Golf Information news articles

How To Green Your Holiday Parties - 5 Quick & Easy Tips

2008-03-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Well yet another holiday season has arrived and you're rushing to get everything ready and in place for your annual holiday party but before you finish that shopping list, here are a few quick and easy tips you can include to make your party a "Green" holiday party and without spoiling all the fun!

1: Buy organic, locally produced food:

You can support your local economy, and the environment as well as provide healthier, more nutritious food choices for your friends and family by buying organic, locally produced foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Delicious yet nutritious and also very tasty foods to make sure you include in your party's menu.

2: Use electronic invitations:

Save paper, trees and stamps by sending out electronic invitations instead such as emails, or evites. It's faster, cheaper and in this information age where just about everyone has a computer, its more efficient and has less of an impact on our environment. However, if you still need to use paper for your invitations, look for invitations made with 100% recycled paper.

3: Use biodegradable dishes and napkins:

Reduce the amount of non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam waste accumulating in land fills by using biodegradable plates, bowls, cups, cutlery and napkins instead. Or if you have enough dishes to cover the amount of guests you're expecting to have, use real dishes and flatware along with cloth napkins. You'll make your guests feel real special and you can pop those dirty dishes into the dishwasher and the napkins in the washer afterwards and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

4: Suggest car pooling or public transportation:

Cut down on the gasoline consumption and carbon emissions associated with your party by suggesting a car pool to and from your party for attendees who need to drive or recommend the use of public transportation if its available in your area.

5: Use natural cleaning products:

No doubt there will be plenty of mess and clean up after the festivities are over but you don't have to use harmful, hazardous chemical products to clean up your house, instead you can use natural, biodegradable cleaning products and make it a healthier, safer chore for yourself, your home, and the environment.

4 Reasons Social Marketing Must Be A Part Of Your Business

2008-03-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

If you are trying to sell things on the Internet and you do not have a blog you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. Would you go to play golf without a putter?

Your competition is blogging and they are beating your pants off every day with ease. A part of blogging is submitting your articles to social directories.

Here are 4 reasons social marketing must be a part of your Internet business.

1. Social marketing is a popular way to get information. Directories like Digg and Netscape are quickly becoming the choice of people all over the world as a way to keep up to date on what is going on.

If you are not blogging and submitting to relevant social directories you are missing out on this easy form of traffic.

2. Social marketing is easy to do. Here's what you need. You should get a WordPress blog and set it up so that you can quickly bookmark the top directories. Then you should post in your blog everyday. If you can talk and type you can blog.

3. Social marketing is an interactive way to develop relationships with your readers. This has become know as Web 2.0 and it is important to the future of your business.

People still like to deal with people. This is an age-old sales trick that sometimes gets lost on the Internet. By making yourself and your blog interactive you become a real person. This will help increase your chances for sales and repeat sales.

4. Search engines love social marketing. You are making their life easy when you blog around keyword rich topics that a person researching can find. When you master the techniques of social marketing you will find you can get on page one of Google and other search engines very quickly.

The reason for this is search engines are spidering Digg, Reddit, Newsvine, and many more non-stop looking for fresh relevant content to put online. This may as well be you as opposed to your competition.

If all of this seems confusing it really shouldn't be. Read "The Authority Black Book" by Jack Humphrey. It is a free ebook you can get online. In it you will learn everything you ever wanted to know on social marketing and how to use it to increase your business.

Corporate Profile for Golden Bear Golf Inc., dated Jan. 24, 1997

2008-02-21T21:01:00.001-08:00

These include Dow Jones News/Retrieval, Bloomberg Financial Markets, Reuter Company Newsyear, Reuter Business Briefing, DataTimes, Nexis, Dialog, NewsNet, America OnLine, CompuServe, Delphi, Individual's HeadsUp and First!, Desktop Data's NewsEdge, UMI Data Courier, NewsBank, Information Access Company, Prodigy, Comtex, and many others. -0-

Published Date:   Jan. 24, 1997

Company Name:     Golden Bear Golf Inc.

Address:          11780 US Hwy One
                 North Palm Beach, FL 33408

Main Telephone
Number:          561/626-3900

Chief Executive
Officer:         Dick Bollinger

Chief Financial
Officer:         Jack Bates

Investor Relations
Contact:         Chris Millard
Business number: 561/626-8782

Public Relations
Contact:         Chris Millard
Business number: 561/626-3910

URL Address:      www.nicklaus.com

Trading Symbol:   NASD;JACK

Industry:         Sport/Leisure/Golf/Entertainment

Corporate Profile for National Golf Properties, dated Jan. 24, 1997

2008-02-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

Published Date:   Jan. 24, 1997

Company Name:     National Golf Properties Inc.

Address:          2951 28th St.
                 Suite 3001
                 Santa Monica, Calif. 90405

Main Telephone
Number:          310/664-4100

Chief Executive
Officer:         Richard C. Price

Chief Financial
Officer:         Edward R. Sause

Investor Relations
Contact:         Neil M. Miller
Business number: 310/664-4100

Public Relations
Contact:         Neil M. Miller
Business number: 310/260-5500

Trading Symbol:   TEE

Industry:         Real estate investment trust -- golf

Executives considering jobs at OSI Pharmaceuticals take a tour of

2008-02-20T00:08:00.000-08:00

The following article was originally published in the Long Island Business News, another Dolan Media-owned publication.

It wasn't your typical bus tour. But then, they weren't your typical tourists.

About a dozen executives considering jobs at OSI Pharmaceuticals, the Melville-based maker of the anti-cancer drug Tarceva, took a whirlwind tour of Long Island in a luxury bus a few weeks ago. Coach Realtor sales associates provided them with information about schools, shopping and demographics during the tour, which highlighted parks, golf courses, beaches and more.
The group also got a glimpse of high-ticket real estate opportunities - this was, after all, a Coach excursion - including a $500,000 Colonial in Huntington, a $600,000 split in Syosset and a $1 million Victorian in Northport.

But one thing the Coach agents didn't do was try to sell any houses.

They were in a fact-finding mode, said L.P. Finn, Coach's director of corporate services.

In the high-pressure world of real estate, where the deal is everything, relocation is a complicated, lucrative business with big sales potential. Brokers have taken to offering recruiting tours for executives in the hopes of landing fat fees later, if those executives choose not only to move here, but to use that broker to buy a house.

And there are plenty of fat fees to go around. Certain businesses rely largely on relocation to grow; OSI, for instance, relocated about 50 people to Long Island over the past two years, largely because other pharmaceutical companies are mostly in New Jersey, according to OSI spokeswoman Diane Celeste.

For us to recruit people with pharmaceutical backgrounds, it entails relocation, Celeste said.

Dallas-based Corporate Relocation Inc., Connecticut-based American International and Chicago-based Sirva Relocation all help with these early starts, tapping local brokers to show areas and creating opportunities for eventual sales. Some real estate firms, including Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, have their own relocation operations with staff to help manage moves, but make money only if customers buy homes through Daniel Gale brokers.

The service is beyond just selling real estate, said Marie Montchal, senior vice president of relocation and ancillary services for Daniel Gale. It's connecting the person to the community.

Daniel Gale begins by learning about people's interests and providing information on parks, libraries, schools and shopping. An agent then shows prospective buyers the sites - beaches, homes, malls - to give them what Montchal called a good feel for the community.

Daniel Gale also helps people find moving companies, carpet cleaners, attorneys and others (without referral fees), and may offer comment on topics such as local schools and crime rates.

We can dispel so many of the misconceptions that a person might have about Long Island, Montchal noted.

The early starts also help because brokers often deal with executives who have money, but not time, to house-hunt, which can complicate the process. Sometimes, they're given two or three opportunities to come and find a house, noted Phyllis Melandro, a vice president at Coldwell Banker Residential in Hauppauge. [Brokers] have to be on call.

Americans are on the move more than ever, making relocation a bigger focus for brokers. It has been busier, said Finn. I'm dealing with more relocating clients now than in the last two years.

After the post-9/11 lull, many firms are bulking up again and many movers are busier than ever.

Companies are hiring new employees or relocating employees, said Anthony Federico, vice president of Hauppauge-based Liberty Moving & Storage and a board member of trade group Tri-State Relocation Services Inc. There's more activity than there was in the same period last year.

In-company transfers are up, according to the 2005 Worldwide Employee Relocation Council survey. Relocation activity rose 2 percent in 2002, 3 percent in 2004 and nearly 9 percent in 2005, according to ERC surveys - and 70 percent of employees who relocated were not new hires.

More women are on the move, taking new jobs and bringing their husbands along, and there are more international moves, according to brokers.

About half of the companies that relocated people over the past few years said employees weren't reluctant to go; nearly one-third said employees had minor problems with moving; and about 13 percent said employees had moderate problems. One percent reported major problems, with high housing costs the biggest reason cited by those reluctant to move.

Employees who are hesitating to accept a transfer are doing so more often based on concerns of not being able to find affordable and comparable housing, according to an ERC study.

Finn agreed that high housing costs make it harder to relocate employees to Long Island. They're selling a home somewhere and moving to a house the same price on Long Island, said Finn, but it's one-half the size.

Web Picks - technology solutions

2008-02-20T00:04:00.000-08:00

Richard Augustyn is president and chief executive officer of National Insurance Programs, a Woodbridge, N.J., based insurance program administrator that he founded in 1989. He has more than 15 years experience founding and operating program insurance brokerage, alternative risk financing and business processing companies. His favorite sites are
This is a site personalize to get vital news information, especially that pertaining to the latest developments in the insurance industry, as well as the Yahoo golf handicap tracker.

The New York Times
This site replaces the daily newspaper and makes storing and forwarding articles a whole lot easier.

New Carnival golf options - Cruise News - Carnival Cruise Lines - Brief Article

2007-06-19T03:04:00.000-07:00

Carnival Cruise Lines has dramatically expanded its fleetwide golf program to include a variety of beautiful and challenging courses in Belize, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Mexico, and Europe. Additionally, the line has signed an agreement to include top-of-the-line Callaway metal woods and irons as part of its equipment rental packages.

The new courses complement the more than 40 different golf options currently available within the line's comprehensive golf program, which is operated in conjunction with Sunrise, Florida-based Elite Golf Cruises LLC and offers professional instruction both aboard ship and during golf excursions ashore.

Golf Suite

2007-06-19T02:48:00.000-07:00

POEMS Art Publishing, Salt Lake City, Utah, is publishing fine art posters by contemporary American artist Gary Max Collins, including the new "Golf Suite" of nine images. Shown here is "In the Zone." Exclusively published by POEMS, each image in the new set of six is 8 x 8 inches and retails for $12, and three 12 x 9 inch images retailing for 514 each. The intimate panoramas provide a clear view of the putting green from the golfer's vantage point on the fairway.

Associations : Everything from the Masters to clubmakers - golf association Web sites - Brief Article - Directory

2007-06-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

The keepers of the game also keep Web sites, most of them plenty robust. Have a question on the rules? Want to know the Masters pairings? Need the U.S. Open qualifying sites? The answers are "in site." The biggies:

www.lpga.com: Similar to pgatour.com, this official Ladies' Professional Golf Association site is quite text-heavy but offers plenty of informative articles, news delivered by ticker-tape format, and all the latest LPGA Tour standings. Special sections devoted to the LPGA's 50th anniversary are a good read.

www.masters.org: The Masters site mirrors the tournament: beautiful, buttoned-down, full of tradition. During Masters week, it provides pairings, tee times, instant scoring. But check out hole-by-hole descriptions, tournament and course history anytime. Neat videos, including a trip down Magnolia Lane.

www.ngf.org (National Golf Foundation): A dozen sections can be accessed by nonmembers to learn more about this 65-year-old organization.

www.pga.com: The PGA of America's official site includes news, history and, of course, a learning center, since the PGA is the association of teaching professionals. Check out instruction videos by PGA members and, during the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup, real-time scoring.

Golf Digest Directory - Brief Article

2007-06-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

GOLF DIGEST readers have rated more than 6,000 courses in the U.S., Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. The Fodor's fourth edition, which includes course ratings and reader comments, helps you plan your next vacation or round. Phone 800-793-2665; $25, plus postage and handling and any applicable state sales tax. Specify ISBN# 0-679-005390-0 when ordering.

Junior awards

GOLF DIGEST annually cites clubs, municipalities, corporations, associations and individuals providing opportunities for juniors. Send nominations to: Associate Editor Topsy Siderowf, Golf Digest Editorial, P.O. Box 395, Trumbull, CT 06611.

Golf Digest Schools

The Links Every Golfer Needs - web sites with golf equipment information - Brief Article

2007-06-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

The world of Internet shopping can be crowded and confusing, and golf enthusiasts would much rather spend some quality time with their putters than with their computers. With these targeted, "one-stop-shopping" Web sites, recreational golfers, as well as owners and operators, will be able to spend more time on the green and less time meandering through cyberspace.

GOLFEXTRA.com is the Internet's golf superstore. Offering everything from clubs to collectibles, from training aids to practice products, GOLF EXTRA.com is full of ideas for birthday gifts or tournament prizes at prices below retail.
OnTee.com provides course owners and operators a complete range of services, including a private golf media network, a worldwide family of Web sites, a multi-channel tee-time reservation system, a suite of course management software products, and a state-of-the-art messaging system to communicate these offerings to golfers. OnTee.com's comprehensive approach also means providing course owners with a built-in multimedia marketing and promotional program for less than the cost of a local newspaper ad.

Golfbtb.com focuses on what many believe to be the most important element of the game of golf--mental management. Proudly amateur in design, this site offers an eclectic source of golf links, audiotapes, and advice, providing an entertaining way to search for a cure for mental hiccups and encouraging you to "be the ball."

Simple Golf Putting Tips-Six Tips to Help Make More Putts Part 1!

2007-05-26T03:29:00.000-07:00

The most important shot in golf is the putt, this is where a lot of people can either save strokes or can inflate their score. Unfortunately, most people when they go to the practice range only focus on the swing and how far they can hit their drives. But most of the good golfers with the low handicaps will spend 80% of their time working on their short game including putting.

Putting it is a fine art and has a lot to do with feel. If you can master putting you can save strokes and really lower your score and handicap. You can turn that bogey into a par or that double bogey into a bogey by sinking more putts. We will give you 6 tips to help you improve your putting that you can start using them today.

Tip Number 1-Get the Ball to the Hole

This tip is actually pretty simple because if you do not give the ball to the hole than it will not go in the cup. Many pros say to aim 18 inches behind the hole and I agree with this somewhat depending on the speed of the greens, but if you are putting or green that is fast you may want a scale that back to 6 inches. The last thing you want to do is have a 5 foot putt coming back so you want to make sure that even if you missed the putt you have a tap in.

Tip Number 2-Aim to the High Side of the Cup

If you have a putt that is going to break right or left always make sure that you aim little bit further to the high side of the putt. If you do not aim to the high side enough you will miss the putt before even gets to the hole but if you do aim to the high side you give yourself an opportunity to make the putt as is breaking down.

Tip Number3-Pick a Spot for Your Ball

When you have read the green and you have picked out a line place the ball on the green and pick out a spot 6 inches in front of the ball and look at that spot when you putt. This will ensure that you follow through on your putt and you want to see the ball roll over the spot that you are looking at. People who look at the ball while they are putting have a tendency to stop your putter head short leaving the ball in front of the hole. You want to make sure that you have a solid follow through, this will give you your best chance to make clean impact with the golf ball.

You just read three putting tips that can help you improve your game and lower your score. Putting can be one of most simple aspects of the golf game but at the same time can be one of the most difficult to master. In the next article we will take a look at three more tips that will help you when you are putting.

Golf Is A Sport That Can Be Enjoyed By People Of All Ages

2007-05-26T03:28:00.001-07:00

Golfers in Los Angeles know how lucky they are to live in an area with a warm Mediterranean climate, so that they can enjoy their favorite sport year round. Making reservations at your favorite golf course is easy: simply book your Los Angeles golf tee times at your convenience online, and it's all done as effortlessly as that. LA tee times are available during the day, starting in early morning so you can get an early game in, and ranging into the evening hours, when you can request discount tee times in CA for a treat after you are done with work. No matter where you play golf in Los Angeles, you will find some similarities as to all of the different parts that make up a golf course.

A golf course is made up of a series of holes, which includes not only the cup where the ball is headed, but also the length from the tee to the green. The green is comprised of short grass that surrounds the cup. Most golf courses come equipped with eighteen holes, although there are shorter executive courses available.

The tee is also called the teeing ground. This is the place from which the beginning stroke on each hole is hit. The teeing ground is also the place where a player may use a golf tee to help make the shot easier. There are different distances on tees based on the classification of the game, whether it is for men or women, or professional or amateur competition.

After the first stroke, the golfer goes to where the ball landed, and continues to hit the ball toward the green. The ball might have landed on the fairway or the rough. The fairway has short grass and the rough has long grass, and so it is easier to hit and control the ball from the fairway than from the rough.

Golf courses also include hazards. They can be made up of water; bunkers, also known as sand traps; or vegetation. If the golf ball ends up in a hazard, there are special rules that must be adhered to in order to get the ball back into play. You can play the ball where it rests in the hazard without any penalties, but if you cannot play it from there, you are allowed to move it to another location, but you get a penalty for doing that.

Eventually you make it to the putting green. This is where you putt the ball towards the cup so that it comes to rest inside the cup.

Fabulous golf courses, including Skylinks, Simi Hills, Westchester, Los Verdes, La Mirada, El Dorado, and Heartwell, await you in Los Angeles, so make your reservations today.

Golfing Vacation in Spain

2007-05-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

Playing golf is one of the best ways of keeping fit. Golf is a sport in which individual players or teams hit a ball into a hole using various clubs, and also is one of the few ball games that do not use a fixed standard playing area. Now a day’s golf is the unofficial sport of the business world. It is often said that board meetings merely confirm decisions that are actually made on the golf course.

There are large number of golf courses, clubs and other golfing facilities throughout the world. Spain with its sunny climate and stunning landscapes has long been a popular tourist destination for Europeans, especially the Costa del Sol. To cater for a sizeable ex-pat and tourist interest Spain has a fine selection of golf courses in the popular areas.

Since the golf boom of the 1980’s golf in Spain has never been more popular especially in the region of Andalucia in southern Spain where the growth has been staggering, starting from a base of just twenty five courses, Andalucia has taken giant strides on the way to becoming a golfing destination now offering eighty five golf courses.

The most popular golfing region of Spain is the Costa del Sol, which has 45 golf courses. The Costa del Sol is extremely accessible, with daily flights to Malaga from all airports in England. The most popular resorts are Marbella, Puerto Banus and Fuengirola. However there are many unspoiled areas left to discover.

There are many golf holiday packages that offer offers you a good range of accommodation to suit all expectations and funds from the five star luxury resorts to the self catering option of apartments so what ever your preference.

Through the years of golf development there have been some differences of opinions among golf professionals regarding various details of mechanics and golf playing techniques. The quickest and most effective way to playing good golf is through study and practice. For that many golf course centers help you to gain the necessary knowledge of what to do and how to do it. Practice will develop your skill and playing technique; experience will develop your judgment.

Myrtle Beach Golf - Quality and Quantity

2007-03-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

Myrtle Beach is the best of both worlds for every golfer, QUALITY and QUANTITY. The Grand Strand has over 120 courses designed by the best in the game: Dye, Jones, Nicklaus, Palmer, and Fazio to name a few. Over 1 Million golfers played there in 2004. You will find the largest assortment of quality courses to test your game, both mentally and physically.

Ten years ago, our group of relatives, friends, and friends of friends, began our now yearly trek to this golf capital of the world. Although our line-up of players and courses alters slightly from year to year, one constant remains, that is the great golf bargains we have found in this golf mecca. Planning for the next years trip begins even before we putt out on the 18th hole of our final day. We don't want it to end, and we can't wait for the next trip to begin.

Living in the northeast, we play some great courses in PA, MD, and VA throughtout the year. But to us, it is all is just a warm-up to our late August mini-tour of this South Carolina beach town. With most of us approaching our late 40's or early 50's, it's the one time of year the wives let us indulge in a week of golf heaven, and we really get to be boys again (it pays to have picked the right mate). Since we have already fulfilled our families' summer vacation obligations, and the yard work is winding down, late August is the perfect time for our trip to paradise.

Playing Myrtle Beach in late August finds courses 1/2 to 1/3 of their premium peak season rates. Along with the lower hotel fees for this late season visit, we easily justify the trip. Crowds are low, most kids are back in school, and there are times when we are literally the only golfers on the course. Play is fast and cheap, so we have to go 36 holes!

We play combinations of "related" or "sister" courses like True Blue & Caledonia. Or, Tidewater & Grande Dunes. Many combinations like these provide substantional discounts for same day play, some even offer discounts for playing both in the same week. Complexes like the Legends or Wild Wing, have numerous courses on the same property where after a quick shower and lunch at their fantastic facilities, we are well tuned for a second 18 holes. Tee Times are in abundance for most of these top quality courses, we rarely run into a problem getting on a course. These are some of the best courses in the world. Where else can you play a TPC course for a replay rate of only $40-$50? The fee includes the same friendly accommodating staff, cart, practice range, full use of the facilities, locker room, restaurants, bar, and of course, the COURSE! All for a fraction of the peak season rates!

Private Membership courses are available for play as well. For example, stay at the "Caravelle", and Tee Times are available at "the Dunes" Golf & Beach Club. Newly renovated by Rees Jones, this course is a spectacular play, and former home of the PGA Senior Championship. Play it again the same day and pay less than you would for your regular muni-course back home.

Intimidated by the courses? Don't be, 4 or 5 sets of tees are available on most courses to accomodate almost all levels of play. Still not sure? Call the course. We have found the staff at any of these facilities always willing to help in providing information on any of the courses in the Grand Strand.

Check the local paper daily, as specials and bargains on golf are advertised regularly. Most hotels even have their own golf coordinator to assist you with tee times, course selections, and even transportation.

When you are finished with your golf for the day, you will find the restaraunts and nightly attractions as equally accessible and outstanding as the golf courses.

Lose a few balls? Break a club? Run out of tees? No problem. There is more than an ample supply of quaint little golf shoppes and massive bargain golf stores up and down the Grand Strand.

Three things you need to consider when taking advantage of these great golf bargains this time of year, and we have experienced all of them at one time or another. First, is the heat an humidity. Although it is typically not bad in the morning rounds, we experienced a few afternoon rounds which were quite uncomfortable. Second, it is hurricane season. In the past 10 years we were only pulled off a course once to evacuate.

However, most courses were open the next day. Third, the "Dupont Amateur", one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the world. There are still more than enough courses, but you may have to avoid a few. The schedule of courses used for this tournament is listed daily in the local paper, (We simply plan our trip one week earlier. Although it really isn't necessary, we are just anxious to get there and "tee it up".)

Myrtle Beach in late August is a truly great golf bargain. A large quantity of quality courses to suit every golfers game and budget. We'll be there!

Ice Golf - Could You Stay Cool When The Heat Is On?

2007-03-03T01:49:00.002-08:00

Ice Golf - only the coolest need apply!

Want to try the ultimate golf challenge on a course where you'll have no trouble staying cool over even the most testing putt? You should consider taking up Ice Golf - the most amazing development that the golf world has seen for decades.

Every year thirty six golfers (or lunatics, depending on your viewpoint) gather in Greenland to play in the World Ice Golf championship. This year's event takes place in late March and early April. The course is marked out on the ice of the frozen fjord and you can expect icebergs or the occasional polar bear for company! As the organisers say: "if you've played on the greens of Europe, then you'll find the "whites" of Greenland rather special."

The World Ice Golf Championship was the brainchild of Mr. Arne Neimann, a local resident and hotel proprietor on a small island called Uummannaq, off Greenland's North West coast. He and a friend designed the first course in 1997 and the sport took off from there.

The world championship is played on the ice in years when the conditions make the ice fields safe and predictable. Players compete over two days and play thirty six holes of stroke play. There is a "warm up" tournament the day before although "cool down" might be a more applicable phrase to describe the effect it has on the golfers. In March, when the world championships are held, the average temperature is minus 13.9 degrees Celsius, but temperatures as low as minus 25 can occur. The dry climate and the strong sunshine can make it seem slightly less cold than that - but not by much!

The organisers also try to keep the golf course open and accessible for several weeks each year for other open icegolf tournaments.

The greens are white and the balls are red. The "whites" are defined by a small wall of snow or by a red line on the ice. Players are allowed to use a scraper to smooth the snow on the white in front of their putt - the only time in golf that a player can legitimately improve the line of his putt. The snow and ice conditions underfoot vary from hole to hole and contestants need to wear polar ice gloves, artic boots and countless layers of clothing. Anti-glare sunglasses are also a good idea.

One contestant a few years ago quipped that "the only hole in one I scored was when one leg disappeared through a seal's breathing hole in the ice." There is also a local rule to deal with the unlikely situation of a polar bear interfering with your ball!

The organisers are looking for a new sponsor this year but in previous years the Drambuie liqueur company took the lead. Players and spectators were able to warm themselves by sampling some of the sponsor's finest product. As always however, even that feature has a twist to it. Rather than ice cubes in the drink, the drink was served in "ice cubes" or glasses carved out of ice to be more exact. Trophies were presented from tables carved out of ice and the scorer's tent was to be found in an igloo!

If you get the chance to visit Greenland for a game of ice golf then sieze it with both hands. It'll be the most unique game of your life.

Golf Course History - You Could Play On The World's Oldest Golf Course

2007-03-03T01:49:00.001-08:00

The oldest golf course in the world...

If I asked you where the oldest golf course in the world was what would you say? Scotland – yes, good guess so far. But where in Scotland?

When pressed most golfers eventually say St Andrews, but they’re wrong. Golf was played at Musselburgh near Edinburgh at least ten years before any recorded games at St Andrews. Local records suggest that golf was played on the links land near the shore at Musselburgh from around the year 1567.

The “old course” in Musselburgh is still there today and retains much of its original layout. It has nine holes and the golf course can be played by all comers. Seven of the old course holes were laid out before 1830 (and probably much earlier) and the two “new holes” were added in the mid 1800’s.

The British Open golf tournament was held at Musselburgh on five occasions between 1874 and 1889 and the first ever golf competition for women was played on the old course in 1811. The club members still compete for the Old Club Cup, which dates back to 1774.

Even the holes in the greens are significant at Musselburgh. In 1829 the members decided to buy a mechanical device from a local blacksmith to cut the holes on the green. By chance he made it with a diameter of exactly four and a half inches. Golf holes at the time could be any size that the members wanted – there was no rule about it. In 1893 the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews – who by this time wrote the rules of golf for the game worldwide – decided that all golf holes should be the same size as the ones at Musselburgh old course and the decision has remained unchanged to this day. Just measure the cup size on your local golf course if you don't believe me.

For a golf course of such historical importance, access is remarkably easy. You can simply pay and play if you wish and there is a small shop selling special souvenirs. Memberships are available for both local and overseas members – the latter might make a particularly unusual golf gift. Each overseas member receives a welcome pack with a history of the club, a special bag tag, special golf balls and tees and is welcome to join in any competitions if they come for a holiday in Scotland.

This truly is golf at it’s most authentic and in its most historical setting. Come try it – you will really feel the history of the place.

Golf Holiday - Plan Your Holiday Golf or Your Ireland Golf Vacation

2007-03-03T01:48:00.001-08:00

Try Ireland for a golf holiday full of emerald green magic!

Ireland is, without doubt, one of the world's friendliest countries. If you take a golf holiday in Ireland then you are certain to return home with memories to treasure for the rest of your golfing days.

The Irish landscape is full of history and steeped in legend - and it has a truly magical and mysterious quality that you simply don't find elsewhere in the world. Each little village will bewitch you with tales of it's past - while entertaining you richly with its beers, whiskies and food. This is hospitality at its simplest and best. Your golf holiday in Ireland will be truly unique.

Holiday golf in Ireland lets you choose from some of the world's best links courses and the softest, lushest inland fairways and greens. No excuses then! This really is the place to make all your golf holiday dreams come true.

For many golf holiday visitors to Ireland or Scotland playing on an ancient seaside links course is a large part of the attraction. But links golf will test both your stamina and your golf game in a way entirely unlike anything you've previously experienced. Links courses rarely allow electronic golf buggies or golf carts. Walking is the rule. This is partly to protect the courses and partly because the terrain would make it impossible to drive a buggy safely. Some of the larger more prestigious courses may have caddies available and most will allow you to pull a simple club carrying golf cart or trolley.

Be prepared too, for what is often the most unique and challenging feature of golf on a seaside links course – the wind! You should brace yourself (sometimes literally) for the fact that it is going to blow very hard and – by some remarkably twisted freak of nature – in such a way that it always seems to be in your face, no matter what direction you are headed in! No golf holiday in Ireland would be complete without almost being blown over as you line up that last tantalising three footer.

The fame of the golf links of Scotland – just a hop over the waters of the Irish Sea – has meant that the golf courses of Ireland remain relatively undiscovered. Ireland's golfers have been long-known and respected around the world but - for more than a hundred years - her golf courses have hidden quietly under the emerald green petticoats of their homeland. But not any longer! Names like Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, Portmarnock, Ballybunion, Mount Juliet, Druids Glen and The K Club are now reaching the lips of discerning players the world over. If you visit you will find that they are well worthy of the accolades they gather.

Treat yourself to the golf holiday of a lifetime - and may some of Ireland's magic rub off onto your putter!

Gordon Cameron is a doctor based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

When he's not busy saving lives he likes to hop over the Irish sea and attempt to save par on the golf courses of Ireland.

Golf Information Overload?

2007-03-03T01:47:00.002-08:00

You’ve come home from work dead tired. You grab the mail on your way in and notice your new copy of your favorite golfing magazine is in the pile. It puts a slight smile on your face as a picture of you on a couch with an adult beverage suddenly pops into your mind. After getting into your evening uniform (sweats and slippers) you make your way to your favorite reclining device with that drink and a snack in hand to make that vision on the couch a reality. You get all settled with the TV on for background and you finally enter the “Jell Zone” to enjoy that golf magazine and your well-deserved relaxation period.

You go straight to the table of contents to see what is the most interesting article and there it is, swing advice from the winner of the last major tournament. “This is just what I need,” you say to yourself as you flip to the correct page knowing that your club tournament is 2 months away.

The article has one of those swing-sequence photo frames. It has some quotes from other pros. It has a sidebar from the “Top instructor of all time” with his ideas of the perfect swing. The second page of the article is dwarfed by an advertisement for the greatest swing gadget ever created by a human and endorsed by sixteen instruction schools in five countries. The author talks about how he “remade” his swing prior to winning that major but that his best buddy on tour is struggling using the same method and swing guru.

The captions on each of the swing-sequence photos point out the minute details of where parts of the body of the pro are at 10 different positions during the swing and which of those are “technically not correct”.

You don’t want to give up on the article, since you really do need the swing advice, so you go to your dressing room mirror and check a couple of your body parts with some of the pictures in the article while attempting to freeze your swing at the same points as the stop-action photos. “I got it!” you tell yourself when you match a couple of these positions and then practice them outside with your real club. You congratulate yourself and then sit back down in your easy chair to get back to the business of relaxing.

A little later in the evening, you flip to the Golf Channel and instead of the usual tournament from 1994 there is a lesson program from a pro instructor. Lo and behold, he teaches that the move you worked so hard on an hour ago was the prevailing instruction of the 1980’s and has since been proven to be “unreliable in competition”.

You jump out of your chair to go check your favorite golf sites about this guy on the show and it seems that he is everywhere when you do a search for him. A couple of articles you land on say he has the best golf instruction this side of the border and a couple more take pride in picking him apart. The instructor’s own website is loaded with testimonials from his students on how well his program worked for them so you keep surfing for further info.

This leads you to golf discussion boards, blogs, ezines, and untold numbers of websites that say that they have the secret to how to swing correctly. 3 hours later, you wake up from your golf web-surfing trance, realize you missed your bedtime an hour ago, and are now more confused than you were when before you opened that magazine in the mail.

You found more advice than your mind can process on a weekend day let alone a day that you had 3 meetings, your best employee quit, and your boss said something like: “…if you can’t (blah blah blah)…. we’ll find someone who will”.

Ok, that story was a bit exaggerated for most people (truth for me), but the point still stands:

There’s just too much instruction and tips on golf out there and we just don’t know what to do with it all!

And worse, you can find a lot of it that is exactly the opposite from one instructor (or pro) to the other. Many of you are well aware of this fact but still get caught up in something seemingly new that gets printed or posted that could potentially be hazardous to your game. And it’s not just us amateurs that get lost in this maze. Sports psychologists make a pretty penny on their touring professionals teaching them how to “Simplify” their swings and thought processes and “Focus” on what works for them.

So, what should we do about this problem? It’s very simple: just realize that more is not better for golf instruction and to continue to read and listen to golf tips with a very discriminating eye. Over the years, I have now come to the realization that most published golf instruction is designed for the better player and that a tip that works for the 5-handicapper could be a waste of time for a 20-handicapper. Not that it isn’t good advice, but the 20-hdcp should stop looking for more advice and start to work on something that will give him the greatest reduction in score for the time spent.

I know, I know, an article in a major magazine about “practicing good alignment” isn’t going to sell many copies even if it is 90% of all amateur golfer’s biggest problem. But the inescapable fact is, if you really wanted to get better at golf, you should read a basic instruction book like Ben Hogan’s “5 lessons The Modern Fundamentals of Golf.” And, only read one section at a time and work on what was taught in that section until it becomes a regular part of your game. And don’t read any further until you don’t have to think about it to do it correctly.

The other way to go is to pick an instructor or trainer and stick with them with a full set of lessons. You will need to actively ignore any other golf instruction that has the slightest hint of conflict with your lessons. If you run into something your instructor hasn’t taught you about, check with him/her. That is why golf lessons are spaced at least a week apart. Spaced repetition has long been known to be how we humans best learn things. It’s also why you can’t remember a darn thing about a subject 2 weeks after cramming for test on it.

Do the same thing with any other golf instruction that you find also. Don’t be tempted to jump ahead to Chapter 10 and see how to play a draw from a downhill slope because that ain’t gonna help you. O.k., I’m sorry to ruin your fun with your favorite golf magazine. So go ahead and give yourself permission to read and enjoy it again so long as you promise to yourself that you will stick to your plan of really trying to improve by working what you’ve learned one item at a time. Now get back to that couch and finish up that unwinding session you started. And since I’m already up, how’s your drink? Can I get you another one?

"Golf Humor Poetry:- Ode To The Fanatical Golfer. (Part Two)"

2007-03-03T01:47:00.001-08:00

He's not eager to reveal his handicap; Around the truth he would often tap. They told him his game was taking a nap; That it never showed up; it needed a map!

Of his golf apparel he was Oh so proud! But people thought it was just too 'loud'. Often suggesting it needed a shroud; This caused a fight; a rolling dust cloud!

To his heart, golf was the key. It was on the green his soul felt free. He could hardly await the time for 'tee'; But club dues must be paid; this ride's got a fee.

Once in a blue moon he made a birdey; Though he knew much about golf (a little nerdy). About to tee off- his feet stood sturdy; But only took up a divot--brown and verde.

It didn't take long for his eyes to in-take; The path of the ball; the flight it must make. "Easy!", he thought. "This is gonna be cake!" But the fish all braced for it's entry into the lake.

In secret, the rules he would often bend; From his mind, a rationalization he would lend. To him, the means justified the end; Like the fiercest warrior, his handicap must he defend.

Into his 'golf life', sand traps would rain; Bogeys rolled in like some ghastly train. Cancelling out any birdeys he'd gained; "Another golf game", he sighed. "Oh, the pain!"

Shuffling into the house, his face fell. It tapered. His wife smirked, "You lost again, didn't you?" And imagined the caper. With an outstretched hand that 'said', "Pay her!"; Into her purse his $20 went. It vanished like a vapor!

"No dinner for me, thanks. I'm heading in early." "Awww, it's just a game," she said. "No need to be surley." "I'm not", he said. "I need to rise early." "Suuurrre!", she said. "You and the proverbial 'birdy'."

Golf and Life, A Story About Your Future Success

2007-03-03T01:46:00.001-08:00

Preparing to tee-off on the par 4 tenth. (Internal dialogue, with a whisper) “Man! I’ve been playing my ass off all day and just barely making par.” You swing, catch a nice one, slightly off center, but very long. Unfortunately, you get a terrible bounce; the ball shoots to the left and nestles down in the spaghetti of the deep Bermuda. (Internal dialogue) “I should have a 100 yard pitch shot to the green, instead it’s gonna take every thing I have just to get it there.” You hit a world-class, Tiger Woods like shot out of the rough. The ball looks beautiful in the air and it's just about pin high. You yell, “Bite!” The ball nearly hits the stick, bounces twice, but unfortunately releases off the green onto the back fringe.

Wow! Even after the bad bounce off the tee shot and the insanely good shot out of the rough you should have a gimme from about three feet. Instead you’re gonna have to negotiate a 40-foot double-breaker just to try to nuzzle it up close. You take a deep breathe hit a nice smooth putt and watch for what seems like 1 minute and a half as the ball tracks toward the hole. (Internal Dialogue) “Man! That thing is tracking pretty well and with good speed. If this thing goes in, I’m gonna love myself so much.” A very humble “Go in” leaves you lips, just loud enough for the rest of the group to hear. The ball rims the cup and spins out about four feet to the left. Aaaauugh!

(Internal dialogue…you summarize) “An amazing 300-yard tee-shot down the middle, takes a bad bounce and ends up in the rough. Then, a freakishly good shot out of the deep stuff almost hits the flagstick but releases some 40 feet pass the hole. To top it off, I hit possibly the best putt of my life. It tracks like a demon, but rims out heartbreakingly. And, the guys are not going to gimme this 4-footer either.” You stand over you putt and confidently pound it into the back of the cup. Par’s always good, but you feel you deserve better.

Whether or not you’re an avid golfer you can relate to this story. We’ve all had times in our lives when we’re trying so hard and executing very well, yet things are not going our way. Just hang in there. Soon, things will seem to magically go your way. You’ll hit the “Zone” of life. You’ll achieve more in just a few months than many achieve in a lifetime. The time will come very soon when your tee shots will have an extra 20 yards on them and straight. Your approach shots will consistently be pin-high, even in gusty wind. And, the hole seems to vacuum your ball on any putt hit even remotely close. It’s coming baby! You’re gonna fly like a birdie.

"Golf Humor Poetry:- Ode to the Fanatical Golfer (Part One)"

2007-03-03T01:45:00.002-08:00

He wanted golf to be experienced by all, And hoped his daughter would heed the call. "C'mon!", he said. "You'll have a ball!" "Why?", she asked. "Are we going to the mall?"

He'd often take his golf cart to work, And all his co-workers there would smirk. He didn't know why, and thought, "They're jerks!" "How could they belittle such a perk?!"

His swing was big and grand, yet dopey, He cried and cried when he made a bogey. Kids thought, "What's wrong with this old fogey?" He thought, "I'm not old. I sport a goatee."

He loved his old and tattered bag, His caddie thought it was such a drag. But he hated more "golf cart tag", The golfer played with him, when he didn't move the flag!

Forever chasing the elusive par, He'd hit the ball straight and far. In the traps, his ball seemed stuck to tar! He'd still be there, when "parking" had narrey a car!

He loved the smell of the "fresh-cut green", But to him it proved such a fiend. It's favor to him, was always lean! Despite it's beauty, it could be so mean!

The point of golf? To put the ball in the hole. You do that with a "curved-end' pole. But the path, always guarded by a "troll", Or maybe yet, some "ticked-off" mole!

He was never any good in the traps, In fact, his "game" would always flap. But to others, it seemed to sit on their laps, While he was reduced to stomping his cap!

He'd read the "mags" to take his golf game higher. He wanted the best ball--best putter---best driver. Often going to his wife to borrow a "fiver", She wouldn't budge. No matter how hard he tried to "jive" her!

Who Invented The Game Of Golf?

2007-03-03T01:45:00.001-08:00

Well, who actually did invent the game of Golf? The question has been asked and argued for many years with no true winner. Many countries have a valid claim to an early game that resembles the game of golf. Some of the countries that make this claim are England. Scotland, China, Rome, France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Laos. The most heated debate over who invented golf definitely comes from Great Britain and Scotland.

The first area to look when deciding the answer to our question must be what actually determines when a game with sticks and balls is golf or another game. Most countries in the world have had games where you hit an object with a stick at some sort of target. Is this enough to be called golf, I don’t think so. If so, then these early games could claim the origin of many sports played today. I think it takes more than just a game with some kind of object being hit by a stick to qualify as the origin of golf.

Holland is believed to be the origin of the name of golf but not the actual game itself. Holland played a game in the 1200s called Colf, which means clubs. This was a form of golf but once again the form of many other sports.

Colf has been traced back to Dec. 26, 1297, in the town of Loenen aan de Vecht in northern Holland. On that day, the local townsfolk played four holes of the game to commemorate the relieving of the Kronenburg Castle exactly one year before. The fact that colf was chosen to mark the occasion is proof that the game was already popular by that time.

Great Britain The earliest traces of golf history has golf being played are said to date back to 1340, where in a sketch from a stained glass window, the Great East Window, in the east wing of the Gloucester Cathedral, England, scenes of the Battle of Crecy in France showed a man apparently preparing to strike a ball in a golf-like manner.

One of the early forms of golf were all missing one important ingredient to their games to truly make the game golf and that was the hole. Scotland is widely believed to be the first country to put all the ingredients together and actually start a primitive form of the great game of golf.

Yes, this will always be a disputed point, who actually invented the game of golf. If you believe some of the claims that the game they were playing was golf and they didn’t have a hole, then you could take this same game and turn it into the origin of many games we still play today. I believe the hole is what separates all the early claims to who originated the game of golf.

Golf Humor Examines Golf Emotions:- Are We Just A Bunch Of Cry Babies?

2007-03-03T01:44:00.001-08:00

Let's examine an aspect of the game that I find par- ticularly fascinating:- The strong emotions associated with this game of golf.

Before I started becoming a fan of this game, I always wondered how a game that looked so bland----and at times down right comatose-----that seemed to take boredom to a whole new level------could possibly have Any emotional appeal.

DID THIS GAME ACTUALLY HAVE A PULSE?!

I mean-------what could be simpler? PUT THE BALL IN THE HOLE, RIGHT?

How could that POSSIBLY produce such strong emotions (both on the green and off).

I see now that it's NOT just about competing to be the best against others, and to better your own game.

But that the game APPEARS to be so deceptively simple. Could THAT be the source of this emotional rollercoaster?

Remember when you first began? How you may have experienced difficulty just gripping the club handle? (Or just being allowed to join the local golf club?) ;-]

But yet you still managed to "putt" the ball in the hole? (A typical case of beginner's luck). You probably thought to yourself, "This isn't so bad. Piece of caKE!"

But then, all the realities of what could possibly go wrong between the tee and the hole came crashing down on your head. (That your instructor was so gracious to point out to you).

Wind direction, contour of the land, sand traps, bunkers, the rough, other players mocking you,...

That temporary NIRVANA of IGNORANT BLISS that you lived in was shattered to pieces forever at the next hole. Now instead of 4 or 5 strokes, it takes 7 or 8 strokes. Then 8 or 9...

You begin to overthink everything. Something that once easily flowed...now becomes mechanical and forced. Your smile and upbeat attitude are gone. Now replaced with embarassment. Nervousness. Irritability.

And finally,---the dreaded FRUSTRATION sets in. TO quit seems more and more like a good idea. (I mean who needs the aggravation?)

But you don't quit, right?The game is like an addiction to you after several weeks. There's something deep within the subconscious of we human beings that enjoys facing down a challenge...even if it's a sport.

THere's a drive to conquer in all of us. Even to the point of conquering our own weaknesses and seeming lack of ability.

It's a tough battle sometimes. If you've ever seen a golfer break his expensive titanium club over his knee, tie it in a knot, then toss it into the nearest water hazard,... Or screaming at the top of his lungs at a golf ball... Or trying to run his caddie over because he forgot to remove the flag in time...you know what I mean.

But the love still remains.

If you've ever seen a golfer drooling over a new bag of clubs in the sporting goods department of a department store... or have known yourself to pay the grounds keeper to let you play just four more holes after hours...Or remembered to bring your clubs on vacation, but left your wife standing in the drive way...you know what I mean!

The highs and lows of this game in the hearts and minds of golfers.

THIS is the emotional roller coaster I was referring to.

Going from one extreme to the next.

Can you see yourself living from day-to-day without this sport for any length of time?

Just think about that for a second...

HMMmm?

Feels like a rather BLEAK outlook doesn't it? ;-] Hm?

This sport has been "knitted" to our souls. We practically live and breath it now. And are always striving to become better. To knock just a few more strokes off.

Just keep punching, and that mountain's gonna fall!

We know that true skill is a "diamond in the rough", that can only be refined through hard work and practice.

Well...

Just keep drivin' fellow golfer! Keep drivin'!

The Worlds Elite Golf Courses

2007-03-03T01:43:00.004-08:00

We all here different opinions of great challenging golf courses around the world, full of history and storytelling of great games and tournaments between the legends of the professional world. Every year we hear of new championship courses opening but in my opinion they have a lot to live up to if they want to stand alongside the old greats.

My favourite world courses with their own individual characters over the years

Augusta - USA Augusta is a stunningly beautiful course located in the American Deep South. Augusta is the home of the world-renowned Masters tournament. Beautifully designed with lightning fast greens, without a doubt one of the world’s best.

Ballybunion - IRELAND Ballybunion is fantastic links course situated in County Kerry southern Ireland. Well known for it’s towering sand dunes and cliff side holes running along the Atlantic. Stunning scenery surrounds this course but it is an unbelievably challenging links course. A fantastic welcome awaits all who visits.

Cypress Point - USA Just a stone’s thrown away from Mayor Clint Eastwood’s Carmel and John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. A fearsome course for hard men. The Monterey Peninsula on the American west coast is a pictures location but certainly one of the most difficult golf courses to date.

Kiawah Island - USA Kiawah Island was only opened in 1991. Located off the south coast of Carolina. Kiawah was awarded the 1991 Ryder Cup between Europe and the USA. Fabulous Atlantic setting rich in marsh land and sand dunes. A truly terrific links course.

Kingston Heath - AUSTRALIA One of Australia’s greatest golf courses. Located only 25km from the heart of Melbourne and is perfect test for championship golf. If you like bunkers then you will love Kingston Heath. Your sand wedge will be the best club in the bag (even bring a spare). Scoring well here needs you at your best concentration level.

Muirfield - SCOTLAND Muirfield is located of the East Lothian coast in Scotland. A very flat links golf course that allows you play to your handicap. Most championship links courses are designed with only the professional in mind, muirfield is a very popular links course in Britain.

Pebble Beach - USA Simply one of the greatest golf courses in the world. Pebble Beach is located just south of San Francisco. A VERY, VERY challenging golf course. High winds play and important factor on your scorecard. Pebble Beach is adjacent to the rocky Californian coastline. Deceptive on every hole, beautifully designed.

Pinehurst No. 2 - USA A traditional style golf course located in North Carolina. This course has not got the man made features that other golf courses and is not stunningly located. Some people may think what all the fuss is about with this course. A very true saying, “ A good course doesn’t need glitter and glitz, Pinehurst has its unique unspoiled holes and will always be a favourite.

St Andrews Old Course – Scotland St Andrews is the oldest golf course in the world. The home of golf itself. The date for which it was first laid is still up for question but we think somewhere in the early 1300’s. The course was designed around the natural hazards and still remains one of the worlds most challenging links courses today. Home of the Open Championship. St Andrews has four 18 hole courses but the old is still the best.

Valderrama – Spain Opened in 1985 but has become one of the favourites with the golfing world. Set with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains. It has become one of the world’s elite in championship courses. As stunning as it may look any wayward shot will be badly punished.

The above list of golf courses is from my own playing experience. Of course there are many more out there such as Royal Birkdale, Turnberry, Druids Glen (Druids Glen is based in County Wicklow Ireland and will be host to the Ryder Cup 2006) and so on that should have a mention, however I only speak from experience.

What makes a great Course?

The key factors:

· Good Architectural work to start

· Designed with the input of a professional golfer who knows the game

· To work with nature and include natures hazards as apposed to removing them

· Good accessible location

· Excellent drainage on the land

No matter what your standard of golf is like from high to low handicaps we will share in the same excitement when we enter onto the first tee.

How A Female Golfer Can Quickly And Easily Improve Distance And Accuracy?

2007-03-03T01:43:00.003-08:00

Female golfers, like their male counter parts are looking for quick and easy ways to improve their distance and accuracy. I wish I had the “magic bullet” to accomplish this overnight, but that’s not possible…even if you see it in an advertisement.

I want to ask you a question.

What swings your club? This isn’t a trick question, but the answer is one you need to realize in order to improve your current golf game.

What was your answer? I’ll cut to the chase and tell you it’s your BODY!

Your body swings the club…nothing else!

Do you agree? If so, are you currently working on your body? What I mean is…are you focusing on improving your strength and flexibility specific to golf?

If not, you may be frustrated with your golf game for a LONG time to come. It’s unfortunate, but most golfers (male, female and juniors) don’t take this approach.

Realizing golf is a physical game that requires a tremendous amount of strength and flexibility is your first step to a MUCH better game.

Now the second question is "what is the difference between golf-specific exercises and general fitness exercises?"

You must first look at the required movement.

Golf is performed "on your feet", not sitting down like most machine exercises in your local gym.

Other requirements are stability, balance, coordination and sequence of motion. There is no possible way to address all the above requirements with machine exercises.

The answer is dynamic, golf-specific exercises done mostly "on your feet": but there are many exercises that you can do a stability ball using hand weights, exercise tubing and even weighted medicine balls.

I have heard from hundreds of golfers who have worked out on machines in their gyms and seen no improvement in their game. The main reason why is machines do not require control or stabilization. And they usually isolate one muscle group at a time.

The golf swing requires a sequence of motion, involving many if not all the major muscle groups in the body. That is why it’s very important to strengthen your muscles with exercises that mimic your swing.

With this basic understanding, you will be able to put more thought into the exercises that will improve your game quickly.

How A Female Golfer Can Quickly And Easily Improve Distance And Accuracy?

2007-03-03T01:43:00.001-08:00

I want to ask you a question.

What swings your club? This isn’t a trick question, but the answer is one you need to realize in order to improve your current golf game.

What was your answer? I’ll cut to the chase and tell you it’s your BODY!

Your body swings the club…nothing else!

Do you agree? If so, are you currently working on your body? What I mean is…are you focusing on improving your strength and flexibility specific to golf?

If not, you may be frustrated with your golf game for a LONG time to come. It’s unfortunate, but most golfers (male, female and juniors) don’t take this approach.

Realizing golf is a physical game that requires a tremendous amount of strength and flexibility is your first step to a MUCH better game.

Now the second question is "what is the difference between golf-specific exercises and general fitness exercises?"

You must first look at the required movement.

Golf is performed "on your feet", not sitting down like most machine exercises in your local gym.

Other requirements are stability, balance, coordination and sequence of motion. There is no possible way to address all the above requirements with machine exercises.

With this basic understanding, you will be able to put more thought into the exercises that will improve your game quickly.

Womens Golf Performance Is Directly Related To Strength

2007-03-03T01:42:00.001-08:00

Womens golf is not much different than mens golf, but there is one issue that comes to mind with women golfers.

Strength!

This is not always the case, but more times than not it is. The reason is…that women golfers don’t focus on improving their strength when it comes to playing better golf. They’ll hit more balls, take more lessons and even buy an instructional video or two.

Does this sound like you?

When you think of the golf swing; it takes a great amount of upper body strength to control the clubhead during the swing. Especially as you get to the longer irons and the driver.

The KEY to hitting longer drives, that go straighter more often is consistent swing mechanics. The ONLY way to duplicate optimal golf swing mechanics is to have a higher level of upper body strength ; especially in the shoulders and upper back muscles.

If you’re weak in the above mentioned areas, you will not be able to set the at the top of your backswing consistently…resulting in mishits and robbing you of valuable distance. Not the outcome you want.

But by doing just a few simple golf-specific strength exercises, your swing can/and will improve dramatically.

I’ve been fortunate to work with hundreds of women golfers and have seen this result time and time again.

Making the most of your valuable time, to improve your golf is a pre-requisite. We are all short of time, so anything we can do to speed up the results is worth looking into.

So don’t keep pounding golf balls and looking for the “magic bullet”. The magic bullet is looking at you in the mirror.

Now make it happen!

Your Golf Swing Is Good Enough

2007-03-03T01:41:00.001-08:00

If you watch the Golf Channel or read any of the magazines and books on golf, it will be very hard for you to miss the basic theme that "There is a perfect swing and you will do the most for your game by trying to get it". Even when you watch a tournament on TV, you see the commentators participate in this conspiracy by showing us frame-by-frame analysis of the pro and critiquing his/her every move. Now, maybe we can give the TV guys a break because they are just trying for some entertainment value and let's face it, most of us are interested in the details of the swing because we've been brainwashed by years of this theme.

For many years, I too was a "swing zombie" in my quest to improve my golf game. I even participated with a group of golfers that all had our swings videotaped and then we critiqued each other in a classroom setting. The feedback I received from all of us watching my swing ran from "very smooth" to "way off-kilter". Everybody had a differing opinion of many of the swings that we watched and at least for me, it only confused me more.

In my younger years, I had a typical amateur slice swing that obviously came out of my years of playing baseball and softball. In those days, I would just aim for the left edge of any fairway and I could count on the ball moving left to right, at worst ending up in the right rough but usually hitting the fairway. I enjoyed playing golf those days but I always felt that something was missing. So when I could finally afford it,I decided to take a set of lessons from a pro. Of course I told him that I wanted to get rid of my slice swing and he asked me back "are you sure?". This answer kind of shocked me but he was a very good instructor and by the end of the lessons, I was able to hit the ball out of bounds both ways, left and right. I figured that it would just be a matter of time until I "dialed" in to hitting it straight. To make the story short, 5 years later and I was still "dialing" and getting wrong numbers (ob, jail, water,no score improvement, etc.).

Looking back, I honestly believe now that if I had stuck with my old left to right swing and just used the rest of what I learned from the pro, that I would have improved significantly. Why? Because I was a typical golfer and not a 12 handicapper trying to become a single-digiter (a good golfer trying to become a great one). Studies have shown that the overwhelming majority of amateur golfers shoot in the 90's or above for men and it's over 100 for women. If you are in that group, then you really should be working on parts of your game that will give you far more efficient score improvement for the time and effort spent. This would primarily be in the area of the short game and the mental game.

This is absolutely true for the average golfer but it may be true for all golfers as well. There is loads of evidence on the pro tours that the ones making the money are those best at chipping and putting. The golf research guru himself, Dave Pelz, actually followed tour players around for years taking detailed statistics and he proved it (see his book, My Short Game Bible). In addition to that, there are too many pros to list that admit that their swing is not "technically correct" or maybe not even very good...BUT THEY WIN TOURNAMENTS! Look at Jim Furyk, 2003 U.S. Open winner. He actually has a big loop in his backswing. Lee Trevino always told people that they should not copy his swing. Even Jack Nicklaus says in his books that he wasn't a very good ball striker. Bruce Lietzke has won tournaments on the PGA and Senior tours playing his left-to-right shot his whole career - And he says he rarely practices! On top of that, the tours are littered with past champions that totally lost their game AFTER they tried to change it for the better. And now they are begging their sports psychologist to help them "find" their old swing.

I have talked to PGA golf instructors that say it's their clients that want the swing advice (just like I did) even when they recommend working some other part of their game first. So maybe it's our own fault in creating the current situation where average scores of amateurs have not dropped one stroke in the last 50 years despite the advances in equipment technology. Now don't get me wrong, if you are a total beginner, maybe you should start out with learning the basics of the golf swing with a lesson. But if you're hitting it solid most of the time, you are good to go for a real scoring quest as more swing advice is not the quickest way for you to drop your score. There is just so much more that you can do, on and off the course, that will pay you back in saved strokes for far less time spent than "fixing" your swing. Most of us have precious little free time that we can work to improve our games so why not work on that which will give us the greatest bang for our (time) buck?

And so, let me be the first to make a pledge to the golf spirit inside me (I always thought that golf is like religion): "I for one, do solemnly swear that I will not pay attention to any swing advice of any sort until I can score in the 70's consistently with the swing I have (and maybe not even then)".

If You've Hit Your Golf Driver Perfectly Once, You Can Do It Every Time

2007-03-03T01:40:00.000-08:00

Picture yourself standing on the tee box of your favorite short 4 par. You've got your driver in hand. This hole is designed with risk-reward written all over it. If you hit it long and straight, you can get very near or maybe on the green with your driver to set up for an easy birdie. If you mis-hit it, you are looking at hazards or o/b and a balloon score.

You know the correct play here is to pull out an iron and lay up for a 100 yard shot to the green, but you just can't bring yourself to do it. You say to yourself, "What the heck, I'm going for it".

Because, after all is said and done, the idea behind playing golf is to have fun and if taking chances on the golf course and sometimes beating the odds is your idea of fun, who's to say that you are wrong about that? Myself, I'm more interested in playing for score than going for broke, but hey, that's just me. I will support anyone anytime who wants to go for the difficult tee shot with the possibility of pulling off an unbelievable shot as long as they are willing to gracefully accept the consequences of missing it .

What's the point to all of that? THE DRIVER IS KING of the golf bag! Driving the golf ball long and straight is the holy grail of almost all amateur golfers. Some will even leave a golf course happier if they were satisfied with the way they hit their driver than if they had a great score. Yet, we are constantly reminded of the old saying:

"Drive for show, and putt for dough"

Greg Norman disputes this old saw by saying in his book SHARK ATTACK: "Don't ever sell me on that line. If you can't put your tee-shot in play, the smoothest stroke in the world won't help you enough. To my mind, the most important shot in golf is the drive".

Do you feel better now? I do, because he isn't the only one who has made these types of remarks about driving. Furthermore if you really think about it, the importance of the driver and getting off the tee safely with some distance is probably greater for higher handicappers than the better golfers as the larger portion of their shots are spent in just getting to the green.

So what can we do about it short of another set of golf lessons? Plenty! Start off by getting a new driver, plain and simple. The new technology is light years ahead of the #1 wood of just 3 years ago.

Also, we must be able to direct our mind so that our brain and muscles are in sync and harmony in successfully pulling off this very violent of sports acts with the driving tool.

How to do all of that?

We must first understand how our DESIRE to hit this little white golf ball is translated into the correct contractions of muscles in a timing sequence that moves the driving club in the direction that will contact the ball squarely and with great force to achieve the outcome we want.

It's not that complicated. We are beings uniquely capable of original thought that comes from what we call our conscious mind. We create a thought there that is then communicated to our subconscious mind to make the act happen. What? Our subconscious mind makes the driver hit the ball? Yes! Here's proof:

The last time you rode a bike, did you have to say words to yourself to get your leg to push on the pedal? Did you have to tell yourself that you now have to balance yourself with a thousand small muscles all acting independently? Did you have to tell your left arm muscles to contract and your right arm muscles to release contraction in order to make a left turn? Of course not! You just thought very quickly with your conscious mind what you wanted to do and then it turned the accomplishment of that desire over to the subconscious mind. The subconscious then made it all happen.

This is no small feat to send a zillion electrical impulses out in a precise order in order to cause another zillion muscle fibers to contract or relax at the perfect time. This is the wonder of our bio-computer called the BRAIN.

So, what about all that golf advice about setup, position at the top, swing checkpoints, follow-through, etc? This is what you probably thought you would be reading about right? Folks, it's all good, however, it's sometimes too much for us to handle and causes us "paralysis by analysis". We need to work a plan that will give us maximum return for minimum effort and time. Most of us just don't have the time to go practice the multitude of advice we have been given on the swing and that is the only way you are going to improve if using a mechanical approach to improvement. A better, more time-efficient system, is a MENTAL one:

Remember this:

"The quality of our golf game is determined by the quality of our communication with ourselves."

Our subconscious mind controls all of our involuntary (don't have to think about) functions like breathing and heart rate but it also runs extremely complicated physical motions as long as it has been taught how. Hitting the driver is at the height of complication for the golf swing since we are expecting maximum force and speed coupled with keeping precision. After all, we could have pretty good precision when we have a 1-foot putt right? And we can lift our heaviest weight when we aren't concerned with whether or not we are going to drop it or not. We intuitively know that the harder we exert force on something, the less precision we have in that act. When using the driver in our golf game, we must realize a few key points in order to maximize our efficiency on the tee box.

1. The subconscious mind is the expert at swinging the driver, not the conscious.

If we have hit a great drive in the past, then our subconscious mind knows how to do it again. It knows the correct number and sequence of muscle contractions and nerve impulses required to repeat that great drive. All that is required is a clear communication of the desire to the subconscious mind. This is achieved with visualization prior to the actual swing.

2. The conscious mind tends to get in the way and must be given something to do to keep busy so that it doesn't interfere with the subconscious mind's work.

Once the desire has been communicated, you should think something simple during the swing like maybe singing a song or, a simple count of the actions of the swing as they are happening (ie 1.backswing, 2.top of swing, 3. forward motion, etc.). Or continue with the visualization of the ball flying exactly as you planned it in the middle of the swing. Or, you may be able to utilize self-hypnosis and concentrate directly and solely on that ball to put yourself in a zone-like state for the duration of the swing. Many golfers do this without even knowing it but it can be developed further with knowledge and effort in this area. (my website has free ebook on this).

3. There is a point of exertion of force on the driver that if we go beyond it, then our probability of keeping our precision is drastically reduced.

This falls under the Law of Diminishing Returns and is best explained by this analogy: how many cooks can you put in a kitchen before they start bumping into one another and actually start reducing their output as that number is exceeded. This point is different for everyone, but, most importantly: This point is at LESS FORCE than you think for most golfers who have trouble with their driver. In other plain terms...hit it solid first and then harder second.

Everything written thus far was with the intent of convincing you of this inescapable fact of hitting the driver. If you aren't convinced, then you won't take action. The actions required don't take any of your time but they do require consistent effort throughout your day. Golf is unforgiving to the lazy person but generous to the focused one.

So, make every effort this month, or this week if you have an upcoming round you want to get ready for and repeat to yourself (communicate with your subconscious mind) that you first and foremost always hit the driver square and on the sweet spot.

Say it to yourself at least one hundred or so times in a week (this is a lot easier to do than you are thinking right now). Picture in your mind what it would look like, how it would feel to have your drives go straight every single time. Zoom in on your driver about to make contact with the ball in your mental movies. Do this everywhere, anytime, but especially before falling asleep. Keep doing it on a consistent basis. Isn't that what we are striving for in golf - consistency? We have to build it into our way of thinking for it to happen out on the course.

There are many ways to effectively communicate with your subconscious mind. Basic affirmations and visualizations just described is the simplest. Once your subconscious accepts the idea as internal truth (and it must if you are persistent in convincing it), you will see dramatic improvement off the tee.

The Reason Why Clone Golf Clubs Are Worth It

2007-03-03T01:39:00.000-08:00

When it comes to choosing a new set up of golf clubs, you are obviously going to want the best, but more importantly you are going to want them at cheap prices. This is why manufacturers have decided on the idea of clone golf clubs. They not only play the same but are almost made to look the same as well. Customers are going to see that the prices are lower and that they are just as good as the “very, very best” which is why retailers capitalize on this.

I cannot see why a player cannot go out and beat a fellow player who has the so called “big name brands”. It makes perfect sense. People may look at cloned clubs and say that you have to own the best if you want to play the best but honestly this is not the case. I know this may sound off the mark but if Tiger Woods went out with a set of cloned clubs, its not as if he is going to drop dramatically in his play. Can you see where I am coming from? I hope this makes sense to you and I really think it does.

Cloned clubs are made to give beginners or whoever wants to play a chance to buy clubs at a lower cost and to get them into the game. Did you know that you could be saving several hundreds of dollars when buying clone golf clubs, which to me is very impressive. One key thing to know is that, the reason the price is lower is through savings on marketing and overheads rather than the materials used.

I hope you now see why clone golf clubs are worth buying and the fact that they are just the same as any set of clubs. So if you are buying a set of golf clubs then you should really consider cloned clubs, they can provide you with everything that you need but at a fraction of the cost!

Golf Instruction Is Only Part Of The Equation

2007-03-03T01:30:00.000-08:00

Golf instruction is critical in understanding the mechanics of the golf swing. I am a firm believer in golf instruction. However, golf instruction is not the ONLY component to optimal golf performance.

I believe the BEST combination for maximizing your golf potential is golf instruction, mental golf AND the physical (fitness) side of golf.

You see, golf is a very demanding and stressful sport on your body.

To stand in a somewhat stationary position, while swinging a 3 foot long club at over 80 miles an hour, takes a tremendous amount of both strength and flexibility.

Do you agree?

I mean, how many times have you fallen off balance during your swing? Be honest. I’ll bet more times than you can count.

Why do you think this happens?

Mainly, because you’re swinging beyond what your body is physically capable of, while maintaining adequate stability.

The result is mishits, shorter distance on all clubs and even injury.

What’s the answer?

Get your body in shape, to take advantage of your lessons and optimize your potential. Taking this approach will result in the quickest transformation of your game. No doubt.

Here’s just one example of taking a lesson and not being physically capable of doing it.

Your golf instructor noticed you have a restricted backswing and tells you, you need to get a 90 degree shoulder turn with only a 45 degree hip turn.

That’s the optimum position for power and distance.

You try and try and can’t do it. Now you get frustrated that you’ve taken a golf lesson, but can’t do what your golf instructor wanted you to do.

Try as you might, unless you address the physical limitations that are keeping you from attaining that ideal position, you’ll NEVER get it!

So continuing to take lessons and not address “your” limitations is fruitless.

So the morale of the story?

Work on your BODY and your swing will get BETTER quickly!

The Top 10 Life Lessons from Golf

2007-03-03T01:29:00.000-08:00

Golf is an amazing mirror of life. Yes, other sports provide life lessons as well, but golf happens to be my favorite sport and the one I understand the best. It is an addiction, a mystical experience, a test of character, an escape, a source of rare joy and excruciating pain. No psychological test will tell you as much about a person's character as a round of golf. With the arrival of spring, here are some of my observations about golf and the game of life:

1. Expectations & Flexibility. Golf, like life, is not mastered in a season, and it is particularly frustrating if we approach it with stiff and inflexible expectations. Great golf begins with stretching, bending, loosening up, and matching my desired outcomes with the realities of a body grown lazy over the winter. A sense of humor, and a sprinkling of humility go a long way!

2. Clarity of Purpose. Many golfers never stop to think about why they play the game. To win? To have fun? For social reasons, or for the challenge? For the exercise? Just as striving to become rich and famous often creates frustration and disappointment, few will ever play professionally, and striving for perfection is a setup for "failure". Know why you play the game and where you find your satisfaction and joy in it.

3. Equipment. Most golfers play with clubs that don’t fit them, or that no longer suit their games. Graphite shafts and new club designs have revolutionized golf. Active golfers should have their clubs checked for loft, lie, and length, and have them re-gripped every season. Almost any job is easier with the right tools.

4. Solid Foundations. Golfers go to extremes. Some take lesson after lesson, trying to fix the tiniest flaw in their quest for the perfect swing. Others, ignore the classic foundations of grip, stance and swing in their eagerness to "do it my way." Success is usually found in a healthy balance of learning from the wisdom and experience of others, while celebrating your unique style and approach to the game.

5. Profitable Practice. On the day of a big tournament, I often go to the practice green and watch skilled, dedicated golfers practice missing putts. With a small crowd milling about, they quickly hit putt after putt, destroying their rhythm, timing and confidence. Then, in frustration, they wonder what ever happened to their carefully honed putting stroke! In golf, and in life, practice smart. Practice for success!

6. Smart Preparation. Tour players always play practice rounds. Ben Hogan used to walk the course at twilight before a tournament to learn all it’s hidden tricks and traps. Top players rehearse every shot in their imagination before going to the course. They prepare in advance so they are ready when the moment of truth arrives. It pays off.

7. Show up. The biggest challenge for many Nike Tour and other young players is to play their best golf without a nickel in their pocket, often lonely and far from home. They have reasons to be distracted. What are your excuses? Ram Das said, "Be here now." In golf, and in life, it’s hard to win if you don’t show up, or only show up for every-other swing!

8. Warm up. Every great athlete, the ones in the best physical and mental shape, respect their bodies enough to loosen up, stretch and rehearse before competition. Unfortunately, most amateurs don’t go to all that trouble. We jump out of the car, grab the clubs, and head for the first tee. Before any important event, arrive early, walk around, relax, and warm up to the task at hand.

9. Focus on Results. Every golf stroke creates a result. Sometimes the ball goes in the hole; sometimes it goes out of bounds. Golfers tend to focus (1) on the result they would have preferred, which is merely wishful thinking, or (2) on beating themselves up for being so "stupid", which is painful. Learn from every swing. Observe the results you actually get. Life never lies!

10. Review and Adjust. If you aren’t getting the results you want, find the reason. You can trust the ball; it goes where you hit it. If you want a different outcome, change your setup, routine, or other actions until you get the result you prefer. Someone said, "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is a mark of insanity." Successful people learn quickly; others learn eventually.

Senior Golf Can Be Your Best Years...Here's How

2007-03-03T01:28:00.000-08:00

Senior golf is accepted by the golfing community as a decline in performance that is inevitable. I’m here to tell you that’s incorrect! In no way does this have to happen.

For the senior golf player it may be more difficult to maintain a high level of performance, but not altogether impossible. You see, your body is the only factor that ultimately speeds up or slows down your performance as you get older.

It’s a fact that physical decline takes place as we age; and for some of us, it’s much quicker.

The senior golfer usually thinks it’s a flexibility issue, and it may very well be. But I’m here to tell you strength declines just as rapidly.

The solution is a golf fitness program geared to your needs and your current level of fitness. Starting at a point that is beyond your limits will result in failure and the never-ending pursuit for the “magic bullet”.

The aspects you should regard are: Strength, flexibility, endurance and even nutrition. These are the components of a total golf performance program, and should all be addressed. If one is left out, it could delay progress indefinitely.

This may sound overwhelming, but it really isn’t. With golf fitness becoming so popular now, there are books, videos, and even golf fitness trainers at your disposal.

Your first step is to get an evaluation to determine your “current level” of golf fitness. This is critical to your success. Realizing your starting point, will put you on the path to a MUCH improved golf game.

Once you’ve exposed your limitations, you can now get on a program to improve them and stop wasting valuable time on things that don’t. Even taking a golf lesson should be put off until you have improved your fitness specific to golf.

I have seen and heard of so many golfers (mostly senior golfers) who take a lesson, only to be more confused and frustrated because they can’t apply what they learned. This doesn’t have to be. Work on your BODY first, and your swing will improve automatically.

Doesn’t that make sense?

Now you may be thinking to do this new and exciting golf fitness program, you’ll need a gym.

Wrong!

All you need is a stability ball, hand weights, and some exercise tubing and you’ve got your new golf fitness home gym for under $50. No fancy, expensive equipment required.

This should be a relief to hear you can do this in the convenience of your home, with minimal equipment. This not only saves you time but money. The only thing left now, is to do it!

Don’t put if off for another second!

Procrastination will get you nowhere quickly. This IS the missing link to your best game ever!

Senior Golf Can Be Your Best Years...Here's How

2007-03-03T01:26:00.000-08:00

Senior golf is accepted by the golfing community as a decline in performance that is inevitable. I’m here to tell you that’s incorrect! In no way does this have to happen.

It’s a fact that physical decline takes place as we age; and for some of us, it’s much quicker.

The senior golfer usually thinks it’s a flexibility issue, and it may very well be. But I’m here to tell you strength declines just as rapidly.

This may sound overwhelming, but it really isn’t. With golf fitness becoming so popular now, there are books, videos, and even golf fitness trainers at your disposal.

Doesn’t that make sense?

Now you may be thinking to do this new and exciting golf fitness program, you’ll need a gym.

Wrong!

All you need is a stability ball, hand weights, and some exercise tubing and you’ve got your new golf fitness home gym for under $50. No fancy, expensive equipment required.

This should be a relief to hear you can do this in the convenience of your home, with minimal equipment. This not only saves you time but money. The only thing left now, is to do it!

Don’t put if off for another second!

Procrastination will get you nowhere quickly. This IS the missing link to your best game ever!

3 Simple Golf Tips To Quickly Improve Your Distance

2007-03-03T01:21:00.000-08:00

Every golfer wants to know the secret golf tip to improve their distance. The secret, is there is NO secret. It’s common sense, and treating golf like a sport. The golf swing is not for the weak and feeble anymore.

Any golf tips you hear to improve distance should somehow be directly or indirectly related to the physical side of the golf swing. I mean…don’t you think the swing puts a tremendous amount of pressure on your body, especially your lower back?

To alleviate this pain and quickly improve your distance takes strength and stretching, specific to your body and your golf swing.

So the quick fixes (band aides) you hear in all the magazines and on the golf channel are short-term fixes. You won’t be able to consistently duplicate it until you improve your physical limitations.

So let’s get to these simple, yet valuable tips.

Tip #1:

Perform a dynamic warm-up prior to the first tee. Don’t ever skip it. It is more important than hitting balls before you play. How many times do you see a professional athlete go on the field and start playing? Never. That’s my point.

A Simple Warm-Up could be some arm circles, toe touches, squats with your club, and standing twists holding the club out in front of you chest high.

That’s it! Simple yet very effective to prepare your body for that LONG drive on the first tee.

Tip #2

Stretching on the course will keep your body nice and loose to make that FULL backswing, generating high clubhead speed and consistently LONG drives. There are just a few KEY stretches specific to your swing, that can keep your body relaxed for 18 holes.

One stretch I’ll tell you is the backswing/shoulder stretch. It’s a very simple stretch that will maintain a full and fluid backswing.

All you do is get in your golf posture, with your arms hanging naturally in front of you. For a right-handed golfer, you would take your right hand underneath your left, so the back of both hands are touching each other.

Now gently apply pressure from the back of your right hand against your left and pull your upper body all the way in your backswing and hold. Hold it for 15 seconds and repeat once more.

This stretch should be done on almost every hole to get the most out of it.

Tip #3

Improve your core strength and rotational speed. This one is done “off the course”, and can even be done in your home with minimal equipment. Now this is just one tip (exercise) of many you can do to dramatically explode your drives “on the course”.

Since the simple golf swing is a turn back and a turn through, it is rotational in nature. Then why wouldn’t you do many exercises to improve your rotational strength and flexibility?

If you’re serious about your game, you will now!

One simple golf exercise is the Seated Twist with a dumbbell. It’s very easy and can be done with a 5 or 8 pound dumbbell.

While sitting on the ground, grab a single dumbbell with both hands and hold it out in front of you.

Now lean back putting tension on the abs. Your legs will be bent at a 90 degree angle in the knee, and together.

Start rotationg side to side, only with your upper body. Try keeping your lower body as stable as possible.

You will do 3 sets of 20 repetitions to get the full benefit of the exercise. Again, this is just ONE exercise of many that will strengthen your rotational muscles of your core.

I’ve just showed you 3 quick and easy golf tips to dramatically increase your distance. Now go out and make it happen!

How To Play Better Golf... It's Not What You Think

2007-02-27T23:49:00.000-08:00

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.

How Do The Golf Pros Train?

2007-02-27T23:47:00.002-08:00

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.

Secret 7 Necessities for Great Golf

2007-02-27T23:47:00.001-08:00

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.

3 Easy Changes to Shave Strokes from Your Golf Game

2007-02-27T23:45:00.002-08:00

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!

10 Ways to Increase Your Energy Instantly with a Golf Performance Diet

2007-02-27T23:45:00.001-08:00

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.

A Golf Stretch Can Quickly Increase Your Driving Distance By Up To 30 Yards

2007-02-27T23:44:00.001-08:00

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.

Exercises to Prevent Common Golf Injuries

2007-02-27T23:43:00.002-08:00

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.

Exercises to Prevent Common Golf Injuries

2007-02-27T23:43:00.001-08:00

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

Reverse wrist curls

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

Rowing

Pull-downs

What a Load of Golf Balls

2007-02-27T23:42:00.001-08:00

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.

Weight Lifting For Golf

2007-02-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

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.

How Golf Training Can Transform Your Game

2007-02-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

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!

Golf Swing Mechanics Can Be Improved Very Quickly

2007-02-27T23:39:00.002-08:00

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!

Junior Golf Is Becoming More Competitive...Why?

2007-02-27T23:39:00.001-08:00

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.

Taking A Golf Lesson Isn't Always The Answer

2007-02-27T23:38:00.001-08:00

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!

Golf Workouts Will Increase Your Golf Swing Speed And Distance

2007-02-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

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 Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

2007-02-27T23:36:00.002-08:00

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!

Golf Exercise Routine: No Sweat Needed

2007-02-27T23:36:00.001-08:00

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 With These 5 Tips

2007-02-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

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!

Three Secrets of A Consistent Golf Stroke

2007-02-27T23:34:00.000-08:00

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.

Essential Information on Choosing the Best Golf Clubs to Suit Your Game

2007-02-27T23:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Guide To Buy Used Golf Clubs For Beginner Golfer

2007-02-27T23:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Golf Swing Blues

2007-02-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

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 Of Golf Swing Explained

2007-02-21T21:43:00.002-08:00

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.

Fitness Tips That Can Help Your Golf Game

2007-02-21T21:43:00.001-08:00

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.

Keeping and Improving Your Strength and Flexibility if You are a Senior Golfer

2007-02-21T21:42:00.001-08:00

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.

Do You Have Good Golf Etiquette?

2007-02-21T21:41:00.002-08:00

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.

Improve Your Conscious Ability to Compute Distances on the Golf Course

2007-02-21T21:41:00.001-08:00

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.

How A Hinged Golf Club Can Help Your Game

2007-02-21T21:40:00.003-08:00

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.

Golf Swing Training Aids Review

2007-02-21T21:40:00.001-08:00

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!

Can Golf Tees Help Your Golf Game?

2007-02-21T21:39:00.001-08:00

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.....

The Importance Of Weight Training In Your Golf Game

2007-02-21T21:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Golf "Specific" Exercises - Are They Over Hyped Or Do They "REALLY" Help?

2007-02-21T21:37:00.000-08:00

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.

All We Want Is A Simple Golf Swing

2007-02-02T21:27:00.001-08:00

A simple golf swing! What a novel idea! How many of you want a golf swing you can easily repeat for 18 holes, without a lot of stress going on in your brain? No checklist of 15 thoughts you go through before every shot. Just step up, go through your simple preshot routine and execute a near perfect golf shot.

The Basics

Your stance, grip and posture dictate your outcome! If these are not in place, you will never hit a good golf shot! Even the tour players work on these weekly. If they see the need and importance, so should you.

Your stance (and ball position) are critical to the direction the ball will, and how it will react off the clubface. Your stance can also be connected to your alignment to your intended target. If you are aiming slightly to the left or right of target, you will most likely have sidespin on your ball, causing either a slice or a hook.

Your grip dictates how your clubface will contact the ball. A poor grip is the cause of many mishits. What you might think is a good grip, may be far from optimal. Again, the pros check their grip all the time. Once you get a solid grip, you will be able to make a swing that's consistent.

Your posture will either inhibit or enhance your golf swing. Poor posture is one of the main culprits in the older golfer. For example, a rounded upper back inhibits your body's ability to fully rotate on the backswing, causing compensations to occur. These compensations, create swing faults. Fix your posture, and your compensations will disappear!

The Simple Swing

Once you've accomplished the basics, then swing motion is next. This involves take-away, downswing and follow through. With your fundamentals of the basics down, you will have a much better chance at making a repetitive golf swing. I'm an avid golfer, who has taken many lessons, read dozens of golf instruction books, and watch the golf channel regularly, but I am not a certified teacher to tell you the components of your actual golf swing.

How Women are Changing the Face of Golf

2007-02-02T21:26:00.001-08:00

The new century has brought along with it a sharp increase in the popularity of womens golf, with a significant rise in the number of women golfers in both the professional and casual arenas. That means the face of golf is changing in dramatic fashion, as golf is quickly losing its reputation as an “old boys’ game.”

Although it may come as a surprise, women have been playing golf professionally since the 1800s. But traditionally, golf has been a hugely male-dominated sport, with many golf establishments not even allowing women players to set foot inside their doors. The path to playing golf has not been an easy road for the female contingent.

Usually, it takes some kind of spark to set off an explosive rise in popularity for any given sport. For men's golf, that spark was Tiger Woods, whose unbelievable play over the past decade or so elevated the popularity of golf to unprecedented levels. It is quite interesting to note that, as a child, Woods was denied entry into a golfing club because of the color of his skin, a club which now welcomes the golfing superstar with open arms.

For women's golf, teenage sensation Michelle Wie has certainly been a catalyst in bringing major attention to the sport of women's golf in general, as she has endeavored to use her formidable golfing skills to challenge male golfers directly head-to-head. Like Woods, perhaps her efforts will help eradicate the last barriers standing in the way of women golfers, including those few remaining clubs that still discriminate based on gender.

Regardless of Wie’s actual level of success in her quest to play with the men, in the past five years, women's golf has witnessed a massive rise in popularity partly thanks to her efforts, as well as the inspired play of many other great female golfers such as Annika Sorenstam. And that popularity is only expected to increase. Women are entering the sport at an unprecedented pace, with the fastest rising segment taking up the sport being women in their 20s and younger.

Interestingly, however, there is a subtle difference in the way women and men approach the game of golf. Women tend to view golf primarily as a social activity with competitive undertones, while men see golf primarily as a competitive activity with social undertones. So, while men may be obsessing about their handicap, women are just trying to have a good time. But regardless of the ultimate motives, there is no doubt that women have embraced golf, and the phenomenon has only benefited the sport.

Golf Swing Instructions-How To Hit The Approach Shot

2007-02-02T21:23:00.001-08:00

As far as golf swing instructions go, understanding which type of approach shot to hit, as well as how to hit it, is a very important part of every golfer's game.

Anytime you can stick your approach on the green, you could be looking at scoring a birdie or even an eagle on certain holes. But, hit a bad approach and you might be struggling just to salvage a par. With that in mind, here are some golf swing techniques to help you improve this part of your game.

Before we get started I want to mention that hitting better approach shots will take some time and practice. It doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen if you'll put in some effort.

In golf, there are basically three kinds of approach shots. You have the pitch shot to go with the chip shot and flop shot.

The Pitch Shot

Anytime you're 60-100 yards from the green you'll be hitting a pitching wedge to the green. By using your wedge you'll have complete control on how far the ball will travel more so than any other golf club in your bag.

When lining up to hit a pitch shot, the key is to open your stance a bit. Play the ball back in your stance, meaning the ball should be parallel with your back foot.

Take a full swing with your wedge. To control distance you will choke down on the club. It's going to take some time on the driving range to get the distances down, but it's time well spent.

The Chip Shot

This shot is not played as much as it should be and that's a shame because it's a very effective shot.

The basic premise with this golf shot is to use a lower lofted club and let the ball run up towards the hole. When I say run up I mean letting it roll two-thirds of the way to the hole.

The ideal yardage for chip shots is from just off the green to around 50 yards out. You want to use either a 7 or 8 iron for this shot.

Play the ball back in your stance so that the ball is parallel with your back foot. Keep approximately 60%-70% of your weight on your left side. The backswing will only go back halfway as will the follow through.

The Flop Shot

Of all the different approach shots, the flop shot is the most difficult. It is also one that is used only in certain situations.

Have you ever watched Phil Mickelson hit a shot from off the green that flew over a bunker to a tight pin placement? He is a magician with this golf shot.

To hit this shot you'll use a 60 degree wedge. Play the ball back in your stance and use an open stance. Your goal is to get the ball to go straight up so it clears the hazard in front of you, but lands softly and stops immediately.

While these golf swing instructions have only touched on the basics of these shots. With practice, you can be hitting better approaches and lowering your scores.

How To Become A Mentally Tough Putter

2007-02-02T21:21:00.002-08:00

"Tiger Woods just has this uncanny ability to just turn it up another level when somebody gets close to him". That was the comment made by Chris DiMarco after he shot a very impressive final-round 68 at Hoylake, yet he still fell 2 strokes behind Tiger at the end. Tiger Woods would simply not give in. Tiger is mentally tough under pressure.

Would you like to have that same mental toughness? How can you gain that mental toughness?

Let's just take a look at just one part of your game as an example - your putting.

How do you practice?

Are you like most people who practice putting by throwing a number of golf balls down at the local practice putting green and try to knock a few into the hole? Or do you have one of those long indoor putting practice greens in your office. You know the kind. You have a long strip of green felt going up to a cup, you simply stroke the ball up into the hole and some kind of mechanism knocks it back to you. You do this over and over, maybe a hundred times a day, thousands of times a week. And yet, when you want to play in a foursome with your friends, you can't sink that last left to right putt that would win you the game. And you can't understand it - you had practiced so hard!

The reason you could not sink the putt is simple. You have not built yourself into a mentally tough putter. Notice I said you missed "that last left to right putt"? Like most people, all of your practice came on a flat green that offered no real challenge. Whether you realize it or not, once you stand on a real green with the surface that runs left to right, right to left, slopes up or down or in any number of ways, you are not really ready. Why not? Because you did not practice that way. Like any other sport your practice needs to simulate how the real game plays out in all its infinite variations.

And when did you put pressure on yourself to sink a putt in your training? Most people feel it is just a matter of practicing your putting stroke and transferring that over to the putting green. But what about the mental aspects of the game? Have you built that part in your putting drills to transfer over to the putting green as well? Do you know how to? Do you have a method that measures your ability to sink a putt and to know whether you are getting better or not?

Becoming a mentally tough putter requires practice that mimics the real game of golf. Make sure you set up your practice routine to groove your stroke but also to build the mental characteristics of a Tiger Woods.

Play Better Golf - Prepare Your Mind, Body, And Spirit

2007-02-02T21:21:00.001-08:00

If you tend to have a bad case of the Yips on short putts, or if you find yourself so tensed when you step on to the course that the game of golf is more of a torture than a release of tension, you have to do something about it.

The best you can do apart from maintaining a good fitness level and eating nutritious meals is focusing on your mental state. Mental skills once developed and honed can take your body and your game of golf a long way.

Without proper mental preparedness, golfers often find themselves losing concentration at key moments, having their emotions interfere with their performance, and having even the fittest of bodies fail them at crucial periods within the game.

If you take golf lessons, mental preparedness is usually focused on after you have mastered swing techniques.

There are various methods by which you can develop your mind so that it can in turn take your body's performance to new heights. Reducing stress is key. Practicing yoga, meditation, deep relaxation techniques, engaging in exercises such as Pilates, and even listening to and learning to play an instrument are some of them. Yoga

Practicing yoga has numerous benefits such as decreasing anxiety, relaxing the mind, improving alertness and concentration, increasing your ability to judge depth and distance, augmenting the mind/body connection, and overall heightening your sense of well-being. It has also been shown to increase memory capacity and learning.

Of course, it has its physiological benefits too--it increases your energy levels, muscular strength, flexibility, range of motion, posture, and balance. For golfers, the added benefits are that it increases grip strength, which is very important for that proper swing; reaction time--so that you have the added advantage of extra time to adjust your posture, position etc, before that key stroke; and depth perception--so you can masterfully vary the power of your swing.

Besides, yoga focuses also on proper breathing techniques, which results in proper oxygenation of the brain, improving your ability to think coherently. Pilates

Pilates is a technique that involves a series of controlled movements that engage both the mind and body. Designed to build your body's core muscle strength and flexibility without building bulk but instead streamlining your body, Pilates is now widely used for rehabilitation purposes as well. The key is that the mind plays an important part in the healing process. For that matter, the mind is all-important for any activity; golf being no exception. Meditation

Rob Nairns explains in his book, "What is Meditation?" that meditation is a highly alert and skillful state of mind.

Yoga practice goes hand in hand with meditation. You are psychologically present with whatever is happening--even though you are going through physical movements, you are concentrating on your breathing, your posture. The same is true of Pilates.

The whole concept of a "mental shift"' really makes sense because neuroscientists have long known that when we meditate, brain activity shifts to different regions of the cortex. The right frontal cortex is the stress-related region and meditation moves brain waves from there to the left frontal cortex, which is the calmer region. This negates the harmful effects of stress or anxiety, or even those down-in-the-dumps feelings. Meditation also reduces activity in the amygdala, which is the fear-processing region of the brain. Relaxation and Other Mind Techniques

Relaxation

Relaxation, which can be accomplished as easily as setting yourself in a calm environment and just letting your mind and body rest can be an effective stress reducer. Imagery

Imagery is the practice of imagining yourself in a situation or accomplishing a task before the event actually takes place. This method can be used as a rehearsal technique before any major event, even if you cannot actually physically rehearse or practice everything.

Top sports people invariably use this technique to visualize their next move, strategies that they can employ in different situations, and as a method to control their actions, even if the actions may not be taken immediately following the visualization. When the events that they have mentally rehearsed actually take place, their response is effective and so natural that it is perceived as habitual.

Sometimes, people have difficulty even mastering the swing. And, most often, all it takes is a mental shift to free your body from the restrictions your mind is imposing on it.

It's always a good idea to also use imagery to pre-experience achievement--imagine yourself swinging the golf club to perfection and hitting every fairway or green. This helps to give you confidence each time to step out on to the golf course.

There are other mind development courses that you can do, which will help to increase your mental acuity, improve visualization, and even improve your eyesight.

How Spinal Tilt Rotation Contributes to Hard Hitting

2007-02-02T21:20:00.001-08:00

Yes, again this article is an article about a very subtle effect which is almost never mentioned in standard golf teaching.

When a golfer addresses the ball, and places the right hand below the left on the club, a natural tilt of the spine to the right (meaning the right shoulder is somewhat lower than the left shoulder) happens automatically.

In the backswing, the upper body rotates around this spinal tilt. And on the downswing, the upper body also rotates back to the ball around this spinal tilt axis.

BUT then to add power, the professional players allow the axis of the spinal tilt ITSELF to rotate and move into the ball. (Technically, this is a precession of the axis. See the graphic at http://www.swingofchampions.com/spinal-tilt.htm )

Because the whole upper body is moving into the ball, the whole mass of the upper body is better brought to bear on hitting the ball. This places much more weight behind the advancing clubhead and supplies more momentum into the striking of the ball.

In addition, by the axis of the spine rotation rotating into the ball, the right elbow is allowed to stay "cocked / or bent" until a much later moment before extending down into the ball. This rotation (precession) therefore facilitates the so-called "late hitting."

Try it and see for yourself how much more weight and force can be brought into your hitting by allowing your spine to rotate into the ball on your downswing.

The Slapstick Right-Hand Flex in Generating Power

2007-02-02T21:19:00.001-08:00

Yes, this article is being written from the perspective of a right-handed golfer. If you are a lefty, then please turn the orientations around.

When the flat back of the right wrist/hand bends backward toward the forearm, this is called the right hand flex. This is different from cock - uncock which is a movement of the thumb in a flat plane in the direction of the forearm.

The right hand flex can be used in two different ways - passive or active.

As a passive element, the right hand flex is used to increase resistance to deceleration described in a previous report. The resistance to the slowing down of the club head thru the ball can add 10 to 25% more distance to the shot. So it is not to be underestimated.

In addition, as a passive element, you can use the right hand as the last small correction control for clubface control and distance control. If you do not plane to use the right hand flex in a shot, but notice that something is off - not enough power from your body turn for example - the right hand can still compensate by adding the missing power to still make the shot a success.

So, plan to hold the right hand in reserve only for when it is necessary. Also, as a passive support, you can use the right hand with the same feeling as in throwing or hitting a ball. There is a natural eye / hand coordination that can be used to your advantage for being more sensitive to your shot's distance and direction.

As an active element, the right hand flex offers the opportunity to give an additional "hand slap" to the ball at the moment of impact or just after impact. The most well known player at the moment using this technique is Michelle Wie, the young sensation from Hawaii.

If your right hand were a door, then the active right hand movement is like the slamming closed of a door.

The active right hand can be difficult to control and is not to recommended for every golfer.

Golf Instruction

2007-02-02T21:18:00.002-08:00

When we come to getting golf instruction we want to be sure we are getting the best golf instruction. We want to get golf instruction that will begin by ensuring we are assisting our body in getting the action right. Many of us golfers, when performing our golf swing (you can also read back swing here), let our left knee go down on the back swing. The outcome of this is that our shoulder will drop causing our hips to sway and overturn. Don’t allow the knee to move. Good golf instruction encourages us to maintain a steady stance. To have a good golf swing you need to maintain that stability, tension if you like, in both your legs. Some golf instruction suggests holding some kind of ball between your knees, I don’t think that is going to be very practical on the course. See how using your imagination for this works, you could be surprised how effective it is.

Golf instruction often points out common fault in beginners is that they carry out the swing to fast. A key to eliminating this problem with your golf swing is to relax. If you find that you are rushing things try and slow it down a bit. Contrary to what you may think rushing it does not make the down swing any faster and in fact may have the opposite effect. Maintain a steady action for best results. One key to good golf instruction is to get a steady action in your golf swing and this can be achieved by a pause for a brief moment at the top of your golf swing. This will allow you body to relax and compose itself for the coming down swing.

Your golf instruction is going to be great if it teaches that your golf is the sum of correctly performed parts. Golf instruction will look at stance, posture and action. Another key part in golf instruction, especially at the beginning, is your grip. Are you able to hold a club right now? Try this. When you have the club at waist height, grip the club with your left hand and your right hand in the “hitchhiker position (NB: the palm of your hand should neither be facing up no down), you should see you thumb point up. If you don’t get the grip together in the beginning you are not likely to improve you gold swing at all.

To conclude our short list of golf instruction tips today, I am going to end with an exercise you can do that will help establish some of the fundamentals we’ve talked about here. Good golf instruction will help you to improve your golf swing and to be consistently hitting the ball well you need a steady tempo and be able to keep good balance. These foundational elements are necessary to improve your golf swing. And golf instruction will reinforce these fundamentals through practice. Try this. With your feet close together, about 15cm, hit some shots. This is going to make you keep better rhythm, balance and speed and will result in improvement when you return to your normal golf swing stance.

The best thing you can do is to do some research into golf instruction. One of the best books I have come across on golf instruction is High Power Golf which you can get access to by checking this link: Golf Instruction

Getting the right golf instruction can really make playing golf that much more enjoyable, and that’s what it is all about end isn’t it?

Were Golf Tournaments Invented So That You Could Safely Beat the Pants off Your Boss?

2007-02-02T21:18:00.001-08:00

You may have wondered if your golfing predecessor existed. Was there such a person who also thought up the concept of a golf tournament for an easy day off and a chance to beat the pants off your superior?

How did golf tournaments come about / what is their history? In 1860 eight professionals competed in a golf tournament at Prestwick in Scotland playing three 12-hole rounds of golf for the prize of a red leather belt. The idea for the prize was derived from medieval knights’ tournaments, and any player who could win this golfing tournament three years running would gain permanent possession of the belt. This event was eventually won by Willie Park and this served as the forerunner of the now famous British Open Golf Championship.

The early years of the championship was dominated by one ruffian named “Old Tom Morris” and his son appropriately named “Young Tom Morris”. Tom Morris Senior was one of the most prominent figureheads in the early development of the golfing sport. Mr. Morris Senior was well known as a golfing ball and club maker at the Prestwick and St. Andrews golfing centers. And as well later became influential in golf course architecture. As well Mr. Morris Sr. went on as an expert golfer to win the British Open championships in consecutively in 1861, 1862 and 1864.

The younger son Tom Morris was even more a more skillful and polished golfer winning the four British Opens unbelievably winning three tourneys in a row from 1868 to 1870 and thus claiming possession of the coveted red belt. Three years later the Claret Jug was introduced as the Open prize, and it remains so today.

Thus the Morris clan dominated the historic golf tournament site early on, but the Open Championship and British golf was yet to be surprised. The trio of the Great Triumvirate of Harry Vardon , John Henry Taylor and James Braid unbelievably won 16 golf tournament titles in the time period between 1894 and 1914 and even played second a combined total of 12 times.

Of the three players of the group Mr. Vardon had the most significant and long standing impact on the golfing scene and game beyond his great competitive spirit. Vardon’s exhibition tours – both at home in the Isles and abroad introduced golf and the golfing sport to millions of people who otherwise would have had no interest or introduction to the passion of golf. In a marker of merchandising and marketing trends to come Vardon even introduced his own line of the then currently used gutty golf balls called the “Vardon Flyer. Mr. Vardon can be appropriately credited as the first golf professional golfer to endorse commercial products. Shades of things to more than come.

Eventually Vardon conducted an extended tour in the U.S. in 1900 to promote the new ball and used the occasion to enter and play in the U.S. Open which he handily won at the Wheaton Golf Club located in Illinois. To show the British emphasis of the British golfing trio Mr. Vardon cleared two strokes ahead of his colleague in crime John Henry Taylor. Mr. Vardon and Taylor provided the distant early championship’s start. They provided instant interest and credibility. Much interest was created by Vardon being the creator of the famous and established Vardon golf grip. You may not have realized that this overlapping golf grip may well be a standard that you are employing without knowing or appreciating its historic origins.

In the end it all comes down to the quest of human competitiveness friendly or otherwise as a means to improve ones golf game or ego that resulted in our current passion for golf tournaments and events. Then again golfing tournaments may of begun as a way to justify time off of employment duties or to beat the pants off of one’s superior without too much apparent risk.

Improving Your Golfing Swings

2007-02-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

It looks so easy when watching a professional golfer make the swing. But in reality, it took a lot of hard work and practice to execute it perfectly. The first part to be able to make those great golfing swings will be to practice some drills. This is because just like any other sport, it works on certain fundamentals.

Someone is declared the winner in golf by completing all the holes with the least number of strokes. Each player begins with a tee off and players have to do well here because this will determine how many more strokes it will take to finish the hole.

The motion of the golfing swing starts from the back until it passes to the other side of the body in a follow through motion. This is better known as hitting the block or slicing through and players who fail to do this properly will not be able to let the ball travel very far.

This problem can be addressed by first checking on the grip. The person should not make the mistake of holding this too tight or loose. It should be just right to guide the ball in the proper direction.

Once the hands are checked, the next thing to work on is the position where the player is standing. Those who stand too close or far will not be able to have a good shot. The best way to check this will be to stand up straight in the shape of a square.

Some people are too heavy on one side so looking at the mirror or having someone observe will make sure this is in the correct position at all times.

If these have been corrected, it is time to hit a few balls and see if there are improvements. One drill to check on the golfer's progress is known as the Easy Driver.

Players will go the driving range with the target of hitting the ball over the 150-yard mark. Those who able to do this consistently wont have a hard time in the next tournament.

The ball may miss the hole by a few yards and is stuck in a sand trap and the only way to get out is by making a strong swing. One drill to make sure a good golfing swing is known as the hip turn drill.

People should remember that the strength in this sport does not come from the arms but in the hips. This may look weird to other players but those who are able to do this will be able to get out of anything and finish the hole first.

Another drill often used is called Give No Quarter. The objective is to keep a quarter that is placed on top of the shoe from falling off. Those who successfully do this should do well in the range and the green but those who don't should practice some more.

Grip, posture and balance are the three essential things that every golfer must have to successfully have good golfing swings. Without it, the player will be unable to win.

It Must Be the Swing

2007-02-02T21:15:00.001-08:00

Actually, it has to be the short game. Or maybe it’s the iron play. It could even be the consistency. No, it’s the driving accuracy.

When discussing what’s most impressive about Evan White’s golf game, all of the above could be considered applicable. That's why the Hilton Head native is one of the top junior golfers in the Carolinas. Evan’s interest in the game began when he was just a toddler. His parents, both avid golfers, first took Evan out to the golf course when he was three years old.

“I was practically born into the game,” Evan says. “My mom would always bring snacks, coloring books, and lots of old golf balls for me to play with when they were golfing. I would hit balls into the water to see if I could get one to the other side of a small lagoon or creek. Mom and Dad would always tell me to keep trying, and eventually, I did start hitting the ball across the water.”

From that point on, Evan’s interest in the game has never wavered. Now an eighteen-year-old senior at Hilton Head High School, Evan was a member of the 2006 South Carolina Class AAAA All-State golf team. He is currently affiliated with the Country Club of Hilton Head (Haig Point), Hilton Head Junior Golf Association, American Junior Golf Association, Southeast Junior Golf Association, International Junior Gold Association and Plantations Junior Golf Tour.

Evan’s favorite part of the game is simply the challenge of getting the ball in the hole. “I also love the fact that it is possible to have the same score as Tiger Woods on a hole or even an entire round,” he added. When Evan isn’t playing golf, he studies the swing of his favorite golfer, Davis Love III. The playing partners in Evan’s dream foursome (to be played at St. Andrews) are Tiger Woods, Davis Love III and Arnold Palmer. “No pressure!” Evan commented. He is also a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Evan is not only a student of the game of golf; he is also a fine student in the classroom. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society. His favorite class is Introduction to Engineering. Evan’s goal at the beginning of his senior year of high school was to attend college where he could play on the golf team, get a good education, and see where that takes him. Evan’s hard work on the golf course and in the classroom has paid off; he recently signed a letter of intent to play golf for Coach Dr. Jerry Surratt and the Wingate University Bulldogs.

Regardless of whether he takes a shot at a pro career after college, Evan knows that nothing will dim his passion for the game. It’s just too important to him. “There are so many aspects to golf that make it great,” he says. “It’s an individual sport or a team sport. You can play for fun or competitively. And you’re always testing yourself, always trying to improve your game. I'll never lose my interest. My parents taught me to believe that you must have a passion, and golf is mine.”

Golf in New Zealand - A Great Experience

2007-02-02T21:14:00.001-08:00

Do you like Golf? Have you ever thought of making a trip to New Zealand? If you combine these two things you will have a great, unforgettable experience.

Golfing in New Zealand is an inexpensive activity. Even though, some of the world’s best golf courses can be found among the more than 400 golf courses in New Zealand. In addition to the quality, these courses are often located in outstanding scenery. Particularly on weekdays you will find no crowds on the course.

New Zealand offers only very few "invitation only" courses, but many country courses and resorts.

One of the best known golf courses is Kauri Cliffs. It is 3.5 hours drive north of the Auckland International Airport or 25 minutes drive from Kerikeri airport. If you want you can have a Lodge accommodation directly at the course or you can stay in one of the nearby towns of Paihia, Russell or Kerikeri. Another example is Wairakei. Wairakei is located 4 hours drive south of Auckland near Lake Taupo. It takes only 15 minutes from Lake Taupo airport. You will find several hotels/motels in the Rotorua and Taupo region, e.g. the Wairaki Resort Hotel which can be found a few minutes drive from the course.

However, among this amount of golf courses you can be sure several will suit your expectations. Adequate courses and accommodations are spread all over the north and south island.

If you prefer to organize your trip by yourself New Zealand is the right country. Traveling is absolutely easy and the infrastructure is unbelievable. Due to the hospitality of the people you will have no problems getting around. You have the choice between top-class resorts, moderately and well-priced accommodations.

However, if you favor the comfort of organized tours you have two choices: Group Tours and Self Drive Tours. If you go for a Self Drive Tour the operator will either have a pre-planned tour and you just book it or the operator can tailor a special tour to you. If you are interested in these kind of tours you should have a look at SideTracks. SideTracks is located in New Zealand and knows the country "up and down". Their motto is, "It's our job to ensure your trip runs without a hitch, and to make every day an unforgettable experience". They enjoy sharing their knowledge.

A Quick Primer On Golf Clothes

2007-02-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

If you play golf, then no doubt you already know the importance of quality golf clothes. Historically, a major requirement of golf apparel seemed to be that it be staid and boring! However these days, golf apparel is moving more and more in a stylish direction that welcomes personal expression. But whatever your taste in fashion, your main goal in buying golfing clothing should be to make sure you are as comfortable as possible when you play.

Men's golf clothing usually consist of a golf shirt and trousers. The days of plaid and checkered patterns have faded into the past, and modern men’s golf shirts are fashionable enough to be worn off the course, whether as casual wear or even at the office. Modern golf shirts are also products of intensive research, and are now made with highly durable materials that offer excellent performance in all conditions.

Another essential item you will need is a good pair of golf shoes. The most obvious characteristic you may have noticed about golf shoes are probably the spikes on the bottom of the soles. Designed to give the golfer needed traction when playing, these days the traditional metal spikes are giving way to new “soft spikes,” which are less damaging to the playing surface. The best golf shoes are typically made of leather or similar synthetic materials and can withstand a variety of playing conditions, offering a solid combination of comfort, performance and style.

Women's golf apparel is making a huge splash in the golfing world as well. Female golfers typically choose to wear a golf shirt, and either trousers and shorts, though some opt to wear a golfing skirt instead. In the past, it was difficult to find golfing clothes suitable for women to wear. But with the rising popularity of golf among women, female golf apparel is now big business. In fact, many stores now specialize only in clothing for women, so lady golfers are sure to find the exact style that suits their tastes.

Wearing quality golf apparel that performs well is an important part of playing golf. As golf continues to gain in popularity, the clothing market for golf is expanding by leaps and bounds. Golf apparel is now a huge industry and offers a myriad of choices when it comes to styles and prices. These days, personal expression in your choice of golf apparel is fast becoming the norm, so feel free to express your own personality with the golf clothes you wear.

The Benefits of A Golf Swing Analyzer

2007-02-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

Are you looking to give yourself an edge in the game of golf over your friends. Continually slicing or hooking the ball in the woods on the first tee? A golf swing analyzer is specifically for finding those minute points of your swing mechanics that are causing you to slice, hook, or duff the ball and improve on them.

A golf swing analyzer can take one of two forms, a simple use at home device, or something more technical that would be golf instruction centers. Pricing of course like everything else in this fine game varies from a little to A LOT. You can purchase home swing analyzers for a few hundred bucks, or you could invest maybe a bit less for a one time golf swing analysis at a golf pro center.

The most basic of swing analysis tools is a small electronic device that attaches to the shaft of your golf club. When the golfer swings the device captures information such as club head speed, and can then calculate the distance and projection the ball should travel with that swing. While this device is good to measure particular points of your swing, it doesn't do much for pointing out errors on mechanics you might be making.

To Get a More Detailed Analysis

To get a more complete picture of your golf swing, you need more in depth analysis. Using computer software and video is the best way to make this happen. Generally a golfer can records his/her swing via a video or digital camera and then load that video in your computer. The software then begins to manipulate it by extracting information about club head speed, path, and angle of contact. From that the golf swing analysis software can judge the distance, and trajectory the ball would have traveled. The software can even make recommendation on swing improvements and where you'd stand to make a big difference.

The most detailed and sophisticated of these video computers golf swing analysis tools are found at golf training centers. A golfer will address the ball (indoors generally) swing at the ball on an artificial tee box, and the ball is captured by a net hanging in front. The whole process is captured by a video camera that is connected directly with golf swing analyzer software package.

Very similar to that in the home version of the golf swing analysis software the swing is transcribed into a computer video that can be dissected. Your biomechanics are studied to extract some basic swing information, along with more detailed studies about your stance, hand position, body posture/alignment and head movement. Remember it's not just the actual swing that can cause troubles, but also how the rest of your body acts while the swing is taking place.

Many golf swing analysis kits come with a video or cd that provides printouts and feedback reports on your swing. So you have something to go on when your practicing to correct errors in mechanics etc. Also if you do take the time to have your swing analyzed by a pro at a golf center you'll likely have the option of receiving lessons to help correct what ever errors were found.