Playing better golf is the lifelong pursuit of every golfer on the planet. Why else would we subject ourselves to one of the most humbling games (sport) ever?

I mean, how many times have you come off the course ready to give it up?

I’m dead serious!

You drive home saying never again! But…you go to the range the next day, or even the same day, after you’ve cooled down.

Man, what a glutton for punishment! Just hours before, you got totally humiliated, and now you’re back for more.

The vicious cycle a golfer goes through every season.

So let me guess. You’ve bought equipment (lots of it). Taken lessons. And pound hundreds of balls every week.

Am I close?

The 6 million dollar question is…have you gotten better? Are you happy with your game? Are you driving it as far as you’d like?

If not, what now?

There’s only one thing left.

YOU!

You’re body is keeping you from the game of your dreams. The game you know you’re capable of playing. Doesn’t that make sense? If you’ve tried all the above and still are not satisfied.

Here’s what you have to do…immediately!

Diagnose your limitations. Is it strength? Is it flexibility? Or how about stamina? You know it’s a strength issue, if your swing mechanics are good, but you’re not hitting the ball any amount of distance.

It’s a flexibility issue if you if you can’t perform consistent swings with proper mechanics. And it’s obviously a stamina issue if your back nine is worse than your front nine.

Once you come up with your personal limitations, you’ve got to set up a program, or search one out that will get you on the right track and not hurt your game.

Working on your limitations will get you the quickest results, in the shortest amount of time. You’ll be amazed at how much better your swing is and how much farther you’re hitting the ball.

Your golf will become enjoyable again, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t take this approach years ago.

Many of the top touring professionals know that winning on the tour today takes much more than a great game of golf. It means understanding every aspect of their physical and mental being and what factors influence their performance.

Before any golfer, pro or otherwise, picks up a club, they look at the capability of their body versus the requirements of the swing.

What exactly does this mean?

Most of us are aware that golf requires rotation at the hip joints, shoulder joints and spine. So, what if a golfer has a very tight low back or any restrictions in their shoulders? Well, the obvious answer is that any loss of range of motion creates swing flaws in addition to injuries. This is a fact based on human performance and movement. It is also necessary to create a fluid and natural golf swing. Not only does golf require good rotation at each joint, but it must be efficient and explosive.

Last fall I had the opportunity to visit such a human performance center where some of the more famous tour players train. I was able to explore the same tests they take as part of their initial assessment period. Remember since we are all built differently and have different strengths and weaknesses, we all test differently.

The results of these tests help guide, direct and prioritize any training program moving forward. How successful is this approach to golf conditioning? I watched it place a green jacket on a well deserving young player just a couple of years ago.

What exactly do you test for?

Muscle strength. Evaluate each significant muscle group. Are there any significant differences between your left side and your right side?

Range of Motion. Do you have adequate range of motion in the joints which most affect the golf swing? How does your lower body look versus your upper body? Does your left side match the flexibility in your right?

Core strength and endurance. Do you know how to properly engage your core region? If so, for how long?

Aerobic capacity and endurance. Do you have what it takes to last through a solid 18 holes? Is there an opportunity for improvement?

Balance. Do you have proper balance? Do you know what normal balance for golf looks like?

Physical assessment tests similar are commonly used by the top touring pros today. These tests are being offered at some of the top golf performance centers and will surely be the wave of the future. It is your true understanding of your relative strengths and weaknesses that creates opportunities for immediate and sound improvement in your game.

The game of golf can be difficult when you consider all of the individual elements. Most golfers are overwhelmed with information regarding which tips will benefit their game and which ones won’t.

The most important aspects of the golf swing and the game, in general, all revolve around the building of a strong and solid foundation for the body, the mind and the basics of an athletic swing. Each of the following concepts plays a critical role in your understanding of what creates a great round of golf as well as contributes to a lifetime enjoyment of the game.

Stamina

Golfers tend to ignore the cardiovascular component of golf. However, walkers cover an approximate walking distance of 4-5 miles each round. Even cart riders put in their fair share of walking depending on local cart rules, weather conditions and following errant shots. Poor cardiovascular conditioning can certainly have a negative impact on your game.

Stability

The most important rule in a golf conditioning program is to work and develop strength from the core region of the body outward. A strong trunk allows forces to be transferred effectively from the legs to the upper body. It also enables the body to withstand those forces without breakdown. Stabilization comes in many forms for the golfer including postural stabilization, trunk stabilization and joint stabilization.

Strength

Strength comes in many forms with regard to the golf swing. Strong back muscles allow the golfer to endure the explosive movements in the swing. Strength in the trunk region or “core” area of the body produces stability and helps to generate power. Combined muscle strength produces balance and coordination. Strong ligaments and tendons also prevent the joints from going beyond their range of motion.

Supple

Flexibility is the single most important physical characteristic likely to influence your golf swing. A tight body creates restricted motion in the swing and produces injuries as a form of compensation. Keep your body “supple” so it doesn’t become a limiting factor in your performance.

Spirit

Attitude is everything! Many experts believe it is careful and premeditated preparation that allows a golfer to experience a mental edge in recreational or tournament play. What you say, what you think and how you act all contribute to your state of mind, and therefore contribute to the outcome of your game. Keep a positive and hopeful spirit when you play.

Sequence

The golf swing can be separated into five biomechanical phases that work in sequence.

• Set-up

• Backswing

• Transition

• Downswing

• Follow-through

A true understanding of proper body motion at each sequence will ensure consistency in your swing. Consistency is created through proper sequencing and solid mechanics.

Skill

Good swing mechanics is an absolute necessity in any sport and certainly, golf. The idea behind the golf swing is to create a simple and flowing athletic swing free of wasted motion and unnecessary compensations. To accomplish this, one must have the basis of some degree of skill. Work with a golf pro or read a book on swing mechanics.

Use these “secret 7” to make your next round, your best ever. Build a strong foundation for golf and for life when you follow these simple steps to improvement.

Here are 3 easy golf tips that will immediately give you a better swing and improve your hitting! It did for me almost instantly once I got the feel of it.

I went from hitting maybe one fairway per round and not being able to hit my driver to hitting the vast majority of fairways off the tee while still enjoying the extra distance of using my driver. This is exciting stuff for a mid to high handicapper...so read on.

Golf Tip #1 - Be certain that you are taking the club back by turning your shoulders NOT picking up your hands.

By taking the club back in a "one piece" takeaway, which only means that your shoulders start the turn back and your arms, hands and thus club follow in one piece - by doing this you will automatically put the golf club on the proper swing plane. So long as you do not try to help the club do its job, you will be well down the path to a more solid swing and consistent hits with this tip alone.

Practice this in front of a mirror with or without a club, making sure that your head stays solidly in place and that your three body parts mentioned above go to at least parallel as one unit.

Golf Tip #2 - Don't overswing and swing easy. They engineer the clubs to do the hitting - getting the ball off the ground and a certain distance no matter how hard you swing. As a matter of fact, the harder you swing the less the club can do what it is supposed to do and you will sacrifice both distance and accuracy.

Just make a full shoulder turn and a good wrist cock then return the club from where it came from! When I say swing easy I do not mean decelerate on the downswing. What I do mean is find a good tempo and naturally accelerate through the ball on your downswing with a complete follow through.

Golf Tip #3 - Relax and enjoy the game. Tension in your golf swing is your biggest enemy. One of the tips that I have recently read is that once you get over your shot and are ready to swing....SMILE!! Believe it or not it works...it is extremely hard to be tensed up and smile at the same time.

These 3 simple tips have taken 5 to 10 of those "dumb" giveaway strokes off my game and it will yours too! Just get the swing thought in your mind of takeaway with the shoulders for a full turn, easy swing back through the ball to let the club do the work and relax! You will be excited to start see those shots going longer and straighter very soon!

A golf conditioning program should always be accompanied by a solid golf nutrition plan. In essence, what you eat determines how you play. So, which foods produce champions and which foods hinder play? Let me give you a few hints.

It goes without saying that proper nutrition is important for all of us. But, if you are serious about shaving valuable strokes off your scorecard, you need to make some tough decisions on seeing your diet through. If you travel for golf, or play in frequent tournaments, it is important not to fall into the trap of ‘settling’ for fast food or a quick bag of chips or chocolate bar. Make a commitment to use some or all of the following tips and your energy will reach new heights in your next round.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of these are diuretics and cause fluid loss. They also both affect performance. Coffee can over stimulate your mind or your muscles, making your performance uncontrolled. Excessive consumption of alcohol severely affects your coordination.

• Avoid large amounts of food in the two hours leading up to tee time. Food in your digestive system diverts blood away from your brain and muscles, affecting concentration and physical performance. A meal two to three hours before play is preferred.

• Don’t skip meals. Golfers need that slow and steady release of energy to see them through difficult or long hours of play. Smaller meals are better to help increase metabolism.

• Eat 5 to 6 small meals throughout the day. This gives your body the nutrition it needs to last.

• Drink lots of water. Think in terms of 8 to 10 glasses each day. Continue throughout your round to stay hydrated especially during the summer months.

• Combine carbohydrates, proteins and fats at each meal. This aides in overall digestion and ensures you are getting the proper nutrients.

• Bring a snack or bag lunch. Beverage carts are not known for healthy choices, so don’t put yourself in a position to feel forced to rely on them.

• Avoid high processed foods or sugar based foods. They tend to raise blood sugar levels quickly and, then, drop rapidly causing fatigue.

• Stick with the basics. Don’t try new foods just before you play. Stick with what you know your body responds well to.

• Keep it simple. There is no need to make elaborate meals or go to great extent in preparation. A piece of fruit and bag of nuts will go a long way in replenishing energy when you need it.

As a golfer, especially if you are of a championship caliber, it is essential to have a wide variety of complex carbohydrates to maintain your energy through an 18-hole match or a 72-hole tournament.

Mentally your brain needs to stay conditioned to tell your body what to do, not to mention calculating distances, swing strength and maintaining focus. Follow these 10 tips and watch your scorecard drop to new lows.

If you want to rapidly improve your golf, stretch your golfing muscles on a consistent basis!

What’s the difference main between a “golf stretch” and an everyday stretch? The answer to this question may be your missing link to a great game and years of enjoyment instead of frustration and weak attempts at quitting the game.

I know…you’ve considered it! I’ve been there many times. But the bottom line…we keep coming back!

So to end the years of frustration and quickly transform your game, you need to do golf stretches daily. Yes, that’s right…daily!

It will only take you a few minutes to get them done, but the improvement in your game will be quick and dramatic. The return on this investment (of time) is well worth it.

Now which golf stretches to do to get the quickest return?

That’s a personal issue. Everyone has different limitations. Some are backswing related, others are follow through or even maintaining your golf posture.

Below I’m going to list a couple of golf stretches that will help you prevent back pain and increase your backswing range of motion for longer drives.

The first golf stretch is the Lying Leg Crossover:

• Lie on back with legs extended.

• Raise one leg and bend at knee to 90 degrees in knee and hip.

• Cross that leg over extended leg, while opposite shoulder stays on ground.

• Go until slight pull in butt and lower back.

• Hold for 15 seconds and repeat once more.

• Switch legs and do opposite side.

This simple golf stretch will not only make your back feel better, but it will improve your ability to make a bigger turn, with less hip movement, creating torque and energy.

The second golf stretch is the Backswing Stretch:

• Extend left arm out in front of you (if you are a right handed golfer).

• Take right hand and put under left wrist.

• Pull with right hand against left wrist and make as big a turn on back swing as possible.

• Hold for at least 15 seconds, repeat once more and do the opposite for arm for your follow thru side.

This simple golf stretch will loosen up the muscles in the back of your shoulders and your upper back (lats), for more freedom on both your backswing and follow through.

Do these two golf stretches daily and watch your game improve quickly.

Note: These are only 2 golf stretches isolating certain areas of the body. To get the full benefit for your golf game, you need to do golf stretches for each muscle group.

To those who don’t play, golf seems like a low impact sport. But golf provides a real physical workout and arm and lower back pain and injuries are common among golfers. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends some preventive exercises so golfers can protect themselves against injury.

To avoid golfer’s elbow, suggests these simple exercises to help build up your forearm muscles.

Squeeze a tennis ball

Squeezing a tennis ball for five minutes at a time is a simple, effective exercise that will strengthen your forearm muscles.

Wrist curls

Use a lightweight dumbbell. Lower the weight to the end of your fingers, then curl the weight back into your palm, followed by curling up your wrist to lift the weight an inch or two higher. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, then repeat with the other arm.

Reverse wrist curls

Use a lightweight dumbbell. Place your hands in front of you, palm side down. Using your wrist, lift the weight up and down. Hold the arm that you are exercising above your elbow with your other hand in order to limit the motion to your forearm. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, then repeat with the other arm.

These simple exercises can help strengthen lower back muscles and prevent injuries.

Rowing

Firmly tie the ends of rubber tubing. Place it around an object that is shoulder height (like a door hinge). Standing with your arms straight out in front of you, grasp the tubing and slowly pull it toward your chest. Release slowly. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

Pull-downs

With the rubber tubing still around the door hinge, kneel and hold the tubing over your head. Pull down slowly toward your chest, bending your elbows as you lower your arms. Raise the tubing slowly over your head. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

To those who don’t play, golf seems like a low impact sport. But golf provides a real physical workout and arm and lower back pain and injuries are common among golfers. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends some preventive exercises so golfers can protect themselves against injury.

To avoid golfer’s elbow, suggests these simple exercises to help build up your forearm muscles.

Squeeze a tennis ball

Squeezing a tennis ball for five minutes at a time is a simple, effective exercise that will strengthen your forearm muscles.

Wrist curls

Use a lightweight dumbbell. Lower the weight to the end of your fingers, then curl the weight back into your palm, followed by curling up your wrist to lift the weight an inch or two higher. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, then repeat with the other arm.

Reverse wrist curls

Use a lightweight dumbbell. Place your hands in front of you, palm side down. Using your wrist, lift the weight up and down. Hold the arm that you are exercising above your elbow with your other hand in order to limit the motion to your forearm. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, then repeat with the other arm.

These simple exercises can help strengthen lower back muscles and prevent injuries.

Rowing

Firmly tie the ends of rubber tubing. Place it around an object that is shoulder height (like a door hinge). Standing with your arms straight out in front of you, grasp the tubing and slowly pull it toward your chest. Release slowly. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

Pull-downs

With the rubber tubing still around the door hinge, kneel and hold the tubing over your head. Pull down slowly toward your chest, bending your elbows as you lower your arms. Raise the tubing slowly over your head. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

Through out the history of golf the golf ball has evolved more than any other piece of equipment used in the game. From the very first wooden balls followed by the feathery to the latest 4 piece, high energy core, tungsten weighted, titanium, super thin covered, go further go straighter last forever golf ball, advances in science and the materials used in manufacturing has taken that little white thing to a new level of performance.

At the moment in my shop I have 36 different balls to choose from and there are plenty more types I could stock. This being the case it is difficult for a golfer to choose which is the right ball for them especially when they all claim to be the best thing since the couch potato was given the remote control.

The Number one

Titleist golf balls have been known for many years as ‘The Number 1 Ball in Golf’ and it is true that more tour players across the world use a Titleist ball. Some golfers think that if Ernie Els is playing with a Titleist then they should play with a Titleist as well, however, that is not necessarily the case. Believe it or not in amongst this huge selection there is the right ball for you and the ball you choose to play with needs to suit your requirements and level of skill.

In my opinion the huge range of golf balls on the market can be broken down into 5 categories.

1) Budget

2) Hard

3) Medium

4) Soft

5) Swing speed

If you are a beginner, or lose a lot of golf balls, then buying budget balls is the best thing to do. These are often packaged in 15 ball boxes and are a hard durable ball that will generally go further when you hit them. The draw back of this ball is that it is very lively off of the club face and when it comes to chipping and putting can lack some of the soft feel that some golfers prefer.

The harder golf balls such as Topflite XL 3000, or Callaway CB1 are perfect for the golfer who doesn’t lose too many balls but could do with more distance off the tee. These balls are not as hard as the budget type, but are durable and offer some feel around the green although they still won’t stop very quickly on landing.

If you want the combination of distance, feel and durability then balls such as the Titleist NXT Tour, the Callaway Hex 2 or the Strata Tour Straight are ideal. These are all what I call a medium ball giving the golfer consistent performance in all areas.

The top players in the world all use soft golf balls. Up until about 4 years ago the cover of the ball was actually soft enough to mark with your finger nail and marked very easily when miss hit. This meant that only the best ball strikers, or golfers with more money than sense, would use them. These days the covers on these balls are very durable and the ball will spin and stop very quickly on and around the greens. The leading balls in this category are Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Hex, Strata Tour Ace, Hogen Apex Tour and the Maxfli M3. These balls are manufactured to the highest specification and quality and every golfer could play and enjoy them. They are however very expensive at about £10 for 3 balls if you are a bit wayward with your shots then it could cost a fortune in golf balls.

When it comes to swing speed some players just cannot swing the golf club very quickly. If this is the case some manufacturers are now making balls specifically for those of you who struggle to get any distance because you just can’t hit it hard enough! The Maxfli Noodle ball is perfect for anyone who has a slow swing and they are durable and affordable.

Whichever ball you choose, try to stick with that ball every time you play. You will get used to the feel and performances of the ball, which in turn will help, play more consistent golf.

A weight lifting for golf program is the quickest way to add yards to your drives and eliminate back pain forever. The golf swing puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body, especially the lower back. Implementing a golf strength training program will prevent and/or reduce boughts of low back pain and injury.

When it comes to driving distance in golf, it takes an optimum level of strength, especially in the “core muscles”, to produce a high enough swing speed to hit the ball optimum distances.

If the “core” isn’t strong enough, you won’t be able to store and generate any power during the backswing and downswing, and into impact.

Trying to swing harder, and outside what your body is capable of doing, and the result will be more mishits and shorter drives due to off-center impact on the clubface. But if you can make a FULL backswing and store that energy in your “core”, you will produce more clubhead speed without swing harder.

The beauty of being stronger, specific to golf is the added benefit of hitting the ball longer, with less effort. This removes the injury factor and improves consistency.

Many golfers think they need to hit MORE balls. That’s not the case. Hitting more balls will only put more stress on their already weak bodies, resulting again in injuries and unlimited time “off the course”.

The main emphasis in regards to a weight lifting for golf program should be your “core”, which is the abdominals, hips, glutes and even the hamstring tie-in. Doing golf strength exercises involving rotational movements will warrant the best, most effective results.

Remember, the golf swing is a rotational movement and any golf strength training programs should incorporate a big percent of the golf exercises to rotational movements.

A good example of such an exercise would be the seated twist with exercise tubing.

• Using door attachment, place tubing 3 feet from ground in door.

• Place ball several feet from door. Grab both handles with both hands.

• Face sideways from the door, raise hands to chest high with arms extended.

• Rotate hands holding tubing away from door until there is sufficient tension.

• While keeping hands at chest high return to starting position, but maintain tension on tubing at all times.

• Repeat until full set is done and reverse motion and position facing the other way.

This is just one of dozens of weight lifting for golf exercises that will quickly and dramatically transform your game. You will have wondered why you hadn’t started years ago.

Golf training has been brought to the masses thanks to Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, Larry Nelson and now by the Number One player in the world…Vijay Singh. Vijay is a golf training machine. His personal trainer travels with him on tour and works him out all the way through the week. Vijay has his golf training routine down to a science and doesn’t deviate even a fraction.

When Annika implemented a golf training program she shot a 59 that year and dominated the LPGA. No one was even close. She was the one to beat every week. She even went as far as saying she needed to challenge herself, so she played in a men’s PGA event. And almost made the cut!

Now club pro’s, tournament golfers, seniors and even juniors are catching on. They are now realizing that it’s the BODY that’s keeping them from a great game. Work on your body with some easy-to-use, golf specific stretches and strength exercises and your swing will come to “life”.

Doesn’t it make sense?

Making a powerful backswing, with tons of stored energy ready to blast your ball WAY down the fairway!

I’ve seen golfers of all ages dramatically transform their game. And it didn’t’ take years to accomplish, or hitting thousands of golf balls. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you get.

Have you heard that phrase before?

It’s very true and so easy to stay in this rut. But if you’re tired of the frustration and want to finally capitalize on your potential, then a golf training program is your answer.

If the pro’s are doing it and seeing great results, that should reassure you that it’s the right approach. In your mind, you should see a golf athlete. And like all other athletes, they train for their sport. Why wouldn’t you.

Your golf training program should incorporate strength, flexibility and even endurance training. Doing a flexibility program without incorporating a strength program won’t get you the results you’re looking for. A combination of the two is best.

It’s time to put metal to the floor and make it happen!

If you’re like most golfers, you’re always trying to duplicate that “perfect” golf swing. I know I am. Doesn’t it feel great to hit that effortless shot? Don’t you wish you could do it every time? That would be a similar feeling of what the pro’s have most of the time. It would be such a high!

So what’s keeping you from this goal? Do you think you just need to hit more balls? Or, are you already hitting hundreds every week? If that’s not working, do you need more golf lessons? Or, have you taken lessons but not seen improvement?

If it’s none of the above, then what?

I can tell you almost 100% for sure…it’s your BODY!

Your body dictates your golf swing. How many times have you felt like you can’t make a FULL turn or backswing? Do you think the solution is hitting more balls or taking more golf lessons?

It’s not! It’s improving your golf-specific flexibility and even strength.

Once you address and improve your physical limitations, your golf swing mechanics fall into place, with very little effort. Unless you don’t have a concept of what needs to be done to complete a proper golf swing, in which taking a golf lesson to understand it would be first priority.

The majority of amateur golfers have some kind of physical limitation that keeping them from a great game of golf. It could be flexibility, or it could be strength.

Combining the two is your most effective approach.

Getting a golf-specific evaluation by a golf fitness professional is your first step. Then, you can set up a game plan on what you need to work on and how to do it.

You’d be amazed at how quickly you can improve your golf swing and game with this approach. Don’t keep looking for the silver bullet. The answer is in the mirror. Now do something about it!

How do you get the edge when you're playing junior golf? To keep up with the top junior golfer’s means getting stronger both physically and mentally; and almost perfecting your golf swing. That’s how competitive it’s become.

There are big bucks at stake. Full scholarships are now worth up to a hundred thousand dollars, and for some of these to junior golfers, becoming a professional golfer can mean millions...

We have started to see a dramatic change in the caliber of junior golfers. They are getting fitter, stronger and are hitting it as long as the PGA and LPGA players. This is a combination of personal coaching on swing mechanics and getting stronger.

Junior golfers like Ty Tryon, Michelle Wie and the Song sisters are a perfect example of what junior golfers are capable of, given the right approach. Parents are now realizing the investment in their kid’s golf pays off big when they receive partial or full scholarships for college. The difference between junior golfers and adults is typically strength - not flexibility. I've worked with hundreds of junior golfers and within a very short period of time, doing strength training, their drives increased as much as 50 yards.

Participating in a strength training program doing the wrong exercises can hurt junior golfers not help them. The exercises have to compliment the golf swing from a dynamic standpoint and a stability standpoint. If this is not taken into consideration, improvement will not happen.

The age to begin a strength training workout for juniors is between 12-13 on up. Having a professional oversee the program at the earlier ages is crucial. The upside is a rapidly improving game and who knows...a scholarship for college.

Too many parents and juniors are going it alone and aren’t seeing the results they hoped for. This can be a long and frustrating road to take. Why not save years of searching and hundreds if not thousands of dollars, by doing a little research? Do some talking around your town to see if anyone knows of a fitness trainer who understands golf.

They are a rare breed, but if you look hard enough you can find someone somewhat qualified. Even talk to some of the teaching pros. They might know of some golf trainers who are acceptable. If not, hit the book store. There are several golf fitness books out there, but be on the “lookout”.

From what I’ve seen, most of them are NOT golf fitness books, but only “general” fitness books in disguise. If you see any pictures of a golfer sitting in or on a machine, don’t by the book. That is a telltale sign of a general fitness book. Remember, golf is played on your feet, not sitting down.

So get the edge, by getting stronger for golf! Who knows…you may be the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam.

Golfers will do anything they can in hopes to play better golf and hit the LONG ball. Am I right? Are you in this category? If so, I’m quite confident to say you’ve taken a golf lesson or two. Golf lessons can be very effective in getting you back on track, if your swing has gone south. But, not always.

How many times have you taken a golf lesson, only to be more frustrated and hitting the ball worse than before that golf lesson? Do you know why this happens? It can be many different reasons, such as too many swing thoughts; making drastic changes that require hours at the range and hitting thousands of balls; or lastly, your body just can’t effectively move in the way it needs to, to make a mechanically correct golf swing.

I’m inclined to say that for the majority of golfers, especially the older golfer, it’s the last reason above. Your body just can’t move the way it needs to. The question now is, why?

Why can’t your body do what you know it needs to do to swing the club correctly? It can drive you to the point of quitting the game. But there is hope. There is an approach that will almost 100% of the time correct this problem. Do you want to know what it is? It’s addressing your “physical limitations”. That’s what’s keeping you from a great game of golf.

Do you ever get on the course and just feel like you can’t make a full backswing? Or, it just feels impossible to maintain your golf posture and “stay in your swing”? No amount of golf lessons or hitting balls will correct this. This is a “physical” issue with your body, and until you work on it, it will never get better. I’ve seen it time and time again. Golfers walking off the course in pure disgust. They’ve taken golf lessons, hit balls at the range, and even bought the latest, greatest titanium drive; and yet still can’t play like they think they are capable of.

Finding out your “physical limitations” is the first step to a lifelong better game of golf. Once you find out what’s keeping you from making that perfect swing, you can set up a game plan to improve it. It may be a flexibility issue, or it may be a strength issue. But either way, you’ve got to find out what it is.

The most common issue (especially for the older golfer) is flexibility. Not being able to rotate your body fully on the backswing, creating that power and torque for maximum clubhead speed. If your back swing is cut short, you will LOSE yards on your drives! And I say again; no amount of lessons or hitting balls will make that any better. You’ve got to do specific golf stretches to improve this limitation.

Now on the other side of these limiting factors is strength, specific to golf. And one of the most common limitations is weak hamstrings (the back of the upper leg). The role of the hamstring is critical. It allows you to maintain your golf posture throughout the swing and for 18 holes. It prevents undo strain on your lower back. And can give you a steady, comfortable position while putting.

If your hamstrings are weak, I can almost say with certainty, you’ve got some low-back pain or injury. This is prevalent in older golfers and even the younger ones too. Back pain is the number reason to keep a golfer from playing his/her best. Have you ever walked off the course with your back in pain? I’m sure at one time or another you have. Now do you think hitting more balls or taking more lessons will improve this? I think you know the answer.

If you have a difficult time, “staying in your swing”, it most definitely could be the above scenario. In order to maintain the forward flex in your upper body (golf posture), your hamstrings need to have optimal strength (and flexibility). If not, your hamstring will send a message to your brain saying, “get out of this position, I can’t hold it any longer”. Do you think his has ever happened to you?

So working on the physical side of your game improvement may be the missing link. I can assuredly tell you with this approach, your game WILL improve. There is no doubt. Getting your body to move just a little better will make a huge difference in your ability to make an optimal swing for 18 holes. So before you take that next golf lesson, take a look at your BODY first!

I’m sure by now you’ve heard most of the professional players; both men and women actively participate in golf workouts. It’s no secret. But why then do most amateur golfers ignore this? Is it because it seems like work? Or, does the thought of actually breaking a sweat get you tired already?

Vijay Singh Does Golf Workouts

Either way…the proof is in the bag. The number one player in the world, Vijay Singh, does his golf workouts all the way through Sunday of each tournament. Does it look like it’s hurting his game? I don’t think so. Back in 1997, a young, very athletic golfer came on the professional scene and blew everyone away. I think you know who I’m talking about.

Tiger Woods Golf Workout Routine

Tiger took golf to another level. A real eye-opener for the veteran players who were hitting the 19th hole after every round…and the last thought on their mind was “exercise”. What a wake-up call to be totally dominated by a player who was only 20 years old at the time.

Annika Sorenstam Credits Her Golf Exercises

How about the year Annika Sorenstam shot a 59 and totally dominated the LPGA? Do you know what she attributes it to? Golf workouts! She hired a trainer and got serious about her fitness. And look what happened? She hasn’t looked back since. She just recently came out with an instruction book and devoted a chapter to golf workouts.

To my recollection, that’s the first women’s instruction book to include golf workouts. Working out to playing better golf isn’t just for the guys; Annika has proved that. Now more LPGA players are working out to try and catch her, just like the guys did with Tiger.

Senior Golfers Now Do Golf Fitness Programs

How about the senior tour? Now players are realizing they can still make good money, even after they’ve turned 50 and can’t really compete with the young guys anymore. With the money at stake, they too are all working out. This group of players both amateur and pro is the biggest demographic that needs it the most.

With age comes a decline in both flexibility and strength. When the body declines, the swing goes right along with it. The result is a big loss in yardage, more mishits, and ballooning scores. The end result…frustration! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played with and received phone calls from older golfers who are just about ready to quit the game.

They are SO frustrated at this rapid decline, that golf’s not fun anymore. But there is hope. The answer? Get your body moving just a little better. How? By participating in workouts for golf program that focuses on golf-specific strength AND flexibility. It’s amazing to see golfers in this age bracket dramatically improve their driving distance, accuracy and scores.

You don’t have to accept that with age, your body declines. No way! You’ve got to fight it all the way! I’m dead serious. The ones who do, are the ones who are enjoying the game again and taking all the money in their foursome.

What Is A Golf Workout

What is a golf workout anyways? Is there such a thing? You bet there is. The golf swing is an awkward movement that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be both strong and flexible specific to the swing.

I could spend dozens of pages describing what this entails, but for the sake of this concise article, let’s keep it simple.

Golf Is Rotational

The golf swing is a rotational movement, with your body in golf posture. Slight flex of the knees and a bending forward at the hips. Since the golf swing is primarily rotational, wouldn’t it make sense to focus on rotational strength and flexibility? That is improving your turning ability related to range of motion and speed.

So anything involving twisting with resistance such as a medicine ball, a dumbbell, or even a weighted club would work. You need to have a resistance to take your body beyond where it normally goes.

For instance, if you took a club and placed it behind your neck, got in your golf posture and rotated back and forth; do you think that by itself would improve your range of motion or power?

Use A Weighted Golf Club

No, you need to add resistance to accomplish this. Take a weighted club and make golf swings. Now you’ll be making a bigger turn AND improving your power. Same thing with a medicine ball. Make turns back and through holding a 4 to 6 pound ball and you’ll see a BIG improvement.

In fact, most of your abdominal work should be rotational. Doing straight crunches won’t improve your driving distance. Doing rotational movements with added weight will. This is where I could go on and on, but I won’t overload you.

Golf Workouts Will Transform Your Golf Swing

I hope I’ve convinced you to take a real serious look at what all the other successful professional players are doing to stay at the top of their game. Doing golf workouts can and will dramatically change your game forever. Now get out there and get it started. No procrastinating. Do it right now!

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure. But today's golfer is leaner, stronger, and fitter. Until the last few years, golfers didn't know how to go about incorporating golf fitness, or specifically resistance training for golf.

They have had a vision of going into the local gym and being intimidated by the "muscle heads." It can also be overwhelming to decide what plan of action to take and if it will be worth the time and effort. I have listed some myths about strength training for golf and the truths about them as well.

"I will bulk up too much and that will hinder my golf swing."

Golf fitness (resistance training specific for golf) will not result in muscle gain that will alter your swing mechanics. To increase muscle size, involves lifting increasingly heavier weights with lower repetitions, increasing your calorie intake dramatically, and spending a couple of hours per day lifting weights.

A golf fitness program incorporates moderate weight, with medium (12-15) repetitions, and in a time frame of 30-45 minutes. This type of program is designed to improve your golf specific strength and endurance, not build muscle.

"I will lose flexibility if I lift weights."

In fact, the opposite is true! Weak muscles are also tight muscles. When you do resistance training, you are increasing blood flow, working through a functional range of motion specific to golf, and strengthening the tendons and ligaments in every joint of your body. In conjunction with a stretching program, strength training will improve flexibility, not hinder it.

"Weight training will cause me to lose feel."

By strengthening your muscles specific to golf, you will have better control of your body. A golf fitness program trains your body specifically for your golf game. When you improve functional strength, you have more control and balance, which will improve your feel. Strength training involves body awareness, muscular control, and coordination. These are all key elements for enhanced golf.

So in summary, golf fitness can be done when you are in your early teens (with supervision), or into your late 80's. I have personally worked with people in there 70's and 80's who increased their strength 100%. This was partly due to the initial level of fitness being so low. My point is, that it is never too late to start. Search out a fitness professional or conditioning specialist to design a golf specific program and you will play better than you ever imagined! Start now!

Winter is upon us and you have more time, since you’re not golfing…so why not get a jump on next season by doing some a simple, in-home golf exercise routine that will quickly prepare your body to hit LONGER drives and shoot LOWER scores?

How many times have you started a new golf season with very high scores, short drives, and aches and pains? Am I talking to you? Let’s be honest. It happens more times than you’d like. But why not do it different this time? Instead of going into deep depression that the season is over – keep golf in the top of your mind by starting a golf exercise program.

Don’t let your clubs get dusty and forget about your game. Prepare your body in anticipation of next spring. It’s no fun to come off the course feeling spent (in more ways than one) when you could have energy to spare. You have between 4-6 months to greatly improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. It would be the wisest thing to do to improve your golf for next season.

When you begin the season with a “broken” body, you’re taking two steps back. Take a leap forward and prepare your body by getting your golf exercise routine in motion. Think of it this way. What a great opportunity to get the edge on your playing partners and win all the money. Wouldn’t that get their goat?

Finally, you’ll get the chance to redeem yourself from a previous season that found you paying out more than receiving and being the brunt of all jokes in the clubhouse after every round. We’ve all been there - but no longer right? This is the winter to make the commitment and do it! No excuses. No more reasons to put it off. You may realize it’s not easy – but nothing worth getting is easy.

Golf exercise is a very popular topic these days among all the pros, teachers and even amateurs. It’s no secret that if you get your body fitter, stronger and more flexible you will swing better and hit longer drives that produce lower scores.

That’s what we all want right? What a feeling to be the longest (and straightest) hitter in your group. Always hitting your approach shot last because you were the furthest down the fairway. Those are the kinds of thoughts you should have this winter while you’re working out.

The simplist way to implement a golf exercise routine is to look at the golf swing. First off, it’s standing on your feet. Not sitting down, like on a machine in your local gym. So try to do most of your exercises on your feet.

Secondly, you should be in your golf posture. Which is a bend forward at the hips, with your knees slightly flexed. Doing exercises in this position will create a very strong, stable golf swing.

A good example of a golf exercise would be the Golf Posture Lateral Raise:

• Bend forward at hips just beyond normal golf posture.
• Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing each other.
• Slowly raise dumbbell to the side and up.
• Slowly bring back down to pre-stretch position.

Do you see how this would quickly build up the strength in the back of your shoulders for a strong take-away and downswing? The only equipment required was a pair of dumbbells (hand weights), which probably cost about $10. No fancy gym. And in the convenience of your home, saving you time.

This is just one example of a simple golf exercise routine you can do quickly and conveniently in your home to dramatically transform your game!

Improve your golf performance. Is this always on your mind? When you go out to golf you’re hoping for a good round. I know I do.

How often does your outcome match what you hoped for? Do you usually shoot the scores you had envisioned before you teed off? If not, do you ever evaluate where and how you could have saved strokes and avoided those blow up holes?

I’ve got 5 easy tips for you to implement immediately that will improve your golf performance by shaving 4-6 or even more strokes off your score the next time you play. Give them a try and see what happens. Here they are:

1. First off you’ve got to put the proper fuel in your body before you leave home. Most golfers don’t give it a second thought. They either don’t eat at all before they leave home or they eat something that is not going to give them the long-term energy they’re hoping for. So whether it’s lunch or breakfast before you leave you need to consume a complex carbohydrate and a good protein source. This combination will warrant the best use of your energy for the long haul.

An example for breakfast would be a bowl of oatmeal and a couple of egss with a piece of fruit or a juice. For lunch you could have a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a piece of fruit. Lot’s of lettuce on the sandwich and try to avoid mayonnaise or butter.

2. The second tip is to properly warm up your body before you even hit your first ball. I see so many golfers show up 5 minutes before tee time, hack a few balls and head to the first tee. Those golfers are headed for a double bogey right off the bat - but hey they’re just getting “warmed up” right?

A better approach is to give yourself at least 30 minutes before your tee time. First do some dynamic (movement oriented) stretches to prepare your body to perform. Things like arm circles, partial squats, toe touches, etc. Then take some half swings with a 7 iron. Now after that you’re ready to hit some wedges. You’ll find with this approach your hits on the range will be much better, which will build your confidence.

3. Drink lots of water even before you leave your house. Try to consume up to a gallon of Water before you get to the course. This will help you absorb and digest your pre-game meal and hydrate your muscles for optimal performance. Don’t take this lightly. Dehydration causes energy loss, lack of focus and concentration and fatigue later in the round. And remember, that’s before you even come to the course. Once you get their you should be drinking water every hole.

4. Don’t wait ‘til you get tight to stretch on the course. You should be constantly moving your body and stretching your joints while you play. I see and hear too many golfers complaining of tight lower backs or shoulders during the round, What amazes me is that with all that complaining they do nothing about it. Why? Think of your body as a machine. If the machine starts to break down – fix it. I mean stretch those areas while you’re playing. You’ll see a big difference in your swing mechanics late in the round.

5. Snack while you play. No I don’t mean the full meal at the turn with a beer. I mean bringing fruit and nutrition bars to eat every 4-6 holes. When you supply your body with the proper nutrients your energy levels stay balanced and you will avoid those mental lapses late in the round. How many times have you had a good score only to blow up late in the round? I’ll bet more than a couple of times. I know I have. Treat your body like a Ferrari not a Ford Pinto.

These tips if applied, will definitely improve your golf performance!

What you are about to read... will change your golfing life forever! What are these three "secrets"? If you knew how would they effect your game?. These three "secrets" are what the worlds best players do. Every player MUST know these "secrets" if they are to have a powerful, repeating golf stroke.

The problem with the majority of golfers is that they don't know what to do. Oh their friends, well wishers at best, tell them that they are "bending their left arm", "raising up through the shot", "coming over the top" and host of other swing faults. But these are the same people that shoot the same scores you do! What could they possibly tell you that would improve your game?

The information you are about to receive is not theory or conjecture but science. Ooooh, you say, this sounds complicated. Well it isn't, it is simply the laws of force and motion that govern our entire lives and day to day living. Once you understand these simply laws your golf game will forever change...for the better!

Secret #1: A Flat Left Wrist

Because the golf stroke involves a golf club, a left arm, and a wrist in between, it is called a "lever system". The left wrist acts as a "hinge pin" much like the old time "flail" used to beat wheat. This "hinge pin" can rotate, cock or uncock but NEVER Bends!

Golfers however routinely bend the left wrist causing the clubhead to reach the ball before the hands do. This causes a "quitting" motion, adds loft to the clubface, points the face to the left of target, makes the clubhead swing upward disrupting the downward motion that ALL good golf shots MUST have. Good players DELOFT the clubface at Impact. Poor players ADD loft to the clubface costing them distance, direction, and trajectory.

A 5 iron, for example, has approximately 8 degrees for "forward lean" when soled properly. At Impact with good players the "lean" is approximately 15 degrees. This turns the 5 iron into a 4 iron. Poor players reach Impact with a "backward" leaning clubshaft thereby ADDING loft and turning the 5 iron into a 6-7 iron!

Secret #2: A Staright Plane Line

You only have two choices when it comes to the swing plane, you are either on or you're off. There is no middle ground!

What exactly is the swing plane? The plane is the angle of the clubshaft as it sets at address - period! It is NOT Hogans plane of glass as many would have you to believe. There are only three planes available;

1. Horizontal - a wall
2. Vertical - the floor
3. Inclined somewhere in between

As golfers you and I use the Inclined Plane to swing the club back up and end, down out and forward, up back and in making the Golf Stroke three dimensional.

The clubshaft, actually the sweetspot of the club, may travel to any other plane angle during the swing as long as it DOES NOT cross the base of the plane. Here is a simple way you can know if you are on plane or not. Whichever end of the club is nearest to the ground MUST also point at the base of the plane from horizon to horizon. If neither end is nearer then the clubshaft MUST be horizontal to the ground and parallel to the base of plane.

Secret #3: A Lagging Clubhead

Lag by definition means "trailing". When the clubhead passes the hands coming into Impact there is no "lag". Without "lag" the golf ball cannot be compressed, we cannot hit downward, and we have a tremendous power loss. Clubhead lag promotes a steady and even acceleration giving us a dependable way to control distance.

Look at any picture of your favorite player at Impact. The left arm and clubshaft are in ONE LINE! Never two lines. This means that the player is utilizing "lag". When a ball is struck with "lag" it explodes off the clubface! Without this "lag" the sound turns into one of mush, a soft Impact instead of a driving Impact.

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If you follow this outline, learn these three "Secrets" you will be hitting the ball with more compression than you ever thought possible.

For example, a Driver striking a golf ball with a 2 degree "backward" leaning clubshaft at 100 mph with 9.5 degrees of loft produces a launch angle of 6.4 degrees and a carry distance of 230 yards.

By changing Impact to a 2 degree forward leaning clubshaft the player produces a launch angle of 10.4 degrees and a carry of 251 yards. A 21 YARD INCREASE WITHOUT buying a new Driver and simply having clubhead lag!

YOU can improve your game dramatically by following the steps outlined above. Become the best player YOU can be and start winning those 4 way presses! If YOU really want to elevate your game, hit it farther, straighter, and nearer the hole then practice what I've shared with you.

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Chuck Evans, G.S.E.D.
www.chuckevansgolf.com
chuck@chuckevansgolf.com

P.S. Visit our website for more information on how to become the best player YOU can be.
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Chuck Evans is one of only 31 Teachers in the world to hold the designation of "Doctorate in Golf Stroke Engineering", he is one of the most highly sought after instructors in the world not only by players but other teachers as well and is known as the Teacher of Teachers!

Chuck has appeared on numerous golf talk shows, written and published instructional articles in local, regional, and national golf publications. His DVD, "60 Days To Game Improvement" has sold in excess of 10,000 copies and his new eBook, "How To Build YOUR Golf Swing" is in the library of amateurs and Teaching Professional alike. He has also appeared as the featured instructor for education classes regarding the golf swing at various PGA Sections and Chapters around the country and has been nominated numerous times for Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers and Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers.

In addition Chuck has held the positions of Director of Schools for the PGA Tour Golf Academy and the Director of Instruction for the United States Golf Institute.

Most golfers, whether a beginner or a pro, struggle when trying to decide which golf club to buy. The buying process becomes easier when the consumer has a good understanding of the types of golf clubs available and their specific use. Your playing (and thus your staying) power is greatly enhanced by choosing the proper golf clubs.

For the novice golfer, the basic set of golf clubs consists of drivers, wedges, putters and irons. Using the proper type of golf club will help the beginner learn quickly and achieve results. Each different type of club is designed to help with swing speed and to correct faults to improve your game ? and your score.

In addition to clubs, a wide variety of accessories are also available, many of which are necessities and others that are ?just for looks.? One absolute necessity is a golf bag to assist you or your caddy in moving from green to green, and of course, golf balls. Another must is a pair of golf shoes to help stabilize your body so you can achieve the perfect swing. Other accessories include golf gloves, a golf cap, clothing, and covers for your golf clubs to protect them from the elements or while stored.

There are many variations in the types and styles of golf clubs and their uses. For example, if you?re trying to make a shorter shot, irons may be your best bet. Irons are usually available in sets that include several different sizes. You must also take into consideration the style, size, and type of material used to make the golf club shaft. One of the less expensive materials is steel. Clubs with a steel shaft weigh more but can be longer-lasting than other types. The steel shaft may also give you more control over those fast swings. If you choose a graphite shaft, it will be lighter than steel but will be more costly. This type of club is used for long distance shots or for slower swingers.

Most golf clubs are available with both steel and graphite shafts.

The flexibility of a shaft is referred to as flex, or bend. The less the bend in a shaft, the more control the powerful swinger will have. On the other hand, beginners and those with less powerful swings generally use a shaft with greater flexibility. The average swing speed is from 65 miles per hour for the beginner up to over 100 miles per hour for powerful swingers.

The goal when buying golf clubs should be to own the best golf clubs you can afford, whether they are name brands, used, or a reproduction of one of the name brands. Golf clubs can be purchased at many different types of establishments such as discount stores, buying clubs, specialty shops, catalogs, or the Internet, which offers an almost limitless variety of clubs and bargains, including used golf clubs. The cost of the golf club depends on the type and where it is purchased. Retail stores and catalogs have pre-season, post-season and regular sales, but since someone, somewhere, has the perfect climate in which to play golf at any given time of the year, you may find it difficult to find a true bargain. Internet shopping offers excellent prices throughout the year, and in many cases shipping is free. Golf club replicas are very good bargains if you compare their features to the originals. Many, many types of merchandise are duplicated, or cloned, so be sure the set of clubs you buy have not been illegally duplicated.

Most anytime is the perfect time for most golfers and ?wannabe? golfers to play, so take advantage of the large variety of clubs and bargains to be found, and don?t wait another day to start buying your golf clubs.

If you are just starting out to play golf, you should never buy a new golf club set immediately as you may discover that this game is not for you later on. Furthermore, you are yet to find the type of golf clubs that fits you during the learning stage. The good choice is to start with cheap used golf clubs. And here are some guidelines to help you to hunt down your first used golf club set:

Golf Rental Clubs

First, you may want to play with the rental clubs at a driving range. During this time, don't be afraid to ask your friends or other golfers to try their clubs on the range. This is a good opportunity for you to judge which type of clubs is right for you. After hitting for a period of time at the driving range and you think it is time to buy your own clubs, then ....

Rely on golf expert

When you go out to buy used golf clubs, you should always rely on people who know golf equipment well. You can look for your local pro at your local municipal course as a source of information and advice. Or you can consult the experts at the golf shop or even your friend who plays well or who knows anything about golf clubs. Alternatively, you can search the Internet for used golf club reviews. You can always ask people for advice but keep in mind that what suits them may not necessary prove good in your hands. Therefore, it is more important to identify the golf club set that suitable to your ability yourself.

Golf beginner's half set

As a novice golfer, you are advised to learn with a half set of clubs with all matching iron of the same model. The half-set could be made up from a few combinations of clubs. In general, the half set combination consists of five iron clubs, including 4, 6, 8, pitching wedge and sand iron, in addition to 3 and 5 woods plus a putter. The driver is not recommended in the beginner's half set because it is the hardest club to control. Majority of beginners would achieve better results using a 3 wood on the tee box. Likewise, 1, 2 or 3 irons should be avoided at the early stages of the game, as each of these long irons requires an accurate strike from the middle of the clubface with plenty of club heads speed in order to achieve good results. In contrast, a 5 wood with distance almost equivalent of the 2 iron - the ball can still travel a fair distance despite being hit off-center. Besides, a lofted wood is more forgiving than the thin blade of an iron club heads.

The half set combination not only sufficient for most novice golfers on the golf course for every situation but also makes club selection much easier. It is a good combination of clubs to help the novice to improve their swing technique until they are good enough before they advance to the full set golf clubs. Therefore, you have to make sure to select a golf model for your half set from a reputable manufacturer that can be added to at a later stage.

Golf Feels

The best way to purchase a used golf clubs is to actually hold them in your hand and swing them to get a feel for what you want. The feel of a golf club clearly seems to be all-important. But, what is 'feel'? There is no scientific formula that defines it. In general, feel can be described as the way a golfer feels a club when he or she swings it depends on its swing weight and the flexibility of its shaft.

Iron Club head

Look for club head that made of stainless steel and avoid inexpensive alloy heads. For beginner, you should select the 'heel-and-toe' (or, perimeter-weighted) club head design, cavity backed (hollowed out in the back) and over-sized golf club. You should get bigger club heads because they are more forgiving with enlarges 'sweet spot' that can produce maximum distance even with off-center contacts.

Golf Shafts

Graphite shafts is ideal for beginner even though it is more expensive that steel shafts. Its lighter overall weight allows beginner to swing the club faster even with enlarged clubhead.

Golf Grips

If you have purchased used golf clubs where the condition of the grips could be less than perfect or the grips don't fit properly for you, then make sure you replace them. Grips are fairly easy and inexpensive to change by a pro or club repairman. Ensure all the grips are replaced with same size and design.

Finally, if you are just starting out with golf, chances are your swing is more likely to let you down rather than the golf clubs itself. Having said that, it is still important to try out the golf clubs before buying them in order to find a golf club set that suits your swing, body and game. Most importantly, makes you feel confident when you use it.

The good, the bad and the ugly. No, I am not talking about a movie, personalities of family members or various super bowls. What I am describing is the type of unique golf swing that we golfers bear witness to every time we set foot on a golf course or driving range. They are either too handsy, all arms, don't get their hips turned, have a flying elbow, don't keep the head down, jump at it, spin out and sometimes just plain "whiff it". The list goes on and on, but my personal all time favorite was the "reverse pivot". It must have been my favorite because I did it a lot.

We have all seen the golf swing that is short, extended, wrapped around, flat or cocked. We have graced our eyeballs with the beauty of the mechanical swing, fluid swing, the outside in and inside out swing. From these swings we have seen materialize the slice, power fade, low fade, high fade (banana). The draw, hook, duck hook and grounder (worm burner), and many more interesting outcomes that we have all experienced at one time or another. I have actually seen a ball go 50 feet up in the air and land ten yards directly behind the tee box. This was an extraordinary feat and I have no idea what type of golf swing was used to achieve this.

Over the past 21 years I have played many different golf courses around the country. Beating whitey up and down the fairways, into the woods, thick rough, sand traps, golf carts, and yes, once, just once, into a competitor's golf bag, flying directly into the ball compartment! It was during one of these outings, while watching a playing partner take a mighty swing and almost screw himself into the ground, that it dawned on me that I had never really seen my golf swing. So with that thought in mind, off I went to the driving range with video camera in tow. I set the camera on a tripod and was all set. I spent the next hour hitting 2 or 3 good shots in a row before the stinker would show up. Anyway, I figured I was hitting at least two thirds of my shots well, so I must have a pretty good golf swing. Excited about this, I couldn't wait to watch my swing on the big screen (35" tv).

Horrified! I couldn't believe what I was looking at. Who was this person who snuck into my video? It couldn't possibly be me because my old body can't make the contortionist moves this one was doing. But, sure enough to my dismay, it was me. Good Lord, I thought, how is this possible? How can a person hit any good shots with a mess like this? Nothing seemed connected. Everything I mentioned earlier about "flying elbows, arms, hands, etc." was all there rolled into one. ME!!!

Then came the realization that all the years I stood on the golf course wondering about and laughing at those people with the goofy golf swing, mine, in fact, was probably the silliest I had ever seen and all those people were probably laughing at yours truly. Now there's a reality check for ya! Well, now there is no doubt that my swing can use a lot of improvement, so I'm getting the the proper instruction and working on that now using "The Simple Golf Swing".

Biomechanics is the study of movement and physics as it applies to biological systems. In this article we are looking to relate this concept to the Biomechanics of golf swings.

Over the past ten to fifteen years the game of golf has become ever more technical. Millions of pounds have been spent across the world in both the consumer and research industry. For example we now have clubs with different composite shafts, larger sweet spots; balls for greater distance or reduced spin.

In addition to advances of this nature, science has enabled us to interrogate the physical aspects of the game. This can be achieved in a number of ways but in this article we are going to briefly look at the "biomechanics of golf swing" with a view to using this knowledge to improve your golf game.

There are several methods in which the Biomechanics of the golf swing can be interrogated, but one of the main ones is via high speed video camera analysis. An individual stands in front of the motion capture computer wearing a specially designed suit which has strategically placed “markers” near each joint. The cameras surrounding the subject would then track the individual through the motion of a golf swing and digitally record this information. Computer modeling can then be used to interpret the data.

This means that through technological advances an individual’s golf swing can be analyzed to a high degree of precision. The data can then be interrogated by experts to determine where improvements can be made. They would be looking primarily at the following aspects.

• The combination of muscles used in the swing and how they work together.

• The angles of rotation at the key joints and the effect of these rotations on the rest of the body

• The transfer of different forces throughout the swing

• The angle / plane of the swing

• The control of the club at critical stages of the swing eg. The backswing, the transition, the downswing and at impact with the ball.

The action of a golf swing is a grossly unnatural movement for the human body and understanding the complexities and physics involved can only benefit the individual. Through the professional study of this information it is possible for an individual to learn, develop and therefore improve their game. Understanding the Biomechanics of golf swings can also be utilized for identifying the cause of recurring injuries as well as being used to minimize the risk of both short and long term injury. If you want to learn how you can improve your golf swing, take a look at the resource link at the end of this article.

If you're really looking for more consistancy in your golf swing then stretching exercises that are "golf specific" will help your shoulders a lot! These types of fitness stretch exercises are designed to specifically help your back and rotator cuff area.

By stretching these muscle groups on a regular basis you can make big strides in improving your swing.Some of the most common injuries to golfer's occur because of a lack of flexibility in their back. This usually affects the area of the rotator cuff. Injury prevention is another reason why it's so important for you to start some type of golf specific exercise routine right away, if you don't already have one.

Have you ever stood in front of a full length mirror and watched yourself going through your swing motion? It may sound a bit silly, but by going through the motion slowly you can actually feel the muscles that you use while performing this movement. When you get to the top of your rotation try going just a bit further and holding it for ten seconds. Don't hurt yourself or bounce, but hold it just enough to feel a slight discomfort.

Once you've done this on one side, switch sides and do it again. Do both sides twice the same way. You should notice that it's a little bit easier the second time. You should also be able to go a little bit further now that you've warmed up your muscles a bit.

Next, try stretching directly overhead. Get all the way up on the tips of your toes and reach for the sky, holding it for a few seconds. When you come down go ahead and spread your feet more than shoulder width apart and simply bend over and "hang there" loosely.

Do NOT bounce as you could possibly tear a muscle. All that you want to do is hang there and breath deeply while counting to ten by one thousands. One thousand one, one thousand two, ect. Do this a second time. Reach for the sky as far as you can, hold it for a few seconds and relax.

Spread your feet again and bend over forward and hang there while counting. You can go farther the second time, can't you? Now try it with your feet together. This is a bit more rough if you're just starting out, but remember not to bounce, but to just hang there, count to ten and repeat. If you continue this regularly there will come a point in the near future where you'll be able to easily touch your toes without bending your knees. Can you imagine the flexibilty that you'll have when you've achieved this?

Once you've done this you'll feel like a million bucks. I've had some days where my spine will just pop right back into place. It's simply a wonderful feeling and will help your golf swing a lot. If you do this on a regular basis, you'll soon see a marked improvement in your game.

There are many different exercises that are specifically for golf fitness that you might find helpful. I recommend that you either invest in a good book on golf fitness, get with a fitness coach that specializes in golf fitness or, if you have the time and the money, do both.

As a senior golfer myself and having helped other senior golfers, I can tell you that getting older doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a lot of distance off the tee.

There are so many golfers mistakenly believe that when you get older you lose your power, speed, and your distance. Sure you are not going to drive the ball like you did at 25, but the decrease can be minimal, with the right approach.

So that leaves us with, what can the senior golfer do to increase their distance and improve their game?

Number one is fitness. All of us should improve our strength and flexibility. We can do this at home or we can go to a gym or health club. No you don’t need to start bench pressing 500 pounds or doing 500 push ups. You just need a moderate but consistent program.

You just need to do some light fitness training and build some extra strength and power. In the Body Golf Executive Fitness for Golfers, there are many simple exercises or you can go to your local fitness club and a fitness trainer will help you get started. Yoga is another great type of exercise, that provides stretching and improves flexibility. You should talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program and do not overdo it in the beginning.

Have the right golf equipment is also necessary to get the most out of your game. Having your clubs custom fitted and getting the right flex in your golf shaft is very important.

Getting the proper training is very important, and this would be an excellent time to start. Such DVD’s as the Body Golf Full Swing or The Body Golf Seniors Advantage are excellent lessons for the right golf swing and mechanics that will lead to more yards off the tee.

Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you still can’t hit the ball with the same distance as when you were younger. With good training and a proper fitness program, you can expect to hit the ball farther than you ever have before! And I know this is true, because I have seen it time after time.

Few other sports depend so greatly on the integrity and good temperament of the players than golf. Unlike other sports, golf does not depend on the supervision of referees or umpires. Players are expected to both understand the rules and etiquette of the game. Golf is a game that relies not only on skill and talent, but also on proper conduct and sportsmanship. Good etiquette on the green will ensure maximum enjoyment of the game for all players.

Golf is gentleman’s and gentlewoman’s sport. Players should take the time to study the rules of the game. The rules serve to improve the game by sustaining the pace of play, maintaining the quality of the golf course, and ensuring the safety of the players. The spirit of the game depends on players demonstrating discipline and sportsmanship at all times regardless of how competitive they are. If you are new to the game, or just need to refresh your golf etiquette, here are some basic considerations that will help keep the game enjoyable for you and those around you.

Golfers must always play without delay, in order to maintain the pace of the game. The pace of the game requires players to ready to hit the ball when their turn arrives. The order of play is always the farthest from the whole first. Players should carry two uniquely marked balls. In order to reduce the time for taking a shot, players should study the shot while the other players are preparing to hit. A player should always hit the shot within 45 seconds of the previous player’s stroke. Golfers should never crowd the previous group or lag behind.

On the green, golfers must fix their ball marks with care. They should not leave bare ground or smooth surface where the ball mark was. Golfers should never dig under a ball mark or leverage the soil upward. Players should always remove the peg from the tee after hitting. It is a breach of etiquette to leave a tee or push the tee into the ground. On the bunkers, players should leave the bunker as they found it. A few strokes of the rake will smooth the sand and remove any trace of footprints. The golden rule is to leave the golf course as the player found it and avoid excessive damage.

Although golf is not a contact sport, players must avoid injuring themselves or fellow golfers. One player is permitted on the tee at a time. Players should never stand behind a golfer on the tee or anywhere on the course. Players should always be mindful of the group in front of them. If a golfer is hitting is the direction of other players, the golfer should shout the traditional warning of “fore”.

Golf etiquette is an essential part of the game. Consideration of other golfers is absolutely required. Players must be still and silent while other players are hitting. Disturbing or distracting another player is simply unacceptable and contradictory to the spirit of the game. Everyone wants to score and play well on the golf course, but good golf also depends on having a good attitude and being extremely considerate.

Many golfers judge golf course distances subconsciously. They look at the hole and “feel” the distance. This is not as accurate as consciously computing how far you are from the green. The “feel” can be made much more accurate if it is helped mechanically and psychologically. This is particularly true when you are within pitching distance of the green.

The soundest method seems to be that of Bobby Jones, which involves the control of distance simply by shortening the grip on the shaft. If you will drop balls at one-yard intervals back from the green for about 100 years, you will find that you can control the length of the shot by simply holding the club at spots higher and higher on the grip. With this mechanical method Jones was then free to concentrate on direction. The balls automatically were close to the hole if he computed the yardage correctly.

Gauging the distance involves certain psychological factors. Hitting the golf ball the correct distance is a psychological horse of another color. Having read Bobby Jones techniques some years ago, this is how I did it. In order to practice hitting precise distances, I measured the distances from the practice green 100 yards back. Whenever I hit practice balls I did not play shots from one position, but scattered them at one yard intervals from the green on back. I noted my finger position on the grip at each distance. On the golf course, the sole problem was to estimate the distance, hold the grip at the point indicated for that yardage and pull the trigger.

I found out that if I would break up the distances to the flag into intervals of 10 yards, yardage can be gauged precisely. This is fine for short distances but is difficult to do for distances over 100 yards. Up to 60 yards is easily handled. When the distance is greater, I move to the side of the ball, estimate where the halfway mark is, divide this into yardage, multiply it by 2, and that is it.

Of course feel or the subconscious, is still important, but even this can be developed consciously. A general rule which should guide you is in the development of feel is always to use muscles which have the greatest potential for touch. Proper muscles can build a physiological fence around the shot and prevent bad judgment.

This means that your estimate is more accurate if the more sensitive muscles are used for the shorter distances. You must avoid using a yardstick when a ruler is needed.

The most delicate touch is in the tip of the index finger; then the other fingers, wrists, forearms, arms and body. Smaller muscles are more sensitive discriminators than larger ones. Also if few muscles are used, the additional variables that accompany the moving of many muscles are eliminated.

Since all shots do not require equal amounts of touch, there comes a point at which strength becomes a factor. Otherwise, what is gained in touch is lost in accuracy if, for instance, the golf club is loose in the hands.

The right combination of distance and direction on the golf course can only be achieved through varied practice. There are additional factors such as wind, bounce, and temperature whose influences need to be appraised. The simplest method of appraising is just what you would now expect-practice and play under as many different playing conditions as possible.

One of the items searched for on the Internet by a large number of golfers today is a good golf swing training aid. And you can understand why when you realize that the golf swing itself is so central to playing the game well. Without a good golf swing you can't really hit the ball with any degree of competency.

You won't be surprised when I tell you there are a large number of swing aids on the market today. There are weighted swing clubs, clubs with fins, clubs that are filled with water and clubs that fit into a looped rail or metal pathway that follows the proper swing plane. Each of these will have a specific purpose or aspect of the golf swing that you work on. But one of the best swing aids I personally have ever come across is the hinged golf club.

That's right, a golf club that has a built in hinge that breaks or bends at the hinge if you don't use it properly. This is one of the best training devices available to help you develop and maintain the proper swing plane. The proper swing plane will help you to hit the ball squarely and drive it directly to your target. That is probably the single most important element to a good golf game. If you can't drive the ball directly to the target, then you obviously end up adding more and more strokes to your score. Think about it. It doesn't matter if you develop more power if all you do is drive your ball farther into the woods! No matter what you do, no matter what clubs you buy you need me to drive the ball directly to the target. That means developing your swing along the proper plane.

Once you have learned how to swing properly through a series of golf lessons, the hinged golf club will help to reinforce that training. Every time your swing is off the proper swing plane the hinged club will break and let you know it. You get instant feedback. It will break on the takeaway, the backswing, at the top of the swing, on the downswing or on the follow through. No matter where you are off-plane or doing it incorrectly, it will let you know. Once you know you can concentrate on each specific section until doing it right becomes pure instinct. You don't have to try and analyze your swing by how you hit the ball. You don't have to visit your golf pro constantly for expensive follow-up lessons to find out where you are going wrong. The hinged golf club will pin-point your flaws at any point along the swing plane and will work for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! What a marvelous bargain.

Take the time to check out the various hinged clubs on the market today and you won't be sorry. In, fact you'll be happy you did once you realize your golf game is improving.

Over the past twenty years golf has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. The game of golf is now widely accessible, with high quality local affordable golf courses available for the general public. With the popularity of players like Tiger Woods the game has become a marketers dream, and nowadays there are hundreds of golf swing training aids available. Before, you jump straight in and buy the most expensive items in the store; you need to be aware that this is not always the best way forward. The best thing to do is ensure that you carry out your research, and that you are clear exactly what aspect of your golf swing you want to improve. Eg. Is it your grip? Do you want more consistency in your swing? Do you want to increase the speed of your swing? All of these need to be considered.

Within each of these areas there you have a wide choice of golf swing training aids, varying widely in cost and this is where your research will be invaluable. Below is a brief idea of what is available in the golf swing training aids market.

Improving your grip

-Gloves which indicate where you are supposed to hold the club.

-Moulded grips - Fit directly onto the club and direct where your hands should lay on the club.

-Grip wrap straps – Facilitates the correct grip pressure and secures control of the club.

-Power Balls – Builds up grip and forearm strength.

Consistent swing

-The inside approach golf swing training aids – This will help to correct hooks / slices in your swing and therefore improve your game.

-Hinged clubs - These will ‘snap’ if the swing is flawed, therefore encouraging you to swing in a consistent manner.

-Weighted clubs – The evenly weighted shafts generate momentum along the correct swing plane.

-Laser trainers – These allow you to see the swing path / plane of your swing.

Speed of swing

-Power Stance – Addresses the lower body of the golf swing. This is critical because it is the source of power of the swing.

-Power Hitter Swing Trainer - Strengthens all the important muscles of the golf swing, therefore enabling you to increase power.

-Speed Stik – Contains a speed gauge in mph. Your speed of swing is directly proportional to the distance the ball travels (if hit sweetly!). This will help to build up your power.

These are just a selection of the golf swing training aids on the market. There are many others to bear in mind as well as a wealth of videos, DVDs, and books. If you do buy a training aid then using it sporadically will not help. You will need to ensure repeated use in order to benefit, but I can assure you it will be worth it in the end!

Hi, my name is Mike Manzella owner of Golfstuffcheaper.com. You will notice on our website we have one of the largest selection of golfing tees in many styles and sizes even nude lady golf tees.. If a new exciting tee comes along we will be sure to pick it up. When I started golfing many years ago (25 Years or So) there were basically 2 styles of golf tees the standard wooden golf tees and plastic golf tees.

In recent years, many new styles of golf tees have become available to help you hit the ball further and straighter. There are even golf tees that claim to cure your slice...Believe it or not can golf tees help your game? In this article we will discuss some of these golf tees what they have to offer the average golfer.

The most popular new innovation in golf tees is the Brush-T Golf Tee. Brush-T allows you to drive your ball farther and more accurate without changing your driver! The bottom line on brush tees is they cut down on friction. With a conventional golf tee when you strike the ball it pushing the ball down into the tee before it takes off causing friction. The brush tee golf tee eliminates that friction. The most popular is the Brush-T though there are many styles of golf tees with brushes on them

The unique qualities of the Brush-T mean that the side spin or interference, all too often associated with plastic and wooden tees, can be eliminated. The bristles provide raised support for the ball, but still give unprecedented flexibility. Independent testing in San Diego and California, showing a marked improvement in the dispersion rate, thereby delivering greater accuracy. Hit further. The bristles just go with the stroke.

Brush-T utilizes flexible synthetic bristles that bend on impact to tee up the ball, creating a feel of driving the ball off the air. Less resistance produces dramatically longer and straighter drives. The Brush-T reduces resistance ordinarily encountered at the point of impact, and restores that stolen velocity, allowing the ball to travel the maximum distance possible. Independent testing has proven that golfers can gain up to 7 yards additional driving yards. Hit straighter - you'll never see a cleaner take off' stroke! Brush-T Golf Tees

The disadvantages of the Brush-T is they are bigger and bulkier then regular golfing tee. You need to carry different size ones in your bag because you cannot insert them into the ground past the brush. So, the tees come with different sizes for drivers, 3 woods and irons. The good news is they are strong and can last many rounds with out breaking.

Zero Friction Golf Tees are gaining popularity especially among younger golfers. - The Zero Friction top significantly reduces the contact area between the golf ball and the tee, providing maximum distance and accuracy. They are also environmentally friendly since they are made of biodegradable materials. Once again less friction = more distance™ as claimed by Excel Golf Tee Inc, based in Chicago Illinois the Zero Friction Golf tee owners How do Zero Friction golf tee cut down on friction? The answer is a cup size 30% smaller than traditional tees. Less contact between the cup and the ball, the less spin which leads to further drives. Zero Friction claims to be the hottest golf tee on the PGA tour with 2005-2007 Success - 27 victories and over 160 top finishes. The biggest complaint we get from the Zero friction golf tees is that they are little harder to keep the ball on the tee because of the small tees heads.

Lift Tee is a low resistance tee which means the ball can be hit cleanly, increasing your driving distance! Only the tips make contact with the ball, so resistance is low. This ensures a superior follow through! Conforms to the Rules of Golf.

The Lift Tee is a sturdy polycarbonate tee with a flexible "lift" to rest the ball on. This lift reduces resistance so the ball can be hit cleanly, increasing driving distance. Due to the sturdy material they tees are made from, they last for a long time. Ladies love these tees.

Other popular Golf Tees:

# Anti Slice Golf Tees: They have plastic that covers the side of the golf ball cutting down on slice spin
# Step Down Tees: Tees with set heights that come in different sizes
# Velocitees: Designed to help produce overspin for more distance.
# Airlift Tees: Technology to ensure your tees last much longer than traditional wood tees or imitation plastic tees.
# Rip Tees: 3 point bristle caps for wooden tees.
# Stinger Golf Tees: Ultra Streamlined Design
# DepthFinder Golf Tees: Tees your ball to perfect height EVERY time!
# Perfect Tees: Designed for today's advanced golf technology.
# More.....

Though not many golfers may agree with it, the truth lies in the fact that golf weight training routines play a very important role in improving the game of a golfer. Golf, indeed is a very sophisticated game that people of all ages and gender like to take up as a hobby but little do they realize the importance of fitness and weight training programs that can bring about a radical improvement in their game. These fitness programs may consist of a package including weight training sessions, bending and stretching exercises and so on.

The Importance of Golf Weight Training

So lets understand in depth the reason why we need to be fit for a game like golf where the body appears to move in a very restricted manner. Yes, this is exactly what an amateur or an onlooker may feel while watching a game of golf. But in all practicality things are quite different from what they seem to be. In fact it is quite surprising to note that right from the feet to the hips a golfer has to be extremely flexible, because this is what the game demands. In fact, we can’t attach any lesser importance to the arms, shoulders, and neck regions all of which contribute to a golf swing. Therefore we cannot negate the importance of fitness and exercise, even in a sport like golf.

But now the question arises as to why we should get into weight training routines. Golf certainly does not involve struggling with heavy weights so where does the need come for bodybuilding? Moreover the presence of muscles may cause inflexibility in ones body. However, experts and professional trainers view golf weight training in an entirely different light. According to them weight training does not necessarily mean working on the muscles. It can also be done to improve the overall strength and endurance of one’s body. So trainers have a different term that they have assigned for weight training routines and this is known as “ golf strength building”.

Most golf exercise programs include only those weight training programs that will enhance the flexibility and performance of a golfers body. In fact it is of utmost importance for a golfer to keep his muscles toned and conditioned. It is the flabby and weak muscles that come in between a golfer and his sport. Regular exercises and weight training on the other hand always ensure that a golfer has a body that will match up to the expectations of his sport.

Conclusion

It is therefore very important for a golfer to choose a fitness program very carefully. The right exercises can really leave a positive impact on his game and help him excel in it. So if your dumbbells are still rusting somewhere around your house, pick them up and get into a regular exercise routine. For all those golfers who would like to pursue golf with the true zeal and spirit, getting enrolled in golf weight training routines is probably one of the sure shot ways of gaining a distinct advantage in this game.

Fitness plays an extremely important role in any sport as it not only helps you improve your game, but also reduces your risk to injury. If you really want to achieve your golf performance goals, you will need to pay special attention to fitness, but not just any type of fitness training will do for golfer's. I'll explain in a moment. There are many easy to follow programs, complete with easy to follow illustrations on Golf Fitness.

Why Is Fitness So Important?

The game of golf requires you to walk long distances and applies special stress on your back. If you don’t follow the correct fitness routine that employs exercises like "golf specific" stretching, you will definitely suffer. Simple stretching exercises can easily become a part of your warm up routine on the golf course and will help you add a few more yards to your drive. It is common sense that if you strengthen your muscles, you are going to be able to play better.

The key to success lies in performing these stretches daily. Although it requires hard work to add a regularly scheduled golf workout to your day, the outcome is well worth it. The right fitness regimen will improve your game quickly and dramatically. Golf fitness is not just about improving your posture or being able to swing better. It is about keeping yourself healthy when you are on the course.

Small changes can improve your performance dramatically. You might consider carrying a double strapped golf bag, rather than a single strap one when you are walking. This will distribute the weight on your shoulders and back and help reduce the chances of a backache. Even the clothes you wear to your game will play an extremely important role in keeping you fit to play the game!

Specific "Golf" Stretching Will Help You

The game requires a lot of strength and muscle control as hitting the golf ball cosistantly at a high rate of speed while playing a round of golf can be physically demanding.

The important thing about golf fitness is that, unlike other sports, playing golf does not necessarily improve your "golf specific" fitness. You need to follow an exercise routine that will help you strengthen your "golf specific" muscles. This will help you increase your club head speed and driving distance.

A variety of golf fitness products are available in the market these days. Most of these products come with a manual that instructs you to perform certain golf specific exercises. Muscles need to be kept at their optimum length. Stretching is important as it relaxes the muscles and forces them out of contraction. When the muscles are in a constant state of contraction, you need more energy to perform a task. Stretching is particularly important for your back.

Since golf puts a lot of strain on your back, including stretching exercises in your fitness routine is mandatory. It's very important to do an equal amount of stretching AFTER you exercise. This enables you to enhance your flexibility as your muscles will stretch more easily once they're "warmed up" and it will also help you to prevent soreness, especially when first starting out.