Golf Tips and Secrets

Improve your body, improve your game

2008-08-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

Some Helpful Exercise Tips To Help You Better Your Golf Game by Greg Hall

If you are a person that does nothing all day and you start to play the game of golf you may need to start getting some other exercise besides the sport that you are trying to play. If you are already in shape then you shouldn't even be reading this. If you are not then you will need to get some exercise in and start losing some pounds so that you can play the sport good and with ease.

When you are trying to lose weight and tone up for playing the game of golf you are also going to want to get flexible as best as you can fast as well when you are trying to lose weight. The key to golf is smooth and flexible and when you are out of shape and not flexible you are not going to be able to play the sport very good at all. When you are already flexible and ready to play the sport you can start working on your swing and getting your style and swing down so that when it comes time for you to play you will already be good and be able to hit the ball onto the green.

People most of the time misunderstand when it means to get in shape. When we say get in shape we don't mean go lift a lot of weights and get jacked we mean get yourself in tone and good shape with your body so that you can play the sport well. You do not want to be a jacked and huge golf player because it's not the golfer body you do not want to be a body builder playing golf put it that way. You will want to be a slim fit person that can actually play the sport and be flexible when playing the sport. A big body builder will not be able to get the swing around good enough to play the sport.

Besides getting in shape and getting in tone with your body and having lean muscles you just need to work on your flexibility. If you are in sync with your body then you will do well when you are playing the sport but if you are not in sync and are not in good shape then you will find that golf is not the type of sport that you like. You might like football if you are a big person but golf will not be the sport for you if you are out of shape and are not flexible.

You will also want to stay hydrated while you are playing the sport so just be sure to remember to bring some sort of liquid with you when you are going to be playing the sport outside during the hot days. That is the last thing that you will want to happen be for you to have a heat stroke when you are trying to play a game of golf. Just be sure to remember to dress well and be in good shape when you are about to play also you should stretch before you play.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about golf shoes as well as a golf equipment at http://www.nsearch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gregg_Hall

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This article caught my attention as there are so many golfers out there whom I believe are nowhere near reaching their potential due to the fact they are not looking after themselves mentally and physically. To reach your potential you need to be on the ball mentally as well as in peak physical condition. Some will argue that it is 'too hard' or 'too much effort' to get into shape, this is not necessarily the case, all you need is a plan, a few tips and a bit of encouragement! I can provide you with the first two and I'm sure your family will happily help you with the final point! For some exercise plans I would recommend How to Burn Fat
, I would recommend sigining up to their newsletter as they provide loads of great free info! For health and fitness tips, have a look at Health-Fitness. For some more golf advice, check out Golf Hints and Tips. Finally, for encouragement, ask your family or friends nicely. Follow those that advise and you'll be hitting lower scores than you have ever hit before!

Good luck!

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Golf Basics For Beginners - Finding Tips That Truly Work - by Adam Woodham

2008-08-05T05:20:00.000-07:00

Getting the good golf basics for beginners should always be a fun and rewarding experience. Trying to find the tried and true information on the internet can be somewhat of a struggle, though. Most people will end up trying random golfing techniques that might or might not work. Well, here is a tip to help you find the golf basics for beginners that have truly worked for others.

If you are like most golfers, you have spent your fair share of time looking for techniques through search engines. While this is a fantastic way to find tons of information, it's impossible to sift through and find the ones that are truly worth your time. It gets even tougher because some men and women will even start trying random tips that they find in these search results and most won't work for their particular game.

There is an alternative way to find the golf basics for beginners that really do work, though. I remember finding out about golfing forums about four years ago. They helped me out tremendously in the past and I still use them to this day when I am looking for small ways to tweak parts of my game. Golfing forums are filled with veterans who have already found the golf basics for beginners that work and their always share their knowledge inside of these forums.

You can even pull up all of the past topics on beginner tips by using the forum's "search" function. You can then get the complete list of topics and browse them at your convenience. It's a great way to get informed about the golf basics for beginners that have already worked for other golfers across the globe and I hoe it works for you, if only a little bit.

Want to know where to find the revolutionary, most original tutorial/program that teaches you the perfect golf basics for beginners? Including tons of step-by-step instructions, videos and tips? Here you go...

Adam Woodham is the author of this article and always uses his site to tell people about the Online Golf Tips that truly work for improving your game. Learning to golf like a pro has never been easier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Woodham

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I have to agree, forums are a great way of getting tips, especially unconventional tips which you would not find in the average golfing book, some of these 'inside' tips can literally change your game in an instant, even just minute details changed in your swing can lead to vast improvements, so it really is worth having a look round! Have a look at Golf Tips for other golfing hints and tips!

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It's Summer Time - a dose of motivation

2008-08-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

It is summer time so it's time to get those golf shoes on, give the clubs a scrub and get out onto that course and hit some greens. When the weather is nice, you have to make the most of the opportunity, just think, when winter comes round again, you will be dying to get out and back onto the course.

Make the most of that sun and have a great round of golf!

Oh also I found a new pretty funky golf squidoo, it is called Correct Golf Slice it has good tips to help you with your slice!

Enjoy

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Golf Impact Indicator

2006-09-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have never actually used one of these devices before due to my traditional nature. From what I've read though, it certainly does look an interesting peice of kit.

For a repeatable and Simple Golf Swing that provides power, accuracy and consistency, check out: The Simple Swing

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Make A Big Impact In Your Golf Game By Using A Golf Impact Indicator. by Joe Stewart

Golf is undeniably a game of skill and concentration and even the most accomplished of golfers confess to having a transient loss of concentration during the most crucial of junctures. To maintain focus - the amateur and professional alike concentrate on the point of impact between the golf ball and the club.

THE GOLFING IMPACT

Simplistically the Golf Impact Indicator tells one as to precisely where the club strikes the golf ball. The impact being that this point of contact indicates as to where the ball would travel - this being the essence of a good game of a golf.

The golf impact indicators come in multiple variations, which could well range from the traditional to the revolutionary. The traditional approach being to use a tape to create a thin film around the ball, which would ascertain the point of contact of the ball and the club with high degree of accuracy. Concurrently the accuracy of swing could scarcely be more accurately evaluated.

In contrast - the revolutionary Golf Impact Indicator is both effective and user friendly - the Golf dust and the spray can. Prior to initiating a swing the can with the dust needs to be sprayed on the club head. While executing the swing the point of impact leaves an imprint on the head of the club which would help analyze the swing and impact and would help perfect the swing for the learning golfer.

IMPACT MECHANICS

The golf impact sprays and powders are inarguably superior to the traditional considering that they are easy to use in addition to being compact and portable. Significantly the results are unequivocal considering that the point of impact is living proof needing little interpretation. In addition they are an economical buy and the no alternative option for those wanting to perfect the swing and bring down the score.

The Golf Impact Indicator of choice then is the Golf dust considering that the Golf Indicator tape is a poor second to the incomparable Golf dust.

The Golf Dust spray utilization protocol is easy to comprehend and simpler to execute. The Golf dust spray can is shaken well and sprinkled on the head of the golf club. This being followed by a wait of ten to fifteen seconds before the swing is executed. A close inspection of the head of the club after the impact would indicate the accuracy of the swing and the correction factor needed - if any. The point of impact on the head of the golf club would help ascertain the accuracy of the swing and ensure better ball control for the more discerning of golfers. The Golf Impact indicators being used primarily during practice sessions.

The product is amazing and what is even more amazing is - that the product works wonders.

The Golf Impact indicator then is an integral part of any golf training session and helps the avid golfer assess and correct the stance, grip, club length and finally achieving - golfing perfection - the aspiration of every golfer.

Hard work earns a good game of golf while a revolutionary Golf Impact indicator attains and explosive game of Golf!

About the Author

Joe Stewart is a sports fanatic and business owner that likes to write articles about topics that interest him.

A good Golf Impact Indicator is a must if you ever expect to improve your golf game. Take a moment and check out our articles about golf training aids.

Golfing Impact Indicator

2006-09-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have never actually used one of these devices before due to my traditional nature. From what I've read though, it certainly does look an interesting peice of kit.

For a repeatable and Simple Golf Swing that provides power, accuracy and consistency, check out: The Simple Swing

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THE GOLFING IMPACT

IMPACT MECHANICS

The Golf Impact Indicator of choice then is the Golf dust considering that the Golf Indicator tape is a poor second to the incomparable Golf dust.

The product is amazing and what is even more amazing is - that the product works wonders.

Hard work earns a good game of golf while a revolutionary Golf Impact indicator attains and explosive game of Golf!

About the Author

Joe Stewart is a sports fanatic and business owner that likes to write articles about topics that interest him.

A good Golf Impact Indicator is a must if you ever expect to improve your golf game. Take a moment and check out our articles about golf training aids.

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Awesome New Golf Sites, Great to Look at!

2006-09-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today, I just thought I'd alert you to a load of new 'lenses' on the site squidoo. These lenses are all golf related, and look great. So go have a look, there's loads of tips, ideas and cool things to look at and buy....even golf statues for those of us who need some inspiration!
Here they are:
Correct your golf slice
Putting Tips and Advice
Cool Golf Gifts

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Straighten That Dreaded Hook Out and Lower Your Score Today

2006-09-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Although golf hooks are not as common as the slice, it is still a problem that plagues that thousands and thousands of golfers world-wide (including my father), therefore it is important that you sort it out as soon as possible before it becomes too set within your game. Below is an article offering some tips on how to cure the hook! Click on the link below to learn how you can supercharge your game, and lower you handicap: Cut Your Handicap Today

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Golf - Cure That Hook In One Day! by Terry Edwards

For most golfers it is the golf slice that gives us the most headaches out on the golf course. But, for many others who hook the golf ball, the problem can be just as frustrating. So, how can you stop hooking the golf ball and begin hitting more fairways? It's easier than you might think and I'm going to show you how to get immediate results.

Stance - Position the ball in the middle or a little forward in your stance. For most golfers who hook the ball I see them position the ball too far back in their stance. You want to keep the ball in the middle or even with your left heel (if you're right-handed). Make sure you position your feet toward your target line. Both of the tips of your toes should be even, or a little to the left of the target line. This more open stance will help reduce the chances of hooking the golf ball. Don't position your left foot more forward in your stance than your right. Keep them even.

Grip - Grip the club with your hands facing straight down. Golfers who hook the ball tend to set up with their right hand facing too far toward the left side. You want to make sure the "V" formation your hands create by holding the golf club is pointing straight up to your nose. This will go a long way in eliminating a golf hook. The other aspect to a proper golf grip that will eliminate hooking the ball is grip strength. Try not to grip the club too firmly. What happens with an overly firm grip is that when you swing your right hand will turn over and come around, automatically causing you to hook the ball. Use a little less strength in your grip and you should immediately start seeing better results.

Weight - You want to be sure that after your backswing your weight is more on your left foot. Many times a golfer will hook the ball due to the majority of their weight being on their right foot, or back foot. By doing that, you can rest assured you will hook the golf ball every time. It creates a closed clubface by forcing you to come around with the club. If you or you see someone else hit a snap-hook, this is what happened. Be conscious of where your weight is when you finish your golf swing and you can correct this problem immediately.

These are just a few simple tips to help in eliminating that dreaded golf hook. By simply going to the driving range and putting these tips into practice you will start to see immediate results that will translate into lower scores out on the course.

About the Author

Terry Edwards writes golf instruction articles designed to help all golfers lower their scores and have more fun out on the course. You can learn more on how to Lower Your Golf Scores and play better golf by visiting his website.

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Drive for Show, Putt for Dough

2006-09-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

As the saying goes, drive for show, putt for dough, this is an old, yet very true saying. The putter is the club that you will use the most in your average round of golf, therefore it is neccessary that you practise and work hard at your putting if you are serious about reducing your score. Below are some easy to follow tips to help you with your putting! Follow the following this link to improve your game and lower your score and cut your handicap down to size: Guarenteed to Lower Your Handicap!

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Play Like a Pro - Golf Putting Tips by Pat O'Sullivan

You can drive the ball 400 yards, but if you can't sink a 4 foot putt it doesn't matter. Here I have compiled a list of helpful golf putting tips that are sure to improve your putting game.

1. Take a deep breathe before you make contact. This is a great way to relax before a shot and ultimately improve your consistency.

2. Relax your grip.

3. Right handed golfers should keep their right wrist locked.

4. The ball should be placed towards the front of your stance.

5. Visualize a line that leads to the hole. Study every break.

6. Position your shoulders square to the target line.

7. Your eyes should be directly over the target line.

8. Aim for a spot 6-8 inches in front of the ball.

9. Find the right putter. Get a putter that has the right feel to it; the only way to find this is to test every putter in sight.

10. Don't choke down on the grip. You should always hold at the top of the putter, assuming it is the right size.

Well that's it. I hope these putting tips helped you like they have myself. Remember that practice is where you become better. Spend some time on the putting green and master these concepts. Good luck!

About the Author

Sure these tips are helpful, but if you are tired of being a loser out on the course and are actually serious about improving your golf game then you need to check out http://golf-tips.patsblogs.com .

Pat O'Sullivan is an esablished and creditable online writer. You can read more of his articles at http://freegolftips.patsblogs.com .

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Golf, Fun or Serious? Some Tips for you anyway!

2006-09-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dane makes a good point about golf, to many it is just an enjoyable pastime, but to others, it is a serious competitive sport, and in some cases their livelihood. For everyone who plays it is to their advantage to improve their golf swing. This article provides several good points that may help you onto that next step!

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Analyzing the Four Components of Your Golf Swing by Dane Stanton

Golf is known as being one of the most relaxing sports or pastimes known to man, as it gives you an opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air, as well as providing you with a good opportunity to get some exercise. There is another side to golf however and that is that it is a serious sport that many people play competitively and in some cases for vast amount of money. Therefore it is important for those people to improve their golf swing as much as possible.

Stance

Everything built well begins with a solid foundation. Your golf swing is no different. Therefore, when beginning to analyze your golf swing start by focusing on your stance.

With golf club in hand take your normal stance and approach the ball as if you are going to take your swing. Then lay your driver down so that the shaft is touching the toes of your left and right shoe. This will reveal the direction of your feet in relationship to the pin that you are driving the ball towards.

If the golf club is not directly pointing towards the pin or your target adjust the shaft of the club accordingly. Then reposition your feet so that the toes are touching the shaft of the club.

The next part of your stance addresses your shoulders and hips. They too should be completely in-line or parallel with the golf club lying at your feet.

With this in mind, pick up your golf club and practice a few swings keeping your shoulders and hips parallel to that imaginary line there at the base of your toes. Your golf swing should always reflect this rule of being parallel to the imaginary line directed towards your target.

Swing

The second step in analyzing your golf swing is taking note of the swing itself. Of particular help may be the assistance of a golfing partner to help you with the analyzing of your form. Another option would be to video yourself and watch your golf swing in slow motion. Most professionals do this after every tournament they compete in.

The first thing to look at for your golf swing, is you backswing. This is the first phase of your swing so the actual start of the swing should be even in nature and fluid. Additionally, while your club is on the backward portion of the swing and overhead, hesitate for a very slight moment.

Following that slight hesitation let your downward golf swing flow in the same even nature towards the ball. It is important to remember that speed and forcefulness are not characteristics of a good golf swing.

Additionally, take note of your downward golf swing beginning from this upward position. Do you keep your wrists straight or is there a hint of wrist movement? It is recommended that the movement of the wrists should take place just as the golf club is horizontal to the ground.

Contact

Thirdly and most importantly, in analyzing your golf swing, when your club makes contact with the golf ball it is important to remember that you are not playing baseball. This means that the power to drive the golf ball should not be drawn from your arms and shoulders. The drive given to the ball should be drawn from your entire upper body as well as your legs, so therefore momentum should be the biggest driving force. Also, remember to follow the path of your golf club that was lying at your feet to position your stance. Your golf swing should stay parallel with the shaft of that club that was directed towards your target.

Follow Through

The last critical element in analyzing your golf swing is swinging through the drive. It is important when you have made contact with the ball that you continue for an additional five to six inches following in parallel the imaginary path of the golf club laying on the ground.

Finally, complete the swing with that same fluid motion bringing the golf club to the opposite side of the body and above the head. When this is completed you should be standing front on and facing the direction of which your ball is heading. Good luck!

About the Author

Dane Stanton is the owner of GolfShopReview.com which is an extensive review of the top Online Golf Shops on the internet. Find which course is best for you and your Game! http://www.GolfShopReview.com

A Few Tips to Keep You Thinking

2006-08-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tips to help you improve your golf, although they are not the most advanced tips, there are always things that you can learn, if you can pick up just one thing from every article, then you are on your way to a better round of golf! Hope you find something new. Good luck, and all the best.

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Golf Tips from An Expert by Karl Smith

History of Golf

Golf first originated in Scotland (gowf in Scots) and has been played for at least five centuries in the British Isles. There were no golf schools present at that time but likely now there are millions even trillions of golf schools, golf channels, golf magazines and golf websites which provide very effective golf instructions, golf lessons and even very useful golf tips.

Well golf is a game of hitting a ball into a hole by an individual or a team. Golf doesn't need a fixed standard playing area and is mostly organized by the clubs. Some basic golf instructions are given below:

1 Always maintain your body balance before start playing golf.

2 Carefully watch the ball and focus on it.

3 The ball should be hit in the center of the club face.

4 After hitting the shot keep an eye on the ball if it miss then try again.

5 Be prepared mentally and physically for the achievement of your goal. 8 to 10 shots per round are needed.

If you are looking for golf schools or online golf lessons, go for a PGA (Professional Golfers Association) certified instructor. But that's not all, its very important that you should take a lesson or two from him before the final selection.

Below listed golf instructions are a must remember before starting the game and can help you to score even more.

1) Focus your Mind: This is a very important mental golf instruction which does not comes naturally and needs practice as well as time. You should keep your mind totally focus on the current shot.

2) Follow the 75% Rule: 75% rule involves making a 3/4 back swing and following through while focusing and controlling the direction and distance of your shot.

3) Watch your Posture:Your posture is very important. You should stand straight and keep your body still while hitting the ball. Certainly it requires hard work and practice but its worth it.

4) Be Careful with your Grip: The way you grip the club decides the good or bad shots. So, you should be very careful with your grip or it may leads to breaking.

5) Let your Arms and Body Swing: It is a very important golf instruction, you should let your arms swing freely during the entire swing process just like you might had swung the heavy ball tied with the chain in your childhood.

6) Practice Putting: Putting is very important for scoring. The best technique for putting is probably is to feel the stroke both in your arms and shoulders.

No matter how good you are at playing golf; there is always a room for improvement.

About the Author

Download a Free Chapter right now from the Whole Book and discover what other people have to say about "The Simple Golf Swing." at: http://golf--instructions.blogspot.com

Golf Set Up and Ball Position

2006-08-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

If you wish to succeed with your golf, then you have to get the basics right, set up and ball position is key to this. In this article these topics will be explained in a coherent and easy to read manner. Remember, as a golfer, you can never stop learning, even in the most mundane article/magazine, you may find that one idea that takes your game to the next level! So have a read, and you never know, you may find that key point!

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Golf Setup - Ball Position by David Nevogt

I have a great tip for you that's going to end all the doubt you had in your mind about golf setup and where the golf ball goes in your stance. It's called ball position.

A lot of amateurs, unfortunately, address the golf ball, what I call, backwards. They come in and they put their feet down and try to aim where they're going, either down the fairway or towards the pin, and then they just stand to the golf club that they're holding onto. Sometimes their golf setup is too far back and sometimes it's too far forward.

Other amateurs do this. They like to play all of their shots off their front foot. Some like to play all their shots off the middle of their stance. But let me tell you something, and I think this is really going to help you.

This weekend if you're sitting around watching TV, watch the tour players and watch how they come up and they grip the golf club first, they take a look at where they're going, and then they stand to the golf club that they're using.

For instance, put the butt of the pitching wedge across from your belt buckle, and stand to the golf club with the face square and your shoulders going where you want them to go.

What that does is put the golf ball in the middle of your stance for your pitching wedge. Now, keep that stance with your 7 iron.

Now, the 7 iron is three inches longer than the pitching wedge. If you just stand there and grip it with your shoulders square, look how the golf ball is just starting to move forward in your stance over towards your left heel, and it's about three inches apart.

Now, pick up your long iron and do the same thing. Keep your shoulders square, don't move your stance, and grip the golf club. And all of a sudden, the long iron starts to move even further forward.

Lastly, watch this. During golf setup, when you hold your driver in your hand. If you just put the butt of the club across your belt buckle, put the club on the ground the way it was built in the factory and stand across from it with your shoulders square, that puts the golf ball across from your left foot.

It's not complicated, but remember this: During golf setup, stand to the handle of the golf club. Don't address the golf ball first, but address the golf club to the ball and then take your stance.

About the Author

David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today. You can find more of his golf instruction by going to http://www.golfswingguru.com .

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If you want general health and fitness advice, check out http://squidoo.com/health-fitness

Something Different for Today!

2006-08-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Beginners Guide To Golf Attire And Style by Willie Jones

Golf is a major sport all over the world and is not likely to go away any time soon. It is often said to be the rich mans sport because it is an expensive hobby or occupation. But that doesn't mean anyone is excluded by any means.

If you want to learn this wonderful sport and meet people that have the same interests as you then golf is a great sport to take up. Like any other sport golf takes a lot of trial and error but it is through the bad grips and swings and landing in the dreaded sand pits or ponds that you develop your game.

At the same time that you are learning the game itself, it would be wise to learn about golf attire and style. In any sport you take up there is a distinctive style and code of dress. If you take up horse back riding then cowboy boots and hats are the order of the day. In English riding the code of dress is completely different. If you take up tennis then the short white skirts serve to maximize ones game.

Each code of dress is not just for style alone but serves a practical service. In western riding the hat keeps the sun out of your eyes. The English riding attire is designed for comfort and ease of movement but has extra padding where the most chaffing occurs. In tennis the short skirts allow for maximum movement while white or light colored fabric deflects the sun and keeps you cooler. So it is with golf as well.

The style and quality of fabrics for golf has changed over the years. You rarely see the knickers and the colorful knee length socks any more. But who knows, at some future date it may come back in style. Old styles are often brought back to fashion.

The current golf attire is designed for the most part for warm temperatures. For this reason a good golf shirt must keep moisture and perspiration away from the skin while ate the same time maximizing comfort and sanitary conditions. One is after all outside for hours at a time.

You've seen golf shirts in stores but just because you see it in the store does not mean that it is going to do you any good on the golf course. A good golf shirt can be expensive but is worth every penny. The less attention you have on your sweaty clothes, the more attention you can put on your game and your golf buddies.

When looking for a good golf shirt, look for 100% cotton. Not all cotton is the same though. There is regular cotton and then there is Pima cotton. Pima cotton is superior cotton. This yarn is longer, stronger and much more durable then regular cotton. The result is a softer, silkier and more durable fabric and is absolutely perfect for golf shirts and pants. Look for Pima cotton on the label of the garment before you buy.

Now that you have comfort covered you also want to look good on the course. There are dress codes that should be respected though. Jeans and spandex are generally a no no. As a general guide line for men, you might want; golf or polo shirts, tailored shirts, golf pants or Bermuda shorts. For women; golf shirts or blouses, golf pants, golf skorts or shorts (not short shorts), dress pants or dress shorts. There is no real color preference but due to warm weather usually lighter colors are worn to stay cooler. The opposite is true for golfing in cooler weather. You'll want to wear dark colors to capture the suns warmth.

Golf shoes are also very important. During a golf swing the golfer's weight is being transferred from the upper body to the lower body and at the same time weight is being transferred from the right leg to the left. If the right ankle is not stabilized, then your body can sway, you overcompensate, and the ball goes awry. A good golf shoe should cushion your feet while giving good support. The best place to go for golf shoes is not in a department store, but a sports store, or a specialty golf shop. They are more specialized and will be better able to help you in this.

A really good pair of golf shoes (and gloves) can improve your game. They also need to be comfortable for the long trek through the course. And of course you want to look your best and quality really shows. People will know you are not only serious about the game but they'll know you are also willing to play the part of a well dressed golfer. And believe it or not, people will not only judge you by how you play the game but also by how you look. We do this in all aspects of our lives, every day, judging people by how they look.

So spend the extra money for the quality. You'll see that it is well worth it in the long run.

Happy golfing!

About the Author

Willie Jones is a freelance writer, researcher, floral designer, and artist, for Art Inspires, Inc. Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing at http://www.artinspires.com http://www.artinspires.com/display_motivational.asp?s=Golf

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Today, I thought I'd give you something different. Lets face it, however good you are at golf, you want to look good on the course, especially if your trying to impress your boss, or a potential client. Ian Poulter is a prime example, although it can definetely be argued that he has taken it maybe one or two steps too far. Have a change of wardrobe, take your time, read a few tips, and enjoy your round of golf!

If you would like to find out some general health and fitness tips, please visit http://squidoo.com/health-fitness

Core and Balance in Golf Fitness Training by Tracy Byrd

2006-08-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Core strength is all the buzz in not just golf fitness these days. In fact, there is even a relatively new trend in the world of plastic surgery called abdominal etching. In the course of one procedure (liposculpture - a combination of liposuction and traditional instrument sculpting), a person can attain non-functional six pack abs that resemble the real ones that might take years to achieve in the gym. The emphasis on the superficial aspects of a strong core leads a person to wonder - will core strength be the next fitness fad or are there serious benefits? Increasingly, physicians and therapists seem to be touting the benefits and wondering why the medical community has not focused on it sooner.

From the age of about 3 years old, right after we finish learning to sit, pull up and walk, humans need to make a conscious effort to develop a strong core. A client once reported that a physical therapist had measured his core strength to be about that of a 4 year old. It was not a compliment, needless to say. Core muscles are more complicated to understand than say the quadriceps or biceps. There are layers of muscles within our midsections that overlap and run in different directions. Learning to isolate the core muscles is the first step to conditioning them. For starters, performing a pelvic tilt can help you to identify the muscle that people often refer to as "nature's weight training belt", the rectus transverse abdominus, which plays a key role in protecting your lower back.

Physicians are urging patients that a strong core is key to long term fitness and are recommending core strength training in addition to aerobics for cardiovascular health and weight training for muscle and bone strength. Research indicates that people with strong muscles in their abdomens, buttocks, low back and pelvises are less likely to incur injuries. That is good news for the Baby Boomers who desire to lead active lifestyles into retirement. And since the effects of aging are well known, the possibility of putting off some of the degeneration and injury that comes naturally with age is compelling to everyone, young and old alike.

But perhaps the least understood benefit of core strength is the link between core strength and balance that neurologists are now beginning to emphasize. Core strength and balance have a symbiotic relationship with each other. To reach some of those hard to get core muscles or to train more than one core muscle at a time, an unstable surface training aid such as stability ball, balance pad and balance disc is often utilized. If you don't use your balance when using one of these training aids, you won't be able to perform the core strengthening activity. And the reverse is true too - if you don't use your core while performing balance training, you won't have much success. Try standing on one leg and balancing while leaving your core muscles completely relaxed. It won't matter where you focus your eyes, you will find that the amount of time you can balance will greatly increase when you contract your core muscles. Although many factors can affect balance as a person ages, the brain's ability to transmit and receive the neural signals that lead to good balance is key. And as with many things involving the brain, neurologists are finding the "use it or lose it" mentality applies to balance. By challenging a person's balance on a daily basis, the nerves that fire those messages to the brain stay active and alive.

About the Author

Tracy Byrd is the Director of the Wellness Center and Spa, Tennis Program and Children's Activities at The BriarRose in White Plains, Georgia. Tracy is married to Carey Byrd, Director of Golf at The BriarRose.

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Core strength is more and more becoming a key talking point in golf and other sports, its significance becoming more and more appreciated. That is why I have chosen to highlight this with todays article. Good luck.

Hitting Golf's Toughest Shots by Jack Moorehouse

2006-08-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Always going for broke can cost your strokes and inflate golf handicap. Still there are times when going for broke is called for--like when the club championship is on the line or you need a birdie to break 70 or 80 for the first time. If your luck's like mine, that's usually when you face a pretty tough shot.

The six shots described below are among the toughest going. They're extra difficult for amateur golfers who aren't accustomed to hitting shots under pressure, especially for those with high golf handicaps. But using your head and following the advice given below will improve your chances of making a successful shot.

Bunker Shot with Water Long This shot is among the hardest in golf. You need a really good lie; otherwise, play it safe and hit toward the fat part of the green. If the lie is good, however, go for it! Start with a full turn and don't be skittish about blasting out of the bunker. Remember you're displacing a couple of pounds of sand, so you'll need plenty of momentum. Don't try to lift the ball, as some students do in their golf lessons. Instead, hit down and through into the sand a few inches behind the ball.

Cutting the Dogleg I won't take a risk unless I'll gain a full shot in the process--a strategy I've discussed in my golf tips articles. So think before deciding. If the gives you a chance to make the green in two on a par 5 or to drive the green on a short par-4, then don't feel intimidated and go for the shot. Before hitting you need to know exactly how far to carry your shot or your tee shot won't reach the fairway, forcing you perhaps to take a penalty shot. Also, stay relaxed with this shot. Waggle your club a few times to relieve tension in your hands and take several fast practice swings. You'll slow down when it comes time to tee off.

Approach over Water If you're like the players who listened to my golf instruction sessions, you're probably terrified of water. Some years back a GOLF MAGAZINE survey of recreational golfers tabbed this shot the most terrifying. If you miss you not only lose the ball, you add a penalty stroke to your score. Here's how to hit it. Take several practice swings until you've identified the shot, then step up to the ball and repeat the swing. Don't hesitate. It lets too many negative swing shots enter your mind. Keep your posture steady, letting your shoulder pull you through impact. Picture your belt buckle facing the target--a positive image that will help you accelerate down and through the ball.

Escape through Trees Ever try to make up for a bad shot only to dig yourself deeper in a hole? Resist the temptation to hit a miracle, after you've hit a bad shot, like hitting into the trees. Instead, focus on hitting the next shot well. And the shot after that. And the shot after that. Hit enough good shots and you'll make up for the bad shot.

When you find yourself in a clump of trees, resist the temptation to hit a miracle shot. Your goal is to get out of the trees and put your ball back into play, even if it means hitting side ways. Examine your lie closely before hitting, then choose your club based on the lie. Choose carefully. If you need to hit a 140-yard low trajectory shot, don't play the ball back in your stance while using an 8-iron, hoping to keep it down. Instead, use the 3-iron or the 4-iron and make a long chipping motion. You'll stay relaxed and reduce the chances of a mis-hit.

Long Fairway Bunker Shot Long irons are probably the hardest clubs for recreational golfers to hit, especially out of a bunker. Instead, try the comfort of a fairway wood. The club's loft and wide sole helps the clubhead slide through the sand, making the shot easier. In addition, make two small adjustments to your swing to encourage a descending arc on the swing. Open the clubface slightly for a little extra bounce and play the ball back in your stance an inch or two. Also, dig your toes not your heels into the sand. Take a normal swing and you'll make ball-first contact.

Greenside Lob Over a Bunker This shot is my personal favorite. The lie determines how aggressive you can get with the shot. So take a close look. Try to get a sense of how much grass is behind the ball and how much air is underneath it. If the lie is tight, you won't be able to get the club under the ball. If it's its too fluffy, you might flub landing into the bunker. Make a nearly full backswing and then drop the club to the ball to pop it up. Keep the clubface pointing to the sky and use a short follow-through. Keep your head stable and centered.

You probably won't face these shots more than a couple of times a year. But you can bet that somewhere along the line, you'll have to hit one at crunch time in a round, match, or tournament. But if you keep your wits about you and commit yourself to the shot, you may be surprised how many times you'll pull one off.

About the Author

Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros." He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately.

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Fortune favours the brave as they say! I really enjoyed the above article, there is a lot you can learn from it!

Golf Swing Physics -- Incredibly Decrease Your Golf Score By Studying Your Golf Swing

2006-08-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

The game of golf can be quite difficult. It looks so simple at first, but you will realize there are a lot more to learn than simply hitting a golf ball when you start analyzing it. It takes alot of work so that you can improve your game by dissecting this. Not everyone has natural but you can improve your golf game by seeing the mechanics and thinking how you can make better.

In fact, even though you cannot change the basic science behind the golf game, you can still make some little adjustments for improving your golf score. For example, the golf swing physics is a really funny thing to look at and is one of the main field of your golf game that you can easily improve by analyzing and a kind of the motions behind the golf swing.

Actually, the golf swing physics is based on how your strength as you can only make a shot with as much strength as you have and the best way to improve this is though exercise. Basically, you do not need to use each last bit of your strength to make a shot as you will hardly direct the shot along the right way or golf course efficiently. Instead, you can make good use of your energy by analyzing the golf swing physics which can then help you swing much easily and hit the ball much better with less effort.

The main thing that you can learn after studying the golf swing physics is that if you start your lower part of body earlier while the kinetics involved will then be transferred the energy from your hips and shoulders easily so that you will have much powerful swing which needs much less effort.

Apart from that, make sure that you are making full use of your club is a very important issue in order to improve your game using golf swing physics. You can easily achieve this by buying the great clubs that you can afford. Also, you need to use them well to get the best result from your golf game.

Another hot golfing tip is angle, you can play your swing accurately. However you will not get the lift as soon as you cannot get the angle right. This can affect the length of your drive and accuracy adversely. Many golfers too pay more attention to their golf swing for getting the perfect angle, but if you make sure that you get both right, then you can make real improvements to your golf game easily.

Rashme Wong is a successful Internet Marketer and publisher of AmazingGolfSwing.info. She provides more golf swing tips, putting tips and more information on golf swing physics that you can search and learn on her website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rashme_Wong

How To Fix Your Golf Swing? by Eddy Kong WW

2006-07-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

There are many sports on this planet. Some need tons and tons of practice, while some only require some minimum exposure, then you are off to the real thing. Although, golf may seems to be a relaxing sport but working to fix your golf swing is definitely not.

Many of us start playing golf to relax and de-stress ourselves after a long week at work. However, after getting on the golf course we stress ourselves with the game itself.

Why is that so? Once we get hold of the club, put on the golf shoes, tee-up the ball, look around to feel the wind direction if there's any, with all these in mind, we are putting stress rather than relaxing and de-stress.

Well, there are some basic tips to help you to fix up your swing.

Here they are,

1) Grip your club with your left hand so that your thumb lies along the body of the club. Check that the line between your thumb and index finger should point towards your right eye.

Then wrap your right hand over the left hand so that your left thumb fits into the cup of your right palm.

2) Fine tune your stance by pointing your knees inside slightly. Point your right foot straight ahead and the left one slightly to the left.

3) Bring your elbows and arms as close you can get them. When in your stance, your right elbow should point directly at your right hip the left elbow at your left hip.

4) Bring the backswing with your hands, followed by your arms and shoulders.

5) Begin the downswing by rotating your hips back towards the ball. Any swing that does not start from the hips will lack power. The left wrist bone should be pointing at the ball when the club makes contact.

To fix your golf swing you must practice as much as possible. As a saying goes, practice makes you a better golfer not overnight but over time. Remember, there is no shortcut in golf swings.

It can be very frustrating at first; due to lack of power in the swing you mat not be able to project the ball very far or anywhere for that matter. Fix your golf swing with patience and time.

It is not something that can be learned from the book. To fix your swing you must be out there on the field with the club in your hand. Observing others is another good way to fix your swing.

Besides observing others, you also need to be consciously alert of your surroundings and to project a mental picture

There are many ways to improve on this game, however, it is not advisable not to focus on this issue as I have heard and seen many do.

Just always remember that golf is a game played mainly to bring you some relief from the daily stress in the office or otherwise.

To fix your gold swing you do not need to be obssess with it but just need to relax and it will come to you with practice. Fun is the key and with it all the other skill of the game will come to you.

That's why many pros golfers on this planet are taking this game to the next level, they all treat this game not a challenge but play it with love and passion and the best of all, win or lose doesn't matter to them anymore.

About the Author

Eddy Kong WW has a site which shares his articles on how to in golf training. Get his FREE articles at Fix Your Golf Swing for more information.

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Webmasters comments: This article highlights the fact that it will take lots of effort and practise to improve your golfswing as well as teaching you a few of the basics. It is obvious that you cant transform your game from a begginner into a pro overnight, but you can give yourself the best possible chance of taking your game to the next level using this program, it truly is remarkable some of the results you can get, it improved my game dramatically! I cannot thank the man enough Click Here to Transform Your Game

Beginners Guide to Golf Course Safety

2006-07-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Beginners Guide to Golf Course Safety

by Troy Degarnham
March 21, 2006

Golf courses come with their own set of safety rules that you need to follow so that you can be assured of your safety and the safety of your fellow golfers. Perhaps the most important thing that you need to remember is to pay attention to the other golfers that are around you. When you’re ready to swing your club make sure that you know exactly where the other players are and that they are at a safe distance away from you.

It’s important that you avoid swinging golf clubs when there are other golfers near to you. Even if you’re just doing some practice swings without a ball you’ll want to be in an area where there are no other golfers. And if you’re playing with beginner golfers you’ll want to make sure that they adhere to this safety rule as well.

Keep your head up so that you’re aware of where other people are playing. Even though you follow the safety rule of knowing where other players are doesn’t mean that everyone else does. If you have to move into another fairway to play a shot that got out of control, or to retrieve a ball, make sure that pay attention to other players nearby. If you hear someone yell “fore” keep a head up so that you know where the shot is coming from.

There will be times when you’re shooting your ball that your shot will go longer than expected or go off in a direction that you hadn’t planned on taking. Yell “fore” as loud as you can so that other players can get a heads up that there is ball somewhere that is out of control.

You should never hit your golf ball into the group playing ahead of you. Even if you have to stall your game until the next group moves forward you’ll have to wait. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should never hit your ball in anger when you’re frustrated with the game. Take a deep breath and remember the rules of golf courses so that you play safely.

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Written by Troy Degarnham, the webmaster and creator of a large directory of Golf Courses

5 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing Golf Clubs by John Bolt

2006-06-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Every golfer knows that having proper equipment is essential. Choosing golf clubs has become some what of a daunting task because of the enormous market out there. We have come up with 5 simple things to consider when choosing golf clubs.

First of all you have to be honest with yourself in deciding what skill level you're at. Are you a beginner just starting out, an intermediate weekend golfer, or an expert golfer who plays all the time? This is critical because there are different types of equipment designed to help every level of player. Playing with expert equipment if you are just starting out will only hurt your game.
Stay within your spending limits.
You have to know what type of budget you are working with. Golf can become very expensive if you don't stay within your means. There is equipment and accessories designed for every budget, you just have to know where to look.
Figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Do you know hook or slice the ball? Are you a long or short hitter? Do you sink many puts when you have to, etc.? You must know these qualities of your game. When you go to your local shop or golf pro it will be easy for them to get you fitted correctly if you know this information.
How often do you play? Are you a weekend golfer or an addict who plays all the time? This will determine what golf clubs and accessories you should purchase.
Don't go out and spend a fortune on complex equipment and other things if you only play the game on the weekend with your buddies. On the other hand if you travel all over competing and playing, you are going to need the quality equipment that allows that.
Finally make sure you do your own research. Read golf magazines, articles, newspapers, and anything else you can get your hands on. Go to demo days at your local club or driving range and any local golf shows.
Check online at manufacturer's websites and other informative golf club websites. You can find anything online. Doing research is the key to getting what you want.

If you use these 5 simple tips to choosing golf clubs it will be simple for you to get fitted with exactly what you need. So go out and get those brand new clubs you have been thinking about for while. More great tips on choosing your golf clubs can be found at:www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html.

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John Bolt is the full time owner of Golfequipmentsource.com With years of competitive golf experience under his belt, he understands the importance of having properly fitted golf equipment. You can visit him online at: www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html golfmaster@golfequipmentsource.com

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Webmasters comment: Having the correct golf clubs is vital, with clubs that dont suit your needs, you will never reach your golfing potential!
Good golf clubs will help you develop that Perfect Swing that you Desire.

Golf Tips For A Better Golf Swing by George Gabriel

2006-06-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Golfing can be an expensive past time, especially if you have to take golf lessons to boot. Taking golf lessons gives you the ability to have someone guide you and spot critical mistakes in your golf swing. There is another alternative to golf lessons even though golf lessons are the fastest and best way to a better golf game.

There is a lot of good reading material on the Internet that helps in solving your slice, hook, or whatever problem you have getting the golf ball to the hole. Taking a good golf book seriously and implementing the instructions on the course will turn your game around in no time. If your having trouble breaking 100, 90, and even 80. This article has a few tips on reaching your goals at your own pace.

Whatever book you decide to choose on the Internet or local store, read the chapters over several times before you take these instructions on the practice range. Practice at least three times a week. There are a few points to keep in mind when practicing any kind of new golf swing that amateurs tend to overlook.

Consider the slope of terrain that you are implementing your new golf swing. Take a large bucket of balls and practice the swing with different slope positions. Swing easy at first, then gradually step up to your normal swing speed. You're not always going to have a flat lie out on the golf course. It may take half dozen balls or more to get comfortable with different types of fairway slopes, but once you follow the book closely and practice, you will soon overcome any problems at first. Be persistent!

Choose the shorter clubs first and gradually work your way to the driver. Do not leave any club in the bag. Practice them all. If you're having trouble with a longer club, do not skip it and move past. Pause with the lesser club and go backwards until you gain confidence to move back to the golf club you dislike hitting. Pause at the club before and keep hitting it until you feel confident to play the golf club your having problems with.

Always shoot towards a target and always keep the distance in mind for each golf club. You will eventually have stronger wrists and arms as you progress through a full month of practicing three times a week. The distance will change as you move forward in your persistent self-golf training. The golf holes will get shorter. As you read through your golf book, look for tips on choking down on the club to take a little distance off your newfound power.

Find a nice quiet place to practice your short game. You need to be at least 100 yards out and work your way in with the putter being the last club to practice. If you are not hitting the greens, you must know how to chip and play out of bunkers. Mastering your short game will also take a bundle of golf strokes off your game.

Practicing your golf swing as much as three times a week for at least 1 month, and reading up on golf swing instructions will eventually move you towards a much lower scorecard if you are persistent with your goals.

About the Author

Learned to play golf as a caddie in the mid sixties and continue to enjoy the game today. Now running a discount tee time site at http://www.golfanchor.net and a sister site at http://www.golfanchor.com

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Webmasters Comment: Having a 'correct' golf swing is vital for a more consistant reliable game, here is a link to a site that offers advice to get that swing you desire: The Simple Golf Swing

How To Cure A Nasty Golf Hook by Joseph Tierney

2006-05-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

A golf hook can be compared to Pele's 'banana kick' in football. In the case of a right hander, when the golf ball strays severely, from the right to the left, it is referred to as a hook. Where left handers are concerned, the ball would sway from left to right. The golf hook is, more often than not, referred to as an error made by beginners. Of course, professional golfers may deliberately use this method to place the golf ball where required.

It is by doing a lot of practice that beginning golfers lose the golf hook. It is important to hold the club in a firm grip, and make sure the surface of the club does not end up pointing in the wrong direction as it strikes the ball. It is the lower hand (the right hand in case of right handers) that controls the basic power and direction of the stroke, and this needs to have a really firm grip on the club. The other hand provides support to this. At the same time, don't overdo the whole thing by holding the club in such a tight grip that the muscles on your entire arm are tensed, this will immediately affect your swing. Be comfortable and firm.

Your swing needs to be smooth and comfortable, ending over the shoulder level. Practice swinging the club over and over without the ball. While playing the shot, many beginners make the mistake of 'stopping' the swing once the ball is struck. Avoid this, and complete the swing, giving a nice follow through after the club connects to the ball. Also, remember that your body needs to move in the direction where you intend for the ball to travel. If this is not maintained, the stroke looks and definitely results, in a very clumsy effort.

Like any other sport, golf requires intense practice. One way golf is different is that it is a sport where you don't react on the spur of the moment. For example, a cricket player needs to strike the ball very much with a subconscious effort. But a golfer has all the time in the world to plan and execute his stroke. That's why it is nice to be able to visualize the shot before you play it. Look at the area where you want the ball to travel to, plan out what stroke you will need to play, and imagine yourself making a clean hit with a good follow through, that does you the job!

At the end of your swing, if your weight is on your back foot, then there is no way the ball would not have landed where you didn't intend for it to. This is the commonest of reasons for the hook, and can easily be corrected as long as a conscious effort is made. Keep in mind that during the swing, your weight starts on your back foot, and is transferred totally on the front foot, by the time it is completed. The toe of the back foot will point in the general direction where the ball lands.

Finally, a word on your stance. When your legs are close together, it makes you a little unsteady (try standing in a moving bus with your legs packed together and you'll see!). Open up your stance to give that solidarity to your shot, and yeah, in the bus as well! The result of the golf hook is generally due to the last two reasons mentioned, and I stress on that. So make sure your weight is transferred to the front foot and open up your stance. These are the last tips I am parting with you help you perfect your golf game.

About the Author

Joseph Tierney is a golfer and college student from Florida. You can find out more about improving your golf swing at Golf Swing Tips

Golf Basics – Back To Basics Each Season by Jeff O'Brien

2006-05-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

I would like to focus the jest of this article on the basis of the golf swing… the grip. With spring in the air and golf on our minds let’s get this year off to a good start by not overlooking the basics.

Unquestionably the biggest mistake I see in people’s golf swing isn’t in their golf swing itself.

Nope. Not at all.

More often than not the mistakes happen before the swing even begins. The first mistake is made in how the golfer holds the golf club. After that the next mistake usually comes in with how they stand up to the ball. Poor posture. Then after having two strikes against them, they then finish the job of making it almost impossible to hit a good golf shot by improperly lining up to their intended target.

Of course, after hitting several (possibly several hundred) balls with only a minute few being what they think is acceptable the tired frustrated golfer asks… what am I doing wrong with my swing?

For the purposes of this article I want to discuss the very first part of the proper golf swing … the golf grip. In fact, let’s be even more precise here; the left hand grip on the golf club. Oh sure… there’s much more than just the grip including the aforementioned posture and alignment. But there’s only so much typing I can do at one time so let’s stay with the grip for this communication.

The position of your club face is greatly influenced by your grip. And this is especially true as your club face enters the impact zone and contacts the ball. Certainly there is an abundance of golf swing peccadillo’s that can occur that can cause those woeful golf shots. You know the ones I’m talking about: the banana ball, the smothered hook, skied, skulled, and chili dipped. Ok, I’ll stop… If you’ll stop trying to correct your golf swing by in incessantly hitting ball after ball trying to make every physical adjustment known to man (and some that aren’t) within your golf swing itself and begin by using a fundamentally sound grip.

So you’re going to continue on with me… great! Let’s talk about the left hand (right handed golfers) first and foremost.

The left had should come in contact with the grip of the club in such a manner that the grip cuts a diagonal across the palm of the left hand from the crook in the index finger down and across to the bottom right pad of the left hand.

When you close your left hand, your club should be held in the first to fingers and your palm.

The key that you look for out of your left had grip is quite simple. As you address your ball and look down, you should only see two knuckles of your left hand. As an instructor standing directly across from you, I too should only see the same. If I don’t see EXACTLY two knuckles of your left hand then we take a step back and re-grip until we get it right. And don’t try to cheat and re-grip club just as you begin to take the golf club away and into your back swing. FOUL I say. And I will stop you.

Ok. I certainly haven’t given you that much to remember here. But seriously golfers, resign yourself to go through a quick, short checklist before you begin the journey we call the golf swing. Start with your grip. Get used to it. A proper grip will feel awkward to you particularly if your grip has been way off. Stay with it. Know that it’s the right way to grip the golf club. Piece by piece let’s lay the foundation for a good swing.

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Jeff O'Brien is a youth and beginning golfer instructor with a real insight on getting your golf swing and game off to a start by establishing a good foundation onto which you build your golf swing and game. Please visit http://www.golf-ology.com for more of Jeff's golf tips and online golf lessons.

Some Warm Up Tips for Golfers by Lee Collins

2006-05-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

When it's time to warm up, some golfers think they need to hit the driving range with everything they've got. In truth, warming up to make your game as effective as it can be means that you work on a variety of swings and become familiar with the conditions.

For example, you golf differently on a windy day than if the air is still. You probably play at least a bit different on days when the temperature is raging than when it's cool. Here are some tips from those who hit the courses on a regular basis.

Driving is a good way to start, but start slowly. Choose a short iron for your first few drives, giving your muscles a chance to loosen up and to get the feel for the day. Work up to longer drives, but remember that the goal isn't only to see how far the ball will go - control is more important than distance and this is your chance to gather your skills to exercise that control.

Don't just drive. Some people make the mistake of thinking they've completed an adequate warm up once they've managed to make a few successful drives. Take time for some chipping and putting as well. Make the most of your swing and any recent lessons you've had. Remember that a round of golf is much more than teeing off.

One of the most important warm up tips is to get your mood and emotions under control. Smacking your frustrations out on a golf ball probably isn't going to help your game at all - though it might arguably be good for your frustrations. Take time to gather your calm, focus on your game and let the day's troubles fall away. Your mood - especially if it's a bad mood - can greatly impact your game.

Another mistake many people make at the warm up session is to start practicing. This isn't the time to try out new clubs, new swings, or new information. This is a time to play your best game, just as you'll be doing shortly - at the first tee. It's okay to put in a few practice swings if you're working on something you want to put into play for this game, but don't get caught up in a practice session. One of the purposes of a warm up time is to build your confidence. You can't do that if you're continually making errors. Use the techniques you're most familiar with and be ready to congratulate yourself on all your successes during the warm up.

If you are doubtful about the need for a good warm up period, just think back to a recent game of golf that you didn't warm up for. How was your first tee? How was the fourth? Did you spend the rest of the game making up for some poor strokes early on? The warm up is a chance to make those mistakes before they're being engraved on a score card.

Take time to make yourself confident and you'll play a confident game.

About the Author

Lee Collins is an avid golf enthusiast who has improved his golf game tremendously in a very short time using the "How to Break 90 in 3 Easy Lessons" system available only at http://www.easygolfinstruction.com.

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Webmasters comments: Warming up is essential, by not warming up you're increasingly likely to pick up an injury, this is any sportsmans worse nightmare, so make sure you warm up effectively!

Golf - Driving The Ball Long By Michael Russell

2006-05-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

No matter what anyone says, everybody wants to hit the golf ball a mile. When we see Tiger Woods and John Daly on TV hitting the ball 350 yards, we are envious. We desire to do the same thing when we get together with our Saturday foursome. It's only natural to want to drive the golf ball as far as possible.

While you may never be able to hit your drives as long as Phil Mickelson, you can still learn how hit the ball farther off the tee. You can also lower your golf handicap and develop a much better technique.

These 7 keys will help you increase your driving distance:

- Give yourself a wider stance for increased stability
- If you're right-handed, point your left toe more inline to the target
- Waggle the club head back and forth over the ball
- Stay calm and don't hurry your backswing
- Take the club back as far as possible on your backswing
- Swing harder and put more of your right hand into the hitting the ball
- Take full advantage of the elements, especially the wind

Good technique promotes good shots. Of course, that's easier said than done. You should always practice your technique as often as possible on the golf practice range. Whether you're driving, putting, chipping, or hitting pitch shots. Practice your technique. Remember, good technique begins with your addressing the ball.

When you've decided on your target and determined your ball's path, get set up in an address that is designed to give you maximum power. Be sure to widen your stance, which gives you more stability and provides a solid base to allow a more powerful golf swing. You want approximately 60% of your body weight on your left side. This will give you a more powerful coil.

Greg Norman will do a couple of other things to generate more power when he swings. He will point his left toe toward the target slightly and he waggles the club above the golf ball, which gives him a smooth one-piece takeaway. It also gives him more rhythm in his swing.

When you're at the top of your backswing, be sure to turn your shoulders a full 90 degrees. Your back should actually be facing the target. Look at John Daly when he drives the golf ball. He has a massive shoulder turn. Many players ask him all the time how he does it. He says it's due to having a sound technique and a wide swing arc. He always has a rhythm to his golf swing and is never out of sync on his swing.

After you reach the top of your backswing, you're ready to begin the downswing. Do not rush your downswing. If you do, you'll have an increased chance of swinging straight down on the ball and eliminating any power you had going. You will also most likely chilli dip and miss hit the golf ball. Look at Fred Couples and his downswing. It's nearly flawless.

Make sure to keep your left arm straight during your transition. When you keep your arm straight it enables the club head to remain square and hit the ball properly. Don't have a herky-jerky swing. Keep your golf swing smooth. Picture yourself hitting through the ball, not just to it. Hit hard with your right hand.

Be sure to take advantage of the playing elements to help give you more distance. Especially using the wind to your advantage. When you have the wind at your back, tee the golf ball higher than normal. This gives you a higher ball flight with more carry in the air. That means greater distance.

When you're playing into the wind you want the opposite. Tee the ball down a little more than usual.

Once you've practiced these golf techniques, you will begin to see dramatic improvements in distance and control. Who knows, you may even start driving the ball like John Daly.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Golf

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Five Steps for Improving Bunker Technique By Jack Moorehouse

2006-05-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Although hitting from a bunker is straightforward once you learn the basics of stance and posture, the thought of hitting into a greenside sand trap unsettles many golfers. Improving your technique reduces the fear of bunker play and builds self-confidence in your shot-making capabilities.

Assuming the texture of the sand is similar, and the ball is not plugged, the technique for hitting out of a greenside bunker remains the same for shots up to 30 yards (27m). The key to making this shot, as I’ve explained in my golf tips, is hitting the sand about 1 to 2 inches behind the ball, throwing the sand forward with the ball. For longer shots the only thing that changes is the swing’s length. Rhythm and tempo remain the same.

Below are 5 points I cover in my golf lessons on bunker technique. They’re the focus of my golf instruction once I’ve reviewed how a wedge works and the fundamentals of stance and posture.

1. Move Arms Away in Unison

Having taken a slightly open stance, resist the temptation to get too steep early in the takeaway. Keep the wrists passive as you sweep the club away. Try to synchronize the arm swing and body turn. In other words, make the first part of the takeaway a one-piece movement. Also, make sure the clubhead follows the path away from the ball parallel to the line of your toes.

2. Rotate and Open

Rotate your left arm and wrists as the swing continues, as if you were looking at a wristwatch. It’s a visual I often use in my golf instruction to help players remember to make the move. It opens the clubface and helps maximize the bounce effect on the sand wedge at impact. Also, start hinging your wrists as the clubhead passes your right thigh. Keep your head still, turn the left shoulder in under the chin, and turn your back to the target.

3. Turn to the Top

As your body turns, you should feel as if your clubhead is pointing toward the sky and your wrists are cocked. Keep your head and body centered over the over the ball. Swing the club down on a slightly flatter plane, with good rhythm and tempo, as always. This is a key move any time you swing a club.

4. Make the Right Contact

Hitting the right impact point is critical when playing from the sand. In golf lessons I tell students to visualize the ball sitting on top of a tee instead of the sand, then focus on clipping the tee beneath the ball, which just happens to get in the swing’s way. Executed properly, this move will throw the ball out of the bunker with just the right amount of sand.

5. Create a Controlled Explosion

As the club comes down in the downswing, you should feel your hands drag left, pulling them across the ball through impact. Make sure that your right hand doesn’t cross over the left and that you clear your left hip as the club comes through. If the stance and clubhead are open sufficiently, the ball will fly straight, with a high trajectory.

Of course, the technique for longer bunker shots differs slightly. The key with longer shots is in the follow-through. Use a full finish for long bunker shots, and a short finish for shorter bunker shots.

Below are two exercises that I use in golf lessons to help students improve their bunker technique:

• This exercise establishes how the sand wedge should really work. Stand in a practice bunker without a ball. Adopt your normal bunker stance and take several swings down into the sand. The object is to get the feel of the clubhead dragging through the sand, not digging into it. After a dozen shots, try hitting a ball. Pick out a spot where you want the ball to land and then go for it. Repeat the exercise until you’re comfortable with the feel of the wedge splashing through the sand.

• Focusing on a spot where the clubhead hits can divert attention from where it emerges, resulting in a fluffed shot. The “Two Lines” exercise helps eliminate the tendency to lose focus. Stand in a bunker and take your normal bunker stance. Draw two lines in the sand about 6 to 7 inches apart. The lines represent the length of the sand you should carve from under the ball. Line up several balls between the two lines then hit them. The clubhead should enter the sand where the first line is and emerge where the second line is.

Practicing these two exercises while keeping the 5 points in mind will help build better bunker technique. As you become more and more comfortable with hitting out of a bunker, you will increase your self-confidence. And that, as I often tell my students, leads to better play and lower golf handicaps.

Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.

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Golf Tips: The Simple Secret to Solving the Slice

2006-05-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

The slice is a shot which usually starts off slightly to the left, then swerves to the right in the air. The slice is a common fault that occurs in many beginners game and has to be one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a golfer. In most cases, the slice is uncontrollable and is destructive more often than not resulting in the ball being sent deep into the rough. It is also far more common than the hook which occurs when the ball does the opposite through the air.

Ways to cure the slice:

Firstly, make sure your body alignment is correct, your shoulders, chest hips and feet should all be parallel to each other as well as parallel to the ball to pin line. If your body is not aligned correctly and is aiming too far to the left, the upper body can not and does not rotate properly. This leads to an 'out to in' swing which means that the club will not be hitting through the ball but instead will be moving from outside the ball to inside the ball as the impact takes place. The consequence of this is side spin being generated on the ball and the dreaded uncontrollable slice follows.

Even if your alignment, swing and grip are perfect, the positioning of the ball in the stance can make a good straight shot into a shot that slices wildly out of play. This occurs when the ball is placed too far forward in the stance.

Once again the slicing of the ball occurs because the club face is no longer square on at impact with the ball. This is because the club face has come past square and is moving in from the ball to pin line, this again generates side spin resulting in the ball slicing again.

Ideal ball placement is different for every club, but this is a rough guide:

For woods and long irons, the ball should be placed inline with the inside of your left heel (opposite for left hand players), for short irons place the ball in the centre of the stance, for medium irons the ball should be placed between two positions mentioned above.

Posture should be checked as weight distribution can also have an affect. Having your weight too far forward can encourage the slice so be wary of your weight distribution.

If all else fails, try strengthening your grip. Do this by moving your hands slightly clockwise around the club, then adjust your grip so you're holding it more in your fingers and lighten the pressure, this should help reduce the affect of the slicing.

Happy golfing!

For some excelent help please click here: Golf Made Easy!

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Copyright © Ally Canaway 2006

Importance of Golf Etiquette By David Stone

2006-05-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Golf is a game of skill and etiquette that are both equally important. To many people the etiquette is the most important part of the game. Skill is based on practice and talent, but everyone is capable of proper etiquette. The key to great etiquette is knowing the rules and using them every time you play. That way you will not forget them when it is important. The etiquette of begins before you have even arrived at the course. Dress is very important. Athletic clothing is prohibited, unless you are just messing around at the local public course. Pants or shorts must have belt loops and no cuffs. You shirt must have a collar; polo style shirts are a popular choice. Most golf courses now prefer that you wear shoes with rubber spikes instead.

It is polite to arrive about 20 minutes early to allow everyone to partner up and get organized. If you would like to hit some balls before the match, you can arrive earlier and practice at the driving range. When you reach the first tee it is appropriate for the person with the lowest handicap to tee off first. From the tee each person furthest from the hole should hit respectively. If players that are sharing a cart hit their ball to opposite sides of the fairway, one player should be dropped off at his ball with a couple of clubs. All divots should be replaced with sand and the removed grass.

On the green, the furthest from the hole still hits respectively. You should never cross the path of someone's ball. Either step over the path or go behind the path. This ensures that your footprint does not alter the path. If your ball is near or in the path of another ball, you must place a marker in front of your ball and remove it from the green until it is your turn to putt.

Other than these specific rules, always follow general safety guidelines. Never hit the ball if someone is near its path, and always stand far enough away from someone swinging a club to give them ample room. The most important thing to remember is to respect your fellow golfers and enjoy the game.

Find more great information about golf at http://www.get-golf-clubs.info.

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Left Handed Golf Tips For The Beginning Golfer By Tim Gorman

2006-05-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

One of the main mistakes that some left handed golfers make is also actually one of the more obvious ones, they attempt to play right-handed. Honestly, why they do this is not hard or difficult to understand, unless you have the money to buy a new set of clubs the very first time that you play golf then the chances are that you will end up borrowing some clubs just to see if you like the game and of course the clubs you borrow are very likely to be right handed.

Many left handed golfers do actually go on to buy their own clubs that are the correct style for them but some still carry on with the right handed clubs based on the fact that they have been playing too long with them and do not want to learn how to play golf all over again with left handed clubs. Naturally, this does mean that they will not ever be quite as good a golfer as they could become with the right (in this case left handed) clubs. When people search for left handed golf tips they have already embraced the most important tip for a left handed golfer and that is to play the game of golf using their natural swing with left handed golf clubs.

One of the best left-handed golf tips for beginners is to be careful when choosing your clubs. When you are left handed there is a much more limited choice available to you, especially if you are shopping at a small local golf shop or club. But rather than taking a set of golf clubs that you are not happy with, you would be better off waiting for a while until you have the opportunity to travel to a larger shop with a more comprehensive selection of clubs and golf equipment to choose from. The other option if you are nowhere near a golf equipment or sporting goods store with a good selection of clubs is to buy them by mail order.

There are two ways of doing this, you can either get a catalog and order your clubs that way or you could go to one of the online golf stores that have a good selection of equipment and everything that the left handed golfer could want or need I order to successfully play the game of golf. Of course, one of the best ways for a left handed golfer to learn how to correctly play and also receive some quality left handed golf tips is by taking lessons from a left handed golf pro. Some right-handed pros have a tough time when trying to teach left handed players and if you can swing it taking lessons from another left handed golfer is a much better idea and will significantly improve your golfing skills and game. With the right (left handed) clubs and good tuition there is every chance that your game will steadily get better and you will enjoy it even more.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Golf-Swing-Improvement.com. He provides more golf swing tips, putting tips and more information on left handed golf tips that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

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How to Develop a Proper Golf Swing

2006-05-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

How to Develop a Proper Golf Swing
By M Taylor

The first question you have to ask yourself is - What is a proper golf swing? All golf swings have the same three main components - the backswing, downswing and the follow through. Sounds simple, but to develop these three components into a strong, powerful swing takes a lot of practice on the course, as well as some training off the course.

In the game of golf, no two people ever have the same golf swing. The way one person swings a golf club may not work for another person, even if they are near in body types. Every golfer has to find the playing style that fits him or her to help them produce the results that they want. Practicing the fundamentals of golf will build a solid foundation upon which you can build upon to create that powerful swing. All the great golf players of the world did this and now it is simple and easy for them to drive a golf ball down the course.

One of the essential things that will affect all three of the golf swing components is your grip. Many golfers feel tension when they address the ball and get ready to execute their golf swing and this results in a tight grip on the club and stiffness in their arms. After the first swing that did not go as they wished it would, the tension builds and starts a vicious cycle that will affect the rest of their swings.

The first thing you can do to help develop a proper golf swing is to relax. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and visualize the result of your swing - the ball screaming down the course.

Next, take a firm but not tight grip on the club and think about the golf swing sequence.

The backswing - draw your club back in a smooth arch until the knuckle of your thumb is above your right ear. As you draw back, the club head will trace out a large circle and at the top of your backswing your chest will be pointing away from your target.

The downswing - this is where you swing your golf club down and the club head makes contact with the ball. Let the natural motion of your body carry the club head through the golf balls position down the range toward the target.

The follow through - your body continues and completes the swing arc after contacting the ball. Your finish position is part of your golf swing, so do not stop abruptly and try to keep your motion fluid.

When you start your backswing, take a deep breath as you draw back and release it slowly as you start your downswing. Holding your breath will create stiffness in the upper body that will affect the fluid motion you are trying to develop in your golf swing. Here are some tips to remember while visualizing your golf swing:

- Keep your left elbow straight during the backswing as the club goes straight up and back.

- Let your left arm roll slightly clockwise at the start of your downswing.

- Your wrists should be at a 90-degree angle when your left arm is parallel to the ground.

- Start your downswing with your lower body, NOT your shoulders.

- As you bring the club down, turn your hips as fast and powerful as you can towards the target.

- At the bottom of the swing arc, your wrists should snap and you will start the follow through.

- Your right arm will swing across your body and end up near your left shoulder.

- Your shoulders will be perpendicular to the target.

At the completion of the follow through portion of your golf swing, your weight should be balanced on your front hip and your back toe should be on the ground. Your hands will come to rest above your left shoulder and with your left knee facing the hole.

Now, going back to the original question – What is a proper golf swing? First off there is no simple golf swing as many people try to believe. People who have never played golf will tell you that hitting the golf ball is easy. Just take a club and hit the ball as hard as you can. However, as any golfer will tell you it is never that easy because there are quite a lot of variables and small nuances that go into developing a good golf swing. Therefore, a proper golf swing is one that you can execute repeatedly, and feel good about the results.

To develop your own golf swing, it will take practice and training both on and off the golf course. Take some time to build your body off the course through a golf specific fitness training and conditioning program, and then get onto the course to develop your own proper swing by practicing the fundamentals of golf until they are second nature. Anything you do in life, your overall attitude and expectations of yourself, will ultimately determine your enjoyment of the game. View each golf swing, water hazard, hook and slice as another opportunity to improve. Remember, great players are not born; they work at becoming a great player through training and practice.

The proper golf swing comes from improving upon the basic fundamentals of golf. Visit http://www.realgolftraining.com for golf swing tips, training aids such as swing trainers and other training aids to help you imrove your golf swing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Taylor

5 Reasons why you should Go out and Have a Game of Golf!

2006-05-15T05:40:00.000-07:00

Firstly, golf is a great way of getting outside and to get some fresh air, a top tip is to go for a round of golf in the morning before work, and this kick starts your body into gear and will leave you feeling fresh and awake all day!

Secondly, it's a great way to lose weight; in 18 holes of golf you can walk many kilometres over a long period of time. Walking for an hour by itself burns between 150-300 calories, add on to that carrying a bag or wheeling your bag, furthermore as its over a long time period then it burns a higher proportion of fat, and so you have got a good fat burning system in place!

Thirdly, golf is character building! Golf like several other sports can be extremely frustrating; there are the good times, and the bad, and it pushes your patience and nerve to the limit. This helps you become a more rounded person as you learn to deal with the ups and downs, this in turn can then be applied to life!

Fourthly, it can be great fun; there is hardly a greater thing than having a pleasant round of golf on a sunny afternoon, stretching the legs out and hitting a few birdies in the afternoon sun!

Finally, it is great way to meet people and to expand your social circle, whether it's on the course or in the bar after your round of golf, golfers are usually a happy, sociable breed who will be glad to have a chat. Going for a round of golf provides you with the opportunity to meet like minded people and also opens up networking opportunities!

So go out today and have a round of golf, as well as it being fun, it'll be healthy and give you the opportunity to meet new people as well as helping you to become a well rounded person!

Happy Golfing!

(Feel free to use this article online and in your email newsletters as long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in anyway. The byline and biography must remain in the article.)

Copyright© Victor Lensora 2006

The Top Five Golf Tips For Better Scores By Steadman Issenburg

2006-05-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

For a few golfers improving their score is all about making small adjustments in their mechanics that can shave a stroke or two off their already great score, but for the majority of golfers, learning some basic golf tips can knock off several strokes from each round and help them play much better golf very quickly. So here are some tips that have been proven to be very effective in shooting a better golf score for the average golfer.

* Get some golf lessons. Yes, you can just go to the driving range and try to do your best on your own, but if you want to make the most progress in the shortest amount of time possible, you need to get at least a few lessons under your belt. It will get you off to a good start and help you enjoy the game instead of just feeling like you are fighting it all the time instead. And there is no substitute for having a qualified teacher give you personal attention and help adjust your swing mechanics in person.

* Use enough club to get to the hole. Its amazing how many golfers assume that they can muscle a shot up to the hole and use a club that is one or two clubs too short on their approach shot. Instead, get to know your club distances by going to the driving range first and writing down how far each club length carries for you in distance on the average. Then use that as a guide to help you decide how much club you need to get to your target instead of just using the same club that someone else just used, or making an overly optimistic guess. You can shave lots of strokes off your game if you hit most of your greens instead of come up too short and have to pitch it on all the time.

* If your ball is only a foot or two off the edge of the green putt it instead of using a wedge. A lot of amateur golfers think that they need to use a wedge at all times when they aren't on the green, but that is not necessarily so. In fact, a lot of golfers would be able to get the ball closer to the hole if they putted the ball instead of pitching it in those situations, especially if your short game is not all that good. So if its within a few feet of the green try the putter first and see if it doesn't give you better results.

* Keep your head as steady as you can in your swing. This is often one of the most common mistakes that golfers make on the backswing. By moving your head this causes quite a few swing flaws that will adversely affect your contact with the ball. Think of your head as the pivot that the rest of your body turns around, almost as if it were nailed into position. Of course, its not possible to keep it absolutely still, but the quieter your head is in the swing, the more solid contact you should be able to make with the ball.

* Keep your sense of humor. Golf is a trying game even for the best players in the world. So don't expect to be perfect or even come anywhere close to it. Be able and willing to laugh at yourself and not take yourself or the game too seriously, at least not to the point that it loses its fun for both you and others who are playing with you. A little good humor can go a long way.

These tips and suggestions may seem very simple, and for the most part they are, but if you put them in practice you can be sure of both shooting a lower score and having fun every time out on the course.

Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including golf. You can find golf tips for beginners and a free golf swing tip by visiting our Golf Tips website.

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Notes from Victor Lensora - Revolutionary New Golf Swing Help - Click Here

Golf Tips, finding that winning grip and the cures for grip related problems

2006-05-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

The correct grip is a key fundamental component of a golfer's game and is required to have a consistently good straight game, giving you the ability to shoot low scores with ease.

When the grip is faulty, poor shots often result along with an inconsistent and unreliable game. Therefore it is essential for your game that your grip is correct if you want to take your golf to the next level.

Firstly place the club in your left (opposite for lefthanders) hand, close your left hand around the grip as if you were shaking somebody's hand. Your thumb should be pointing down the grip, slightly to the right of centre.

Then bring in the right hand, firstly interlock the little finger of your right hand with the forefinger of your left hand. The underside of the grip should be placed on the joints of the second and third fingers of the right hand. Your right thumb should also be pointing down the grip, while your right palm should be facing towards the target with your left hand facing away from the target.

Two V's should be formed by the thumb and forefinger of each hand, these should both point somewhere between your right shoulder and eyes.

When holding the club, the club must be held firmly but with the minimum of effort. Having the correct grip allows your hands to work freely with the utmost control while a poor grip leads to a lack of club head control.

Key Points:
1 Your arms and hands are relaxed.
2 Your left forefinger is linked with the little finger of right hand, 2 or 3 knuckles should be visible.
3 The V's created by the forefinger and thumb on each hand should point be to between your right shoulder and eyes. These V's should be pretty much parallel to each other.
4 The grip should be comfortable yet held firmly with little effort, it is vital that the club head does not open or close on impact.

To test that you have a good grip, it should feel as though both your hands work together as if one. When you lift the club and move it, your hands should feel comfortable and secure.

Problems and cures for slightly faulty grips: You may find that you are slicing the ball; this could be due to a problem with your grip, (although it may be due to other reasons mentioned in my other article that aims to solve the slice) try rotating your grip slightly clockwise around the grip; also try holding the club more in the palm of your left hand.

If you have problems with hooking the ball, make a conscious effort to feel the ends of the fingers on your right hand pushing upwards through impact with the ball. This should help prevent you from closing the clubface on impact and so helps prevent you from hooking the ball.

(Feel free to use this article online and in your email newsletters as long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in anyway. The byline and biography must remain in the article.)

Copyright © victor Lensora 2006

Golf Tips, Tips to improve your putting

2006-05-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

If you are seriously considering lowering your scores, then you must take your putting seriously, as roughly half the strokes you play in a round of golf are likely to be on the putting green. However good you are at driving, pitching and chipping, if your putting is not up to standard, you will never make the next level. My Dad told me the famous quote when I was probably about 12 or 13, 'Drive for show putt for dough', this says it all! That is why it is quite incredible that putting is not often concentrated on.

Tips for setup:

First of all I'd just like to say that there is no one correct putting grip/posture/stroke, there are wide variations, so if your technique is different, don't worry, some of the top golfers have very different putting actions e.g. Bernhard Langer, Ben Crenshaw and Tom Watson all have very different techniques. These are basic tips that can be applied to most techniques to help improve your game.

An ideal putting stroke should strike the ball on the up, to do this the ball should be placed opposite the inside of the left heal (for a right hander), this results in the ball being hit on the up and top spin is generated.

In relation to setup, the hands should be either inline with the ball or ahead of the ball, if the hands are behind the ball, then a clean consistent strike of the ball is not likely, and the common result is the ball popping up in the air.

Tension on the green is one the most destructive things that can happen to your putting, especially with the short putts, this is known as getting the 'yips', this is caused by moving during the stroke. This causes you to 'fluff' your shot and miss your putt. To avoid this happening, concentrate on the spot where the ball was after impact rather than following the ball. This ensures that you do not move your head during impact and will help give you the clean smooth impact you require.

A simple technique to reduce the tension in the body and the stroke is simply to let your arms dangle in front of you before you putt and gently shake them. This should relax your muscles enabling an enhanced sensation of feel and touch, both vital for reliable consistent putting.

Tips for the swing

Your grip should not be too tight, and your arms should be relaxed. Gently and smoothly in a one piece action, sweep the putter backwards. It is important to keep the triangle formed between your arms and the line joining your shoulders consistent through the whole shot and the shape should not change. The move backwards should be like a pendulum movement with your arms, while your wrists remain stiff. A good tip for making sure that this is correct is by starting the action by dropping your left shoulder; this will get the pendulum motion started.

Keeping the triangle mentioned before in tact, in a pendulum motion, accelerate the putter smoothly through the ball; the ball should be hit on the up. Throughout this whole period, keep your eyes fixed on the ball to avoid fluffing the putt and keep the eyes fixed on that spot after impact.

It is vital after impact that the left wrist remains firm and does not break; the follow-through should go inline with the direction you were aiming and should be the same length as the backswing.

The Secret of Alignment for improving your game!

2006-05-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

The alignment is an absolutely crucial and vital part to any golfer's game. You swing round your body, therefore if your body is offline, your swing in turn will be off line and out of sync, resulting in a poor swing and a poor shot, usually ending up deep in the rough.

When setting up to the ball, firstly ensure the clubface is square to the 'ball to pin line' (the line between the ball and the pin), and ensure that your shoulders, hips and feet are all parallel to the 'ball to pin line', if these 3 are not aligned and one is out, a good body turn is ruined with a poor swing resulting.

When training, on the driving range or wherever you can practise, a useful technique for lining up is to place a club on the floor and check that you're your feet, hips and shoulders line up with each other, the shoulder alignment is particularly crucial because your body turn starts with your shoulders.

Ideally, you should be lining your body up slightly to the left of the target (slightly to the right for left hand players), as opposed to trying to line your body up with the target itself.

On the course a simple test to see if this is the case, is to look at the target, if you can see your left shoulder, then you are lined up to too far to the right (visa versa for lefthanders), your shoulder should be just out of sight.

Poor Alignment can have several affects, these are all negative. Aligning too far to the left most commonly leads to the slicing of the ball, this occurs because you are not parallel to the line running from ball to pin. As a result the backswing is limited so an 'out to in' swing results. As a consequence the club face is slightly open on impact which generates side spin on the ball. This leads to the common problem which is the slice which I will explain in another article.

If you align too far to the right, the opposite will take place and a hook will occur due to the 'in to out' swing of the club, although quite common with beginners and inexperienced players.

Often they will subconsciously become aware of this and try to adjust mid-swing, over adjusting by opening up the clubface as impact approaches. This again results in the slicing of the ball, which is very difficult to control and usually leads to 'the rough'.

Alignment is an often overlooked and crucial part to any golfer's game and therefore must be addressed for you to succeed at any level of golf. For as long as you're alignment is out, you will never be able to consistently hit straight accurate shots and will increasingly find yourself hooking or slicing into the rough, turning those pars into bogies and taking your round from a 75 to 85.

So get that alignment sorted and go shoot some birdies.