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How to play golf 30

2008-04-27T23:38:00.000-05:00

Golf Lessons - The Perfect Golf Swing - And Total Amnesia

Giving golf lessons should be the gift that keeps on giving. It should lead to lower scores and more smiles. It has THE POTENTIAL to lead to near holes in one.

Certainly it should lead to less club throwing and walking off the course.

Not in my case.

I'd been give a delightful package of 12 lessons at a driving range near where I live and at the time, I thought it was going to save my entire golfing life.

I was a perfect student too. "Yes sir." "I will." "No, I'll never do that again." I was eating up all this new golfing information like a sponge. He'd say put the ball back off of my right toe at address and I would. He'd ask for a quiet head during the swing and he would see it.

I was a model golf lesson student. I'm surprised I never got a check mark on a white board near where he sipped his coffee and read his golf magazines while I went through bucket after broken-ball bucket.

Blisters aplenty, I would leave this golf teaching guru and head home feeling as if I knew things that would propel to lower and lower scores.

But something would always happen that next time out. That next 10:34 tee time. And not necessarily on the first tee...either. And the problem was that I would show up. Me an my bad swing would reappear and send the scores into the stratosphere.

Why?

Because I would unconsciously return to my old swing. The one that those 12 lessons were designed to get me away from. My hands would speed up leaving my arms wondering why. I was playing a rude game of golf my old way.

And the 97 (with 4 pars and a birdie) on the front nine were proof. I had taken those wonderful golf lessons and had abused them.

This went on and on and unmercifully, on. And it stopped when I found the the one things that WILL NOT PHYSICALLY let me swing my old way any longer.

The Perfect Connextion INSISTS that you swing the golf club correctly. There are no outs. There are no what it we do it another ways.

It pins you into a triangle and keeps you there. It demands an honest golf swing and takes no prisoners.

It was what I needed. Because all the golf lessons in the world would not have led to this had I continued to be allowed to be myself on the course.

Sad, huh? No, it's great because I now pull it out before launching off of every tee and TRAIN MY UPPER BODY what I expect to see happen.

They say that change is very tough. It is. But you have to want it.

Luckily, I did.

You've heard about it. Now discover the golf swing training aid that has changed the game for THOUSANDS. The Perfect Connextion is simply stunning. And now, just for reading this article, you can get it at an amazing discount...with TWO FREE BONUSES and 7 FREE ONLINE LESSONS just by visiting http://www.tabinteractive.net/golf1.html and make sure you use PIN #PSCR12382 for your discount.

How to play golf 29

2008-04-25T03:59:00.001-05:00

Improve Your Putting By Using A Chalk-Line

Tournament Professional use the following drill to improve there putter face alignment, putting technique and confidence. If you ever attend a professional golf tournament, have a close look at the practice putting green and you will see a number of chalk-line that have been placed on the green by either the professional or their coaches trying to resolve putting errors immediately.

All that's needed is a carpenter's chalk line and a bottle of white chalk that can be purchased from your local hardware store for around $20.00.

Find a 4 or 5-meter straight uphill putt on the practice green. Professional typically look for an area near the edge of the green so the line doesn't disturb anyone else. Make several putts to ensure there is no break in the putt. Then, place the chalk-line hook inside the putting green cup and snap the chalk line on the green along the intended line of putt.

Start about 1-meter from the hole, putt six balls. When you make all six putts in a row, move farther back in 1-meter intervals and repeat the drill until you make all the putts from this new distance. If you miss one ball stay at new distance until you hole all putts successful.

The chalk line allows you to be sure the white line on the putter face is square to the target and promotes the proper stroke path and visual aid to help you align your feet and body square to the target line. Putting uphill encourages hitting short putts firmly into the cup, which reduces the chances of a weak putt breaking out of the hole. In addition, by practicing with six balls from each distance until completed successfully is also a great mental drill as well will resolve unseen alignment error in the stroke.

Happy Golfing Alan Wilson PGA http://www.parsett.com.au

How to play golf 28

2008-04-24T03:02:00.000-05:00

Lower Back Exercises for Golf

These preventative steps incorporate a series of golf fitness flexibility and strength exercises. The goal of these exercises is to create the supportive base in terms of flexibility and strength within the musculature of the lower back to support the golf swing.

First and foremost the process by which the lower back becomes injured from golf is quite simple. Each swing of the club requires the golfer to draw the club through a large range of motion, maintain a set spine angle, and generate power. In order to complete these physical tasks correctly a specific level of flexibility and strength is required of the lower back. If the golfer lacks the required flexibility or strength to execute these physical actions the lower back will be stressed more than necessary. This will lead to fatigue and possible injury to the lower back.

Secondly, the golf swing is a repetitive athletic action. The swing is executed over and over again utilizing the same muscles. Over time these muscles become fatigued. Once muscles are fatigued, they can easily become injured. This statement holds true for the lower back as well as all the other muscles of the body incorporated with the swing. To counteract fatigued in the lower back created by the golf swing, it is necessary for one to develop the strength and endurance parameters of these muscles. This result again can be accomplished by the completion of golf specific strength exercises.

Now that we understand the processes by which the lower back becomes injured from the golf swing, we can begin to develop an injury preventative program. As stated previously such a program would incorporate a series of golf specific flexibility and strength exercises.

The flexibility exercises focus on developing the required ranges of motion in the lower back to execute the golf swing efficiently. Exercises I often utilize for this goal are cats, openers, rotators, and windmills. All of these exercises create extensibility in the muscles of the lower back, and if performed consistently will assist in the prevention of injury.

The strength exercises of such a program look to develop strength and endurance in the muscles of the lower back to execute the golf swing over and over again. Prone holds, bent knee back holds, alternating arm and leg extensions, and hip circles are common exercises I implement into this phase of a program.

Remember, the lower back is placed under large amounts of stress each and every swing. To counteract the possibility of injury from the golf swing, we can incorporate a series of golf specific flexibility and strength exercises. These exercises will develop the ranges of motion required for the golf swing, develop the strength necessary to execute the swing, and finally create endurance within these muscles.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

How to play golf 27

2008-04-23T02:52:00.000-05:00

Lower Back Exercises for Golf

How to play golf 26

2008-04-20T23:27:00.001-05:00

Should I Buy Cheap Golf Shoes?

Cheap golf shoes are available in many brands. Some of them are well-known and some are practically unknown. In this article, I will touch on the subjects of FootJoy shoes and Adidas shoes.

First of all, FootJoy shoes are one of the most widely used golf shoes sold today. They are available in both discount and expensive prices. Of course, low prices spark an interest in most golfers. FootJoy shoes do hold up in any kind of weather—your feet will stay both dry and comfortable. They have a 1 year warranty on the waterproof aspect of their shoes. Many have said that the feet are the most important part of your body to keep happy on the green as far as comfort. Who wants to be focused on wet or miserable feet rather than the game—you may as well pack it up and go home.

DryJoys are one of the least expensive kinds of FootJoy shoes. They are at the top of the list in sales in the United States today. FootJoy manufacturers obviously have state-of-the-art techniques and the most experienced employees to construct these shoes. FootJoy has cleat shoes which provide excellent grip on the golf course. A large part of your success depends on your confidence. Knowing you will not e slipping and sliding all over the golf course in bad weather will undoubtedly give you a boost of confidence and perhaps that edge you need. With a good stance you can produce a good swing. People associate FootJoy with expensive products, but that assumption is not necessarily correct. Overall, this is an excellent place to shop for discount, quality shoes.

Another fantastic choice in golf shoes is the Adidas golf shoe. They do have some cheap golf shoes (cheaper than other Adidas shoes). One such shoe is called the Adidas Tour Traxion Golf Shoe. It is extremely comfortable and fashionable. It has an unmatchable waterproof quality—a system known as Climaproof. The Tour Traxion Golf Shoe is part of a line that many pro golfers purchase—the Tour 360 Shoe.

One drawback of this shoe is that it must be broken in before you wear it on the course. Like any brand new shoe, you can eventually get aches and pains in the ball of your foot and get blisters. But remember that once the shoe is broken in it remains one of the most comfortable golf shoes made.

In comparison, for comfort from the start, I believe that the FootJoy is a better quality shoe in that you don’t have to take as much time breaking the shoe in before it reaches the comfort level you desire. They are equally as good for keeping the water and weather away from your feet and both brands offer cheap golf shoes as well as their many expensive varieties. Shopping at FootJoy or Adidas can give you fashion, color, and a large line of shoes online and in stores.

At any rate, be mindful of our golf game if you are a real competitor—know that shoes are the most vital part of your golfing attire. You need to shop around, compare prices. And get the most for your money. That doesn’t mean you should opt for a pair of discount shoes that also have cheap quality. What would be the point of purchasing a shoe that is not comfortable to wear. If you care anything about your success in golfing, shop around.

Matt D Murren owns and operates http://www.golf-shoe-advisor.com Cheap Golf Shoes

How to play golf 25

2008-04-18T03:28:00.000-05:00

The Mental Game of Golf

Understanding the Mental Game of Golf

I took up golf about 5 years ago. Having always been a natural athlete, I played tennis, basketball and baseball throughout high school and college. Intense competition is something I thrived in and like most people I hated to lose. Something I never understood was that when I played tennis with someone that probably had HALF the talent I did, I found myself struggling and in some cases even losing, much to my displeasure.

When I took up golf, however, I thrived immediately. Due to having a strong arm from my years of playing tennis and basketball, I was able to drive the ball hundreds of yards and played an excellent short game.

But I found myself once again losing and being totally out of my game when I started to compete with people that played more poorly than I did.

I analyzed my game and like a lightning bolt hitting me, I realized the game of golf was mental. I was sabotaging myself myself and losing control of all my focus. I showed nervousness and made every excuse in the book on why I was playing poorly during certain games. It became frightening to actually get on the course. I thought people were actually laughing at me behind my back.

When I started to understand the mental game of golf I began to see the error of my ways. I saw that I needed to regain focus to help my nerves, since by that point I was having jitters so bad, I wanted to fake an injury to avoid playing. Embarrassing myself with yelling and being angry spin tailed and ruined the round for myself and other people.

I had mastered the physical mechanics of golf but not the mental ones. People blame their equipment or the design of the course. What about Tiger Woods? Twenty-five years ago when he learned the sport, there weren't $2,000 drivers and $500 putters. Tiger was taught to have a mental edge at a young age. He was beating adults at the age of 10. He never panics and only shows emotion when he makes a GOOD shot.

Finally, I have mastered the mental game of golf. I start preparing myself in advance by concentrating on my preshot routine. My goal was to hit the best shots possible and remaining consistent from the first tee. First tee anxiety will put you at a significant disadvantage. Believe in your skills and don't concern yourself with other people, because you will lose focus and put unnecessary pressure on yourself. You will only generate anger (for yourself!) and cause your game to go down the tubes.

If you begin to play from the mind and realize that that is the muscle you should exercise, I guarantee you will improve your score from the very first time you try it. Anyone can increase his or her score by focusing on the mental game of golf.

I am always coming up with new tips to share!

Hi there my name is Jeff.

I am always looking to learn new information. You should be learning something new everyday. I enjoy sharing things that I have learned with people. I know this is a way top reach alot of people!

I hope everyone likes what I have to say and the information I provide is valuable to you!

How to play golf 24

2008-04-17T02:30:00.000-05:00

Shake And Bake

I read a lot of golf tips. I get them in the mail, on line, and on TV, so they must be residing somewhere in my brain. But the truth is, if I want to add something to my skill set that I can totally rely upon, I would need to practice it 10,000 times to truly own it. Well, since I don't make my living playing golf, the chances of that much practice are about nil. What I normally do, when I find something interesting, is practice it long enough to become comfortable with it and then hope I remember it when the time comes. My guess is, this is true for most, if not all, recreational golfers. There is just too much information to know and keep current and not nearly enough time. So how do I find what I want, when I need it most?

The truth be told, what we really want is for our own personal "A" games to show up more often. It seems as if there is something out there, some sort of signal that can light our fire and get us rolling. Sometimes, it is the adrenalin rush from making a great shot that sends us off to a good round and makes us to anxious to get back out again. Every once in a while, we catch that blanket of pure confidence where our "A" game is just there for us to enjoy. Then there's that good round after a long layoff that you really can't explain, especially when you play so poorly the next time out. So what is it? And if we find it, what can we do about it?

I believe the answer can be found in one simple sentence. Tension is the physical expression of doubt. When you doubt yourself, your abilities, or your choices, tension is the monster that steps in and ruins your efforts just to prove you right. Doubt is best attacked through the confidence that is gained with the 10,000 repetitions. This is what professionals do. Tension, on the other hand, is an enemy we can actually deal with. We usually ignore it and just suffer the consequences. My suggestion is to take an active part in defeating this enemy before you practice or play because this will at least increase your odds of success. I am going to reach into my qigong bag of tricks and suggest three things to try.

First is shaking. Stand in your golf posture and start shaking your hands. Fast furious and loose. Now shake your elbows and shoulders. Raise your heels off the ground and get bouncing up and down. Get your whole body jumping, shaking and moving around. You should be smiling or even laughing by now which is exactly what you want to take to the course.

Next is the internal shake. Stand with your feet about six inches apart and rise up on your toes. Now, let your heels drop straight down with a thud. Repeat nine times. This has the effect of loosening all your major organs and jolting your brain stem to stimulate the brain. Remember, golf is a game that uses your body. Only you can control the body it uses.

The third trick I've only recently been using for golf. I was taught this as a way to kill the butterflies and anxiety before performing or appearing in front of a group. It really works. All you do is to squeeze on both sides of the fingernail on your left pinkie, or little finger. This seems to have the effect of quieting the chatter from the left side of the brain which is the source of your self- doubt and therefore tension. It really brings you into focus.

Give these techniques a fair shot then get out there and shake and bake.

Michael Swanick is the Author of "The Art of Martial Golf. His breakthrough book and DVD will help you chart your path to a consistently better golf game, at any age.

Find out more about Michael Swanick and the new Art of Martial Golf DVD by visiting http://www.golfswing4longlife.com

How to play golf 23

2008-04-16T02:59:00.000-05:00

The Golf Course - A Beginner's Guide

That first trip to the golf course can be very intimidating, as every golfer knows. There's so much to remember, so much to learn...or so it seems. You can ease that self-inflicted pressure a bit by "doing your homework". So, where do you begin? As a beginner golfer, one of the first things you will need to familiarize yourself with is the golf course and the terminology associated with it.

Typically golf courses consist of either 9 or 18 holes, each of which will vary in both distance and length. These variations are what makes each hole unique and challenging.

Upon your arrival at the golf course, you'll need to check in at the clubhouse or pro shop. This is where you will pay for your round. Be sure to check on the "pin placement" for that day. This will tell you where the hole or cup placement is on the green. After taking care of business at the pro shop, you'll load your cart and follow the "cart path" to the first tee. Be sure to follow the course rules when driving the golf cart. Some courses ask that you stay on the cart path, some in the fairways and others have no restrictions.

Be sure to have your "scorecard" before beginning your round. The scorecard contains some very useful information such as the distance or "yardage" from each tee to the green, "par", the optimal score for the hole, the handicap rating (1 being most difficult) and some show the layout of the hole. Some courses will have the yardage and layout of each hole at the tee so be sure to check.

Players will begin at the tee box or "tee". Each hole will have 3 - 5 sets of markers. As a beginner, I would suggest starting at the forward most markers (the ones closest to the green). Your ball should be placed anywhere between the 2 markers and can be placed up to 2 club lengths behind the markers.

Hopefully, after teeing off, your ball will end up in the "fairway". This is the area between the tee and the green that's nicely manicured and the easiest place from which to hit your next shot. There will be some form of "yardage markers" in the fairway which will indicate the distance from that marker to the center of the green. This is very useful information when determining which club to use. The taller grass that surrounds the fairway is known as the "rough". On some courses, as is the case at my local golf course, there will also be lots of trees in this area. As a rule of thumb, it's better to hit a shorter shot in the fairway than a long shot in the woods!

On your journey through the course, you're sure to run into some "hazards". These can be man-made or natural. Some courses have ponds strategically placed throughout the course while others may have a creek or even a lake that was there before the course was built. These are known as "water hazards". Sand traps or "bunkers" can be located next to the fairway or up close to the green. Keep in mind, when you land in a bunker, or any hazard, you cannot ground your club prior to hitting the ball.

"Out of bounds" areas are usually marked with white stakes. Unfortunately, if your ball lands in one of these areas, you must add a penalty stroke, move your ball back to its original location and hit again.

Typically at the end of the fairway, there are markers indicating where you must exit the fairway with the golf cart. Beyond these markers is the "approach". This is the area leading up to the green. The grass is typically the same length as that in the fringe.

The "green" is where you'll finish the hole. The grass is typically cut very close. The area around the green is known as the "fringe". Again, the "cup" or hole is marked by a pin or "flagstick". Once you've putted your ball into the cup, you've finished the hole.

In a nutshell, these are the basics of every golf course. There's no need to "memorize" everything as it will stick with you over time. If you're like me, you'll find yourself silently quizzing yourself while you're on the course. Now, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the game.

PJ Greene is a golf entusiast and co-owner of a successful driving range and pro-shop. For more articles and tips visit http://www.golfblog.blogspot.com

How to play golf 22

2008-04-14T02:05:00.000-05:00

Learn Golf Swing On The Computer

To learn golf swing on the computer, you can view videos of others swinging their golf clubs and sometimes the announcer will give you a play-by-play of what is going on with their swing. There are other sites which slow the person on the screen way down so you can see each movement, frame by frame to make sure you are going to learn how to do the same thing they are doing.

If you can not afford a trainer or a coach, learn golf swing on the computer is the next best thing to the actual person standing next to you. There are programs on the computer in which you can learn golf swings from some of the top names in golf and not have to pay a single dime for what they are teaching you. You simply sign up at their sight or download their software and you are ready to go. If you are able to, you can hook up your computer to your television for a wider, larger view of the swing instructions and still be able to learn golf swing on the computer.

Looking for a computer site to improve your golf swing is easy, you need to go to one of the major Internet search engines and type in the words learn golf swing on the computer and there will be thousands pop up in which you can choose from. If you are a man, it might be best to choose a computer site which features a man giving the instructions and the same goes for a woman, you would be better off learning golf from a woman than a man. It seems they each know the secrets of the other and its best learned that way.

To learn the a better golf swing on your computer is a great idea for everyone, even those who can afford a trainer because you can learn at your own pace, whenever and where ever you want to. If you can't sleep, you can get up and turn on the computer and learn then, or if you have a few minutes at the office, all you do is log in and pick up your club and away you go, start swinging. You will use your own clubs on the computer exercise sites and that is exactly what they are, exercise sites to get you prepared for the real games. They will help you to learn various swings you may have never known before or seen.

Some of sites will have an animated person or a live person, the choice is up to you and how you learn best. There are sites that are sponsored by club companies, golf course companies, golf clothing companies and so on. You can decide for yourself which company you want to endorse and which you like better, an animated golfer or a real golfer to help you learn golf swing on the computer.

Learn Golf Online from the pros. They have all the answers to improving YOUR golf game.

http://www.squidoo.com/learn-about-golf-online

How to play golf 20

2008-04-12T01:03:00.001-05:00

How to Pick the Right Golf Clubs for Beginners

Top of the range clubs will not better your game as a beginner or intermediate player so the best way to pick the right clubs for you is to find equipment which matches your level of experience, your strength and your posture when hitting the ball.

There is no need for you to have a full set of clubs as a beginner. You would be better off concentrating on a good putter, a few (-3, -5, or -7) woods and a couple of irons (-5, -7, pitching wedge) for example. These are what you need to learn to swing, so it does not make sense to spend loads of money on equipment you are not going to use right away.

However, once you are at intermediate level you could venture out and get a full set of clubs. The brand name does not matter so much because at this point you are likely to know enough about your own game to choose clubs that accommodate your personal strengths and weaknesses. You should be aiming to improve your game but it is important that you enjoy yourself as you are going along at the same time as learning about and bettering your play.

When you reach advanced player level you could look for clubs that do not forgive your mistakes quite so easily. You may, for example, want to try out irons with less traditional weights and different blade designs

You should also bear in mind that, whatever level your play is at, you need to be aware that bigger is not always better. After all, however much fun those super sized clubs may appear to be, all they really do is cover up a bad swing. Address any troubles you may be having in connection with distance or how you strike the ball and don't simply use a larger club as a way to overcome these problems.

Wherever you intend to buy your clubs, be it in a store or online, it's a good idea to pop into a sporting goods outlet such as Golfsmith and have a go with some different clubs to see which feels best to you. It is also worth remembering that if you are on a strict budget there are many places online where you can purchase used clubs at a fraction of the cost of new ones.

Want to improve your golf game? FullSwingGolfer.com offers great Golf Tips For Beginners, with expert articles and reviews. Visit: http://www.FullSwingGolfer.com for your Free download of the complete guide on tips and techniques.

How to play golf 20

2008-04-11T01:50:00.000-05:00

Golf Clubs - Is It Time to Upgrade Now?

So my current clubs (cheapo dunlops) are crap and so is my game. The only conclusion I can draw is that I suck and need new clubs.

Golf Clubs - Is It Time To Upgrade Now To A New Set Of Golf Clubs?

Once beginning golfers have spent plenty of time learning the fundamentals of the game and sticking to the basics for a least one year or more, getting their short game skills down pat, and seeing their scores start to dip down into the 80s, the next step to consider - upgrading your golf clubs.

Up until this point you should have been playing with the same set of golf clubs since the beginning stages of your game. The reason behind this advice is so that your time has been spent figuring out your personal and unique style, of which would be hard to learn by changing golf clubs too often.

Investing In A New Driver

Now that you are a bit more advanced, you should be moving on to new clubs so as not to hold back your progress. Your first consideration should be nvesting in a new driver. In fact, if you have only been playing for the last 12 months or so, you may not even have a driver. Many new golfers do just fine by teeing off with a fairway wood because the wood tends to be easier and provide the best accuracy for the beginner.

Whether or not you have gone this entire time without a driver, or are simply upgrading from your old one, expect to pay a good chunk of change. Drivers are expensive. In fact, reliable brand-name drivers could cost you $500 or more!

Titanium Clubs

Spending over $500 for a driver may sound ridiculous at this point in time, especially since most of us consider that all our clubs combined should cost $500 or less, however, a good driver is worth the price tag because it is made out of high quality, first-rate material. Most top-dollar drivers, and other clubs, have heads that are made almost totally from titanium.

Titanium is an amazing metal that is actually stronger than steel, but weighs far less. Titanium is extremely expensive and so is the technology needed to break it down and build it as the head of a driver.

These types of clubs are used by professionals all over the world. Titanium club heads are lighter to handle and use than wood or steel. They are also built larger. This offers a bigger sweet spot on the club face, which as you know gives you a better chance for the ball to make contact as efficiently as possible.

Verlyn Ross owns and operates a website dedicated specifically to the enjoyment of golfing. It includes a wealth of free articles in which you may have an interest. For a great place to get answers, go here!

Freely explore it and visit our Blog ENJOY!

How to play golf 19

2008-04-04T02:45:00.000-05:00

Putting Your Way to the 18th Hole

Most people do not consider miniature golf to be much of a challenge, but these individuals may be surprised to learn that there are avid putt-putt golfers who that travel the United States searching for the next "big" game. Almost every town has at least one such golf course. There are websites that deal strictly with miniature golf vacations.

What better way to enjoy some good quality family time than to spend an afternoon at a nearby putt-putt course? Or, you could even center your family vacation around the idea of a miniature golf course. Putting and golfing can be the theme of your next annual family vacation. Searching out the largest miniature golf course in the United States could be a fantastic vacation and, perhaps, a secret desire of someone in you family.

Whether you are heading across town to your local putt-putt course or across several states to another small miniature golf course, you will more than likely also find a lot of fun and challenges for everyone. Typically, there is more than just a putt-putt course and a golf swing occurring everywhere you look. Such courses often offer video arcades, restaurants or even large ponds with goldfish to feed.

Golf is golf, it has been said, and regardless of how you get to play it be glad you are. Can the challenges on an actual golf course be that much more challenging than the dreaded windmills on a putt-putt course? Perhaps the windmills bring about the same feelings of course sand traps. Putt-putt golf courses come with obstacles such as dark caves, stampeding animals or even a giant whale that ate golf balls, as was once reported.

In reality the thought and preparation it takes to design a miniature golf hole rivals that of any "actual-sized" golf course. It is expensive to keep putt-putt golf courses running, mostly due to the electricity and energy required. Upkeep and maintenance of a putt-putt course is just as important as it is for any golf course. Although, putt-putt courses are seemingly suffering as one of America's favorite pastimes, it will not fade quietly. With your curiosity, support and continued interest, future generations can know what it is like to putt golf ball through the mouth of a snake only to realize that it actually went through the snake and into the ninth hole for a fantastic hole-in-one experience.

Though red, pink and blue golf balls and pint-sized clubs may seem distracting to the die-hard golfer, you will discover much delight sharing the experience with family or friends as you make your way through the miniature course. Keeping score is just as fun miniature golf as it is in real golf, but one secret is to appoint the most honest person in the group as the scorekeeper.

So, the next time you cannot think of anything fun to do or need a birthday party idea, putt-putt is the answer. It is fun, good exercise and affordable!

Being very interested in Benidorm golf courses and golf holiday in Costa Blanca, Linden Walhard has been publishing various short articles on the topic. You can learn about his writings on golf courses on the Spanish Costa Blanca at http://www.alicante-spain.com

How to play golf 18

2008-04-03T01:54:00.000-05:00

How to Make a Good Golf Shot Out of a Fairway Bunker

You have just hit a great drive but it runs into a fairway bunker! You are still a long way from the green so you want to get out and get as far as possible up the fairway. So what is the easiest way to get out and get a long way up the fairway?

The first thing is that you do not want to play the same sort of bunker shot as you would do from a greenside bunker where you need to float the ball up and out to land softly on the green. Take any sand with your shot and the ball will not fly so far. And there is the clue to hitting out of a fairway bunker: you want to hit the ball taking little or no sand with it.

Hit the Ball First!

The primary aim when hitting out of a fairway bunker, apart from getting it out in the first place (!), is to get some good distance on the shot. If you hit the sand, even just one centimetre in front of the ball, you will lose distance. Now it is quite difficult to take no sand at all, so what you need to do is make sure you hit the ball before you hit the sand.

To make sure you hit the ball before the sand, the trick is to play the ball further back in your stance. It could even be as far back as your non-target side foot! You need to experiment a bit to find the position that is right for you.

Select the Right Club

You also need to make an adjustment to the club face angle because you are playing it further back in the stance which means the clubface is actually open at this point in the swing. So you need to close the face slightly to make sure it is square to the line at the point of contact with the ball.

Now, as you have closed the face, you have de-lofted the club - a sand wedge is now playing like a 9 iron for instance. So make sure you are still taking a club with enough lot to clear the face of the bunker.

In summary

1. Hit the ball before the sand by playing it further back in your stance

2. Close the clubface to square it to the target line

3. Select a club with enough loft to still clear the bunker face when it has been de-lofted by closing the face.

Try this method next time you find yourself in a fairway bunker and you may be surprised how easy it is to get out and well up the fairway.

MARK PEARSON plays and coaches golf professionally in the UK. With over 25 years golfing experience, Mark teaches a combination of good technique and proper course management techniques to enable golfers to get the most from their games.

Mark offers a FREE 7 Day E-Course "Course Management Keys" covering on-course strategies for low golf scores at available at http://www.masterputting.com/

How to play golf 17

2008-04-02T02:14:00.000-05:00

Center of Gravity Golf & the Senior Golfer

Center of Gravity Golf is in Hawaii this season, performing open golf clinics and teaching private lessons for approximately 1000 golfers per week. One of the things that stand out as I look over the audience is the average age of the participants. While there are significant numbers of baby boomers, new comers, and even a few youngsters in the mix, a large portion of the attendees are "Senior Golfers". Once you've reached the age of 50 you are considered a "senior golfer" but I've had private lessons with golfers as old as 91! Bottom line is, no matter what your age, you can still strive to improve your golfing experience and the proof is in the bookings. Senior golfers come to me generally after seeing one of my open clinics and explaining how Center of Gravity Golf can help them enjoy the game more by creating consistency in their game and learning how to get some of their lost distance back. Let's face it, all golfers want to be more consistent and hit the ball a little further, seniors are no different.

There's a great satisfaction in getting a golf ball airborne and watching it fly to its destination, the first thing I always address is getting the ball airborne at the proper trajectory, then we talk distance. Center of Gravity Golf teaches us that the golf swing is simple geometry and learning how to control that geometry is the secret to consistent ball flight. First of all, the target hand (the one with the glove) is the BOSS of the golf club and has to be in control of the golf club at all times during the golf swing. When the target hand is in control of the golf club, the bottom of your swing has been established right on your center of gravity (use your shirt button as a reference point). This ensures proper, consistent ball position and you can now establish your center of gravity triangle. This consistency triangle runs from your center of gravity, (shirt button) to the knuckles of your big toes, (where the bunions grow), and back to the golf ball. This triangle is the "Secret" to consistent ball striking and improving club head speed through balance...not effort. In my lessons, I never talk about club head speed; I believe it only encourages players to "try harder" which causes unnecessary movement of the triangle as well as right hand hits (fat shots). Club head speed is a by-product of balance in your triangle.

I've proven it thousands of times, if you stabilize your triangle, and your center of gravity is comfortable, the club-head moves faster by default creating consistent ball flight and more distance with less effort. If you really want to get your distance back, now that your triangle is stable, learn to fire your piston. (Release the club-head). Golf balls are designed to fly; they are the most regulated of all golf equipment. All of the energy in golf is in the golf ball; your mission is to get it out. If most of your golf clubs send the ball about the same distance...you're not using the power of the golf ball. In order to make a golf ball fly, you must compress it against your club-head during your swing. The compression motion is the rotation of the target hand forearm (the one with the glove) through the ball at the bottom of the swing. During the years the motion has been called (flipping the wrists) (snapping the wrists) (Supination & Pronation) etc. I call it firing your Piston, a simple rotation of your left forearm through the bottom of your swing...that's what releasing the club head is. This is the compression rotation that squeezes the golf ball and causes it to fly. (effortless power) With my senior clients, I get an average of 25 extra yards with this move and have recorded as much as a 50 yard increase in ball carry when a student learns to use the power of the golf ball, instead of trying to force the ball out with brute strength and effort.

Golf Pro Rob Bernard is a Class "A" member of the Canadian Professional Golfers Association. Touted by "Golf Canada Magazine" (June 2005) as one of Canada's Most Respected Golf Professionals, Rob has more than 10 years experience as a dedicated Teaching Professional. http://www.cogolf.ca

How to play golf 16

2008-04-01T02:51:00.000-05:00

Your Golf Slice of Heaven

Is your golf a slice of heaven or a slice of hell?

As you know there are literally thousands of different situations that you will encounter on the golf course where the brain takes over.

However, in what way do you want your brain to take over? Will it be a slice to heaven or a slice to hell?

After all, aren't we all are looking for more consistent results with every round of golf you play. You want to save shots, shoot a lower score and get down to lowest handicap that you feel you are capable of achieving.

I know there are thousands and thousands of golfers around the world like you who are so passionate about their golf, and want to take charge of this crazy game instead of letting it control you.

Don't you hate that in life when you don't have control of your every day circumstances? Yes of course we can't control everything but I am sure you structure things so that you are in charge of what you do daily. You organize your daily or weekly routine to suit you, as best as possible. So why is it that when you are out there playing golf that the "GeeBee" or our golfing brain blows up all your plans to have a good round?

And the simple answer to that is what you focus on. So here's a tip to help you out in your next round

Let me explain in the following example on the "Visual" side of the brain for a moment:

Ok so you are out there on the course and you are half way through your round. Your ball is lying about five to six club lengths from the middle of a big deep sand bunker. The sand is beautiful beach white, and fluffy. The grass around the pot is beautifully manicured like a newly trimmed hedge. The green is elevated and sits above and behind the bunker. Can you get the picture?

Now, you haven't been chipping that well and you know that if you knife the shot over the pot that the lake behind the green will swallow your ball. You are determined not to fluff this chip.

You are in a super tight match and a good chip and one putt will secure you keeping the honour for the next hole and make the nine dormy. All these thoughts are racing through your mind. It's your shot and everyone in the group is watching you. You don't want to rush, but you don't want to be holding your playing partners up either.

You are determined NOT to get in the bunker and here's what the brain does:

The more you focus on the sand and not going in the bunker, the more your brain cannot help but focus on the negative-THIS IS THE WAY THE SUBCONSCIOUS WORKS!

So what is the answer? - You need to focus on what you want to happen, the actual outcome. While this may seem similar to what you were thinking, it is actually poles apart. The next time you are out there on the course- focus on the outcome and see what happens. Focus on what you want. Say the things that you want to happen.

So how do we change our thought processes to focus on the outcome not the danger? We need to fully understand why this happens- it's to do with how we have been programmed.

As a fellow sporting peak performance coach, I know how great it is to play great shots and to walk off the course knowing I am playing to the level that I knew I could. It is heaps better than the pain and frustration I used to feel and walking off the course wondering why I ever stepped on to it.

So enjoy. Get motivated. And if you would like some extra help getting your golf mind into serious shape- because hopefully you'll be playing for a long time yet to come, use the link below to find out more about how we can help you.

http://www.golfpotential.blogspot.com/

Shouldn't your golf be a slice of heaven?

How to play golf 15

2008-03-31T02:39:00.000-05:00

Dynamics of a Sand Wedge

The Sand Wedge has been designed with one primary focus...to get the ball out of the sand and preferably onto the green.

To do this it has a reasonable amount of loft (usually 56 degrees) to get the ball up in the air. However if you were to use a normal wedge to play a bunker shot you would have to be very careful that it does not cut deep into the sand. To counteract this effect, the sand wedge has what is called "bounce" - it has a wide curved sole. If you place your sand wedge on firm level ground you will likely notice that the front edge sits up to ¼ inch off the ground...this is the "bounce". What this does is to prevent the sand wedge sinking into the sand as you play a shot. It literally skims or bounces through the sand.

Opening the Club Face

Now, what happens if you follow conventional wisdom and open the club face of the sand wedge when you are in the bunker? Well again try it on a firm flat surface and you will notice how much higher the leading edge is now! So opening the club face creates more bounce, and if you are not careful (especially in firm bunkers), you will find the club will literally bounce through the sand and you can easily thin the ball straight into the face of the bunker!

Square it up!

So next time you are in the bunker, and you have your sand wedge in hand, try setting up much less open, with the club face square to the target. This is how the sand wedge was designed to be used...and you may be surprised how much easier it becomes.

Mark is the author of "How to Master Putting and Putt like a Pro", and offers a FREE E-Course available at http://www.masterputting.com/

How to play golf 14

2008-03-29T03:03:00.001-05:00

Play Ready Golf - Speed Up Your Golf Round

So 5 hour rounds are a pretty common occurrence at a public golf course. And honestly, there is no need for it. I don't care if you're a 40 handicap or a 5 handicap, you can play in 4 hours or less, as long as you follow some simple rules...

Play Ready Golf!

How often have you stood on the tee of a par 3, watching the group in front for what seems to be an eternity? Three of the guys are on the green. One is in the bunker. The guy in the bunker was the last to hit...so he's also the last to get to the bunker. The other 3 guys are standing around chatting as bunker guy gets his sand wedge...heads over to the bunker...and thinks about not screwing up his sand shot. He hits his sand shot, which flies over the green, into a bunker on the other side of the green. The other 3 guys chuckle, and continue to chat. Bunker guy rakes his bunker (nice job!), walks to the other side of the green...and hits an ok shot that ends up on the green, but he's still 'away'. Bunker guy rakes...oops...he forgot his putter in the cart...3 other guys continue to chit chat..and laugh at bunker guy...you really screwed this hole up Charlie! Bunker guy finally putts, makes a great one...saves his 4. And now the other 3, one by one, take their time reading their putts, lining up the putts, hitting their putts...missing..marking their ball...and begin the routine once again. This is absolutely insane.

This is an 'extreme' example, but I see it happening in so many different circumstances. People do it on the fairway...one by one, completely serially, people select a club, think about their shot, take some practice swings and then hit the ball...waiting for their playing partner on the complete opposite side of the fairway to hit their ball...watch it fly through the air, and land wherever it went.

You do NOT have to wait for your playing partners. While the guy is hitting his bunker shot, read your putt...heck, use a golf ball with an alignment mark, and line up your putt. While your playing partner is thinking about his shot out of the rough, you should be selecting your club for your approach shot out of the fairway...you can pick your intermediate target, get a clear image of what you are going to do. Just be READY to step right into your pre-shot routine as soon as the other guy hits.

The Ball is Lost...Forget About It

This does not bother me nearly as much as #1, but if you hook your tee shot into some deep woods, with lots of underbrush...you are not going to find it. Yes, I understand the rules give you 5 minutes to look...but the vast majority of people take more than that...and for the most part it is a fruitless effort. Look for a minute or two...if you seriously think you have a reasonable chance of finding it, sure use your 5 minutes. But, come on...if it looks like a Costa Rican jungle...you are not going to find the ball, do not waste any more time looking for it.

Gimme Putts

Unless you are playing for $100 a hole, please do not spend 5 minutes lining up your 183 putt. Tell your playing partner it is good, and have him pick up. How many times have you watched another 2-5 minutes wasted while the group in front of you is standing in a 5 foot circle surrounding the pin?

Develop a Pre-Shot Routine

If you do not already have one, work on developing a consistent pre-shot routine. Just don't make it a 5 minute one that involves 35 waggles, and constant re-gripping of the club. Mine involves lining up behind the ball, envisioning my shot, walking up to the ball, grip, look up, check alignment, look up...hit. It probably doesn't take more than 20 seconds. And it's consistent. I don't spend minutes hemming and hawing over what to do. Not only does it help speed up play, but it will clear your mind, and help you stay focused.

Leave Your Bags in the Direction of the Next Tee

I don't see it as often as other slow down mistakes, but it definitely happens. Leave your bags to the side of the green, and in the direction of the next tee, never in front of the green. Nothing worse than watching a slow group take forever to putt out, then all walk back toward me...to get their bags and put away their clubs...then walk BACK over the green toward the next tee.

Play Level Appropriate Tees

I don't worry about this as much as some people do, but you are only doing yourself a disservice if you are a 20 handicap playing off the back tees. But, I'm not going to say that everyone that does it slows down play. If you're a high handicapper who plays quickly, by all means, torture yourself from the back tees.

Cart Riders...

Two very simple things. First: drop your cart partner off at their ball...then drive to your ball and get ready for your shot. Second: take at least 2 or 3 clubs with you to your ball.

Beginners

Last thing I will mention....I am all for people learning the game...but do it on an executive course or at the driving range. You will have a lot more fun on a shorter course, and will have more time to work on your short game, which is the quickest way to start shooting lower scores. However, if you MUST play that 135 slope course, play off the front tees, and pick up your ball if you have not reached the green in 5 shots

Sean Lensborn is the author of The Deep Rough, a blog detailing his struggles and triumphs in the game of golf. His frequent entries cover anything from golf equipment reviews, golf tips, to golf travel reviews.

How to play golf 13

2008-03-27T02:35:00.001-05:00

A Beginners Guide To The Golf Course

Do you want to learn to play golf? Great! In this article I intend to take you on a tour of a typical golf course and to give you a general overview on how the game of golf is played.

A round of golf is usually played on an 18 hole golf course. However, there are some golf courses that may only be 9 holes.

The players elect to play either 9 holes or 18 holes. If you are a beginner, I suggest you start playing 9 holes as it allows you to get the feel for the game within a respectable time frame.

The aim of golf is to hit a golf ball with a golf club and get the ball into a hole with the least number of shots (called "strokes"). The person that gets around the golf course in the least number of strokes wins.

Each hole has a "Par", this tells the player the average amount of strokes it should take them to get their ball into the hole.

Players hit off from the Teeing ground, most players call it the "Tee". The player will use a golf ball tee to raise their ball to the height of their liking and then they use a golf club to hit the ball. Their goal is to hit the ball as far up the Fairway as possible. The Fairway is usually mown grass, but may still be uneven.

Each Player then takes their turn to "Tee off". The players will then go find their golf balls. The player who hit their ball the shortest distance will then hit their ball up the fairway aiming to get it on the "green"

The golf green is an area of the course that is smooth and has very short neatly mown grass. However, the green will usually have a slope on it to make it harder! Somewhere on the green is a hole with a flag sticking out of it. This is your target.

Once the golf ball is on the green, the player will wait their turn and then putt the ball toward the hole aiming to get the ball in the hole. Putting means to hit the ball along the ground. The player with the ball the furthest from the hole will usually go first.

When the player is lining up their shot another player will usually hold the flag stick. This is so the player taking the shot can line it up with the flag. Once the player has hit the ball, the second player will remove the flag.

Once all players have managed to get their golf ball in the hole, they record their scores and move onto the next hole.

Sounds easy doesn't it, well there are a few other things you need to be aware of.

Around the course you will come across a number of obstacles that have been created by the course designers to make your game of golf a bit more challenging and memorable.

The first obstacle is called the "Sand Bunker". This is an area of the course that resembles a sand pit, but they are not as much fun. The Sand Bunker is usually in a sunken area of the course and can have high sides to make it harder for you to hit the ball out. If the player hits their ball in a sand bunker, they will need to hit their ball out of it.

The second obstacle is the "Water Hazard". A water hazard can be a small stream, a pond, or a lake. The water hazard brings the psychology of golf into play, and some player swear the water hazard has a magnetic pull that magically attracts their golf ball toward them.

If the ball lands in a water hazard, most players will recover their ball and drop it as close as possible on the bank. If the player elects to do this they add a penalty of 1 to their score.

The third obstacle are man made hazards, these can be immovable objects such as light posts or benches, or they can be movable items such as rakes, hoses or golf carts.

If a player comes across a man made hazard they can elect to move the hazard, but they are not allowed to move their golf ball. If the golf ball is moved then a penalty shot of 1 is added to the players score.

The fourth obstacle are natural hazards, these can be leaves, twigs, sticks, or stones. The player can move these natural hazards, but they are not allowed to move their golf ball. If the golf ball is moved a penalty shot of 1 is added to their score.

Every golf course has a clearly marked boundary. If the player hits their ball "out of bounds" they must take the shot again from its original location. A penalty shot of 1 is added to their score.

This article has given you a basic understanding of the golf course and how a game of golf is played. But, the only real way you will get to know the game is to play it, so get out there and enjoy it. Happy Golfing!

Who else wants to read Interesting Golf Articles for free?

Visit http://www.ArticleGolf.com and read over 797 Free Golf Articles

How to play golf 12

2008-03-26T01:54:00.000-05:00

Golf Ball Backspin and Nike Ignite Golf Balls

Want to get more golf ball backspin - at the right time and right place that is? Backspin is that special technique that makes a golf ball dance on the green and settle next to the cup, when done properly.

Of course, you don't want to spin a golf ball backward when you hit a drive on a long par five. You want overspin that will make the golf ball bounce forward an extra twenty to thirty yards after it lands.

In the right place, low scoring golfers apply back spin to their golf balls to place and hold their approach shots on the green next to the pin. Beginning golfers watch pro golfers use backspin to hit past the cup and then draw the ball back toward it. Another case is hitting sand shots from a bunker so that the ball checks up and stops quickly after landing. This allows you to "go for the cup" and get your ball close.

It is easier to get more backspin with short irons and wedges than when using long irons like a three or four iron. This has to do with the loft of the club and the height of the golf shot itself. Other factors include the conditions - is the green soft or firm, hilly or flat? It is easier to spin a golf ball when the golf ball lies on a tightly mowed fairway rather than hitting from the rough when tall grass between the clubface and the ball prevents putting spin on the golf ball.

Equipment makes a difference. Clean grooves on the face of a golf club can help add backspin; dirty or worn grooves won't. So what about the golf ball itself?

In general, a soft covered golf that produces a high spin can get more carry than other types of golf balls. It will stop quickly and have less roll than other golf balls. This is a big advantage when hitting into a green, giving you more feel and control with added spin.

With today's golf ball manufacturing technology, different materials and designs are available for better performance. For example, take the Nike Ignite Golf Balls. This three piece golf ball provides long distance, durability and excellent backspin for your short game. The golf ball cover is a composite of Surlyn and a shear-resistant polymer that is better for higher handicap golfers. The mantle and inner core of the golf ball give a softer feel on short shots and better distance for longer drives and fairway shots.

This is encouraging news for higher handicap golfers. Now, golf balls can help get good golf ball backspin by purchasing the right type of golf ball. Now, all you need to do is find a place to buy them at discount prices.

To learn more about buying economical, used golf balls, visit http://www.used-golf-balls.net

How to play golf 11

2008-03-25T02:20:00.000-05:00

Anti Slice Golf Drivers - Cheating Or Not?

For some golfers, slice is their arch enemy. No matter what they try, they cannot get rid of this part of their game, what is almost an itch that they cannot reach. Luckily, there are anti slice golf drivers which can help them immensely. Discover more about them in this article.

Maybe you've been playing golf for a few years, even had a few lessons. You're actually not pretty bad, it's just that your slice is holding you back and you can barely drive 150 yards.

Normally, the best advice is to keep at it, keep practising and eventually you can correct your golf swing so that the club face will impact squarely. But in recent times, anti slice clubs have been made available which will correct your swing for you.

Although some purists will call them ugly, ultimately they help you to correct your swing and make that square impact that you've been looking for. The drivers are particularly popular because you stand to gain the most with them compared to the irons.

Like I said, some purists will scoff at these clubs. They do have a point. For instance, if you're a slicer and you buy a couple of these anti slice clubs then you will swing longer and more straight. But the minute that you switch back to your other clubs then you will still have the same problem (unless you replace your entire golf bag of clubs).

Try telling that to those who have struggled for a long time and spent a lot of time and money on perfecting their swing. Along comes a club that truly does answer their golfing prayers.

Want to take it to the next level and slash that handicap of yours? Then for tips and advice, check out http://www.ecoursesforyou.com/golf

How to play golf 10

2008-03-22T03:12:00.000-05:00

Used Golf Balls - Five Reasons to Buy

Are used golf balls worth buying? After all, as soon as you tee up a new golf ball and hit it with your driver, it becomes used. Every golf ball becomes a used golf ball after the first shot. So when a neighborhood kid comes along and wants to sell you an egg carton full of pre-owned golf balls for your golf game, why should you buy.

Here are the top five reasons people to buy used golf balls:

1. If you are like most people, used golf balls offer you a good bargain. You can get name brand balls for less. For example, instead of paying $40 for a dozen Titleist, you can buy 12 high grade used Titleists for under $15.

2. Used golf balls give you the chance to play a second ball, to try a shot over, without playing an expensive ball.

3. Used golf balls give you peace of mind when you are playing a water hole. It's a lot easier on your wallet if you hit a bad shot and lose a ball in the water, than if you hit a brand new ball.

4. The same things goes for out-of-bound holes. If you tend to slice or hook your tee shot, playing a used golf ball saves you money instead of losing a new ball.

5. Used golf balls are excellent for practice rounds or even practicing in your back yard. Whiffle balls do only so much. If you are chipping or using a wedge, you get a better feeling when you use a real ball. And if you practice with used golf balls, you don't have to worry about scuffing them up in practice.

You can buy used golf balls online to get the best deal, selection and value for your money. Just make sure that you can tell that you are getting excellent quality from a reputable seller.

Make sure that you have enough high quality used golf balls for your needs. Visit http://www.used-golf-balls.net to find deals on high quality golf balls at discount prices.

How to play golf 09

2008-03-21T01:53:00.000-05:00

Every Golfer's Dream! - Learn How To Improve Your Golf Score Without Changing Your Swing

If you enjoy playing golf, it can be easy to improve your score without changing your swing. You do not have to know how to do everything right when you are playing golf. The one thing about golf is that if you have been playing for a while, and have taken a few lessons, your score will gradually begin to improve.

The best thing to do to improve your game and your score is to take lessons. Taking golf lessons with a golf pro can really help you with your game. All you need is a few hours. It is important to start out with lessons so that you can learn the basics and the proper technique quickly and easily. If you know the basics of golf and know how to play with the proper technique, all you need to do is practice. In addition, if you can master the basics of the game from the start, you will get much more enjoyment out of playing, which will improve your score.

You swing, is the basis of being able to play well at golf. If your swing is right, then you are close to mastering the fundamentals of golf. You do not need to change your swing; you just have to get it right. If you enjoy the game of golf, then you will want to practice and learn. Your enjoyment of the game will give you an urge to absorb everything that you are taught, like a sponge.

Here are some tips for improving your golf score.

1. Be early. Go the golf course as early as you can, before you have to start playing. You want to make sure that you do not feel rushed or pressured. Make sure that you have enough time to do other things before you want to start playing. Start warming up, and make sure that you are relaxed. Warm-up for about an hour or two before you start hitting your first tee. This will get you nice, relaxed and ready to play a good game.

2. Begin warming up at the putting green. Warming up on the greens will help you get used to the speed of the greens. This will help you start your day with a good tempo.

3. Spend about ten minutes of your time trying to hit the chips around the green using a tee as your goal. You want to test the firmness of the green. This will let you know how much the golf ball will roll. Golf balls usually move more on harder greens than soft. In all, this will help you form judgment on choosing the right greenside shots during your round.

These are just few things that you can do to help you improve your golf score without changing your swing. Just remember to learn the basics from a golf pro as early as you can. Doing this will help you master the basics and proper technique early on. If you can master the fundamentals of golf and the right technique, you will be able to enjoy the game of golf more.

In addition, you want to make sure that you warm up properly. You want to show up at the golf course early enough to get in a good warm up and test the greens. Testing the course greens during your warm up, will give you more confidence when it comes time to play your game. You will feel reassured and be able to focus more on your game if you know the course before you begin your game.

For more great info on golf visit http://www.masteringyourgolfswing.com a website offering tips, advice and resources on topics such as great golf putting tips, golf swing tips and even how to find good golf swing aids plus so much more.

How to play golf 08

2008-03-20T01:14:00.000-05:00

Learning The Etiquette Of Golf

You will hear the word "etiquette" used more often when used in relation to golf than any other sport. However, golf is not completely about your manners.

Golf Etiquette is to do with how a game is carried out:

1. Golf Safety
2. Pace of Play (Keeps the game enjoyable)
3. Quality of the course

The most common way to learn golf etiquette is found to be on the course with more experienced golfers; professionally or recreationally.

If you are totally new to golf or you really want to perfect your golf etiquette, here are some main points to keep in mind:

1. Play it Safe

" Only make a swing when you know your fellow golfers are out of harms way, i.e. they are positioned behind the ball, and not directly behind you, in case you lose grip on the club and it flies back over your head into a player. Also, position yourself at a safe distance when you are not the swinger

" Do not swing toward another golfer while practicing or playing competitively; there could be loose debris on the ground that could strike a person

" Only strike the ball when you are sure the group in front of you is clear from the ball's trajectory range

" Whenever you think a ball is headed toward another player or group, yell the word "Fore!" That should alert them and give them time to move out of the way

" Part of the etiquette is keeping your golf cart away from the grass whenever you can. Read the safety instructions on the cart before entering the vehicle and driving it, or even consult an attendant to be sure

" Do not throw or toss clubs in anger or for any other reason. As well as being infantile, it is usually extremely dangerous for you and other players standing nearby

2. Keep a steady Pace

" It is always a good idea to keep the game moving at a steady pace. Be prepared and ready to take your shot when it's your turn. This prevents the group from becoming bored and also is good etiquette to not keep the next group waiting

" In a tournament game, the "away player" hits first. In a friendly game, this rule is usually discarded and you all shoot when you are ready. Be sure to discuss as a group, which of these ways you are shooting

" Try to refrain from spending too much time looking for lost balls. However, there is a 5 minute allocated time for looking. If you do decide to use this time, wave on the next group if possible

" If you are golfing and a gap between you and the group ahead starts to widen, offer to wave on the next group if the would like to go ahead of you. Usually it is better for your group to keep up with the group ahead.

" When two players strike their shots and the balls land either side of the hole, drive the cart to the first ball, drop that player off and then move to the second ball. When they take the next shot, meet further down the hole.

" When you arrive at a shot, take a few clubs from the cart with you. If you take one and have to return to the cart for another, it can be a huge time-waster and usually annoys the other players in your group, or the next.

" When your group is finished putting, move off the green quickly.

3. Respect the Golf Course

" Read cart rules carefully. Sometimes you are asked to observe a "90 degree rule", other times the course area will state "cart path only". Try to follow the rules

" Stay away from greens and hazards when driving the cart

" Fix the any divots you take

" Fix all ball marks

" Rake sand bunkers as well as you can after a shot. This will erase your footprints and any damage to the area

" Do not take a divot on a practice swing.

4. Miscellaneous Etiquette rules on the Course

" Do not make noise while another player is about to shoot. This includes talking, humming or whistling or any other noise with your body

" Try to refrain from yelling out in anger or joy after you take a shot. If your group members don't mind, it may annoy other groups or a player in another group who is just about to swing. You wouldn't like to be distracted by shouting just as you hit the ball, would you?

" If the sun is shining, don't allow your shadow to be cast over another player's ball as they are putting or shooting

" Do not walk over a player's putting line. The weight of your body will change the terrain in front of the ball and cause it to change direction when hit. Walk behind the player's ball at all times.

Roger F. is an avid golf enthusiast and he has taught hundreds of beginner golfers how to play better golf. His tips and video lessons on learning how to play golf are cutting edge, you can see them at golfingvalley.com

How to play golf 07

2008-03-19T02:55:00.001-05:00

Putting - The Feel Factor

It has long been said that Putting is all about 'feel' but how do you explain what that is - and how do you get it? To answer that, and to achieve that magic 'feel' you have to be able to block out all distractions and get to know your putter so that it becomes an extension of your arms and shoulders. Like most things, there is a trick to it, and that trick can be learned.

Read this sentence and then try the exercise - Pick something to focus on in your mind, then close your eyes for a few moments and see how much easier it is to focus. The simple process of closing your eyes will remove well over half the distractions that we come across and that are continually impinging on our consciousness.

Imagine playing golf with your eyes firmly shut. It may sound crazy but this is an excellent way to hone your putting skills by getting the right 'feel'. To begin with you won't need the ball, just your putter. Standing on the practice green and move into your normal putting position. Visualize the ball on the green and line it up with the hole, just as if you were doing it for real. Swing your putter, exactly as you would if you were going to hit the ball. Close your eyes and repeat the stroke with your eyes closed. How does it feel? Make yourself aware of the pressure of your hands on the grip. How does it feel? Let your hands grip the club just firmly enough to stop it dropping out of your hands, sense the weight of the putter hanging in your hands. How does it feel? Store those sensations in your mind and keep practicing til you can recreate that feeling at will.

Move on and start to swing your putter gently, how does the club feel as it skims the grass on the green. Try and feel the pressure of the grass pulling gently on your putter. Continue to swing backwards and forwards in a smooth pendulum motion making small adjustments to eliminate the pull on your putter. More important still, you should be able to sense the delicacy of the grip you need on your putter. This is the most important part of the whole exercise. This allows you to swing your putter whilst maintaining the same delicate grip throughout the movement . You should never end up squeezing harder on the club at any point during your shot.

Practice this with your eyes closed and don't even attempt to put a ball down until you are really comfortable with the feel of your club in your hands. Then do it without your eyes closed until it is second nature. Only now should you place a ball on the ground and you should be able to concentrate more on the 'feel' of the club in your hands than the ball you are hitting.

This is also a useful exercise to do when buying a new putter. It caused vast hilarity amongst the staff where I was buying my last Putter as I stood there, eyes closed, swinging PUtter after Putter backwards and forwards until I found the one that felt just right. It took hours but at the end of it I had a putter I felt was right for me and which I trust implicity to get me round the course.

You can use this exercise in many ways - it is also excellent training for hitting the ball the right distance when you are on the green. As your familiarity with your club grows you will begin to have a better feel for what you can achieve with your putter and you should get some consistent results.

BQ Browning grew up in a Golfing family and has been involved with the game for many years. News views and information are willing shared with fellow addicts at Golf Techniques and Tournament Tips. You will find a treasure trove of golf information written with wit, humour and wisdom

How to play golf 06

2008-03-18T02:53:00.000-05:00

How to Grip a Golf Club

The first thing that is done when you pick up a gold club is to grip it. Learning to properly grip a golf club must be pretty important then, right? Yes, it sure is! The fundamentals of your swing are based around a proper grip. It is therefore very hard to correctly swing a club without a correct grip.

There is more than one "correct grip," and I am going to show you three of them. At first, changing your grip may feel uncomfortable, but that is completely normal. You will get used to your new grip eventually.

The Fundamentals:

The fundamentals to properly grip a golf club are the same for each type of grip. Now, when placing your hands on the club, first place your left hand on the club (for right handed golfers). Now, rest the club on the ground. Your thumb should be pointed towards the ground, and your fingers should be wrapped around the club. Notice that your thumb and index finger will make a 'V'. This 'V' should be pointing towards your chin. Next, place your right hand on the club below your left hand. The palm of your right hand should fit right on top of your left thumb. The 'V' that your right hand makes, should point to your right shoulder.

The Baseball Grip:

As its name implies, with the baseball grip, the golf club is gripped similar to how a baseball bat is gripped. The hands will lie next to each other on the golf club. The pinky of the right hand will lie next to the index finger of the left, but not overlap.

The Overlapping Grip

In the overlapping grip, instead of the hands lying side by side, the pinky on the right hand will rest on top of the space between the index and middle fingers of the left.

The Interlocking Grip

My personal favorite is the interlocking grip. In this variation, the pinky of the right hand, and the index finger of the left hand will interlock.

Make sure to grip the club with little pressure; just enough so that the club does not go flying out of your hands when you swing. No matter what grip you choose, if you are not currently gripping the club properly, than gripping correctly may feel uncomfortable at first. Get used to your new grip at the range. Then once you feel relatively comfortable with it, bring it to the course.

Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Beginner Golf Tips.

How to play golf 05

2008-03-15T01:41:00.000-05:00

Golf Driving Tips To Help You Hit The Ball Farther

Driving a golf ball well can be a great challenge. The driver is the hardest club in the bag to hit and requires a lot of skill to master. The first key to driving the golf ball well is to swing well within yourself. Many players when they are trying to drive a golf ball far try to use their muscle power thinking that using more muscle will mean more distance.

This is a common misconception, remember that there are many players out there that have very thin builds and they hit the ball very far. How is this possible? These golfers have learned that distance is a function of an accurate golf swing combined with club head speed. Swinging easy or within your limits will give you a better chance of making a more accurate golf swing.

The key to greater club head speed is to create more lag or leverage. Lag is defined as the angle that is created between the club and your left hand. You want this angle to be small and you need to hold this angle for as long as possible before impact. This will allow maximum energy to be released through the hitting zone and will translate to greater distance.

One simple way to create more lag is to think of the club as a whip and use a whipping motion through the hitting zone. Also starting the downswing with a weight shift toward the target before bringing down the club can also help to produce greater leverage. It is important to stay fully under control when executing your golf swing. One way to check if you are under control is whether or not you are balanced at the end of the swing.

If you see that you are losing balance then you may need to slow things down a little and not try as hard. Relax and let the club do most of the work. Another important thing to keep in mind is that the driver you are using should fit your swing type. If you have a slower swing speed then you should use a driver with a regular flex. However if your swing speed is higher then you will want a driver with a stiff flex.

Also make sure your driver is not too long, usually 42 to 45 inches is the ideal length for most people. Another good tip to help you hit the golf ball far is to think of your left shoulder driving straight up towards the sky when the downswing starts. This will help to get the club on the right plane for the downswing and will also help to create more lag.

It is important to be effective with your wedges and short irons first before you try to master the driver. Remember that the driver swing is simply an extension of the smaller swings so if you are having problems hitting a wedge then you will almost certainly struggle with the driver. Many of the best players learned how to hit short clubs first before trying to master the longer ones so follow their lead.

To consistently hit the driver far and straight will require consistent practice on your part. There are now many home golf simulators for under $200 that you can purchase. Just make sure you have some free space to swing your clubs freely. These simulators can allow you to practice regularly right at home and can be effective. Of course try to go to the range and the course as much as you can too. There are no shortcuts to becoming a better golfer so put in the time and effort necessary to learn how to drive a golf ball far and straight.

Shakil is an online researcher, avid golfer and regular contributor to a site on golf tips. Be sure to also visit the section on putting tips to help reduce your handicap.

How to play golf 04

2008-03-14T02:24:00.000-05:00

Free Golf Tips - Proper Grip

How do you grip the golf club when you hit the golf ball? Is your grip the proper grip or not? You do not need to purchase a book to figure out whether you have the proper grip or not. There are plenty of free golf tips about the proper grip out there and here are a few more. Read on for proper grip help.

The proper grip is not the interlock, the overlap, or the unconnected baseball, 10 finger grip. The proper grip can be any of these is it is applies properly.

The first thing to know about the proper grip is that your top hand should grip the club mostly across the bottom of the fingers and not in the fingers at all. The "v" between the index finger and the thumb should point directly back at the golfer with the thumb pointing down towards the head of the club.

The second thing to know about the proper grip is that your bottom hand should grip the club mostly in the fingers between the first and second knuckles. The index finger should wrap around the club like a hook and meet with the thumb. The "V" between the thumb and index finger should point in the same direction as the top hand "v" does as well.

The last thing to know about the proper grip is that you cannot grip the club to firmly or too loosely. A stronger, more firm grip will work better for you than a loose grip, but you really need to find a comfortable and controlled grip somewhere between a firm and loose grip that will work best for you.

There is not such thing as a proper grip that is universal. Every golfer has their own twist on the grips that are out there. You can find all types of grips out there with free golf tips because there are plenty of advice givers, but the advice to listen to is what is really comfortable with you and what works for you.

Now you just need to go to the range, start practicing and find a strong grip that works for you.

Discover "The New Four Magic Moves to Winning Golf" and Drop your handicap by 7-12 strokes per round. Go here: http://www.FREE-OFFER-SITES.info/golfsqueeze.htm to start fixing your golf game.

How to play golf 03

2008-03-13T03:16:00.000-05:00

Tips on How to Improve Your Golf Swing

A golfer's swing is one of his or her most important skills. Getting on the green or close to the green on your first drive can be the difference between making par and not. So, keep reading for some little, but critical, tips that you can use to improve your swing today.

1. It's not all about the arms.

A good golf swing isn't really about the strength in your arms at all. Rather, it's about using your entire body to bring a directed, focused and powerful swing down that's centered and controlled.

You want to twist your entire body with your golf swing, but keep your leading arm straight and your legs facing the ball. The backswing should come all the way up and behind your back before you bring it back around.

2. Remember to cock your wrists.

Remembering to cock your wrists can be the difference between a good and great swing. Ideally, you want your right arm or leading arm - at the top of the swing - to be in a position that looks like you're holding a waiter's tray.

Practice this frequently to get yourself comfortable with the move and to strengthen your wrists.

3. Watch your feet.

One of the amateur golfer's most common errors is to spin or step out of their stance. You need to keep your lower body controlled and focused to get a centered swing.

Keep your front foot firmly planted throughout your swing, right through to completion. You can pivot your back foot on the ball or toes to give yourself more twist, but never twist the front foot.

4. Keep your eye on the ball.

A good trick to keep your lower body facing the right direction is to use your belt buckle as a target gauge. When you start your swing, make sure your belt buckle is facing the ball.

By the end of the follow-through, your belt buckle should be facing exactly where you want your ball to land, but remember to keep those feet planted. This whole body approach insures greater control and also creates a more powerful swing.

5. Practice and reflect.

Usually, the best way to improve your golf swing is through practice. Try focusing on your form first, before you begin to work on power or speed. If you have access to the resources, try taping yourself at the driving range or even in your backyard. Watch the tape and look for areas or points in your swing where you can improve.

For both practical and exciting golf course and general golfing improvement aids information, please visit http://www.golf-the-course.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning all kinds of relevant interests for the golf enthusiast.

How to play golf 02

2008-03-12T00:14:00.001-05:00

Useful Golf Tips for Improved Putting

Golfers often spend a lot of time learning how to make the ultimate golf drive. Watching the ball flying through the air and bouncing perfectly onto the green is a beautiful sight, only short of the ball dropping directly into the cup. Working on these shots is important to the game, but the truth is that poor putting skills can adversely impact the end result of the game.

It can take quite a bit of time to learn to put accurately each time, but it will be worth it once you are on the course. Consistently reaching the green will do you little good unless you can drop the ball into the cup once you are there. Here are a few tips from professionals regarding successful putting on the golf green:

Many golfers struggle with the "yips" of a putt which is, basically, that moment of hesitation resulting in a less-than-smooth putt. The smoother the stroke, the more control you will have over the ball.

Pay attention to accuracy when practicing your putt. If you are struggling with controlling the line of travel, do not hesitate to give yourself some help until you are more confident in that aspect of the game. Making a mark on your club to indicate the center of the putter can be quite helpful and may help you make a much stronger, solid swing. Using chalk to make the mark is a good choice since you can easily wipe it off after practicing on the golf green before heading out to the main course.

Also try forming a mental picture of the "line" or pathway down which the ball should travel. Or, you can take this one step further and actual place a long piece of strong on the ground from the ball to the cup. Although it is a simple tip, being able to watch the point at which your ball gets off path is a great way to figure out what you need to do to correct it.

Spin on a putt is one of the more difficult things to control in golf, and too much spin on a putt can create problems. The short distance of the putt is really about control. Likewise, how you swing for the longer putts is also important since you have less control over your ball the higher it travels. Avoid unnecessary loft by resisting the urge to put too much power into the swing.

Overshooting is, actually, a problem in sports beyond golf Resisting the temptation to overshoot your target can be a challenge in football, baseball, basketball and even pool. When it comes to the putting green, it is important to veer away from overshooting. Otherwise, you will find how frustrating it can be to walk past the cup to reach your ball which is now farther from the cup the last time you shot only because your swing had a little too much power behind it.

Before making the putt, stop and take control before you make the swing. Control is equally important as your aim when on the putting green.

Leroy Calstard's reports can be encountered on various online sites tied to information on benidorm golf courses and golf in benidorm. From his detailed writings, the columnist expressed his deep knowledge on information related to golf holiday in costa blanca and benidorm golf courses.

How to play golf 01

2008-03-10T03:24:00.000-05:00

Play Better Golf With Custom Fitted Clubs

All golfers are not built equal! All golf clubs are not built equal! It is important that every club in your bag is right for you.

If you want to play better golf you will need a matched set of custom fitted golf clubs.

Custom Fitting

Do you occasionally hit wayward shots even though you think that you struck it perfectly? Those unexplained results are almost definitely that the clubs you are using are not correctly fitted for you. It could be anything from grip size; to shaft flex; to lie angle; length of club; or a combination of factors.

It is estimated that 70% of the golf clubs in use are not suitable for the player using them!

Over the years our physical characteristics and playing ability changes - age, strength, height, weight, stature, flexibility, and skill level all affect our performance. Over a lifetime of golf (from 8 to 80) you will probably need to change your clubs at least 7 times!

Custom Fitting provides you with a set of clubs to match your own unique swing, enabling you to play to your potential. Custom Fitted clubs can improve your distance, accuracy and consistency, and result in a reduction of up to 25% in your handicap.

Matched Clubs

Is there particular club in your bag that you just don't get on with? Then it is likely that this club is not matched with the other clubs in the set. It is important that all the clubs in your bag are matched. Every club should feel the same to swing as any other club in your bag.

It is not uncommon for the woods, particularly the driver, to be from a different manufacturer tan the irons. Wedges are also often different makes. It is important when you purchase you clubs to make sure it will match the rest of your set.

The Perfect Golf Set

To play to your true potential, have your clubs checked to make sure that they are fitted correctly to your unique swing and every club in set is matched for playability. Once the clubs all feel the same and work with your unique swing you will play much more consistently.

MARK PEARSON plays and coaches golf professionally in the UK. With over 25 years golfing experience, Mark teaches a combination of good technique and proper course management techniques to enable golfers to get the most from their games. Mark is the author of "How to Master Putting and Putt like a Pro" and offers a FREE 7 Day E-Course on "Course Management Keys". More information is available at http://www.masterputting.com

How to Hit a Golf Ball With a Driver

2007-09-28T22:33:00.000-05:00

I see many people stand on the tee with their nice new 460cc Driver that they have just purchased from the Pro Shop because they saw it in a magazine. By the third tee it might as well have stayed in the shop because people struggle to hit the lower percentage drivers as well as the higher ones. Here are a few tips on how to hit a golf ball with a driver:

1. When preparing the tee have it sit higher than normal. It used to be that you set the ball to be in the middle of the club face, now however with the larger drivers it is better if the ball is around three quarters the height of the club. So imagine the top of the ball sitting just above the top of the club (not completely over the top around one third). You will probably find that the normal sized tee will not be sufficient for this task and you will benefit from a tee that is around ten centimeters.

2. Align the writing on the ball with the location you want the ball to end up. One of the major problems with higher handicap players is when they line up their longer shots they are pointing in the wrong direction. Most modern golf balls have writing down the side telling you how the distance is max or high velocity (unless you are Tiger Woods then it says "Tiger" and that is a man that really knows how to hit a golf ball) Line this writing up to the point you want to aim. That way when you align your club face with the ball you will be able to see that you have an perfect -| to look down. Follow that line down the fairway make sure its going where you want it to go and pull the trigger.

3. Change the ball position in your stance. The idea of hitting the ball on the upswing means that the ball needs to be further forward in your stance. With older driver designs it was that you lined up the ball with your front heel. However now it is closer to the front big toe and in some cases the little toe. It is personal preference though and the only way to test this is on the range. Test moving the ball further up in your stance. Remember to walk away after each shot other wise you will end up not thinking about how you were set up and analyze the results. Once you find a good alignment practice it.

4. Hit the ball as you enter your upswing. With every other club in the bag you hit the ball at the bottom of your swing due to the abrupt angle of the new drivers to avoid driving the ball into the fairway a few short meters in front of you make sure that you are hitting the ball as you push through the swing. In step three we looked at changing the ball alignment so it is further forward in your stance thus meaning you should not adjust your swing as we are now looking to hit the ball after we have come through the apex of the swing.

From these steps you will notice that you are hitting the ball farther than you were with your last driver. The reason is due to a low spin rate on the ball and a higher launch angle. This is just one of the how to hit a golf ball methods that I use.

How to hit a golf ball tips and lessons from a 75 year old man.

How to Swing a Golf Club

2007-09-28T22:32:00.000-05:00

As an intermediate golfer i am concerned all the time about inconsistency, slicing and distance. However, I also know that Golf is one of the most difficult game to master and most golfers like me often don't have the time to put into it nor the time to practice to significantly improve it. Some key elements to play Golf well are good hand-eye coordination, good balance, knowledge of Golf swing bio-mechanics, some athletic abilities and little creativity. However, understanding the Golf swing, or how to swing a Golf club, is one of the most important key elements and the first step you can take towards improvement.

Many years I have just hacked around the Golf course and not really played. Not to mention enjoyed a decent swing. I used to be a bogey golfer, shooting in the upper range of 80 and sometimes struggling not to cross the 100 when things went wrong. I had the most expensive clubs, the whitest shoes and the most technically-advanced Golf balls but I will never be a great golfer if I will learn how to swing a Golf club. It is crucial to remember that the Golf swing is what drives your score, not your clubs or ball.

So, one day I came across this book, "The Simple Golf Swing", which changed my life, literally. Although many golfers are skeptic about Golf books and tips from Golf magazines, let me tell you, anything that might help me to focus on how to swing a Golf club right is worth my money. This book worth it big time! When I first tried the book's swing in hitting a real Golf ball at the course I was overwhelmed with joy! I took a few swings to get myself hitting just right, but I was almost doubling my distance! Applying the methods of this book, my scores, consistency and confidence increased immediately! And virtually with no practice I proceeded to make 14 pars yesterday and 4 bogeys on my way to, for me, a stellar 76...even with one penalty stroke! finally golfing is what I have dreamed and wished for. I can proudly announce that I know how to swing a Golf club.

Learning how to swing a Golf club wont happen overnight so try not to get too frustrated. It can take months and even years of practice, dedication and observation to become comfortable with making a perfect drive every time. There is a noticeable difference between a good golfer and a great one and that difference is usually lies in the swing. Practice this book to have a perfect swing as a second nature and see just how quickly your game will improve.

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Precision Golf

2007-09-28T22:31:00.000-05:00

Your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don't follow it.

Golf is a game of precision and so should our mental approach be precise. Doubt, fear, lack of concentration, or being angry over your last missed putt are all factors that affect your scores. You must deal with cause and effect. Is it your putting stance that causes you to miss a two foot putt? Doubtful! Is it the fact you fear missing it, or doubt yourself in front of your peers? Of course it is. Most six or seven year olds can make a two foot putt. Understanding the fact that mental lapses exist and that they are the cause of errors in our games is a great step in creating a foundation for improvement. With improvement comes more satisfaction, with more satisfaction comes more fun.

Doubting yourself, huh? Well, unless you have played golf every day for a living and hit three hundred balls a day, of course you are going to doubt yourself. Let’s talk about it for a minute. There are numerous reasons why doubt creeps into one’s mind, affecting your golf game. One of them is not trusting our ability to carry out a certain action. We’re not talking about hitting our drives as far as Tiger here. Not making a four foot putt is more like it. Doubt can be caused by past experiences. Our competence is questioned, therefore our ability to carry out simple actions is hindered. When faced with a tap in, there is no doubt. A four footer, on the other hand, increases our anxiety level. When you get anxious, the result is a tightening of not only the body, but also our minds. You can’t feel the clubhead, so your awareness of what it is doing decreases dramatically.

Anxiousness is caused by doubt. Not trusting yourself to play your best golf is the reason that you are not playing your best golf. If you are vulnerable, you are weak. Let’s take that four foot putt. You know that you can miss it. You lack faith and you tighten up. You’re conscious mind is screaming at you, ” YOU CAN MISS THIS STUPID!” You half stab at it, miss, and your beliefs are confirmed. So my friends, the viscious cycle begins. Each succeeding stroke becomes harder, and your capability to perform wanes. The conscous mind reminds you that you can miss a shot, producing fear and doubt. When doubt is at the forefront of our thoughts, the mind starts telling the body how to do things and you keep trying harder. Golf is the perfect game for ‘trying too hard’…

In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness Dr. Daniel Amen talks about “ANTs” - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like “Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me,” or “The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!” When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

Clint Hitchcock (The Simple.Golf.igist) Deer Park, TX Have you ever asked yourself how you can take your golf game to the next level? visit http://www.simplegolfogy.com

Golf Swing Tips - Improve Your Golf Swing

2007-09-28T22:30:00.000-05:00

If you're frustrated at not being able to drive the ball down the field at golf or wish to improve your strokes these golf swing tips should help you.

Golf is a popular and social sport which is played everywhere in the world. It is very popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. Many people aim to improve on their golf swing to lower their handicap so we've put together some golf swing tips to help you achieve that goal.

There are many golf swing tips on the internet but most of them neglect the two most important factors of perfect golfing. These two factors are posture and grip.

Your posture and grip can affect how high you hit the ball and also how high. A bad posture can lower performance and also be bad for your health because you will be more susceptible to injuries.

There are two grips that professional golfers use. These are the overlapped grip where the hands are overlapping each other and the interlocking where the fingers on your lower hand interlocks with your upper hand. You should use practice with both and then use the one that you are most comfortable with.

Before hitting the golf ball, you should take a few practice swings to get a feel of the swing and also correct your posture. Your back should be at an angle but straight and your chin should be behind the ball. Do not slouch as this will affect your range.

Find out more about Golf Swing Tips and discover how to lower your handicap and become a better golfer at http://golfswingtips.weebly.com/

Super Golf Swing Secrets

2007-09-28T22:28:00.000-05:00

To play golf you need good hand-eye coordination, balance, and knowledge of golf swing biomechanics, athletic ability and a good amount of creativity. The average golfer's gross score is about 107 shots. And no matter what area of your game needs improving, whether it's balance and alignment or power and speed, there's a simple solution.

You want to play your game of golf with confidence. Know that you're improving your swing each time that you play. It's good to approach the game with a positive attitude and repeat predetermined affirmations like, 'I play great golf all the time.' Now if you've hit with your golf driver perfectly just one time, then you can do it every time you play. The subconscious mind knows the correct number and sequence of muscle contractions and nerve impulses that are needed, which is called muscle memory and is used in all sports. Be aware that the mental aspect of the game contributes to the difficulty of your golf swing.

When you swing your club, you should use the muscles in your legs and trunk. And sidespin will occur when the clubface is not properly aligned perpendicularly to the plane of the swing. If you have problems with your left knee buckling when you swing, try imagining holding a soccer ball between your knees.

Make sure to try to use the proper golf swing technique, never a shortcut. Ask your golf pro to take a minute to evaluate your posture and biomechanics while you're swinging. And use the basic 'hitchhiker' position when you're working on your backswing.

As the body matures, the ability to rotate the upper torso can be affected and the hand action can also slow down thus requiring a slightly stronger grip than one would use if they were younger. After you've hit the ball, you should follow through with a continued rotation to the left. And make sure to swing slowly and steadily using good rhythm and good biomechanics.

At the end of your swing, the weight should be shifted almost entirely to the left foot, the body fully turned to the left and the hands above the left shoulder with the club hanging down over the back. Putting can become a recurring nightmare and a condition called the 'yips' has affected not only amateurs but many golf professionals so you should get expert advice and consider a golf swing trainer if this happens to you.

By using just a few simple tips, techniques and stretches, you can increase the distance of your drives by up to 20 yards - almost overnight. One good exercise is to hold a medicine ball in front of you and turn back and forth, left and right as far as you can go. It must be rotational if you want to improve on your driving distance. And because the proper golf swing is mostly rotational it really makes sense to concentrate on your turning ability as it relates to both range of motion and speed. You never want to underestimate the sheer value of fitness when it comes to your golf swing and your overall golf game.

Regarding golf swing aids and golf swing trainers - golf magazines often cover reviews by golfers, making it much easier to choose the right one for you. Before buying any aid or trainer for your swing however, check with an expert to get an idea of what problem you need to work on first, for example, the backlift of your golf swing or the momentum of the downward thrust or stance. Keep in mind that with some of the golf swing trainers, you may still need help from a pro.

And if you're looking for an aid to improve your stance they're fairly easy to find. If you're a golfing novice just starting out, it's easy to become overwhelmed with all there is to learn.

There are a wide range of golf swing aids and analyzers on the market today to help the both the beginner and advanced golfer improve swing techniques. Most of all you don't want to waste your money on an aid or trainer you don't need or will never use so make sure to look for reviews and ratings online or offline for any golf swing trainer that you're considering.

It's most important to try to relax and try to really enjoy your game. Consider a golf vacation package as a good way to get in more practice. And if you can't take your golf clubs and golf accessories with you when you go, you should be able to easily rent golf clubs, golf accessories, golf bags, golf carts or golf cart covers at any golf resort.

So when you play a round of golf, concentrate on your putting, improving your golf swing or something specific for that day; have a firm plan in mind. It makes sense to invest in a few of the newest golf videos or DVDs, golf books, golf software and golf ebooks; older golf books may be outdated - there are hundreds of free and simple golf tips to seek out in consumer and sports magazines also, in books, ebooks, software and DVDs both, online and offline.

For more information on super golf swing improvement, golf swing trainers and perfect golf swing fitness go to http://www.Best-Golf-Guide.com specializing in golf tips, techniques, help, advice, resources and instruction including information on free golf swing tips

How to be a Better Golfer

2007-09-28T22:27:00.000-05:00

Many of us would love to know how to play better golf, there are two basic things to know. Play often and stay in shape, fitness to day is a vary important part of the game if you watch golf On TV today almost all the pro’s have a fitness trainer.

I know what your thinking (ya no kidding) but its true is it not? How many times do you golf ? how many times do you have to do anything to get really good at it? If you can’t get out on the course then go to the range and swing and swing. Ok the swing.. Your golf swing is not a natural movement, but a twisting rotational movement that your muscles are not naturally designed to do. In order to get comfortable with your golf swing your mussels will have to get used the this movement have you heard of muscle memory? Most people can’t even get past the part of getting your body used to the swinging the club there for they can’t even begin to improve there swing.

The major muscle groups used in swinging a golf club are huge, back, legs, neck, butt and shoulders. The key is developing flexibility and strength in those muscle groups and I can not stress flexibility enough. If you can stretch and keep your muscles flexible at the same rate that you develop strength you will have the power and the smoothness you need for a great golf swing

Do not use conventional strength training

Normal weight training does not work well for golfing because of the unique way your muscles are used during a golf swing, a normal swing with some resistance can do the trick or a weighted club can help as well.

Another good way is to sit on a chair, with a straight back and head up, holding a weighted medicine ball, and then swing your arms from side to side as far as you can, you will develop strength and flexibility in your back and shoulder muscles.

The goal is to increase strength and flexibility so you can swing effortlessly with felling any pain or discomfort and then you can concentrate on your swing with out you body telling you that your golf swing is not a natural movement

Practice - Practice - Practice

This is simple but it sometimes is the hardest thing to do if you cant get out on the coarse go to the driving rang for a 1/2 hour if you can’t get the driving range hit ball’s into a net in the back yard if you can’t do that just swing the club in the back yard. Once you get over the hump of your body telling you that you golf swing is not a natural movement. And you develop some flexibility you will be amazed at how fast you game will improve.

There are two other often overlooked ways of improving your golf game: Only a small fraction of golfers ever take lessons, and that’s a shame, because a trained golf teacher can quickly spot flaws in your swing that you are totally unaware of.

Come to Grips with your Grips

One of the most important part of your golf swing is your grip and you will have spent many hours over your golfing life trying to get it right but perhaps the most overlooked aspect of equipment in your golf bag is the golf club grip itself.

If you do not feel comfortable with you club in you hand it may be your grip’s try different kinds of grip. You will truly be amazed at how a different grip can increase your comfort level. If you think about it your club's grip is your only connection to the golf club but most golfers don't generally give the club grip a second thought.

David VandenBrink writes on golfing and related subjects at Better Golfers. You can visit at better golfers
http://bettergolfers.blogspot.com/

Golf Handicap

2007-09-28T22:25:00.000-05:00

Innovation and Invention -

Sometime in the early 20th century, The USGA invented the handicap system for golfers. It has been called "The Great Equalizer" because it made it possible for golfers with all different skill levels to play against each other in the great spirit of competition. If the average score of one player is 96 and they wish to compete with a player whose average is 74, the handicap system now makes this possible. Golfers from all skill levels now enjoy the game of golf as if they were evenly matched and it makes for a great game every time!

In a Nutshell -

The handicapping system works by giving the weaker player a certain number of "strokes" on certain holes. The weaker player can deduct a stroke on that particular hole and, after they are done with all the holes, they count up their scores and figure a "net score". The actual number of shots minus the handicap makes up the net score and this determines who wins the competition.

Slope Rating -

In the early 1980's, The USGA handicap system went through a major refurbishment. The idea of "slope rating" became popular and it became important to consider the difficulty of each course before figuring out your handicap. Slope rating determines the difficulty of a golf course by determining what golfers are typically able to score on that course.

The Best of Golfers and The Worst of Golfers -

The rating takes into consideration both the "best" golfers and the "worst" golfers whose average scores are compared and used to determine the "slope rating" of the course. The formula is actually quite complicated but, after five rounds of golf, you can turn in your scores to an authorized club and get your own personal handicap. Just ask the golf pro at the course to tell you what to do. Eventually, you will be asked to turn in your 10 best scores out of your 20 most recent scores. Then you will get your adjusted handicap.

Don't cheat!

Make sure and include every score in the calculation of your handicap! This will give you the most realistic impression of your game and make it more competitive for you when you compete with other golfers. Once you have your course handicap, you'll be ready to play on an even field with any golfer in the world! "The Great Equalizer" has made golf enthusiasts all over the world who now enjoy the game together and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Aidan Sugrue is a Golf Enthusiast and creator of Hot Golf Secrets the Internet's hottest resource for free golf tips. If you'ld like to turbo-charge your game then go to Hot Golf Secrets now and Claim Your free online golf tips and start having more fun on the fairway today! You can also visit Golf Tips Blog for more fun stuff.

How To Develop A Better Golf Swing

2007-09-28T22:23:00.000-05:00

Developing the perfect golf swing is a science that is put down to pure physics. In a nutshell what you want to happen is for the club to swing back on the swing plain, this mean going back in a straight direction in line with you target. From here you want to continue swinging back until your wrists cock, where the club should be parallel with the ground. This is the end of the back swing. From here you want to lead your down swing with the hips and make sure that your club and club face follow through on the swing plain, swinging off the swing plain with clause you to hit a draw or fade. Lastly as you follow through you must keep your head down and continue the momentum of your swing going until your swing has fully finished. Ok so how do we put this all together.

Firstly before we look at the back swing lets look at how you are going to address the ball before you swing. Normally what you want to hit your lowest clubs, your wedges off the middle of your stance and as you move up your clubs slightly move the ball forward in your stance. This should be done until you will have the ball been hit off somewhere between the inside of your front foot and your toe for your driver. The reason you want to this is because your low iron have such a high loft and since they have such a high loft you want to hit them striking downwards so that you don’t catch the ball thin and hit the ball with the right trajectory. Obviously as you move up the clubs the lofts get lower so you want to hit the ball more on the up.

Ok so once we have got a hold of this we can than start to swing the club. So as I said before when performing the backswing we want to make sure that the club stays on the swing plain and that you cock your wrist once your club reaches parallel with the ground. To make sure that the club stays on the swing plain, insure that when you swing back you swing straight back and that you do not over rotate your hips, over rotating your hips will cause you to draw the club around your body and when you end up swinging through the ball you will hit a draw.

So next we want to unwind and perform the downswing, this is where all the build up of power from the backswing is released so that we can accelerate the club through the ball and generate the power to hit the ball. One of the most important things about performing the downswing is that you lead it with your hips, you do not want to try and generate the power to hit the ball with your arms, your arms a merely a tool for grasping the club. All the power that you generate to hit the ball should come from you hips. This is imperative for insuring a good golf swing. Along with this it is also important to keep your club swinging along the clubs swing plain and inline with your target. This will insure that you hit the ball straight and not hit a draw or fade.

Lastly we want to perform the golf swings follow through. Basically in the follow through what you want to continue to insure is that your club remains on the swing plain, your head stays down through the ball and that you fully let the power of your golf swing unwind. You do not want to interrupt your swing half way through your follow through; doing this will affect your downswing and may result in you not hitting the ball cleanly. To sum up these are a few tips that should be able to put you on the right track to developing a good golf swing and in the more wider sense developing a better golf game. I hope this help and happy golfing.

To find out more information about how you can develop a better golf game visit our expert golf swing website.

Golf on the Algarve

2007-09-28T22:21:00.000-05:00

GETTING THERE
Monarch has flights to Faro International from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. Check the website for last minute deals. Golf bags must be pre-booked and paid for. Extra leg room and seat selection is available on some flights.

WHERE TO PLAY
Perched on a rugged, orange cliff, the par-3 16th on the Royal Course is one of the most photographed holes in the world. Although the Ocean Course lives in its sister's shadow somewhat, the sea views and the rollercoaster fairways make this course a beauty.

Two minutes drive down the road lies Quinta do Lago in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There are two courses – the North and South, each of which features water. The latter is the tougher of the two and has hosted eight Portuguese Opens.

If you walk to the edge of the resort you'll reach the salt marshes which are home to a host of birds and other wildlife. It's in this particularly beautiful spot that the fairways of another great course, San Lorenzo, twist and turn, using the spectacular views of the sea and the marsh water to great effect.

Ten minutes to the west lies Vila Sol, one of the best courses in Europe. Every hole offers a new delight, although clipping the pines with a well-struck shot can be frustrating. Also unmissable at Vilamoura is the Frank Pennink-designed Old Course – an umbrella-pined oasis in the metropolis. The par 3s are particularly good and although the greens are tricky, with the right club selection you could see some birdies flying your way.

WHERE TO STAY
Stay in any of the Vale do Lobo properties and you'll be given a card which entitles you to savings on things such as restaurants and green fees.

Club Med Da Balaia is perfect for families containing only one golfer as there's a golf desk where you can book tee times and hook up with other players. Transfers to courses are included and tournaments arranged. Golfing couples can deposit babies aged over four months in the crèche.

Vila Sol is the Algarve's only “Leading Hotel of the World”. A wonder of chrome, glass and wood with a good handful of art thrown in, the hotel has a contemporary feel.

OFF COURSE
Vilamoura is a modern, purpose-built resort offering high-rise hotels and apartments. There's a wide beach but it's not nearly as pretty as the dunes and cliffs of Vale do Lobo. However, the casino and bar-packed marina make this a lively centre and great for people watching. There is a large shopping mall outside the region's capital of Faro but the historic town centre contains some good shops too. There are golf equipment stores everywhere.

Loulé is one of the most historic cities in Portugal and has Roman ruins and a castle. Cool off on a hot day on the water slides at Aqualand in central Algarve. Armação de Pêra is a fishing village with one of the biggest beaches on the Algarve. Tavira is one of the most attractive market towns in the region with cobbled streets and fine churches.

East of Tennis Valley in Vale do Lobo, with views over the dunes, lies The Shack. Prices are good and the food – which varies from four-inch thick homemade burgers to prawns in garlic – is outstanding. Gigi's on the beach in Quinta do Lago has a daily fish menu.

www.golf-monthly.co.uk
Golf Monthly is the UK's best-read golf magazine. It features star interveriews, up-to-the-minute equipment reviews, instruction and travel features as well as news from the tours. The online site features daily news and has a dedicated golf forum. Users can also view video reviews of the latest equipment.

Which Golf Ball to Use?

2007-09-28T22:20:00.000-05:00

Golf balls are designed to create distance, feel and spin and are divided into two main categories: distance, and performance balls. They are made with dimples or indentations on the surface of the ball that help create lift and fight drag, keeping the ball airborne for longer. Golf Balls are hand inspected one at a time under florescent lights, each ball is checked individually to insure they are as mark, scratch, and wear free as humanly possible and are packaged in 4 sleeves each containing 3 balls.

The Ball

Today's golf balls have progressed into having cores of titanium compounds, hybrid materials, softer shells and a more pressurized core. Mint, AAA, AAAA, 4A, 5 Star and Like New are just a few of the names associated with the highest quality experienced golf balls on the market. Golf balls also come in different colors, which helps with finding the ball when lost or in distinguishing your ball from other players' balls. Recreational balls, which are considerably cheaper, are oriented toward the ordinary golfer, who generally have low swing speeds (80 miles per hour or lower) and lose golf balls on the course easily. Mint condition golf balls have a consistent color, glossy shine, and perform as they would out of the box. Used Golf Balls mint quality recycled golf balls are the best available and are the choice for many golfers regardless of skill level. A lot of golfers wash there golf balls manually but as you might expect there are also mechanical ball washers available.

The Brand

As an aspiring golfer you will notice that purchasing "new" brand name balls can be quite expensive especially when you will lose many of them to the water hazards and deep rough surrounding every golf course. X-Outs are name-brand golf balls on which that brand has been stamped out, usually with a row of X's, because of imperfections in the ball. Value Category Balls"Value" golf balls are those name brand balls that are marketed at the lower price points, usually sub-$20 per dozen. For absolute beginners who don't want used, refurbished or x-outs, but want brand new, name-brand balls, value balls are the ones to choose. From the Titleist PRO V 1 and NXT Tour to the Callaway HX Red and Nike Tour, Used Golf Balls has a wide range of name brand golf balls from which to choose. Any major sports superstore like Sports Authority or their online store will carry new brand name golf balls. If you have a solid business presence already, corporate logo golf balls are the ideal choice of advertising and promotion. Also. Custom imprinted and logo golf balls are perfect as gifts, souvenirs and keep sakes, incentives, promotions, fund raisers, or any other special event, function or occasion.

In summary, Golf balls are some of the most researched and advanced pieces of sporting equipment today. Like golf clubs, golf balls are subject to testing and approval by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the United States Golf Association, and those that do not conform with the regulations may not be used in competitions (Rule 5-1). As you may have guessed, the best golf balls are a personal opinion.

To learn more Golf Balls and other aspects of Golf please visit: Golfing guides
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How To Fix A Golf Slice - 3 Best Techniques

2007-09-28T22:18:00.000-05:00

Countless golfers spend years in frustration trying to overcome golf slice and consequently cut several strokes from their scorecards. However, if they only take the time and effort learning how to fix a golf slice, they will be able to solve the problem and greatly improve their game play. In order to become a better golfer, you must learn how to fix a golf slice. Here are some tips and techniques you can try to cure your slicing problem.

1. Get a Good Grip

If you know how to grip the golf club correctly, you can fix golf slice quickly and easily. The right grip is to hold the club with your left hand and thumb aligned with the shaft. It should be aligned in such a way that they point towards your right eye. Then enfold your right hand over your left and make sure your right palm rests squarely on top of your left thumb.

A common problem with golf grips is holding the club too tightly with your right hand. This will make you hook the ball when you swing. However, a weak grip will almost always cause you to slice because it keeps the clubface open. So to eliminate slice, you should develop a balanced grip.

The best way to do this is by devoting a lot of time and effort by practicing on the driving range. Practice a new golf grip and see if it fixes your slicing problem. Continue making small adjustments to your grip until you find the right grip to fix your slice.

2. Keep a Good Stance

By having a good stance, your problems with slice are virtually half-solved. A good stance in golf means that your feet are spread out approximately as wide as your shoulders. Make sure too that your shoulders are lined up with your target. To find out if you are indeed aligned with your target, here's a quick tip: lay your golf club down on the grass against your toes and see if it is aiming directly at your target. If it isn't simply make adjustments until you are lined up properly.

Keep your elbows and upper body relaxed and comfortable but alert. Just remember that even the slightest movement can make a big difference in where your ball can end up. For best results, it is recommended that you dedicate time and effort to practice your stance on the golf course. Your dedication and determination will surely and eventually pay off with excellent results.

3. Develop a Good Swing Mechanic

Another tip on how to fix a golf slice is by correcting your golf swing mechanic. A good backswing starts with your hands, and then the arms and shoulders follow in one smooth motion. Meanwhile, a good downswing involves turning your hips while keeping a keen eye on the golf ball. Also, as you get to your follow through, make sure that your head is behind the ball.

These are the three important techniques you must develop and perfect to be able to fix a golf slice correctly. With practice and dedication, you will be able to eliminate golf slice and improve your game play in no time at all.

For tips to fix a golf slice, visit http://www.curegolfslice.net

2 Tips To Improve Your Golf Swing In A Hurry!

2007-09-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

So you want to improve your golf swing? It's one aspect of the game common with many golfers keen to attain a golf swing good enough to form the foundation of a consistent game.

The honest truth... most part time golfers won't do anything about improving their golf swing simply because they enjoy the outing and the social aspect of the game. But if you are reading this article, then you are certainly serious about picking up a tip or two to help develop some consistency in that swing.

Why is it so many players have difficulty maintaining a consistent swing? For new players, the ability to eliminate bad habits from their game is easy.

For more experienced golfers it's not so easy but it's doable. One tip I picked up early in my golfing career when I was having trouble with my back swing certainly transformed and helped me improve my golf swing.

In fact, this one tip not only helped me eliminate the unco-ordinated knees and falling shoulders during the process of the swing but helped me add a strong mental side to my game.

How To Improve Your Golf Swing

The back swing is a big problem area for many players and most of the time it can be corrected without too much fuss and effort. For some reason, the left knee is allowed to collapse on top of the right knee during the back swing process. The result:

- the shoulders tend to collapse and drop in the process and

- your hips will tend to go into a swaying motion

What's up with this? The result is always hit and miss. Sometimes you hit the ball flush and most times you don't. Two things you can try:

- when about to play the swing, just imagine your left knee is drawn towards the area you intend to hit the ball and

- if this is difficult to implement, grab your favorite soccer ball or basketball and place them between your knees during practice sessions.

The first tip was handy but it was the second tip which helped this author. It's amazing but after several practice sessions using a soccer ball, every time I played a round of golf for several months after it felt like that ball was always there during the swing process.

The effect can be dramatic and worth the effort if you are serious about wanting to improve your golf swing.

Want to take your golf swing to the next level? Get these great tips and tricks guaranteed to improving your golf swing and eating up your handicap!

Essential Golf Equipment Tips

2007-09-28T22:15:00.000-05:00

When it comes to the different sports that you can take up, golf is actually one of the most expensive sports you can take part in. You need to buy golf clubs, golf balls, correct clothing and then pay green fees whenever you play a round of golf. So finding a good source of golf equipment is going to be vital to help you get the most out of the game.

But before you start thinking that golf is too expensive for you even to consider, then just keep reading. There are many things you can do to still get a great deal of enjoyment out of the game without incurring all of the costs.

First lets look at golf clubs. These are the most important piece of golf equipment that you will need. After all, you cannot play if don’t have them! There are actually many places you can purchase cheap golf clubs from. Take a look in your local newspaper as there are almost always people selling a set of clubs that they aren’t using anymore. This can be a great way of purchasing a great set of clubs for a very low amount.

The next thing you should do before joining a golf club is to practice on an open piece of ground. This is really important especially if you are just starting out. Sometimes golf looks appealing but when you actually realize how much walking you have to do, this can be surprising to many people. So get practicing for free as much as you can.

This is important to not only see if you like playing the game but it also gives you a good chance to improve your golf swing and putting. This will be vital when you start playing on a professional course. Not all green keepers or fellow golfers will be happy if you keep burying your club into the ground and missing the ball!

So practice first before you buy any expensive golf equipment or join a golf club. This will prevent you from spending any money that you really don’t have to. Once you realize that golf is for you, then you can upgrade your clubs and get playing the great game!

Ben Foster publishes a popular Golf blog online. He has learned hundreds of tips and skills to help you improve your game which he shares for free.
So take a look - Golf Swing Tips

Be Confident in Your Putting

2007-09-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

What comes first? Confidence or success? In my opinion it must be confidence. I maintain that all of you can develop confidence if you go about it properly. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with or something you’re given. You control it. Confidence is what you think about yourself and your golf game.

Confidence at the level of any single shot is nothing more than thinking about your ball going to the target. If you’re thinking about your ball going to the target, you’re confident.

Too many golfers find this theory too simple and indeed a pupil asked me the other day “So Gary, are you confident when you stand over a 40ft putt that you’re going to make it?”

“Yes” I replied.

“Well, then, would you bet me your house that you’ll make it?”

“No” I added honestly.

“Then how can you say you’re confident?”

The answer is that whilst I wouldn’t bet my house, that doesn’t mean I’m not confident.

Being confident doesn’t mean that I don’t know that 2% is a good average of 40ft putts. It means that when I’m standing over a 40ft putt, no one is asking me to bet my house, and I’m not thinking about averages. All I’m thinking about is putting the ball in the hole.

Look at it another way. If you’re not thinking about your drive going to the target, what are you thinking about? It going somewhere else – like in the trees maybe?

And that kind of thinking definitely works, assuming you want to hit the ball into the trees. Negative thinking is almost 100% effective.

So, in short, before you hit every shot, think of it going to your target, visualise it, then hit it there.

James Langmead PGA Qualified Golf Professional and former Callaway Club fitter of the year http://www.thegolfshoponline.co.uk

How To Lower Golf Handicap

2007-09-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

You often hear the word lower golf handicap but do you really know what it means? At first I thought it to be the literal meaning of the word and made me think of how they could play a sport like golf. But I learned that the word handicap in golf has a completely different meaning from what I expected.

A handicap in golf is the statistical representations of a golfers playing ability. So the lower the handicap the better the player is. And you could lower your golf handicap by constant practice. There’s no short cut with this even if you ask the most famous golfer there is you will get the same answer as this. There are no secrets with this sport just the player’s passion and patience in learning.

In improving your handicap, first you must determine all your weakness and start from there. If you know where you keep on making your mistake you’ll concentrate from there and try to improve. This also determines the right lessons you should be taking. This will help you on learning the things you really needed and you won’t be wasting your time having all this other lessons.

Next, practice daily. You’ll only get better if you keep on practicing. Most professionals started playing golf at an early age and see where they are now. This is probably the best advice that you could follow in improving your game. Third, you must have better golf equipment. Not necessarily buying the most expensive gears there is but try to have well fitted equipment; this is also important in improving your playing skills. You can have custom fitted equipment through the internet. There are sites which could help you get the perfect tools.

The last and probably the most important thing to do is that you have to make a documentation of your statistics. Make sure that you record all your good shots as well as the bad ones. This could also help you determine your weaknesses and which part you needed much improvement. If you could have a video record of all your games and practices for your future reference that is much better. You could see how you work and how did you make certain mistakes. You can also show this to an expert and listen to what he has to say about your playing. Taking constructive criticism is also very important in improving your skill.

Having another person telling your mistake and listening to their advice really helps. This could also be easier for you to make improvements on which ever part you need to improve. This won’t happen in just one setting, this will take your time and would really put your patience to the test but it will be all worth it when you’re playing like to pro.

Just follow these simple rules and you’ll be lowering your golf handicap statistics or even have a hole in one in your next game if you’re lucky. Enjoy every games with your new improve skill.

Discover simple golf tips to lower your golf handicap. Discover how to lengthen your drive and cut your handicap by at least 7 strokes in 2 weeks. Click here to find out more

Tips To Cure Your Golf Slice

2007-09-28T22:10:00.000-05:00

The slice is probably the most dreaded of all poor golf swinging techniques primarily because of the difficulty it takes to cure it. This is found among new golfers and can sometimes be attributed to over zealousness.

This swing causes the ball to veer sharply towards the right for right handed player, and to the left for left handed players.

Recent studies suggest that the common causes of slices are:

The upper torso opens prematurely on the downswing - this is when the right shoulder goes out and above the downswing, causing the club to hit the ball on an out-to-in swing path.

The Fix: Place your right foot slightly behind you - make sure your heel is down when you put your right foot back, when you take your practice swings. This is so you get comfortable with the posture and reduce the incidence of swinging a slice. Make sure you swing your arms properly to feel the clubs head upon impact

Grasp of the golf club is too tight - this is dangerous, as well as incorrect, because it may cause possible wrist injury once you swing the golf club and your hold is too tight. This is also causes an open clubface upon impact. This is also happens when the player attempts to clear his hips too fast.

The Fix: Keep your hands low and relax your grip - the grip should be a comfortable grip.

These are only some of the more common causes and basic cures for 'slicing' swings. If you need more information about how to improve your overall game, there are lots of instructional videos available and loads of information online that you can make use of.

Who knows, once you put in all the effort you might end up in the PGA tour and go head to head with Tiger Woods! Who knows!

For more tips to cure your golf slice, visit http://www.curegolfslice.net

Putt Like a Pro With 3 Simple Golf Putting Tips

2007-09-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

In a round of golf, putting is a major contributor to carding a low score. Even if you get from tee to green in regulation it's all wasted if you can't sink the putts. Therefore, it is imperative that you learn the basics of putting to improve your game. There are more shots saved on the putting green than anywhere else on the course. Having the ability to read and judge the pace of the greens accompanied by a consistent putting stroke is the most precious asset to have in the game of golf.

Golf Putting Tip #1 - Hitting the ball out of the "Sweet Spot" of the Putter

Even if you have the putt correctly lined up and the pace of the green noted, if you hit the ball incorrectly you will not make the putt. Therefore, practicing hitting the ball out of the "Sweet Spot" of the putter is a must if you are going to sink those putts. This golf putting tip is simple and will help you reach consistency with your putting stroke.

Firstly, attach 2 coins to the front of the putter blade, leaving enough room for the "Sweet Spot" of the putter face to be visible. Once the coins have been attached, practice hitting the ball towards the hole trying not to hot the coins on the putter face. This golf putting tip will refine the swing line of your putting stroke, therefore, giving you a higher percentage of hits out of the middle of the putter face.

Golf Putting Tip #2 - Get the Feel of the Greens before Commencing a Round

This tip will allow you to get a "feel" for the greens before playing a round.

Before every round it is imperative that you hit some putts on the practice putting green. When hitting the putts there is no need to try and make the putts, actually for this routine there is no need to aim for the hole at all. The purpose of this routine is to get the "feel" of the greens as the practice putting green will always be cut the same as the greens on the course. So if you follow this simple tip you will be armed with the knowledge of the pace and cut of the greens before starting your round.

As mentioned previously, when using this golf putting tip there is no need to try and hit the hole. Remember, golf is as much played in the had as it is with the body. So if you start missing putts on the practice green, it will only affect your thinking in a negative way and this will follow you out onto the course.

Golf Putting Tip #3 - This tip will improve hitting the ball on the correct line to the hole.

Once you have sized up the putt to the hole and you know the line, use the writing on the ball to line up with the line of the putt. Then, when you come to putt the ball hit it at 90 degrees to the writing on the ball and it will (providing the putter face was straight at the time of contact) follow the line to the hole.

The above simple golf putting tips will help you to improve your putting and ultimately bring down your score. So next time you are at the golf course give them a try and see the difference they will make.

Improve your game and lower your score with more information and tips at golf swing action
http://www.golfswingaction.com

Three Golf Grip Tips to Improve Your Swing

2007-09-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

There are many free golf tips out there. However, one of the simplest parts of the golf swing, your grip, is also one that causes many problems. Here are five golf grip instructions that will improve your swing.

Do a “V” Check and Watch that Right Hand

The most common cause of a slice is in beginners is grip. One of the simplest golf grip tips out there is the “V” check on address. When you look down at the ball during address, check to see if you can see the first two knuckles on your left hand along with a “V” between your forefinger and thumb that points to your shoulder. Though you are taught that you should have a solid right side for a strong shot, your grip is not included in that. The temptation is to grip tighter with that right hand to make a strong swing, but don’t. One of the simplest golf grip tips is to check yourself by imagining your grip being on a scale of 1-10 in terms of muscle tension. Then, just make sure your right hand is around or 6 or 7 on that scale.

Putt Cross Handed

It is easy to let your wrists break on a putting stroke. To avoid that little problem, take this golf grip tip: hold the club crosshanded. Simple put your right hand where the left would normally be and vice versa.

Check Off Against the Clubhead and then Easy Does It

To hit the ball farther, your grip needs to be fairly light with both hands. Using the golf grip tip from before, and thinking of a scale from 1-10, use a 5 or a 6 as your overall grip. You will gain distance because loose muscles are fast muscles. Finally, one of the most useful golf grip tips is to check it against the golf club head. It may sound simple, but make sure that before address, you make sure the alignment of your grip is in line with the club face. Sounds easy, but most don’t do it.

There you are, five tips for your grip. Grip is important, so get it right and you will be surprised how much you can cut down on slices and increase distance.

Dean Iggo is a golf enthusiast with a single figure handicap. He is also the webmaster of a proper golf swing website providing unbiased golf swing videos, articles and training aids.

Effective Golf Drills To Help Eliminate Slice

2007-09-28T22:05:00.000-05:00

Slice is usually caused by an outside-to-in swing path. This in turn is caused by a bad grip on the gold club or an unbalanced stance. To develop a balanced stance and strength here's a simple golf drill to eliminate slice. Get into a push-up position but hold your body straight with only your feet and hands in contact with the floor. Then lift up your left leg and right hand and balance in that position for ten to fifteen seconds. Repeat with the right foot and left hand. This golf drill to eliminate slice will help improve your strength and balance so you can fix your slicing problem.

Another golf drill you can practice is to practice drives with a tee in front of the club. Just tee up a ball but set the club face at the back of it. Stick the tee about an inch from the golf club's toe. Now practice hitting drives without clipping or touching the tee in front of the ball. If you are clipping the tee, then your swing is still in an out-to-in path thus causing slice. Keep at it until you can hit drive after drives without ever clipping the tee.

A good golf swing mechanism is one of the best techniques you should practice to fix slice. Here's a golf drill to help you develop a good swing and consequently help you eliminate slice. Keep your left arm attached to your chest, the clubhead out of your hands, and the club halfway back. Your left wrist should be cupped, your right knee flexed and your right arm above your left. Keep the butt of the club into your abdomen area and grip the shaft just below the handle. Keep the shaft off the ground and at approximately the same height as your knees. Then keep in mind that your arms, torso, legs and hips work as one unit. Keep practicing to achieve a strong and confident swing.

Another golf drill to eliminate slice is simply to practice putting anytime you have the opportunity. A few practice putts everyday will train your muscles, develop your stance and balance and help you develop a smooth and fluid motion that will keep your swing path from going outside-to-in. At home or at work, try practicing a putt during breaks. This can easily add up to help you achieve a better game play and eliminate slice.

These are just three of the many golf drills you can use to help fix slice. There are many more golf drills you can try which can effectively improve your fundamental skills and strengths so you can greatly improve your game play.

For tips to fix your golf slice, visit http://www.curegolfslice.net

How To Swing A Golf Club

2007-09-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

When learning to play golf it is most important to learn how to swing a golf club. If this is done properly from the first, it will instill good habits and make you a better player in the long run. The golf swing doesn't come naturally, but practice will eventually make it natural.

The grip of the club is very important. Your hands are the only part of your body that touches the equipment. A firm but flexible grip is important regardless of which one of the three major grips you choose. Be sure your head doesn't stay down, but follows through with your swing. There are three swings that can be used in golf: the back swing, the down swing, and the impact and follow through. By improving these swings, an individual will improve his/her game overall.

For the back swing you need to concentrate on the body rotation and club and arm extension. The back swing is a one-piece motion that should be smooth and fluid. You must remember to keep your front elbow straight. The down swing should start in the legs and hips, your knees and thighs should all begin moving forward and your body should be like a snake uncoiling. For the impact, the arm and club shaft should form a straight line. Most of your weight should be on the outside of the forward heel and the inside of the rear foot. Hands, wrist and forearms should rotate so the grip end of the club points towards the target.

When learning the swing in golf, try to be consistent. Practice your swing on a daily basis, but don't take it too seriously. It could spoil your swing, as well as your game. After all, that's why you're playing - to have fun with it. The bottom line is that it is just a game.

For more information on how to improve your golf swing and other golf related topics, visit Your Golf Guide at http://www.yourgolfguide.com

Your Golf Club Shaft Is Too Stiff

2007-09-28T22:02:00.000-05:00

Many golfers do not have the swing speed needed for the extra stiff and stiff shafts they have on their current golf clubs. The incorrect flex of your shafts can have a dramatic affect on your game.

Let’s go over the mechanics of why there are different shaft flexes, then we can get into how the shafts can affect your game differently. Golfers swing clubs at different speeds. When you swing your golf club, the speed and force of your swing gets carried through the shaft to the head. By the time the head makes contact with the golf ball, average golfers head speed is around 85 mph and professional golfers head speed is around 100 mph. Hitting a golf ball at 85 mph with a driver will carry the ball about 195 yards. If you have a slower swing, the flexibility of the club can assist you by adding a whipping affect to the club just before it hits the ball. Remember your high school locker room when you would twist your towel up, swing it back, then quickly whip it forward and give your friend a huge welt on his leg? Well a flexible club gives a similar affect. Just before contact, the head of the club will give that extra kick to push the ball off the tee faster. If you are not swinging at 85 mph or more, you should be looking at a regular shaft or, if you really want more distance, you should be using a seniors club. Yes, yes I know, but if you can put your ego away for a little bit and really want to improve your game, go ahead and try the seniors shaft.

Here are the different types of shafts:

Extra stiff (X)

Stiff (S)

Regular (R)

Seniors (A)

Ladies (L)

If the shaft of your club is too stiff, your ball will most likely not go as far or as high as it should. If your shaft is too soft, your ball may fly much higher than it should and possibly keep going left when you feel you are hitting the ball straight. Pick the right shaft and watch your drives soar!

Al Scillitani
Internet Marketing Manager
Global Golf Used & New Golf Clubs

A Great Golf Swing Tip

2007-09-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

The best golf swing tip that can be given in golf is the rule of thumb that when you are learning, do what works best for you. Take notice how you arrive at your stance and try to do this consistently. Take notice of how you look at the target or waggle the club. These may not seem important to you right now, but will be the key to your success for golf in the future. Also, remember a good routine shouldn't take a lot of time. Take your stance, think positive and hit the ball. Once you get into the habit of your routine just keep on trusting it, it won't let you down in the long run.

Take a golf ball and put it down in front of you. Now put your golf club next to the ball, making sure your club is positioned just right by looking behind. Put another club parallel to it near where your feet should be. To make your shot go straight, this foot line should face a little left of the target. Also make sure that your shoulders and hips are in line. When you hit a good shot, and you will, just revel in it look at the way the ball rolls. Watch the ball fly through the air, watch how it lands and think about how the swing felt again and again. This is the kind of shot you want to repeat. It is what you want out of every shot and something you did exactly right gave you that perfect shot.

When poor shots happen, don't get hung up on what you did wrong. The quicker you put it behind you the better. Don't get bogged down with too much thinking. The main thing is to enjoy what you're doing and not to get so caught up in it, that you forget what a fun game this can be. Try to get out there and enjoy.

For more information on how to improve your golf swing and other golf related topics, visit Your Golf Guide at http://www.yourgolfguide.com

An Overview of Golf Clubs

2007-09-28T21:56:00.000-05:00

Many brands of Golf Clubs are on the market today, in also many different prices. Chossing the right clubs can make the difference between a birdie and a bogie. Let's have a look on some of the most common manufacturers:

The Ping Golf Club

For a golfer, one of the most important things that he should examine is his golf club because according to experts, it is one of the main reasons why they do not hit the ball. This is the exact reason why the Ping golf club was born.

Karsten Solheim was the one who invented the ping golf club with different intentions. The story has it that Karsten was practicing golf but he could not hit the ball so he started to practice up to the time that he began to design and experiment his very own putter so that he could play better through it. He thought of designing his own putter without a figment of a though that it would be known worldwide. By the year 1959, his putter experiments had evolved into 1A design. While deciding for the name, he heard the sound of his putter and declared proudly to his wife that he would name the putter from its sound, hence the name “ping”. At that same year, Sports Illustrated published an article in their August issue regarding the ping golf club dubbing it as a musical putter.

The Callaway Golf Club

The Callaway golf club is one of the most popular and also reliable types of golf club in the market today. There are so many people (like you and me) that are fascinated with golf today and it is no wonder why the Callaway golf club is now in the peak of success in the world of golf clubs.

The Callaway Golf club is headed by Ely Callaway. He bought half of Hickory Stick USA and renamed it Callaway Hickory Stick USA. After purchasing it, he decided to hire the best people that would be an instrument in supporting his dream of Callaway golf club. He hired Richard C. Helmstetter to be the Chief Club Designer and this as others would say is the point of no return. The designs for Callaway golf club are truly revolutionary and innovative which is why the Callaway golf club is dubbed as the type of golf club that is unique and also high-performance kind golf equipment. After that, Ely Callaway renamed his company into Callaway Golf and then relocated from Cathedral City, California to a sleepy seaside town called Carlsbad, which is just north of San Diego.

The Taylor Made Golf Club

Taylor Made golf clubs are into leading the combined driver, iron counts and fairway wood at PGA tournaments. The advancement of the metal wood technology employed by Taylor Made golf clubs make it possible to each player to have a his own club. This metalwood technology created famous clubs in the form of Pittsburgh Persimmon, Tour Preferred, Burner, and Burner Bubble, each is considered a high performance piece of device. With titanium clubheads, Taylor Made clubs are very strong but extremely light to use.

Taylor Made’s metalwood golf clubs boast with features that surely makes each golf club a hit to golfers.

The Custom Fitting Golf Club

Every golfer's physical capability and swing is distinctive. Many of today's best golf clubs can be custom fit for lie angle, shaft type and length, grip type and size. Custom fitting is the process for tailoring a golf club to suit your personal swing and those golf clubs involve several easy measurements and a quick self-assessment of your game. This custom golf club has become more than a temporary fashion so even the non-professional golfer might take a look at it.

Whatever your level, with a custom golf club the aim is to ensure that if you do make a good swing, the club will be square at impact and should produce a straight shot.

Jason Kerr is a professional golf player and runs the Golf Tips Web Site GolfPower3.com which also features Golf Club Reviews

Tips And Techniques In Golf Putting

2007-09-28T21:27:00.001-05:00

Golf putting can change an otherwise terrible round of golf into a winning day or can literally ruin an otherwise great game of perfect shots. Golf putting aids are sometimes problematic because the golfer will become used to the training aid and won’t always be able to continue the new habits they have learned with the aid after the aid is gone. Golf putting is the last nail in the coffin of a golfer’s game.

Putting

Putting is a huge part of the game. Putting is the maker or breaker of your game and all it requires is some basic confidence and technique. Putting is an essential, if not the most important, factor in playing golf. The simple task of rolling a golf ball to a hole a certain distance away, would be considered by most to be the easiest skill to learn in golf. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can never practice your putting enough. Luckily, there are a few drills and tips you can use to improve your putting aside from just going out and practicing.

One putting drill that you can do starts with placing 5 golf balls a foot away from the hole. You can continue this process as far away from the hole as you want, but this will allow you to practice putting from multiple distances all over the green. When it comes to putting, confidence is everything. At the most extreme, you can practice putting with your eyes closed to get a feel for your stroke. While there are a plethora of putting drills and tips that can help improve your putting, practice is the number one key to enhancing your putting skills.

Putting

The more time and effort you put forth into practicing putting, the more confident you will feel on the greens. The main techniques in a good putting stroke include standing square to the target, not breaking the wrists, keeping your eyes over the ball, making sure the putting backstroke is shorter than the follow-through, and keeping your head still. Remember, a good, solid putt is accomplished not by slapping at the ball, but by putting through the ball a longer distance than you took to hit the ball. You can initiate the putting stroke by a slight press forward.

The time spent on the green can be shortened by reviewing the putting surface when walking up on the green. You can speed up play by looking at your putt while other players are putting and be ready for the shot when it’s your turn. The putting line and speed should be reviewed from both sides of the hole. You’ll find that you can develop techniques to compensate for the influence of the “grain” on each individual putting surface.

Golf putting is an art, not every one can putt perfectly. If you practice your putting techniques more than you practice your back swing, you’ll find that you will save strokes. If you are going to invest time and money on lessons, spend more resources on taking chipping and putting lessons.

James Young Clark is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.AGolfersParadise.com. He provides more information about golf and golf issues that you can research in your pajamas on his website.