All successful golfers have their golf mental game finely tuned. The quality of every shot you play is dependent on how your state of mind is when you are standing over the ball. During the course of a round every golfer has to make decisions on what type of shot they have to play and when. For the professionals the importance of the golf mental game goes far beyond the area of decision-making. What type of golf swing you put on the ball depends entirely upon your state of mind.
All the mental golf advice and instruction will not help your game if your mental approach to golf is not up to a high enough standard. It is very important to learn how to be confident, stay relaxed and to deal with pressure if you hope to make consistent, solid golf swings.
Be Confident
In order to stay relaxed you must have a certain level of confidence. Tricky and sometimes strange things happen on the golf course so try not to be frightened or scared by them. Always play to your strengths and stay with the same routine. A lot of professionals before hitting shots try to envisage great shots they have hit in the past. It makes sense because what this does is it not only helps you to relax but also builds confidence.
Stay Calm & Relaxed
Most golf mental game experts all agree that the human body performs at its best when it is relaxed without stress. Relaxation reduces muscle tension, lowers the heart rate and helps the body perform a wider, smoother range of motion on the golf swing. Any tension in your muscles can change the arc and the tempo of the golf swing. It is hard to remain relaxed on the golf course so it is important to practice and use mental golf aids in between golf rounds.
Deal With Pressure
The best way to deal with pressure in your mental golf game is not to avoid it, but use it to your advantage. You can actually lift your game to levels you thought not possible with the right amount of pressure in your game. A lot of professionals see a difficult situation as an opportunity to overpower a less experienced player. They realise they can use the situation to their advantage and remain calm and play the winning shot. The strongest golfers out there today are the ones with the toughest golf mental game.
Troy Vayanos has helped hundreds of golfers play their best golf using simple, easy to follow techniques.
Get all you need to know about learning the golf mental game right here at http://www.GolfSwingWizard.com.
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Monday, 19 July 2010
The Inside Out Golf Swing - How to Hit a Draw in Golf Like Tiger Woods
Golf has become more and more popular these days. The US Opens started and every golf enthusiast is looking at the Tiger Woods golf swing. For sure, he knows the inside out golf swing, but how can you hit the ball right. If you want to better your game or want to know how to fix a slice quickly then this article is the place to go.
A simple but yet effective way to lower your score is to chose the right club. Yes, if you are a beginner you will struggle because there are so many different clubs available. Should you go for a used golf club or a brand new one. Discount or high priced. What grip is best for you?
All these questions have to be answered before your purchase. One advice is to try out different clubs. You must feel well with it and have a look at the quality. Especially when it is a used one. Even a customized set of clubs is possible. But this means to pay a lot of money. Anyway, try and see what fits to your needs.
After your decision and purchase you will want to know the inside out golf swing. My simple tip is practice. There is nothing more to say than that. Go to a driving range and hit the ball with your irons. As much as possible to automate your swing. Visualize your moves before you hit the ball. Mental fitness is the key to put your game to the next level. The most golfer did realize this and the only practising their physical fitness. But these two things are going hand in hand.
Of course, you need to know how a correct golf swing looks like and what drills you have to consider. There are a lot of good golf swing guides and videos available to improve your game.
Next you will want to know where to find such training guides and how to get the best inside out golf swing like Tiger Woods.
Mark Langer has helped a lot of people to improve their golf swing and showed them the inside out golf swing. Marks Free Online Course and his recommended Golf Swing Guides are jam packed with golf swing tips and techniques. Take advantage from a Golf enthusiast here http://www.golf-swing-guide-reviews.com.
A simple but yet effective way to lower your score is to chose the right club. Yes, if you are a beginner you will struggle because there are so many different clubs available. Should you go for a used golf club or a brand new one. Discount or high priced. What grip is best for you?
All these questions have to be answered before your purchase. One advice is to try out different clubs. You must feel well with it and have a look at the quality. Especially when it is a used one. Even a customized set of clubs is possible. But this means to pay a lot of money. Anyway, try and see what fits to your needs.
After your decision and purchase you will want to know the inside out golf swing. My simple tip is practice. There is nothing more to say than that. Go to a driving range and hit the ball with your irons. As much as possible to automate your swing. Visualize your moves before you hit the ball. Mental fitness is the key to put your game to the next level. The most golfer did realize this and the only practising their physical fitness. But these two things are going hand in hand.
Of course, you need to know how a correct golf swing looks like and what drills you have to consider. There are a lot of good golf swing guides and videos available to improve your game.
Next you will want to know where to find such training guides and how to get the best inside out golf swing like Tiger Woods.
Mark Langer has helped a lot of people to improve their golf swing and showed them the inside out golf swing. Marks Free Online Course and his recommended Golf Swing Guides are jam packed with golf swing tips and techniques. Take advantage from a Golf enthusiast here http://www.golf-swing-guide-reviews.com.
Saturday, 17 July 2010
How Do I Hit a Draw?
So many golfers strive to hit a draw. With over 95% of amateur golfers suffering from a slice it is no wonder that the most common question around the club house and practice range is "how do I hit a draw?"
Learning to hit a draw is not that difficult if you understand what causes the ball to draw.
Think of it like a topspin forehand shot in tennis. You know the one where they whip the racket over the ball and it shoots off at a high velocity dipping low over the net.
The draw shot in golf is similar. To do this you have to have an "in-to-out" swing to get the club moving in the right direction - out to the right if you are a right handed golfer and to the left if you are a left handed golfer.
If you have an out-to-in swing the ball must start off left (for right handers or right for left handers) of the target line and it is impossible to get the top spin on the ball if that happens. So the first thing you need is an in-to-out swing.
The second thing that is vitally important is the club face angle through impact. If has to be square. If it is open you will land up with a push and if it is closed you will land up with a hook.
The slightest change in club face angle through impact can make a big difference in the result. That is why you often hear golfers saying "everything is going wrong today and I don't feel as if I am doing anything different".
Most times they will be slightly off with their club angle through impact. A small adjustment is all it takes to get it right.
The swing is a bit more complicated because your natural swing will always revert to what you are used to. And your big muscle memories are stubborn. It is this muscle memory you need to change. The best way of doing this is through repetition. They say it takes something like 21 days to change out of or into a new habit.
Training your big muscles should be done by repeating drills, in slow motion at first, until they feel automatic to you. Remember when you first started driving a car how much there was to learn? Now you don't even give it a second thought.
Here's a little drill that might help - the Back and Under.
Here's what you do (remember do this in slow motion):
Take an appropriate stance with the club of choice and elevate it so the club is about 1½ feet off the ground. Make a back swing that is not pulled quickly inside - straight back will do. Note the angle of the plane going back. Now make a forward swing in which the angle of the plane is under or shallower than the backswing plane bringing the club back to the ball on the ground - the point of contact. On this forward swing keep your non target elbow (right arm for right handed players and opposite for left handed) tucked into your hip and your non target arm touching your chest. Your shoulders should be turning your arms.
Back and under - back and under. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Do this consistently every day until it feels natural. Don't try it on the course until it is natural.
I trust I have gone some way to answering your question "How do I hit a draw?" by showing you a drill that can help in as little as 21 days.
Learning to play a draw is not that difficult.
The draw is probably the best shot in golf to provide you with maximum control. Don't believe me? Check what Bobby Eldridge and his team have to say about this over at Pure Point Golf.
Bobby and his team can show you exactly how to play the draw shot. Why not take a look and get your game to the next level?
Hit 'em straight and hit 'em long.
Learning to hit a draw is not that difficult if you understand what causes the ball to draw.
Think of it like a topspin forehand shot in tennis. You know the one where they whip the racket over the ball and it shoots off at a high velocity dipping low over the net.
The draw shot in golf is similar. To do this you have to have an "in-to-out" swing to get the club moving in the right direction - out to the right if you are a right handed golfer and to the left if you are a left handed golfer.
If you have an out-to-in swing the ball must start off left (for right handers or right for left handers) of the target line and it is impossible to get the top spin on the ball if that happens. So the first thing you need is an in-to-out swing.
The second thing that is vitally important is the club face angle through impact. If has to be square. If it is open you will land up with a push and if it is closed you will land up with a hook.
The slightest change in club face angle through impact can make a big difference in the result. That is why you often hear golfers saying "everything is going wrong today and I don't feel as if I am doing anything different".
Most times they will be slightly off with their club angle through impact. A small adjustment is all it takes to get it right.
The swing is a bit more complicated because your natural swing will always revert to what you are used to. And your big muscle memories are stubborn. It is this muscle memory you need to change. The best way of doing this is through repetition. They say it takes something like 21 days to change out of or into a new habit.
Training your big muscles should be done by repeating drills, in slow motion at first, until they feel automatic to you. Remember when you first started driving a car how much there was to learn? Now you don't even give it a second thought.
Here's a little drill that might help - the Back and Under.
Here's what you do (remember do this in slow motion):
Take an appropriate stance with the club of choice and elevate it so the club is about 1½ feet off the ground. Make a back swing that is not pulled quickly inside - straight back will do. Note the angle of the plane going back. Now make a forward swing in which the angle of the plane is under or shallower than the backswing plane bringing the club back to the ball on the ground - the point of contact. On this forward swing keep your non target elbow (right arm for right handed players and opposite for left handed) tucked into your hip and your non target arm touching your chest. Your shoulders should be turning your arms.
Back and under - back and under. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Do this consistently every day until it feels natural. Don't try it on the course until it is natural.
I trust I have gone some way to answering your question "How do I hit a draw?" by showing you a drill that can help in as little as 21 days.
Learning to play a draw is not that difficult.
The draw is probably the best shot in golf to provide you with maximum control. Don't believe me? Check what Bobby Eldridge and his team have to say about this over at Pure Point Golf.
Bobby and his team can show you exactly how to play the draw shot. Why not take a look and get your game to the next level?
Hit 'em straight and hit 'em long.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
How to Put Backspin on Golf Shots - Tips on Perfecting Your Golf Backspin
When you are obsessed with the idea of making a golf backspin, then be prepared to accept the truth that it is fairly difficult to accomplish (not to mention that it can be hard to control).
There are very few situations when this difficult shot is actually needed in any given golf game. If you are looking at golf as a recreational sport, there is no need to learn the backspin (except if you want to show off!). Just to be realistic, there are certain elements that must first be met before a backspin may even be practiced:
o A perfectly dry set of golf equipment (inclusive of the club face and the ball). If you can manage to have a new set of golf balls, then they are the best balls to practice on.
o The player must be on the fairway
o The grass has to be cut very short
These conditions have to be present even before the shot is practiced. Now, down to the backspin:
1. Imagine that you are playing billiards and you are trying to create a spin on the cue ball. This is far from simple and only the best pool players are able to deliver this perfect spin.
2. Try taking that same action down to the ground (the physics involved are practically the same). It is believed that excellent golf players are also good putters. For those who would want to concentrate on their putting skills, billiards would be a good arena to begin with.
3. Create a backspin by making a downward hit on the golf ball and with a considerable force. Velocity plays a great part on the final blow so make sure you put in all your controlled force. This is the reason why the ball has to be really dry-a wet ball could skid.
4. Before hitting, make sure that you are hitting at a steep angle. Make sure to hit the lowermost portion of the golf ball.
5. The eventual goal for each golfer is to put the ball between the fairway and the club.
6. As the ball is squeezed into the golf club's grooves, it should create a backspin.
If you have strictly followed all the steps, you should be able to master this tricky move. But remember the rule of thumb on this shot: you will create backspin if you have a longer pitch shot.
The force needed to make a wedge shot that is more than a hundred yards should produce better spin than the action needed in pitching the ball at a few yards. This is the reason why professional golfers often do a lay up to make a longer approach shot.
There is nothing simple in creating a backspin so you'll have to persevere in your goal to finally perfect this complicated shot.
Raise your hand if you can execute the perfect golf backspin effortlessly. Well, the truth is even the best players on the tour are still practicing and tweaking their technique all the time. Golf411.org offers free lessons that will address techniques such as how to put backspin on golf shots. Visit Golf411.org for the free E-Course and Breakthrough Golf System that will decrease your golf handicap by 7-12 strokes in one week!
There are very few situations when this difficult shot is actually needed in any given golf game. If you are looking at golf as a recreational sport, there is no need to learn the backspin (except if you want to show off!). Just to be realistic, there are certain elements that must first be met before a backspin may even be practiced:
o A perfectly dry set of golf equipment (inclusive of the club face and the ball). If you can manage to have a new set of golf balls, then they are the best balls to practice on.
o The player must be on the fairway
o The grass has to be cut very short
These conditions have to be present even before the shot is practiced. Now, down to the backspin:
1. Imagine that you are playing billiards and you are trying to create a spin on the cue ball. This is far from simple and only the best pool players are able to deliver this perfect spin.
2. Try taking that same action down to the ground (the physics involved are practically the same). It is believed that excellent golf players are also good putters. For those who would want to concentrate on their putting skills, billiards would be a good arena to begin with.
3. Create a backspin by making a downward hit on the golf ball and with a considerable force. Velocity plays a great part on the final blow so make sure you put in all your controlled force. This is the reason why the ball has to be really dry-a wet ball could skid.
4. Before hitting, make sure that you are hitting at a steep angle. Make sure to hit the lowermost portion of the golf ball.
5. The eventual goal for each golfer is to put the ball between the fairway and the club.
6. As the ball is squeezed into the golf club's grooves, it should create a backspin.
If you have strictly followed all the steps, you should be able to master this tricky move. But remember the rule of thumb on this shot: you will create backspin if you have a longer pitch shot.
The force needed to make a wedge shot that is more than a hundred yards should produce better spin than the action needed in pitching the ball at a few yards. This is the reason why professional golfers often do a lay up to make a longer approach shot.
There is nothing simple in creating a backspin so you'll have to persevere in your goal to finally perfect this complicated shot.
Raise your hand if you can execute the perfect golf backspin effortlessly. Well, the truth is even the best players on the tour are still practicing and tweaking their technique all the time. Golf411.org offers free lessons that will address techniques such as how to put backspin on golf shots. Visit Golf411.org for the free E-Course and Breakthrough Golf System that will decrease your golf handicap by 7-12 strokes in one week!
Golf Ball Backspin - A How to Guide
If you have spent any time learning and trying to control backspin, you will already know that this is quite difficult and complex. Luckily you won't get into many situations where you'll need to make such a shot, but it's still very nice to learn the more complex techniques and challenge yourself constantly.
In golf a good shot can and most probably will cause a large amount of backspin. The ball will be carried higher into the air and quite farther. Many people make use of this technique because it helps with distance control. Sometimes on landing the ball will move backwards in the opposite direction that is was while flying in the air.
Best conditions for backspin:
Only attempt this shot on the fairway and only if the grass is very nicely kept and short.
The conditions should be dry and this includes your ball and club.
How to perfect your backspin:
The grooves on your clubface should be clean. Even a professional will have a hard time to perfect a backspin using a club with dirty or worn grooves.
It's important to choose a soft-covered ball. You won't achieve perfection with a hard ball. Many golfers use the same balls over and over again and this won't be possible if you are trying to learn the technique of backspin. A new and quality ball will make the task much easier.
The fairway should be well kept as mentioned previously, long grass between the ball and the clubface will prevent backspin. Place the ball a bit behind where the club will first make contact with the ground. The club should connect with the ball on the downswing, the divot created after the ball is struck will force the ball into the ground or it will climb over the clubface and the grip the grooves have on the ball will create backspin.
Use the wedge to hit the ball with a square but downward movement. The ball will be compressed against the fairway and it will apply a backspin to the ball.
You have to be confident when you make the shot, a moment of doubt can drastically affect the quality of your shot. Accelerate as you move in to strike the ball; don't make the mistake that so many tend to by decelerating.
It may be cliche, but practice does make perfect. Golf has many shots that require great skill and technique, some learn quicker than others but everyone has to put in the time to practice what they have been taught in order to perfect it!
In golf a good shot can and most probably will cause a large amount of backspin. The ball will be carried higher into the air and quite farther. Many people make use of this technique because it helps with distance control. Sometimes on landing the ball will move backwards in the opposite direction that is was while flying in the air.
Best conditions for backspin:
Only attempt this shot on the fairway and only if the grass is very nicely kept and short.
The conditions should be dry and this includes your ball and club.
How to perfect your backspin:
The grooves on your clubface should be clean. Even a professional will have a hard time to perfect a backspin using a club with dirty or worn grooves.
It's important to choose a soft-covered ball. You won't achieve perfection with a hard ball. Many golfers use the same balls over and over again and this won't be possible if you are trying to learn the technique of backspin. A new and quality ball will make the task much easier.
The fairway should be well kept as mentioned previously, long grass between the ball and the clubface will prevent backspin. Place the ball a bit behind where the club will first make contact with the ground. The club should connect with the ball on the downswing, the divot created after the ball is struck will force the ball into the ground or it will climb over the clubface and the grip the grooves have on the ball will create backspin.
Use the wedge to hit the ball with a square but downward movement. The ball will be compressed against the fairway and it will apply a backspin to the ball.
You have to be confident when you make the shot, a moment of doubt can drastically affect the quality of your shot. Accelerate as you move in to strike the ball; don't make the mistake that so many tend to by decelerating.
It may be cliche, but practice does make perfect. Golf has many shots that require great skill and technique, some learn quicker than others but everyone has to put in the time to practice what they have been taught in order to perfect it!
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Golf Ball Backspin
During a normal round most golfers will apply golf backspin to some varying degree.
Most people will have watched Golf on TV and seen the professionals hit golf shots onto the green and seen the ball back-spinning towards the pin.
I have lost count of the amount of times people have asked, how do they do that?
The amount of backspin that the professionals apply is considered an advanced technique; however with application of the correct swing keys and practice anyone can do it.
The key to developing maximum backspin is how you apply a very precise strike on the golf ball. The trick is to make sure that you strike the ball before you hit anything else. A lot of amateur golfers try to scoop the golf ball upwards off the fairway not knowing that the correct way is actually to strike down and through the golf ball.
To encourage a clean strike of the ball, focusing on the very top instead of the back of the golf ball can help. Play the shot with a slightly open stance to encourage more of an out to in type of swing.
Try to take a divot, remembering that you should be hitting down and through the ball, contacting the ball first. A note of caution here, hitting down too steep can cause you to chop into the ground before or after hitting the ball.
To engage maximum backspin you should ideally have a slightly open stance, with your weight more on your left side.
During the club take away it should be initiated by the arms with an early wrist break so as to enable a sharp descending strike onto the golf ball. You should only use a half or three quarter swing for this shot.
It is also essential that your ball and club face are kept clean to apply backspin. Make sure when possible that you clean your ball and keep your grooves and club face clean. Get into the habit of regularly using a groove cleaner and always clean the club face before putting it back into your bag.
Your priority with this type of shot is not to be trying for distance; it is to strike the ball as clean as possible. Keep your swing shorter and more compact will help you make a more precise strike of the ball. With your weight more to your left side this will help you to naturally hit the ball with a descending blow.
Learn exactly how to improve your golf game, visit http://www.acegolftips.com where you can sign up and learn more with Ace Golf Tips Free Newsletter and much more.
Most people will have watched Golf on TV and seen the professionals hit golf shots onto the green and seen the ball back-spinning towards the pin.
I have lost count of the amount of times people have asked, how do they do that?
The amount of backspin that the professionals apply is considered an advanced technique; however with application of the correct swing keys and practice anyone can do it.
The key to developing maximum backspin is how you apply a very precise strike on the golf ball. The trick is to make sure that you strike the ball before you hit anything else. A lot of amateur golfers try to scoop the golf ball upwards off the fairway not knowing that the correct way is actually to strike down and through the golf ball.
To encourage a clean strike of the ball, focusing on the very top instead of the back of the golf ball can help. Play the shot with a slightly open stance to encourage more of an out to in type of swing.
Try to take a divot, remembering that you should be hitting down and through the ball, contacting the ball first. A note of caution here, hitting down too steep can cause you to chop into the ground before or after hitting the ball.
To engage maximum backspin you should ideally have a slightly open stance, with your weight more on your left side.
During the club take away it should be initiated by the arms with an early wrist break so as to enable a sharp descending strike onto the golf ball. You should only use a half or three quarter swing for this shot.
It is also essential that your ball and club face are kept clean to apply backspin. Make sure when possible that you clean your ball and keep your grooves and club face clean. Get into the habit of regularly using a groove cleaner and always clean the club face before putting it back into your bag.
Your priority with this type of shot is not to be trying for distance; it is to strike the ball as clean as possible. Keep your swing shorter and more compact will help you make a more precise strike of the ball. With your weight more to your left side this will help you to naturally hit the ball with a descending blow.
Learn exactly how to improve your golf game, visit http://www.acegolftips.com where you can sign up and learn more with Ace Golf Tips Free Newsletter and much more.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
How to Master the Golf Short Game? Proven Short Game Secrets Used by the Pros to Play Better Golf!
Are You Using The Wrong Club?
Using the wrong club in one of the biggest mistakes golfers can make on the golf course. You can improve your short game, lower your score and have a lot more enjoyment on the golf course if you can keep consistent with your choice of club that you feel most comfortable with around the greens.
For example, if you feel more comfortable using an 8 iron whenever you are 50 metres out, then use it. Many golfers read magazines, articles or videos that have professionals recommending a certain club and feel they have to do the same as them. What works for some golfers doesn't always work for others. Stick to what works, for you and feels most comfortable.
Here's a good example. Whenever Tiger Woods is faced with a shot from anywhere around the green he always uses his 60 degree lob wedge. He doesn't mix and match his wedges. He sticks to what works for him. It is what he has practiced with and therefore feels most comfortable with. What he knows is that he can use his 60 degree wedge to hit a flop shot where the ball only goes say 10 metres, and he can also use the same wedge to hit a shot that goes as far as 30 metres just by making a few minor adjustments to his technique. Why? Because this is the golf club that he feels most comfortable with to do the job.
Success in the golf short game has as much to do with your confidence as it does with your comfort levels using certain techniques and shot variety. In due course you will find a 'go to club' that works for you every time you are faced with a certain shot. When you are practicing, focus around getting as sharp and precise as possible with your favourite club around the greens. This will pay off big time when you are faced with a similar shot on the golf course.
Stop Over-Analyzing Everything On The Golf Course
Golf, much like a lot of sports, can often lose its enjoyment for the average golfer because of the constant need to dissect and over complicate on what is basically a simple game. What you want golf to be is enjoyable, confidence building and makes you feel you are in control. What this all means is just letting the game flow and taking it as it comes and not getting too carried away with the results. Let the game come to you and just let it happen.
Most golfers have had a few lessons with a professional, picked up a few tips from a magazine or maybe even learned something from watching the best players on your television. What you need to do is trust what you have learned and allow your subconscious to show you the way. Swing the golf club without fear and you'll be surprised how simple the game of golf can be ... in particular your golf short game will improve out of sight.
Grow your confidence by developing a consistent, solid golf swing. The rest of the way the game of game is a matter of hitting the ball towards the green, hitting it again until it's in the back of the cup.
It may seem way too simple, obviously you need to practice and have the right preparation, but if you spend too much time over analyzing every second of your round you are going to become increasingly frustrated and eventually give up all together. Golf is a great game to be enjoyed. Focus your energy on having a fun round of golf and concentrate only for those few seconds when you are hitting a golf shot.
Troy Vayanos has helped hundreds of golfers play their best golf using simple, easy to follow techniques.
Get all you need to know about learning the golf short game right here at http://www.GolfSwingWizard.com.
Using the wrong club in one of the biggest mistakes golfers can make on the golf course. You can improve your short game, lower your score and have a lot more enjoyment on the golf course if you can keep consistent with your choice of club that you feel most comfortable with around the greens.
For example, if you feel more comfortable using an 8 iron whenever you are 50 metres out, then use it. Many golfers read magazines, articles or videos that have professionals recommending a certain club and feel they have to do the same as them. What works for some golfers doesn't always work for others. Stick to what works, for you and feels most comfortable.
Here's a good example. Whenever Tiger Woods is faced with a shot from anywhere around the green he always uses his 60 degree lob wedge. He doesn't mix and match his wedges. He sticks to what works for him. It is what he has practiced with and therefore feels most comfortable with. What he knows is that he can use his 60 degree wedge to hit a flop shot where the ball only goes say 10 metres, and he can also use the same wedge to hit a shot that goes as far as 30 metres just by making a few minor adjustments to his technique. Why? Because this is the golf club that he feels most comfortable with to do the job.
Success in the golf short game has as much to do with your confidence as it does with your comfort levels using certain techniques and shot variety. In due course you will find a 'go to club' that works for you every time you are faced with a certain shot. When you are practicing, focus around getting as sharp and precise as possible with your favourite club around the greens. This will pay off big time when you are faced with a similar shot on the golf course.
Stop Over-Analyzing Everything On The Golf Course
Golf, much like a lot of sports, can often lose its enjoyment for the average golfer because of the constant need to dissect and over complicate on what is basically a simple game. What you want golf to be is enjoyable, confidence building and makes you feel you are in control. What this all means is just letting the game flow and taking it as it comes and not getting too carried away with the results. Let the game come to you and just let it happen.
Most golfers have had a few lessons with a professional, picked up a few tips from a magazine or maybe even learned something from watching the best players on your television. What you need to do is trust what you have learned and allow your subconscious to show you the way. Swing the golf club without fear and you'll be surprised how simple the game of golf can be ... in particular your golf short game will improve out of sight.
Grow your confidence by developing a consistent, solid golf swing. The rest of the way the game of game is a matter of hitting the ball towards the green, hitting it again until it's in the back of the cup.
It may seem way too simple, obviously you need to practice and have the right preparation, but if you spend too much time over analyzing every second of your round you are going to become increasingly frustrated and eventually give up all together. Golf is a great game to be enjoyed. Focus your energy on having a fun round of golf and concentrate only for those few seconds when you are hitting a golf shot.
Troy Vayanos has helped hundreds of golfers play their best golf using simple, easy to follow techniques.
Get all you need to know about learning the golf short game right here at http://www.GolfSwingWizard.com.
How to Master the Golf Short Game? Proven Short Game Secrets Used by the Pros to Play Better Golf!
Are You Using The Wrong Club?
Using the wrong club in one of the biggest mistakes golfers can make on the golf course. You can improve your short game, lower your score and have a lot more enjoyment on the golf course if you can keep consistent with your choice of club that you feel most comfortable with around the greens.
For example, if you feel more comfortable using an 8 iron whenever you are 50 metres out, then use it. Many golfers read magazines, articles or videos that have professionals recommending a certain club and feel they have to do the same as them. What works for some golfers doesn't always work for others. Stick to what works, for you and feels most comfortable.
Here's a good example. Whenever Tiger Woods is faced with a shot from anywhere around the green he always uses his 60 degree lob wedge. He doesn't mix and match his wedges. He sticks to what works for him. It is what he has practiced with and therefore feels most comfortable with. What he knows is that he can use his 60 degree wedge to hit a flop shot where the ball only goes say 10 metres, and he can also use the same wedge to hit a shot that goes as far as 30 metres just by making a few minor adjustments to his technique. Why? Because this is the golf club that he feels most comfortable with to do the job.
Success in the golf short game has as much to do with your confidence as it does with your comfort levels using certain techniques and shot variety. In due course you will find a 'go to club' that works for you every time you are faced with a certain shot. When you are practicing, focus around getting as sharp and precise as possible with your favourite club around the greens. This will pay off big time when you are faced with a similar shot on the golf course.
Stop Over-Analyzing Everything On The Golf Course
Golf, much like a lot of sports, can often lose its enjoyment for the average golfer because of the constant need to dissect and over complicate on what is basically a simple game. What you want golf to be is enjoyable, confidence building and makes you feel you are in control. What this all means is just letting the game flow and taking it as it comes and not getting too carried away with the results. Let the game come to you and just let it happen.
Most golfers have had a few lessons with a professional, picked up a few tips from a magazine or maybe even learned something from watching the best players on your television. What you need to do is trust what you have learned and allow your subconscious to show you the way. Swing the golf club without fear and you'll be surprised how simple the game of golf can be ... in particular your golf short game will improve out of sight.
Grow your confidence by developing a consistent, solid golf swing. The rest of the way the game of game is a matter of hitting the ball towards the green, hitting it again until it's in the back of the cup.
It may seem way too simple, obviously you need to practice and have the right preparation, but if you spend too much time over analyzing every second of your round you are going to become increasingly frustrated and eventually give up all together. Golf is a great game to be enjoyed. Focus your energy on having a fun round of golf and concentrate only for those few seconds when you are hitting a golf shot.
Troy Vayanos has helped hundreds of golfers play their best golf using simple, easy to follow techniques.
Get all you need to know about learning the golf short game right here at http://www.GolfSwingWizard.com.
Using the wrong club in one of the biggest mistakes golfers can make on the golf course. You can improve your short game, lower your score and have a lot more enjoyment on the golf course if you can keep consistent with your choice of club that you feel most comfortable with around the greens.
For example, if you feel more comfortable using an 8 iron whenever you are 50 metres out, then use it. Many golfers read magazines, articles or videos that have professionals recommending a certain club and feel they have to do the same as them. What works for some golfers doesn't always work for others. Stick to what works, for you and feels most comfortable.
Here's a good example. Whenever Tiger Woods is faced with a shot from anywhere around the green he always uses his 60 degree lob wedge. He doesn't mix and match his wedges. He sticks to what works for him. It is what he has practiced with and therefore feels most comfortable with. What he knows is that he can use his 60 degree wedge to hit a flop shot where the ball only goes say 10 metres, and he can also use the same wedge to hit a shot that goes as far as 30 metres just by making a few minor adjustments to his technique. Why? Because this is the golf club that he feels most comfortable with to do the job.
Success in the golf short game has as much to do with your confidence as it does with your comfort levels using certain techniques and shot variety. In due course you will find a 'go to club' that works for you every time you are faced with a certain shot. When you are practicing, focus around getting as sharp and precise as possible with your favourite club around the greens. This will pay off big time when you are faced with a similar shot on the golf course.
Stop Over-Analyzing Everything On The Golf Course
Golf, much like a lot of sports, can often lose its enjoyment for the average golfer because of the constant need to dissect and over complicate on what is basically a simple game. What you want golf to be is enjoyable, confidence building and makes you feel you are in control. What this all means is just letting the game flow and taking it as it comes and not getting too carried away with the results. Let the game come to you and just let it happen.
Most golfers have had a few lessons with a professional, picked up a few tips from a magazine or maybe even learned something from watching the best players on your television. What you need to do is trust what you have learned and allow your subconscious to show you the way. Swing the golf club without fear and you'll be surprised how simple the game of golf can be ... in particular your golf short game will improve out of sight.
Grow your confidence by developing a consistent, solid golf swing. The rest of the way the game of game is a matter of hitting the ball towards the green, hitting it again until it's in the back of the cup.
It may seem way too simple, obviously you need to practice and have the right preparation, but if you spend too much time over analyzing every second of your round you are going to become increasingly frustrated and eventually give up all together. Golf is a great game to be enjoyed. Focus your energy on having a fun round of golf and concentrate only for those few seconds when you are hitting a golf shot.
Troy Vayanos has helped hundreds of golfers play their best golf using simple, easy to follow techniques.
Get all you need to know about learning the golf short game right here at http://www.GolfSwingWizard.com.
Friday, 9 July 2010
Hole those three foot putts
If you would rather hit a six-foot putt than a three-footer, an important part of the game has become too difficult for you. An easy shot has become a hard one. But there is hope. If you practice short putts the right way, you'll get so good it might be next year before you miss another one.
There's something you know about putting, subconsciously, that makes the short ones difficult, yet you've never put it into words. That is, when you putt, you're trying to hit something that isn't there. Your target is a hole in the ground. It's a place where there was once something, now there's nothing, and that nothing is what you're trying to hit.
Does trying to hit something that isn't there make much sense to you? Probably not, and that's why you're finding it hard to do. Let's change that. Let's make putting the art of hitting something that is there.
The next time you go to the practice green, take with you the water bottle you have in your golf bag. Put the bottle in the hole, and putt at the bottle. I'll bet you hit it the first time you try. And the second time. And the third. Actually, you could do this all day and never miss. Why? Because now there is something positive to aim at, something real to hit, and that gives you great confidence.
Try this exercise with the bottle in the hole. It's a real chestnut. Put four balls around the hole, one foot away. Putt each one and hit the bottle. Now put the balls around the hole two feet away and putt each one. Then putt from three feet. Then from four. The catch is, if you miss, you start over.
Most people find this exercise challenging if they only play to three feet. But with the bottle, you'll find working your way out to four feet as easy as pie and you might want to try five. Having a real target makes that much of a difference.
What about taking this to the course? You can't put a bottle in the hole when you play because you could never hole out. So putt to the empty hole. If you practice this drill enough, though, there will be a bottle in your mind.
You will have conditioned yourself to see, not an empty hole, but a solid bottle sticking out of the hole. Then you just do what you trained your mind to do - hit the bottle. And since when you practice with the bottle you never see the ball roll by an empty hole, the possibility that it could happen never enters your mind. That takes off all the pressure.
You work hard to get the ball close to the hole. Teach yourself to sink that short putt you have left to make the good score you deserve.
Bob Jones is dedicated to showing recreational golfers the little things, that anyone can install in their swing and game, that make a big difference in how they play. See more at http://www.therecreationalgolfer.com.
There's something you know about putting, subconsciously, that makes the short ones difficult, yet you've never put it into words. That is, when you putt, you're trying to hit something that isn't there. Your target is a hole in the ground. It's a place where there was once something, now there's nothing, and that nothing is what you're trying to hit.
Does trying to hit something that isn't there make much sense to you? Probably not, and that's why you're finding it hard to do. Let's change that. Let's make putting the art of hitting something that is there.
The next time you go to the practice green, take with you the water bottle you have in your golf bag. Put the bottle in the hole, and putt at the bottle. I'll bet you hit it the first time you try. And the second time. And the third. Actually, you could do this all day and never miss. Why? Because now there is something positive to aim at, something real to hit, and that gives you great confidence.
Try this exercise with the bottle in the hole. It's a real chestnut. Put four balls around the hole, one foot away. Putt each one and hit the bottle. Now put the balls around the hole two feet away and putt each one. Then putt from three feet. Then from four. The catch is, if you miss, you start over.
Most people find this exercise challenging if they only play to three feet. But with the bottle, you'll find working your way out to four feet as easy as pie and you might want to try five. Having a real target makes that much of a difference.
What about taking this to the course? You can't put a bottle in the hole when you play because you could never hole out. So putt to the empty hole. If you practice this drill enough, though, there will be a bottle in your mind.
You will have conditioned yourself to see, not an empty hole, but a solid bottle sticking out of the hole. Then you just do what you trained your mind to do - hit the bottle. And since when you practice with the bottle you never see the ball roll by an empty hole, the possibility that it could happen never enters your mind. That takes off all the pressure.
You work hard to get the ball close to the hole. Teach yourself to sink that short putt you have left to make the good score you deserve.
Bob Jones is dedicated to showing recreational golfers the little things, that anyone can install in their swing and game, that make a big difference in how they play. See more at http://www.therecreationalgolfer.com.
How to Determine Which Type of Putter is Best For Your Putting Stroke
Do you see your putting stroke as a straight line or a gentle arc?
You may be using the wrong type of putter for your stroke, stance and setup preferences. This article will help you select the right kind of putter based on your natural putting stroke.
There are generally two schools of thought with regard to putting. Those that see the stroke as a straight back and through action and those who see the putting stroke as an arc which gently curves inwards as you swing the club back and then back out again on the forward stroke, curving back in again once the ball has been struck.
Arc stroke: The arc putting method is basically built around the shaft plane (the angle at which the shaft sits in relation to the ground at address). Imagine, or even grab a putter and try for yourself. Swing the club back along this inclined plane of the putter shaft - the result will be a gently arcing stroke back and through on both sides of the bottom of the swing arc. The putter face appears to open to the golfer as he swings back and then it rotates to square on the forward swing and then closes on the through swing.
Straight back and through: This is the putting stroke where the golfer feels as if he is taking the club straight back along a line which is parallel to the target putting line and then straight through again on the forward swing. The club face remains at right angles to this stroke line i.e. pointing at the intended target line throughout the swing.
Generally speaking this kind of stroke is encouraged by a putter that does not tend to rotate through the swing and that would be a face balanced putter. A face balanced putter will lay with the club face pointing straight up at the sky if you balance the shaft in the palm of your hand.
So what putter should you use with this kind of arc shaped stroke? You will be best using a putter that encourages a rotation of the club face around the shaft plane - one that when balanced on the palm of your hand will hang with the toe of the club pointing down. This kind of putter is sometimes referred to as heel-toe balanced.
Is there a right or wrong method? No, but one of them is likely to result in a better and more consistent action for you. So experiment - check your own putter out and think about how you perceive the stroke itself - what feels right to you?
You should try out a face balanced putter if you currently use one that hangs toe down and you think you are more of a straight line putter. Likewise, if you feel the swing should be an arc then try out different styles of putter. You may find that one with more or less balance toward the toe of the club hanging down is better for your stroke.
I hope you found this article helpful in explaining one of the key differences in putter styles and how to select the best type of putter for your putting stroke.
If you enjoyed reading this article please visit my website at http://www.greenseekergolf.com for more tips and information to help you play golf and lower your scores.
For more tips and advice specifically for your putting stroke, including examples of face balanced and heel-toe balanced putters and other useful facts and advice about different types of putters and how to select the right one for your game please click this link http://www.greenseekergolf.com/putting-stroke
You may be using the wrong type of putter for your stroke, stance and setup preferences. This article will help you select the right kind of putter based on your natural putting stroke.
There are generally two schools of thought with regard to putting. Those that see the stroke as a straight back and through action and those who see the putting stroke as an arc which gently curves inwards as you swing the club back and then back out again on the forward stroke, curving back in again once the ball has been struck.
Arc stroke: The arc putting method is basically built around the shaft plane (the angle at which the shaft sits in relation to the ground at address). Imagine, or even grab a putter and try for yourself. Swing the club back along this inclined plane of the putter shaft - the result will be a gently arcing stroke back and through on both sides of the bottom of the swing arc. The putter face appears to open to the golfer as he swings back and then it rotates to square on the forward swing and then closes on the through swing.
Straight back and through: This is the putting stroke where the golfer feels as if he is taking the club straight back along a line which is parallel to the target putting line and then straight through again on the forward swing. The club face remains at right angles to this stroke line i.e. pointing at the intended target line throughout the swing.
Generally speaking this kind of stroke is encouraged by a putter that does not tend to rotate through the swing and that would be a face balanced putter. A face balanced putter will lay with the club face pointing straight up at the sky if you balance the shaft in the palm of your hand.
So what putter should you use with this kind of arc shaped stroke? You will be best using a putter that encourages a rotation of the club face around the shaft plane - one that when balanced on the palm of your hand will hang with the toe of the club pointing down. This kind of putter is sometimes referred to as heel-toe balanced.
Is there a right or wrong method? No, but one of them is likely to result in a better and more consistent action for you. So experiment - check your own putter out and think about how you perceive the stroke itself - what feels right to you?
You should try out a face balanced putter if you currently use one that hangs toe down and you think you are more of a straight line putter. Likewise, if you feel the swing should be an arc then try out different styles of putter. You may find that one with more or less balance toward the toe of the club hanging down is better for your stroke.
I hope you found this article helpful in explaining one of the key differences in putter styles and how to select the best type of putter for your putting stroke.
If you enjoyed reading this article please visit my website at http://www.greenseekergolf.com for more tips and information to help you play golf and lower your scores.
For more tips and advice specifically for your putting stroke, including examples of face balanced and heel-toe balanced putters and other useful facts and advice about different types of putters and how to select the right one for your game please click this link http://www.greenseekergolf.com/putting-stroke
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Add Distance With Improved Golf Posture
The computer age has done wonders for bringing the world closer together, but it's ruining our golf swings. Sitting all day, hunched over your computer, does not bode well for posture in general, and can wreck havoc on your performance on the golf course.
C-posture or that rounding of the shoulders and bending of the spine at address is more prevalent today due to a condition known as upper cross syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by a tightening of the chest muscles and a concomitant weakening of the upper back muscles, often the result of being over that computer. This combination pulls the shoulders forward creating the rounded shoulder posture that inevitably shows up in your golf stance.
It's estimated that more than a third of all golfers have this condition and it will rob you of power, distance, and accuracy. C-posture reduces your ability to take the club back in your backswing by up to 30%, as you cannot rotate around a bent spine as easily as you can a straight one. This reduction in backswing may decrease your ability to generate clubhead speed and power, resulting in lost yardage.
The only way to increase your backswing, with a C-posture, is to stand taller as you bring the club back, allowing for greater range of motion. This "loss of posture" swing fault, however, can affect all aspects of the golf swing including your rhythm and balance.
To correct upper cross syndrome and that C-posture, you need to focus on specific exercises to stretch the tightness and strengthen the weakness. Two such exercises are the doorframe stretch and the upper back squeeze.
The doorframe stretch is a good exercise to stretch out the chest and front shoulder. Raise your arms about shoulder height and place your forearms against a doorframe with the elbows bent 90 degrees. Without moving your feet, gradually lean into the door until a gentle stretch is felt across the chest and/or shoulders. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 2 to 3 times. Remember to breathe normally.
The upper back squeeze will focus on the strengthening of the upper back. Take an exercise tube or band, wrap it around a solid fixture about chest height, and grab onto each end. Step back till a sufficient stretch is felt in the tube/band and arms are outstretched in front of you with palms down. From this starting position, slowly pull the arms back, keeping the elbows up and away from your body, as far as comfort permits and then return to the starting position. You should feel your shoulder blades squeezing together. Repeat 15 to 20 times. Exhale on the effort.
Correcting the upper cross syndrome will help your golf game and your posture in general. Eliminating the C-posture will get you more yards down the fairway and enhance your playing satisfaction.
For more information on C-posture and golf fitness, go to http://www.golfitcarolina.com.
Bob Forman is the owner of GolFIT Carolina and is a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute. He has been working with golfers since the very first World Golf Fitness Summit back in March, 2006.
Since then, Bob has established golf fitness programs in the medical fitness center he directs for High Point Regional Health System in High Point, NC, as well as several country clubs in the Greensboro, NC, area, and is the golf fitness professional at the Golf Academy at Barefoot Resort and Golf in Myrtle Beach, SC.
C-posture or that rounding of the shoulders and bending of the spine at address is more prevalent today due to a condition known as upper cross syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by a tightening of the chest muscles and a concomitant weakening of the upper back muscles, often the result of being over that computer. This combination pulls the shoulders forward creating the rounded shoulder posture that inevitably shows up in your golf stance.
It's estimated that more than a third of all golfers have this condition and it will rob you of power, distance, and accuracy. C-posture reduces your ability to take the club back in your backswing by up to 30%, as you cannot rotate around a bent spine as easily as you can a straight one. This reduction in backswing may decrease your ability to generate clubhead speed and power, resulting in lost yardage.
The only way to increase your backswing, with a C-posture, is to stand taller as you bring the club back, allowing for greater range of motion. This "loss of posture" swing fault, however, can affect all aspects of the golf swing including your rhythm and balance.
To correct upper cross syndrome and that C-posture, you need to focus on specific exercises to stretch the tightness and strengthen the weakness. Two such exercises are the doorframe stretch and the upper back squeeze.
The doorframe stretch is a good exercise to stretch out the chest and front shoulder. Raise your arms about shoulder height and place your forearms against a doorframe with the elbows bent 90 degrees. Without moving your feet, gradually lean into the door until a gentle stretch is felt across the chest and/or shoulders. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 2 to 3 times. Remember to breathe normally.
The upper back squeeze will focus on the strengthening of the upper back. Take an exercise tube or band, wrap it around a solid fixture about chest height, and grab onto each end. Step back till a sufficient stretch is felt in the tube/band and arms are outstretched in front of you with palms down. From this starting position, slowly pull the arms back, keeping the elbows up and away from your body, as far as comfort permits and then return to the starting position. You should feel your shoulder blades squeezing together. Repeat 15 to 20 times. Exhale on the effort.
Correcting the upper cross syndrome will help your golf game and your posture in general. Eliminating the C-posture will get you more yards down the fairway and enhance your playing satisfaction.
For more information on C-posture and golf fitness, go to http://www.golfitcarolina.com.
Bob Forman is the owner of GolFIT Carolina and is a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute. He has been working with golfers since the very first World Golf Fitness Summit back in March, 2006.
Since then, Bob has established golf fitness programs in the medical fitness center he directs for High Point Regional Health System in High Point, NC, as well as several country clubs in the Greensboro, NC, area, and is the golf fitness professional at the Golf Academy at Barefoot Resort and Golf in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Golf Stances - Learn to Use the Perfect Golf Posture
The golf swing can be an intimidating prospect for beginner-level players. Trying to combine the various elements of the swing into one fluid movement may seem hard enough, but to then propel a small ball hundreds of yards into the distance may appear virtually impossible. When you understand the core dynamics of the golf swing, however, you'll soon learn to hit the ball with confidence.
Maintaining a proper posture before, during, and after you hit the ball allows you to make a better, more efficient swing, so it's important that you get into the habit of setting yourself up correctly. Get it wrong and you'll lose both accuracy and distance. Get it right, and you'll soon achieve the consistent swing you're aiming for.
A key factor in producing a reliable golf swing is your body position, which needs to be right at the very start. First, take a 7-iron and stand over the ball with your legs shoulder-width apart. Remember that the width of your stance differs depending on what club you use.
Don't stand too far away from the ball. Your arms should hang down and not be stretched out. You also need good balance to swing and then accurately return the center of the clubface to the center of the ball, so make sure that your weight is evenly distributed over both feet.
Try not to lean forward too much, or your swing will shorten and you'll lose power. When your posture is right, the top of your spine, the tips of your elbows, your knees, and the balls of your feet should be aligned.
When driving, make sure that you keep your chin high off your chest so you give yourself sufficient room for a full shoulder turn. When pitching, bend from your waist and add extra flex to your knees. Your head should be almost over the ball.
During iron play, you should keep your shoulders back and your arms close to your body throughout the swing. You should never feel as if you're reaching for the ball. Lastly, when putting, keep your head directly over the ball, so you have to bend from the waist. This creates a smooth pendulum effect since it lets the putter follow the movement of the shoulders and remain square to the line.
The golf swing is an incredibly dynamic-if unnatural-movement. With so many moving parts, it's not surprising that things can go wrong. Achieving the right posture can dramatically reduce the mistakes in your game. And while your physical size and shape can affect your posture and the way in which you swing a club, the fundamental elements of the correct body position still apply to virtually every aspect of the game.
If you want to swing well, you'll need to get the basics right. That means mastering the all-important issues of posture, setup, aim, and alignment. Focus on movement-see just how your body should be moving throughout the swing sequence. Understand the vital stages of the swing, from the takeaway to the follow-through, and practice until you get all of them right.
Want to improve your golf skills and enhance your enjoyment of golf? Check out this great collection of the best golf tips online. These are essential tools that will help you play better golf in as little as 24 hours. Click here to see a review of best golf tutorials now! --> http://bestgolflessons.net
Maintaining a proper posture before, during, and after you hit the ball allows you to make a better, more efficient swing, so it's important that you get into the habit of setting yourself up correctly. Get it wrong and you'll lose both accuracy and distance. Get it right, and you'll soon achieve the consistent swing you're aiming for.
A key factor in producing a reliable golf swing is your body position, which needs to be right at the very start. First, take a 7-iron and stand over the ball with your legs shoulder-width apart. Remember that the width of your stance differs depending on what club you use.
Don't stand too far away from the ball. Your arms should hang down and not be stretched out. You also need good balance to swing and then accurately return the center of the clubface to the center of the ball, so make sure that your weight is evenly distributed over both feet.
Try not to lean forward too much, or your swing will shorten and you'll lose power. When your posture is right, the top of your spine, the tips of your elbows, your knees, and the balls of your feet should be aligned.
When driving, make sure that you keep your chin high off your chest so you give yourself sufficient room for a full shoulder turn. When pitching, bend from your waist and add extra flex to your knees. Your head should be almost over the ball.
During iron play, you should keep your shoulders back and your arms close to your body throughout the swing. You should never feel as if you're reaching for the ball. Lastly, when putting, keep your head directly over the ball, so you have to bend from the waist. This creates a smooth pendulum effect since it lets the putter follow the movement of the shoulders and remain square to the line.
The golf swing is an incredibly dynamic-if unnatural-movement. With so many moving parts, it's not surprising that things can go wrong. Achieving the right posture can dramatically reduce the mistakes in your game. And while your physical size and shape can affect your posture and the way in which you swing a club, the fundamental elements of the correct body position still apply to virtually every aspect of the game.
If you want to swing well, you'll need to get the basics right. That means mastering the all-important issues of posture, setup, aim, and alignment. Focus on movement-see just how your body should be moving throughout the swing sequence. Understand the vital stages of the swing, from the takeaway to the follow-through, and practice until you get all of them right.
Want to improve your golf skills and enhance your enjoyment of golf? Check out this great collection of the best golf tips online. These are essential tools that will help you play better golf in as little as 24 hours. Click here to see a review of best golf tutorials now! --> http://bestgolflessons.net
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
How Custom Golf Clubs Can Improve Your Golf Game
Do you love to play golf but are tired of having to visit the golf club repair shop on a regular basis? If this is the case then you are like many other golfers out there who have to deal with golf club repair on a regular basis just to enjoy the game you love so much. But, what if there was an option for you to avoid frequent trips to the golf club repair shop? What if you could finally play a round of golf with a set of golf clubs that really fit your size and swing without worrying about golf club repair? Well, you can and the way you can is with a set of custom golf clubs. Custom golf clubs may seem like a major expense up front, but if you sit down and consider the price of your current set of clubs in addition to all the golf club repair bills then you will see that when you do the math a custom golf club set really is not that expensive. And, the benefits of having custom golf clubs is that you will play better golf than ever and will enjoy the game even more. But, what are the benefits of custom golf clubs and why should you choose custom golf clubs over others? The following information will guide you to all the benefits and information you need to know about custom golf clubs.
All About Custom Golf Clubs
Just to make a point about custom golf clubs take a look around you the next time you are out on the golf course. Is everyone the same height, weight, sex, and age or are there major differences in appearance? Now, check out everyone's golf clubs. Are all of the clubs practically the same with standard grips, lengths, and the like? So, what does this observation mean? It means that standard golf clubs don't fit the majority of golfers. So if you truly want to improve your game you will customize a set of custom golf clubs, just for you. Now, you are probably thinking that custom golf clubs are even more expensive than name brand golf clubs. However, that is not necessarily the case. Not to mention that the fitted custom golf clubs you hear about aren't anything at all like custom golf clubs, they are made from scratch just for you. Don't get confused between fitted custom clubs and custom golf clubs. The fitted custom golf clubs simply start out with the standard set of clubs from any golf manufacturer and then they proceed to make the clubs more suitable to your personal and playing traits. Although the custom fitting doesn't do too much other than cost you money because they are starting with a product that doesn't fit you to begin with!
Why would anyone anticipate that mass produced clubs would help them play golf at their best? The reason is because golfers want to be better and they believe the hype from the golf manufacturers that the "newest" technology will improve their game. Well, the real answer is not in buying mass produced clubs but rather customizing your own golf clubs. Anyone who has ever had a set of custom golf clubs can tell you that finally having a set of clubs that are the right length, with the right grip, will greatly impact what you shoot the next time you are out on the golf course.
It is simply logical to buy custom golf clubs that are made to fit you or customize your own set of golf clubs. That means your golf swing is analyzed as well as your personal characteristics to create a custom golf club set that works with your golf style and not against it. A custom golf club set will allow you to have grips that are the right size for your hands, heads that reflect your skill, and shafts that are the right length and flex.
When you have your first custom golf club set made you may see some big differences from your last set of clubs. Your custom golf clubs may be a different length or the grip may be smaller or bigger. The flex may be different and the head might be different as well. For some people who set out to play with their custom golf clubs the first day they see amazing results. Others will need to make some changes and practice because although the custom golf clubs really fit their personal characteristics it's difficult to change after playing with clubs that don't fit for so long. Just a little practice and patience is all that is needed to see the difference custom golf clubs provide. Not to mention that when you have a custom golf club set made you will have new clubs that won't be in need of golf club repair any time soon! If you really love golf then a custom golf club set is really worth the investment.
Ant Onaf is a content producer in association with EZGolfClubRepair.com (http://www.ezgolfclubrepair.com), the official site of the popular e-book "Golf Club Repair Made Easy" and "The Ultimate Golf Package"
All About Custom Golf Clubs
Just to make a point about custom golf clubs take a look around you the next time you are out on the golf course. Is everyone the same height, weight, sex, and age or are there major differences in appearance? Now, check out everyone's golf clubs. Are all of the clubs practically the same with standard grips, lengths, and the like? So, what does this observation mean? It means that standard golf clubs don't fit the majority of golfers. So if you truly want to improve your game you will customize a set of custom golf clubs, just for you. Now, you are probably thinking that custom golf clubs are even more expensive than name brand golf clubs. However, that is not necessarily the case. Not to mention that the fitted custom golf clubs you hear about aren't anything at all like custom golf clubs, they are made from scratch just for you. Don't get confused between fitted custom clubs and custom golf clubs. The fitted custom golf clubs simply start out with the standard set of clubs from any golf manufacturer and then they proceed to make the clubs more suitable to your personal and playing traits. Although the custom fitting doesn't do too much other than cost you money because they are starting with a product that doesn't fit you to begin with!
Why would anyone anticipate that mass produced clubs would help them play golf at their best? The reason is because golfers want to be better and they believe the hype from the golf manufacturers that the "newest" technology will improve their game. Well, the real answer is not in buying mass produced clubs but rather customizing your own golf clubs. Anyone who has ever had a set of custom golf clubs can tell you that finally having a set of clubs that are the right length, with the right grip, will greatly impact what you shoot the next time you are out on the golf course.
It is simply logical to buy custom golf clubs that are made to fit you or customize your own set of golf clubs. That means your golf swing is analyzed as well as your personal characteristics to create a custom golf club set that works with your golf style and not against it. A custom golf club set will allow you to have grips that are the right size for your hands, heads that reflect your skill, and shafts that are the right length and flex.
When you have your first custom golf club set made you may see some big differences from your last set of clubs. Your custom golf clubs may be a different length or the grip may be smaller or bigger. The flex may be different and the head might be different as well. For some people who set out to play with their custom golf clubs the first day they see amazing results. Others will need to make some changes and practice because although the custom golf clubs really fit their personal characteristics it's difficult to change after playing with clubs that don't fit for so long. Just a little practice and patience is all that is needed to see the difference custom golf clubs provide. Not to mention that when you have a custom golf club set made you will have new clubs that won't be in need of golf club repair any time soon! If you really love golf then a custom golf club set is really worth the investment.
Ant Onaf is a content producer in association with EZGolfClubRepair.com (http://www.ezgolfclubrepair.com), the official site of the popular e-book "Golf Club Repair Made Easy" and "The Ultimate Golf Package"
Monday, 5 July 2010
Improve Your Hands and Improve Your Golf Swing
It seems as though many golfers are unaware of the importance the hands play in the execution of the golf swing. Obviously, we know that the hands grip the golf club and attach the body to the club. But what is the importance of them during the swing?
The answer has to do with releasing of the club. Let's go back and do a quick golf biomechanics review. During the swing, from address position to follow-through, the hands are active in a passive type of manner.
Let me explain. The goal of the golf swing is to move the club on the correct swing plane to induce the intended golf shot that you want. This occurs through the body's moving through a series of positions. These positions are found within the different phases of the golf swing.
The phases of the swing are address, take-away, backswing, transition, downswing, impact, and follow-through. During all of these movements the body is performing, the golf club is being moved upon a swing plane. The swing plane is the path upon which the golf club is to travel. Proper impact with the golf ball requires the golf club's traveling upon the correct swing plane.
In order for the club to travel on the correct swing plane it is necessary for the clubface to open and close. Oftentimes, in golf terms the opening and closing, of the clubface is termed "releasing of the club." This is where the hands become an integral part of the golf swing.
If you talk to almost any instructor, they will say that any good player has "great hands." This statement refers to exactly what was described above (the releasing of the club correctly). It's obvious if you look at players such as Tiger, Phil, or Vijay.
I even remember walking the course at Doral in Miami with top-5 teaching instructor, Rick Smith. One point he continued to return to in terms of discussing the golf swing was "hands." He stated more than once how any PGA Tour player has great hands. This just provides additional support for how important the hands are in terms of the golf swing.
But what does this all mean? Well, we know the hands are involved in the "opening and closing" of the clubface during your swing. This movement allows for the proper release of the club. As I mentioned, the hands are "active in your golf swing, but in a passive manner."
Again, to open and close the clubface during the golf swing the hands move back during the backswing, hinge at the top of the backswing, return the club to square at impact, and release the club afterwards. In order for this to occur the hands must be passive!
What do I mean by passive?
You cannot force the hands to move through the golf swing and release the club. This creates tension in the golf swing, affects tempo, and, overall, results in poor shots. If you do not believe me, go to the driving range, grip a club as hard as you can, and attempt to swing. The results will be much less than optimal.
I think Dean Reinmuth, ranked by Golf Digest as a top-30 teaching pro, puts it best when speaking about the hands in the golf swing. He discusses "feel" as an integral part of the golf swing. He states that in order to have a successful golf swing you must be "tension free."
"Feeling" the club move on the swing plane is an indicator of being "tension free." And in order to have this feeling, your hands must be relaxed (i.e. passive).
How do you develop good hands in your golf swing?
Easier said than done. In order to develop "feel" in the golf swing, remove "tension" from your golf swing and develop great hands, you must develop three fundamentals.
Fundamental number one is an understanding of the golf swing. In order to know what the body and golf club are to do during the swing you must know the biomechanics of the golf swing. If you don't, how are you going to know what the body and club are to be doing during each phase of the golf swing?
Secondly, you must develop the mechanics of the golf swing. Your body and mind must integrate the movements of the golf swing into a repeatable movement. This occurs through proper instruction and practice of the correct golf swing mechanics.
Finally, it is necessary to develop the body. Yes, the body! Your body must have the flexibility, strength, endurance, and power to perform the golf swing correctly. If the body is inflexible, weak, and powerless, how are you going to be able to perform the mechanics of the swing correctly?
The obvious answer is: you are not! Developing great hands in your golf swing comes down to developing a "basket" of fundamentals within your golf swing. Understand the biomechanics of the golf swing, develop the proper mechanics within your golf swing, and develop a body to support your swing. These are the keys to developing great hands in your golf game.
About the Author
Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2005 PGA & 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com
The answer has to do with releasing of the club. Let's go back and do a quick golf biomechanics review. During the swing, from address position to follow-through, the hands are active in a passive type of manner.
Let me explain. The goal of the golf swing is to move the club on the correct swing plane to induce the intended golf shot that you want. This occurs through the body's moving through a series of positions. These positions are found within the different phases of the golf swing.
The phases of the swing are address, take-away, backswing, transition, downswing, impact, and follow-through. During all of these movements the body is performing, the golf club is being moved upon a swing plane. The swing plane is the path upon which the golf club is to travel. Proper impact with the golf ball requires the golf club's traveling upon the correct swing plane.
In order for the club to travel on the correct swing plane it is necessary for the clubface to open and close. Oftentimes, in golf terms the opening and closing, of the clubface is termed "releasing of the club." This is where the hands become an integral part of the golf swing.
If you talk to almost any instructor, they will say that any good player has "great hands." This statement refers to exactly what was described above (the releasing of the club correctly). It's obvious if you look at players such as Tiger, Phil, or Vijay.
I even remember walking the course at Doral in Miami with top-5 teaching instructor, Rick Smith. One point he continued to return to in terms of discussing the golf swing was "hands." He stated more than once how any PGA Tour player has great hands. This just provides additional support for how important the hands are in terms of the golf swing.
But what does this all mean? Well, we know the hands are involved in the "opening and closing" of the clubface during your swing. This movement allows for the proper release of the club. As I mentioned, the hands are "active in your golf swing, but in a passive manner."
Again, to open and close the clubface during the golf swing the hands move back during the backswing, hinge at the top of the backswing, return the club to square at impact, and release the club afterwards. In order for this to occur the hands must be passive!
What do I mean by passive?
You cannot force the hands to move through the golf swing and release the club. This creates tension in the golf swing, affects tempo, and, overall, results in poor shots. If you do not believe me, go to the driving range, grip a club as hard as you can, and attempt to swing. The results will be much less than optimal.
I think Dean Reinmuth, ranked by Golf Digest as a top-30 teaching pro, puts it best when speaking about the hands in the golf swing. He discusses "feel" as an integral part of the golf swing. He states that in order to have a successful golf swing you must be "tension free."
"Feeling" the club move on the swing plane is an indicator of being "tension free." And in order to have this feeling, your hands must be relaxed (i.e. passive).
How do you develop good hands in your golf swing?
Easier said than done. In order to develop "feel" in the golf swing, remove "tension" from your golf swing and develop great hands, you must develop three fundamentals.
Fundamental number one is an understanding of the golf swing. In order to know what the body and golf club are to do during the swing you must know the biomechanics of the golf swing. If you don't, how are you going to know what the body and club are to be doing during each phase of the golf swing?
Secondly, you must develop the mechanics of the golf swing. Your body and mind must integrate the movements of the golf swing into a repeatable movement. This occurs through proper instruction and practice of the correct golf swing mechanics.
Finally, it is necessary to develop the body. Yes, the body! Your body must have the flexibility, strength, endurance, and power to perform the golf swing correctly. If the body is inflexible, weak, and powerless, how are you going to be able to perform the mechanics of the swing correctly?
The obvious answer is: you are not! Developing great hands in your golf swing comes down to developing a "basket" of fundamentals within your golf swing. Understand the biomechanics of the golf swing, develop the proper mechanics within your golf swing, and develop a body to support your swing. These are the keys to developing great hands in your golf game.
About the Author
Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2005 PGA & 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com
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