visit http://golf.about.com/cs/womensgolf/a/wietimeline.htm
While there is a bit of talk lately about the way she is supposedly getting easy access into events, I just thought we’d instead look at some of her astonishing achievements to date, that got her to the amazing position she is in now.
- Michelle first started playing golf at age 4, and played her first 18 hole round at age 7, scoring 14 over par.
- At age 12 she was the youngest ever player to qualify for an LPGA tournament (the Takefuji Classic). Then at just 13 years of age she became the youngest ever player to make an LPGA cut at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.
- At just 14 years old she was already over 6ft tall. And at only 15 she managed two second place finishes in LPGA events, and missed the cut into a few men’s events by just a couple of strokes.
- She turned pro just after she turned 16, and made her first cut into a men’s event. She is now receiving multi-million dollar invitations into a number of different women’s and men’s events, and she still hasn’t turned 17.
Now they are definitely some pretty amazing accomplishments, but it’s really only a sample of what Michelle has achieved. If you would like to see a full timeline of Michelle’s golfing career, visit http://golf.about.com/cs/womensgolf/a/wietimeline.htm
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Golf Swing Technique And How To Improve It
There are two approaches to achieving a better golf swing. There is improving your physical capabilities…and improving your golf swing technique.
How many times has your teaching pro recommended a golf swing technique change and you couldn’t do it no matter how many balls you hit? It’s because you didn’t have the “physical capability” to successfully make the change and repeat it.
For example, if you didn’t have adequate core strength and flexibility, you would be unable to create and maintain the “x-factor”, or the separation between the hip rotation and shoulder rotation, therefore losing force and ultimately distance.
But by implementing simple, golf exercises…it is possible to develop the ability to execute these key actions, which result in greater clubhead speed, force and distance.
Identifying your weak points, and doing golf-specific exercises to replicate the specific action will allow you to achieve the specific golf swing technique change effectively.
I’ve seen some very simple, yet effective golf exercises and stretches that when implemented and done consistently can result in substantial increases in driving distance and accuracy.
Creating specific exercises related to your teaching pros golf swing technique recommendations can give you the quickest results…that are lasting.
Suffice it to say…the development of your physical abilities…especially strength and flexibility…plays a critical role in not only improving your golf swing technique…but in hitting the ball farther and much straighter.
The bottom line…your golf swing technique is dictated by your physical capabilities.
How many times has your teaching pro recommended a golf swing technique change and you couldn’t do it no matter how many balls you hit? It’s because you didn’t have the “physical capability” to successfully make the change and repeat it.
For example, if you didn’t have adequate core strength and flexibility, you would be unable to create and maintain the “x-factor”, or the separation between the hip rotation and shoulder rotation, therefore losing force and ultimately distance.
But by implementing simple, golf exercises…it is possible to develop the ability to execute these key actions, which result in greater clubhead speed, force and distance.
Identifying your weak points, and doing golf-specific exercises to replicate the specific action will allow you to achieve the specific golf swing technique change effectively.
I’ve seen some very simple, yet effective golf exercises and stretches that when implemented and done consistently can result in substantial increases in driving distance and accuracy.
Creating specific exercises related to your teaching pros golf swing technique recommendations can give you the quickest results…that are lasting.
Suffice it to say…the development of your physical abilities…especially strength and flexibility…plays a critical role in not only improving your golf swing technique…but in hitting the ball farther and much straighter.
The bottom line…your golf swing technique is dictated by your physical capabilities.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Booz Allen Classic
The Booz Allen Classic is a golf tournament that is part of the PGA Tour which takes place every year, and it is scheduled on June at Potomac Maryland.
The tournament has been moved along its past, for example the first event was played in 1968 at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Massachusetts. After the event was moved to Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlote, North Carolina the following year and stayed there until 1979.
In 1980 it moved to Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland staying there for six years until 1986. But since 1987 the tournament has been held at the TCP at Avenel in Potomac with the exception that in 2005 it had to get back to the Congressional Country Club because some improvements were taking place at the TCP Avenel. This year the event is back to be held at the TCP again.
As of 2006 the tournament started on June 22nd and it ends on June 25th and the purse was $5,000,000 with $900,000 for the winner. The runner-up will get $540,000 and the third place $340,000.
The final round of the tournament was postponed until Monday 8:00 a.m. due to some weather issues (very heavy rain), fact that forced the players to wait. The one who became the favorite to win the event and the one who has led it as first place until now is Ben Curtis.
The tournament has been moved along its past, for example the first event was played in 1968 at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Massachusetts. After the event was moved to Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlote, North Carolina the following year and stayed there until 1979.
In 1980 it moved to Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland staying there for six years until 1986. But since 1987 the tournament has been held at the TCP at Avenel in Potomac with the exception that in 2005 it had to get back to the Congressional Country Club because some improvements were taking place at the TCP Avenel. This year the event is back to be held at the TCP again.
As of 2006 the tournament started on June 22nd and it ends on June 25th and the purse was $5,000,000 with $900,000 for the winner. The runner-up will get $540,000 and the third place $340,000.
The final round of the tournament was postponed until Monday 8:00 a.m. due to some weather issues (very heavy rain), fact that forced the players to wait. The one who became the favorite to win the event and the one who has led it as first place until now is Ben Curtis.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Golf Exercise For A Great Game And New Body
Golf exercise is mainstream thanks to Tiger, Annika, Larry Nelson and all the top tournament golfers who are doing it and seeing fantastic results from it.
You are a “golfing athlete!” And ALL athletes work on their “machines”.
Why wouldn’t you?
Participating in a golf exercise program that works on all your personal, physical limitations is the approach you need to take.
Every golfer has different physical needs, and they should be at the top of your golf exercise program list.
This is the year you’re going to make it happen! 2006 will be your year! No more excuses. No more reasons not to do it. Just one thing on your mind.
Playing BETTER golf and feeling like you did years ago.
The “use-it-or-lose” phrase is SO true. The human body declines rapidly in both strength and flexibility if you don’t keep up with it.
Don’t you feel like you’ve lost these two key components for optimal golf performance? It’s a natural occurrence, but you can do something about it!
It’s called “golf exercise”.
Exercise that’s specific to the demands the golf swing puts on your body…and there are many.
Just getting in your golf posture takes a higher level of both strength and flexibility in your hamstrings. Just getting in your posture! Now how about making a decent swing? It’s not going to happen if your body is broken.
I don’t like to sugar-coat things. I like to wake people up and get them going asap! That’s the only way.
I don’t want to say I’m not empathetic, but “crap-or-get-off-the pot”.
A fitter body and better game aren’t going to happen on their own. You’ve got to start your golf exercise program right now.
You are a “golfing athlete!” And ALL athletes work on their “machines”.
Why wouldn’t you?
Participating in a golf exercise program that works on all your personal, physical limitations is the approach you need to take.
Every golfer has different physical needs, and they should be at the top of your golf exercise program list.
This is the year you’re going to make it happen! 2006 will be your year! No more excuses. No more reasons not to do it. Just one thing on your mind.
Playing BETTER golf and feeling like you did years ago.
The “use-it-or-lose” phrase is SO true. The human body declines rapidly in both strength and flexibility if you don’t keep up with it.
Don’t you feel like you’ve lost these two key components for optimal golf performance? It’s a natural occurrence, but you can do something about it!
It’s called “golf exercise”.
Exercise that’s specific to the demands the golf swing puts on your body…and there are many.
Just getting in your golf posture takes a higher level of both strength and flexibility in your hamstrings. Just getting in your posture! Now how about making a decent swing? It’s not going to happen if your body is broken.
I don’t like to sugar-coat things. I like to wake people up and get them going asap! That’s the only way.
I don’t want to say I’m not empathetic, but “crap-or-get-off-the pot”.
A fitter body and better game aren’t going to happen on their own. You’ve got to start your golf exercise program right now.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Golf Etiquette
Sometimes golfers let themselves go and they don’t follow the first rules they were probably first taught. Golf etiquette (often misspelled as: ‘edicate’) is one of, if not the most important parts of the game. There are a few main things that golfers seem to forget about.
• Be quite while others are hitting
• Don’t hit-up on other golfers
• Rake the sand after your shot
• Fix your ball mark or divot on the green, fairway and tee box
• Talley your scores at the next tee box and not the green
Constant though out the game you must follow golf etiquette like being quite while someone is lining up to hit, and not to hit up on other golfers in front of you. Then at each part of a golf course you have etiquette to follow.
Like at the tee box, not only keeping quite and respectful while someone is hitting, but you must fix your divot and if you broke your tee than throw it away, don’t just liter up the tee box. Te boxes get chewed up quick so each player must hold their own.
Then once you come up to your ball in the fairway, again you must fix your divot, and wait for the players in front of you, but if you end up in a sand trap you must rake the sand after your shot to allow other golfers to have a better chance of a good lie. Once on the green the first thing you need to do is follow your path to find where your ball landed and fix your ball mark or divot.
By fixing your divot you are repairing the green and keeping it in great condition for all the other golfers. Beyond the rules of golf etiquette goes a long way and if every golfer just does their own clean up it will the course in better condition.
• Be quite while others are hitting
• Don’t hit-up on other golfers
• Rake the sand after your shot
• Fix your ball mark or divot on the green, fairway and tee box
• Talley your scores at the next tee box and not the green
Constant though out the game you must follow golf etiquette like being quite while someone is lining up to hit, and not to hit up on other golfers in front of you. Then at each part of a golf course you have etiquette to follow.
Like at the tee box, not only keeping quite and respectful while someone is hitting, but you must fix your divot and if you broke your tee than throw it away, don’t just liter up the tee box. Te boxes get chewed up quick so each player must hold their own.
Then once you come up to your ball in the fairway, again you must fix your divot, and wait for the players in front of you, but if you end up in a sand trap you must rake the sand after your shot to allow other golfers to have a better chance of a good lie. Once on the green the first thing you need to do is follow your path to find where your ball landed and fix your ball mark or divot.
By fixing your divot you are repairing the green and keeping it in great condition for all the other golfers. Beyond the rules of golf etiquette goes a long way and if every golfer just does their own clean up it will the course in better condition.
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