By: David Nevogt
You super long ball hitters can smash balls at the driving range all day long, but putting is without a doubt the most important aspect to playing good golf. Let's face it though, putting is also a difficult and frustrating part of the game to master. That is why I consider putting an art form.
You can hit the ball once 220 yards to a green and then take three putts to go eighteen feet. The best putters like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Crenshaw and Loren Roberts all understand the art of putting better than anyone else.
When you watch them putt it looks like an art compared to the strokes of your high handicap buddies. If you watch most people on the putting green at your local golf club you will see the two main flaws most people make when they are putting:
* Their putter looks like it is being "yanked" back and through
* They lift their head to watch the golf ball as soon as or even before they make contact with the ball
What makes Tiger, Ben, and Loren such good putters is that they each have a very smooth, consistent, and concise putting stroke. The putter looks like it is going the same speed throughout the stroke, their takeaway and follow through are the same length, and most importantly their head stays down while they listen for the ball to go in the hole. On long putts they might lift their head to watch, but only after their stroke is completely finished.
How are these four and other professionals able to conquer the art of putting? By practicing above all else and learning to make their mind quiet while they put, they do this through practicing meditation and breathing techniques.
They also learn to become masters at reading greens, and they do that through their own observation while playing. Great putters will watch other players putts to help determine the roll and speed of the greens that day.
I do realize that not everyone can putt as well as Tiger, no matter how hard they practiced. Regardless, by working on what he does you can improve your putting and shave strokes off of your score.
Putting Drills To Learn The Art Of Putting
Here are a couple of drills you can work on to get your putting on the right track. The first drill to learn the art of putting is to place two clubs down on the practice green, about six feet from the cup, parallel to each other, online with the hole creating a "hallway" for your putter as you stroke through the ball. This drill has multiple benefits to teaching you the art of putting.
Try to putt the ball without hitting the shafts of the clubs as you stroke back and through. You can also measure the length of your backswing and follow through during this drill. Also, since you can set the clubs up and move them if necessary to be perfectly on line for the putt, you can work on your alignment by lining up your hips and shoulders with the shaft of the club closest to you.
Using a putting corridor is also great for confidence because once you putt a few you should begin to make most, if not all of them. This is great for improving the mental side of the art form because you will be visualizing the positive result of the ball going into the hole over and over again.
The second drill is to place an empty 160z water bottle underneath your right armpit.(your left if you putt left handed) Make sure that the water bottle stays resting there with the same amount of pressure as you putt the ball back and through.
This drill will make your hands, shoulders, arms, and chest work together creating a very fluid stroke. This technique will also teach you how to take the putter back properly on line without taking it too far inside or outside as the bottle will fall out if not done incorrectly.
If you practice the drills above you should be able to improve your putting and get a glimpse into the art of putting. However, if you really want to learn this art form inside and out, you need to practice the mental side of the equation by learning far eastern breathing techniques like Tiger. Good luck.
David Nevogt needs no introduction. His distinguished ability to help golfers of all abilities and ages to play great golf and get more fun out of the game is legendary all over the world. Rather than hit your head against a wall after each round, let David take you by the hand and introduce you to a simple golf swing that is guaranteed to work. Visit: www.DropYourHandicap.com to learn more.
December 26, 2007
- The Secret Art of Putting
- Outstanding Golf In An Outstanding Setting
By: Lindsay Chapman
Each weekend all over the UK, people load up their cars with their golf clubs and waterproofs, and take to the golf course. A social and popular pastime, enjoyed by many ages, golf is a wonderful outdoor sport, where the setting and elements can play a significant role in the appeal and popularity of a course.
While many play the same course each and every weekend, there are times when every golfers craves a new challenge and a different view as they stand on the first tee waiting to take that all important first shot.
Situated on the stunning heritage coastline, Thorpeness Golf Club is both beautiful and challenging. Those visiting for the first time will certainly find plenty to test their game, while regular members relish the opportunity to beat the course.
It is the unique relationship between man’s creation and nature that make this golf course such a delightful place to play. The wild, unspoilt heathland provides the backdrop for the course and is a haven for wildlife of all sorts. Rare species of orchid and mushrooms flourish in the wetlands, while hedgehogs, adders and hares can be seen if you’re very quiet and just a little bit lucky.
The course is truly unique and a warm Suffolk awaits all those who visit Thorpeness. The Golf Club also specialise in organising group or corporate days making it the ideal place for an awayday or perhaps enjoy a round as part of a meeting day. The restaurant serves excellent food prepared from fresh, locally sourced produce and will certainly hit the spot after a day in the bracing Suffolk air.
A range of golf breaks are available throughout the year and some include lessons from the PGA professionals, Frank Hill and Christopher Oldrey, who form the Suffolk Golf Academy and know the game of golf inside out.
Whatever time of year you decide to visit, this wonderful course set in a rather special part of the UK will be enjoyed by beginners and more seasoned players.
Golf breaks in Suffolk from Suffolk Coast Golf. Thorpeness is an unique golfing destination on the Suffolk Heritage coast, boasting one of the most challenging and enjoyable golf courses in the area.For more information visit Suffolkcoastgolf.Co.Uk
- How To Lower Your Golf Handicap Quickly
By: Mary Chillders
Learning how to lower your golf scores can be quite a challenging task. For most high handicap players the short game presents the best opportunity to shoot lower scores. Mastering the wedge game and putting may be the fastest way to play better golf.
However there is no magic solution to playing better golf since it will still require consistent practice. You do not need to spend hours and hours practicing each day. One hour of practice done four to five times a week can often be enough to see good improvements. Be sure to spend a lot of time on short shots inside of 120 yards.
These shots can make a huge difference in reducing your scores. Also remember that the longer shots are simply an extension of the shorter shots so if you are struggling with your wedge then you will almost certainly also struggle with the longer clubs. This is another big reason you need to hit more short game shots as this will also make you a better ball striker with the longer clubs.
Many of the top players in the world first learned how to putt, chip and hit wedge shots before they learned the driver and long irons. Also being confident in the short game also will take pressure off your long game since you will not be too concerned even if you miss occasionally since you have a great short game that can help you to get up and down most of the time.
Putting is a very important aspect of the game of golf. Hit a lot of short putts as they are very important in reducing your scores. Also when you do hit many short putts you will inevitably make a lot of them and this will help to build confidence. Never lose your confidence when you are on the green or anywhere else on the golf course otherwise this will adversely affect every area of your golf game.
You must learn to focus on all the great shots and putts you have ever hit instead of all the misses. Thinking of yourself as a great golfer is critical especially if you are looking to become a tournament professional because success at that level is all about how you think and your ability to build and maintain confidence.
It is important to learn how to think when you are about to strike the golf ball. Just before hitting a golf shot your mind must be focused on a target. You need to block out all other external thoughts and stay sharply concentrated on the target. Before you hit any shot pick a small target and then hit your shots with the target in mind.
You must trust your swing and putting stroke when you are on the course. Train your swing and putting stroke off the course but then you need to believe in your game on the course. Also when you are on the golf course, always play within yourself and hit the shot you know you can pull off easily. Do not try shots you have never been able to hit consistently during practice sessions.
Sometimes backing off on a hole and laying up can be the best thing to do in order to shoot lower scores so do not get caught up in trying to hit heroic shots. The professionals on television can hit those flashy shots because they have practiced them and they know they can pull them off but the same does not apply to most amateurs. Keep practicing and learning from your experience and in time you will lower your golf handicap.
Mary is an online researcher and avid golfer. Visit her site to get more useful golf tips and also be sure to visit the section on putting tips to help lower your handicap.
- How To Swing A Golf Club For Maximum Effect
By: Dean Caporella
If you have been playing golf for some time and don't know how to swing a golf club yet then you've got to consider whether you're really serious about improving your game.
When we say how to swing a golf club we mean using the correct fundamentals. It's amazing how even the slightest tweak can make a noticeable difference to your game. In this article, we are not going to explain the entire procedure of swinging a club but will give you some tips on how you might improve both your golf swing and your game.
Improving Your Golf Game
All the techniques in the world will do you no good if you either:
- don't identify your swing problem areas and
- don't get the correct advice
Identifying your problem areas is a nightmare when trying to work things out on your own. One of the best ways to do this is to take a video of your golf swing. Ask a friend or someone you play with regularly to video you while you are teeing off or playing approach shots to the green.
This is a tactic more and more players are employing and one which can easily show you where you might be going wrong. If you are not experienced enough to pinpoint the problem areas then it's on to plan B.
Get Some Coaching
This is an area many will resist simply because of the cost factor. Again, how serious are you about shooting lower scores? A coach will quickly identify the areas of your swing which need attention.
Remember that video you took. Take it with you to your coaching lesson and look over it with your tutor. The attractive thing about coaching is it doesn't have to be a long term exercise unless you want it to be. The primary reason you're enlisting the services of a coach is to identify the area of your golf swing which is giving you problems. Once this has been done, it's then off to the practice fairways to work on it.
Your coach may pinpoint your deficiencies within the first few minutes eliminating the need for future sessions. There is no point in thinking coaching will cost you a fortune because it doesn't. For the sake of a few bucks, your game can improve to the next level within a short period of time.
Getting advice on how to swing a golf club shouldn't come from your playing partners particularly if they are at the same level as you. A qualified tutor is a much better proposition.
Want to take your golf swing to the next level? Get these great tips and tricks guaranteed to improving your golf swing and eating up your handicap!
- Selecting Photos Of Golf Tournaments
By: Jim Brown
A certain type of golfer might play professionally but still might need photos to reach a certain level of inspiration during a golf game. Golfers like Tiger Woods might get a certain inspiration to play golf better by glancing at photographs of his beautiful wife occasionally. When charging for the lead scoring position in a golf game though, Tiger Woods might just glance for a while at a photograph of his newborn child to get all the inspiration he needs to win another title.
Some amateur golfers get their inspiration to play golf in the same manner. They might be totally inspired by the way Tiger Woods plays golf and will study videos and photographs to learn the right stance that worked for Tiger on the course just a few weeks before. They might be inspired by the brand of golfing equipment that any professional golfer uses during a tournament and will be motivated enough to purchase a set of clubs that match.
Selecting certain photos of golf tournaments that are held throughout the year could inspire some amateur golfers to play an amazing game of golf on any morning. The photos that offer stellar views of fairways with galleries of spectators migrating from one hole to another might put them in a dream state for a while as they fantasize that the professional golfer in the photo is actually them in real life. Other aspiring golfers might just visit the clubhouse and take photos of the trophy cases.
Some dreams that center on professional golfing goals are vividly colored and suitable for real life situations. These dreams of greatness will most certainly be captured in many photo opportunities that are spaced out along the golf tournament trail. Some fans might ask a professional golfer to pose for a photograph after they have sunk a birdie on a difficult round of golf. These professional photo opportunities might seem glorious at the time but will still not present any daydreamer with a check at the end of the tournament he is viewing.
The pleasing applause offered by the crowds in the gallery at every golf hole will be the only form of realism that some new golfers might be exposed when they are following an idol around during the day. The photos that picture the fan with the golf pro are the photos that will serve as a support system for the amateur that will make his daydreams of becoming the king of golf seem real. Some fans get so inspired from these treasured photos that they will often practice more and see their golf score improve dramatically over the course of a few weeks.
The victory photographs taken at the 18th hole or at the clubhouse might allow the amateur golfer to dream some more about how great they will play the game of golf one day. Photos that allow amateur golfers to dream will always be surrounded by helpful commentaries of sports writers that might contain useful hints and tricks that will help them improve their golf game. An avid golfer in training will take any type of information they are given and use it to improve their skills each week.
- GOLF--Find Out How To Get A Grip Of Your Golf Swing
By: Justin Flowers
Have you attained the consistency you are seeking in your golf swing? A golf swing you can count on will make a significant difference to your golf game. But to master the golf swing, it's essential for you to master the fundamentals. One of the essentials of a reliable golf swing is your grip, or the way you hold the club. If you can't develop the proper grip, you should practice yelling "Fore!"
So what's so important about the grip? Your golf grip is how you connect with the golf club. What your club face is doing at the point of impact all depends on your grip. Golf swing power can also be traced back to the grip, better-grip equals more power.
Three basic types of grip cover what the majority of golfers are doing: the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip and the two-handed or baseball grip.
You'll find most golfers using the overlapping grip. It's especially well-suited for golfers with larger hands. The overlapping grip is accomplished by placing the little finger of your trailing hand in the middle of the index and middle fingers of your leading hand (for right-handed golfers, your trailing hand will be your right hand). You should take care to ensure that the golf club is held more in your fingers rather than in the palm of your hands. This should assist you to get a better feel. The improved wrist action you obtain with the overlapping grip will help ramp up the power of your golf swing. Should you end up slicing the ball or don't seem to have power, look and see if your club has moved into the palm of your leading hand.
You'll notice golfers on the LPGA using the interlocking grip rather often. It is because this grip happens to be a useful solution for players with medium-sized hands. However, don't let anyone tell you it's for ladies only. Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus are two golfing greats who have used this grip at some time. The interlocking grip helps by locking the hands together, but there is a risk that the golf club will end up in your palms. The light grip pressure is the key to effectively using the interlocking grip. Gripping too tightly might result in weak slices. You should realize the lightness of your grip is what will provide the required amount of club rotation. What's the best way to tell if your grip is too tight? One clue is that your hands begin to ache before you finish playing.
You may know the intertwined grip is also known as the ten finger grip or baseball grip. It's the less popular of the three grips but it does have a few advantages. It is especially suited to golfers with small hands, or if you are prone to suffer from stiff joints. Key advantages are more power and improved golf swing support. Unfortunately control of the club head is not so easy.
The best way to improve your grip is to spend enough time at the driving range. Regular, dedicated practice will assist you to be more confident with the feel of your grip and help with your swing. Whenever you're under stress, you tend to squeeze harder, which is always bad for your golf swing. You will find the sure way to reduce tension and perfect your grip, and your golf swing, is to make a regular appointment at the driving range.
- Putting tips
Putting is perhaps the most difficult golfing stroke as a golfer has to take into account the curvature of the green and various criteria while putting. The reason why putting is considered such a vital stroke when compared to other aerial strokes, is because putting requires more skill and concentration. If you are looking to improve your putting skills, here are a few tips that will help you improve your putting from the ground up. Make contact with the centre of the putter faceThe most vital aspect of putting is striking the ball with the centre of the putter face. Not only will the force applied be distributed evenly, the ball will be free from any spin when it is struck. To practice hitting the ball from the centre face, place the ball between two tees that are aligned with either end of your clubhead. Practice hitting the ball without striking any of the tees. Practice the drill regularly and don’t worry about making the putt each time, just make sure you are striking the ball cleanly and not touching the tees. With time you will automatically start finding the centre of the putter. Keep the clubface square on impactOnce you start finding the centre of the putter, the next step is keeping the clubface square on impact. To achieve this, place a shaft next to the tees and start putting without touching the tees while keeping the putter perpendicular to the shaft. The intended purpose of the shaft is to give you a better idea of how square the clubface is on impact. Once you start striking the ball with the centre of the putter and the putter is perpendicular to the shaft you are ready for the final step. Accelerating the clubhead through impactA common mistake made by most golfers is pulling back the putter and then decelerating the club before striking the ball. A proper technique should be the opposite of the above mentioned; the idea is to strike the ball while the clubhead is accelerating. To make sure you do not pull back the putter too much, place a tee behind the putter. Practice swinging the putter without hitting any of the three tees now. If you are not striking any of the three tees and also keeping the putter perpendicular to the shaft this means you are now striking the ball at the right angle and not decelerating the clubhead at time of impact. If you are still striking down the tee placed behind your putter, you can try something a little more radical and try putting your back to a wall. This will ensure that your club cannot possibly go back more than it should.Once again, remember that accurate putting only comes after you have started striking the ball in the correct way. Once you are confident that your swing and strike is perfect, start putting over short distances and then slowly move up to longer distances like 12 to 15 feet. For more golfing tips visit www.free-golf-tip.com
Article Source: http://www.1articleworld.com
- Developing Your Golf Routine
By: Jeff Austin
People seldom realize how many things in their lives have become routine, from getting out of bed in the morning until you retire to bed at night there are several routines you perform.
A routine is simply a series of motions that you do so often that it becomes second nature, in other words, you dont even realize that you do it that way every time.
As with other things in life, there is a need to develop a routine for your golf game, some golfers will start by standing behind the ball, aligning it with the hole, and then you may choose your plan of flight for the shot.
After settling in over the ball you may wiggle a few times to get yourself comfortable, and then take a deep breath and swing.
This is routine for you, and you should always follow your routine each time you prepare to take s shot.
You wont always follow it exactly, but it will be close enough that both you and other golfers will recognize it as your pre-shot routine.
What a routine does is get you mentally and physically ready to take a shot, your best possible swing on the ball.
It prepares your mind to get ready to swing as it shuts down all other distractions, you focus on the conditions and the shot, using all the motions you have spent hours on the driving range developing.
There is no particular pre-stroke routine that works for all golfers; as a matter of fact you will find your own which allows you to get ready to take your shot.
It should involve a couple of glances at the hole, along with a trigger that allows your mind to go into auto-pilot before taking your swing.
It could involve any number of things, a slight forward movement of the hands, a swing of the hips to settle in more comfortably or a final glance at the hole.
When you find yours, always use the same pre-shot routine.
- Specific Goals And Objctives Of GOlf
By: Ranju Kumar
All the parts of golf that may be used in playing a round of golf. By improving a few or many of these parts reflects in your overall score.
So if you have a goal to improve your scores, first work out what your personal par is for a course. Use your handicap or an average of your last five scores. Then have a look at these scores and work out how many birdies, pars,bogeys, double bogeys or worse you have.
Eliminating your bad holes is usually the best way to reduce your scores. Work out how many tee shots you hit in the fairway, greens you hit in regulation, up and downs, total putts, putts per green in regulation, number of greens you can hit from 100 and 50 metres, and sand saves. Then set goals for improvement in each area.
If you are 18 handicap or above and your scores are over 90, your green in regulation calculation will be one more as your par score is really a bogey.
Next, work out how well you can play shots to targets. If you know your percentages of success with certain shots, it will help your decision making on the course. You will avoid the high risk shots that if missed will put you in areas where you face a difficult shot with a low success rate and therefore make higher scores than taking a conservative approach.
If you see that there are shots that are difficult for you or you see areas that need improvement, then you can start to set technique goals. The better your fundamentals, the more consistent your game will be. Then there are small adjustments to the way you play a shot that add variations to help in certain situations.
You might go to your pro to find out some new shots or play with better players and ask them. Wherever you get your knowledge, you'll need to do some practice to master them. So that's the next area to set your goals.
What are you going to practice? How long are you going to practice? Where are you going to practice? How can you tell if the practice is working? That's a lot to keep track of, but it is the only way to get better.
There are lots of books on golf which give you a better idea of where your game is at and help you decide what to work on.
- Golf Driving Tips To Help You Hit The Ball Farther
By: Shakil Zaman
Driving a golf ball well can be a great challenge. The driver is the hardest club in the bag to hit and requires a lot of skill to master. The first key to driving the golf ball well is to swing well within yourself. Many players when they are trying to drive a golf ball far try to use their muscle power thinking that using more muscle will mean more distance.
This is a common misconception, remember that there are many players out there that have very thin builds and they hit the ball very far. How is this possible? These golfers have learned that distance is a function of an accurate golf swing combined with club head speed. Swinging easy or within your limits will give you a better chance of making a more accurate golf swing.
The key to greater club head speed is to create more lag or leverage. Lag is defined as the angle that is created between the club and your left hand. You want this angle to be small and you need to hold this angle for as long as possible before impact. This will allow maximum energy to be released through the hitting zone and will translate to greater distance.
One simple way to create more lag is to think of the club as a whip and use a whipping motion through the hitting zone. Also starting the downswing with a weight shift toward the target before bringing down the club can also help to produce greater leverage. It is important to stay fully under control when executing your golf swing. One way to check if you are under control is whether or not you are balanced at the end of the swing.
If you see that you are losing balance then you may need to slow things down a little and not try as hard. Relax and let the club do most of the work. Another important thing to keep in mind is that the driver you are using should fit your swing type. If you have a slower swing speed then you should use a driver with a regular flex. However if your swing speed is higher then you will want a driver with a stiff flex.
Also make sure your driver is not too long, usually 42 to 45 inches is the ideal length for most people. Another good tip to help you hit the golf ball far is to think of your left shoulder driving straight up towards the sky when the downswing starts. This will help to get the club on the right plane for the downswing and will also help to create more lag.
It is important to be effective with your wedges and short irons first before you try to master the driver. Remember that the driver swing is simply an extension of the smaller swings so if you are having problems hitting a wedge then you will almost certainly struggle with the driver. Many of the best players learned how to hit short clubs first before trying to master the longer ones so follow their lead.
To consistently hit the driver far and straight will require consistent practice on your part.
There are now many home golf simulators for under $200 that you can purchase. Just make sure you have some free space to swing your clubs freely. These simulators can allow you to practice regularly right at home and can be effective. Of course try to go to the range and the course as much as you can too. There are no shortcuts to becoming a better golfer so put in the time and effort necessary to learn how to drive a golf ball far and straight.
- Why This Target Technique Will Give You A Better Golf Swing!
Achieving a better golf swing takes practice coupled with good technique. That sounds pretty simple doesn't it? Trouble with most social golfers who aspire to a better game is by the time they get around to learning some golfing technique, they've reached a stage where they have consigned themselves to immortal mediocrity!
Are you in this category or are you just interested in achieving a better golf swing? Believe me I was in the former category at one stage and I know how most non-professional players are thinking. But do you know it didn't really take much coaching to swing my game around quickly and in the end, not only did I achieve a better golf swing but I saved myself walking an extra five miles around a golf course!
Better Golf Swing Techniques
A better golf swing is achieved through habit forming. What I mean by this is by committing the action of the swing to thought, continual practice of the technique will eventually be committed to memory and you'll find in time, your natural instinct will be to swing the club the correct way without thinking about the shot too much. When you're on the course during a game however, your thought process should shift more on where you intend landing the ball.
One of the problems with most inexperienced golfers is they think too much about their swing. Standing over the ball and wondering whether you are going to swing the club correctly for too long a time will only delay the inevitable. A skewed shot, left or right or even worse, completely missing the ball. Embarassing!
Target Technique
A technique taught to me which had a profound effect in my achieveing a better golf swing was choosing a spot down the fairway where I wanted to land the ball and then trying to land as close to that spot as possible. I had to train my mind away from how I was going to swing the club and to say it wasn't easy is an understatement. Eventually, after many hours of practice, I began to think more of where the ball was going to be hit than my swing technique and the transformation was enormous.
The aim of this technique was to get me concentrating more on the projection of the ball; in other words, it got me thinking ahead and took my thought away from my swing. Sometimes a golfer can try too hard and forget to relax. This method will teach you how to relax more instead of gripping the club handle too tightly wondering whether you will get enough backlift on your swing or whether the club head will connect with the ball cleanly.
It won't happen overnight with this method however, with plenty of practice, a better golf swing should be the end result.
By Dean Caporella
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/author-articles/11607/1.html
- Pitch Shot
Let's talk about the backswing when you're pitching. This could be one of the most misunderstood parts of the weekend golfer's short game or pitching problems. I own three pitching wedges. I own three wedges.
I own a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and one that's sort of in the middle. They go three very different distances.
But let me explain something to you about the backswing that will help you a lot. Most amateurs that miss/hit their pitch shots make a big windup every time, and then they slow down to match up how far they want it to go.
So, if they have a pitch shot, they wind it up and slow down and hope they match up how far they needed to go. Two holes later, if they have to pitch it a little bit further, they make a bigger windup and they try to slow down.
The only way to hit a pitch shot is to make sure that the backswing is broken down into three parts. And this is what I mean. This is a small pitch shot. I take the golf club back where the shaft is parallel to the ground, but I have a nice followthrough that continues on after I make impact.
If I want the ball to go a little bit further, then my next length swing is where the shaft is pointing into the ground, and this goes a little bit further, but it's the same followthrough.
And lastly, if I have a pitch shot and I want it to go all the way to the back of the green, I make a full swing with the arms, not with the body, with the same followthrough.
Now, let me start with the next part. The direction that you swing the golf club is very important.
So, after you get your setup, the arms swing the golf club just slightly up and down on an arc. The arc has a little curve inside, not inside to your right foot and not away from your body in the backswing. The weight stays left and the arms swing up and down.
Thanks, and have a great day.
By Bobby Eldridge
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/author-articles/9704/1.html
May 31, 2007
- Golf For Beginners ? What Makes A Good Golfer?
It can be daunting when starting as there is so much to remember but take time to practice and go to the driving range to help improve teeing off. Looking around the golf course you will see some players and think "Will I ever get to that level"? Remember everybody is different and we are not all made to be professionals, you should go out to do your best and bring in the best possible score and most of all, take home the enjoyment of the day.
Teeing Off:
How many times have we seen the big hitters hit the ball out of sight, if you are thinking that way starting, think again. You should be thinking of placement and keeping the ball in play. Hitting the ball a long way is one think, keeping it in play and well placed for the next shot is the way to think. The driver can be a difficult club to use of the tee when starting but practice will make it easier. If you are using the oversized drivers like most are remember to tee the ball up higher than normal to avoid knocking the ball down. If you find the 3 or 5 wood easier to hit then hit that until your game improves. On a par 4 or 5 many people hit a low iron from the tee. Whatever you are comfortable with, use.
A good swing:
In golf timing is everything. By swinging faster and harder you will not hit the ball any further, and most possibly will end up hitting a horrible shot anyway. A slow backswing and a good steady hit will make all the difference, rushing in golf gets you nowhere. Keep a steady head and do not raise it too quickly to see where the ball has gone, if you do you may find yourself going hard right if you are using right hand clubs and vice versa if using left handed clubs. Feet position is important; align your feet correctly to avoid an unwanted right to left or left to right shot.
Clubbing from the fairway:
If you find that you are looking from the fairway to the green you need to choose your next club carefully, under clubbing will leave you short and possible in the bunker or water hazard, over clubbing will leave you long and possibly in similar danger. Overtime you will become aware of all the clubs in your bag and the distance you can hit each one comfortably. You find yourself between clubs, meaning the next shot for example is neither an 8 or 9 iron. In a case like this do not hit the 9iron and try to force the shot, hit the 8 and go slightly down the shaft allowing you total control over the shot.
Good Golf Gear and Clubs:
Like in most cases it depends on the budget you have. Golf clubs can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. Are you brand orientated? As a keen golfer myself and off a handicap of four I play most of my golf in Ireland and in the US and from my travels I have seen beginners in both countries spending obscene money starting. We all want the best but the clubs will not do the work for you. You are not going to notice exceptional back spin or side spin starting so start with a sensible budget and build from there. It's you who needs the practice to improve the overall play. Clubs worth $3,000 dollars will not help you starting anymore than clubs worth $400. If you have extra cash to spend put it into golf shoes or waterproof clothing or spend it on travelling to other golf courses to gain experience.
Reducing handicaps:
There is no magic stick here, practice is the only way to improve and by improving you will automatically reduce your handicap either by observation from the golfing committee you belong to or by winning a prise or two. Listen to others and learn, you need to have an open mind playing golf and be willing to try new shots, different stances and even new equipment as time goes by.
Like all you will reach your peak and the best you will get out of golf is the enjoyment of getting out but for the elite few that next level could be pro.
About the AuthorDeclan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Golf Equipment which includes Golf Apparel, Golf Bags, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Golf interests and needs.
- How to Win at Golf
If you don't believe me just study the attendance stats for a professional sports team which is on a run of poor results and near the bottom of the league table. Teams that win fill stadiums, losing teams empty them. People like to be associated with winning teams. We all like to win, it makes us feel better.
This is about how to win at sport, any sport, but particularly about how to win at golf which is my game.
There are certain actions and thinking patterns which are easy to learn which make a great deal of difference to any golfer's ability to win. In this article I will take you through the ones that I have found to be most effective.
Preparation
Can you imagine Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, or Phil Michelson arriving on the first tee without having spent a serious amount of time on the practice fairway to warm up? They also spend time on the putting green and probably check through their equipment with their caddie before they get to the tee.
Serial winners prepare thoroughly. This is a major reason why they win so often. How much time do you devote to your preparation before you go out to play? Let's face it, most amateurs may take a few practice swings; they may even hit a few putts, if the practice green is conveniently nearby, but it is rare for them to go to the practice fairway before they hit their first drive.
I think that your preparation should start long before you even get to the course. When I am really determined to win I start getting myself mentally ready during my journey to the club. In the car I start to think about how I am feeling that day. If I suspect that my feelings aren't 'right', perhaps I am feeling a bit apprehensive or tetchy, I set about taking charge of my feelings.
There is no point in letting your feelings run away with you ? who knows where they will go? And, if you're not in charge of your feelings you will not play well. It is certain that you will not win. The good news is that your mind can control your feelings if you really want it to. After all, 'whose feelings are they?' If you created those feelings then you can also create a whole new set of feelings which will give you a much better chance of winning.
It takes discipline to control your feelings. They often want to escape from your control, but you must not let them escape. You must be firm with yourself. If you find yourself feeling 'nervous' you must tell yourself to be 'calm'. If you're feeling tense, you must tell yourself to 'relax.' You may have to fight for mastery of your feelings but it is a battle worth fighting because if you win that battle you will probably win your round of golf as well.
In fact I believe that most amateur golfers feel a bit shy about preparing too well. We don't want to appear over keen. But there's something even worse than that going on in our heads. We don't want to hit a bad shot and then have others laugh at us and say: "all that time you spent on the practice ground doesn't seem to have done you much good."
And, there's something even worse than that going on in our heads ? we don't want to disappoint ourselves. We don't want to get ourselves all 'revved-up' and then go out and play badly. So we don't take a chance on the warm up in case it doesn't work.
Let me suggest a few positive actions you can take in preparation for your round of golf which will help you a lot. They may even help you to win next time you play.
First, make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the golf course. Enjoy the drive and enjoy taking charge of your feelings. Try to arrive at least half an hour before you are due to play. This will give you time to greet a few of your pals, have a drink, change and boot up.
Spend 10 minutes on the golf range or in a golf net. Start with some stretching exercises. Then go through your golf swing in slow motion a couple of times. Hit a few shots concentrating on making a good swing with good tempo. Feel relaxed as you play your practice shots. Concentrate on accuracy rather than distance.
Spend five minutes on the putting green. Start with short putts and gradually make them longer and longer. If you want to win you have got to sink putts. So make sure that you sink the short ones. Even if they're only a few inches it will help your confidence.Just try to get the long putts within a foot or two of the hole.
Now that you've prepared physically and mentally all you need to do is step up to the tee, relax and fire the ball straight down the fairway. This is the first shot on the way to winning.
About the author:
David Ferrers is a respected Performance Coach and the author of countless articles on 'winning' and 'golf'. He invented The Academy of Winning, The Science of Winning at Golf and The 5 Fundamentals of Winning at Golf all of which are available as free downloads from his web site at http://www.winning-seniors-golf.com/
- Tiger Woods, the Greatest Ever? ?NOT!
If you look at the 11 win gap between Jack's 70 total victories and Sam's 81 and then figure Sam's total of 165 victories he claims, no one even comes close. Sorry Jack. Now figure in the shape of the courses today, the equipment and the level of competition and there is no doubt in my mind that Sammy is the man. Keep in mind, Sam played against, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan -- all born the same year - they were considered the era's Big Three. Hogan amassed 63 total wins and Nelson won 52, putting both of them in the top 5 of the all time winners list. Does anyone really thing that Tiger's best competition today, is going to end up in that illustrious group? I think not.
Statically speaking there is a large gap between the top of the all time winners list that not even the great Walter Hagen bridges. Hagen, in 7th place with 40 wins, is eleven short of the 6th placeholder, Billy Casper. Eleven wins is an entire career for even a great player on the tour today. Again I ask you to look at the gap between number 2 on the list, Jack Nicklaus and Number 1, Sam Snead, eleven wins.
Even if you are the most vehement "Tigernite" or Nicklaus Nut, you have to admit, the real all time golf elite includes only a very few, 6 to be exact: Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson and Billy Casper. And Billy Casper gets my vote for the greatest player with the least recognition, by far.
Now I'm going to really tick you Tigernites off. My money says he never gets there. (However, I'm not betting the really big money) Why? I think he runs out of desire. The bigger he gets, the closer he gets, the more he wins, the more the pressure will build. If he has shown any weakness at all, it is his temper that occasionally gets the best of him. As the pressures mount, and with the glare of the media of today it will, I think that pressure will sooner or later wear him down. No, I'm not predicting he will go "postal" and toss a camera in a lake with the owner still attached, but I think the "fire in the belly" will dime. And if I am right, it will be a travesty to lose, not the greatest that ever played, but one of the greatest, that could have toppled "the" Greatest Player That Ever Lived, Sam Snead!
Only time will tell!
More Great Golf Stories at: http://www.sbmag.org/Golf_Stories/Great_Golf_Stories_Index.html
No permission is needed to reproduce an unedited copy of this article as long the About The Author tag is left in tact and hot links are included. Email floyd@sbmag.org.
Floyd Snyder is the founder and former owner of Executive Advertising, Camera Ready Art and Strictly Business Magazine. Currently he is the owner of Strictly Business Magazine at http://www.sbmag.org/
- Feel in Golf Putting
Feel is an expression used in golf to reflect the experience the golfer has during the execution of a shot which may be measured in the time interval following impact necessary for the golfer to verbally accurately predict the quality of the shot. The measurement may also be made by seeing how far the ball traveled after impact before the golfer could articulate the accurate determination.
Notice the phrase, "verbally accurately predict". During the exercise, the golfer must commit as soon as possible and out loud with the words, good or bad. This requirement restricts the golfer from guessing, hedging bets or fooling themselves. Also notice that it is the prediction of the quality of the shot, not necessarily the outcome, although in general, quality putts will often go in the hole.
There are various components to feel. The club design and construction contribute to feel. Various clubs produce different levels of feel. The club design and materials contribute to feel. Every part of the club contributes to the transmission of sensations to the golfer's ears or hands; the head, hosel, shaft, and grip.
Golfers vary in their psychomotor skills; hearing, proprioception*, spatial relationships and motor function. Golfers differ in their decision making abilities. The golfer's proprioception determines where the path of the club is during the swing. The golfer appreciates the club head path. The golfer hears the impact of the putter on the ball. The peripheral nervous system transmits the biofeedback to the golfer's brain for processing where a decision is made concerning the quality of the shot. The golfer then must commit to verbalizing their determination. That is a lot happening in a short period of time.
Repeating this demanding exercise will improve the golfer's putting. The exercise removes the hypothetical. The requirement demands that the golfer appreciate every nuance of their stroke. It also creates the pressure of time and accurate prediction which simulates the competitive experience. The golfer will learn like Pavlov's dog experiment, good from bad. The golfer will then learn to repeat the psychomotor functions necessary for consistently good putting.
The best feel comes from the optimal club design and manufacture as well as the development of the golfer's psychomotor skills. At Prescription Putting, we do not sell just clubs because as important as they are, "golf clubs do not play golf." We sell putting: the latest club technology and psychomotor skills.
*proทpriทoทcepทtion (prpr--spshn) n. The unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself
HE WROTE THE BOOK ON ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY AND NOW IS WRITING THE BOOK ON PUTTING.
Prescription Putting was founded by Lanny L. Johnson, M.D. Dr. Johnson is an internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon, one of the pioneers in arthroscopic surgery. He is an inventor, holding over 40 U.S. and foreign patents related to surgery. The most notable was the co-invention of the motorized instrumentation used daily world wide, even now, more than 30 years later. The longevity of this invention is unprecedented in surgery.
- 5 Easy Steps To Replacing Your Golf Grips
People think that you must have your grips replaced professionally. This is incorrect because it can get costly. Actually replacing your own golf club grips is a really simple job. You will learn a lot about your clubs and save you some money.
Below we will walk you through the quick simple steps to doing the job yourself. But first there are a few things you will need:
1. New golf grips
2. Exacto or sharp knife
3. Double sided tape
4. Cleaning solvent
5. Work bench vice
Follow these quick easy steps:
1. Place the club in the work bench vice and tighten with the grip being fully exposed. Take the exacto or sharp knife and cut the grip from the shaft up to the end of club, cutting away from your body.
2. Remove the old grip and clean the shaft of the club with the cleaning solvent using an old rag or brush. Then dry the club off completely.
3. Wrap the double sided tape down the shaft the length of the grip. Make sure that portion of the shaft is completely covered and remove the backing on the other side of the tape.
4. Pour some solvent over the tape. Line the grip up with the club and slip it towards the head of the club. Remove the club from the vice and place the head on the floor and make the minor alignment adjustments.
5. Let grips dry for a few hours (3).
Give this a try; it is a very easy process and simple task to do. It can be a great learning experience and a lot of fun. It will help you learn a little more about your golf clubs and save you some money. So get the things you need and get busy.
More golf club grip information and tips can be found at:
http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/golf-club-grips.htmlJohn 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:Golfequipmentsource.com
- The Secret To Beating Tiger Woods At Golf ? And, Its Correlation To Success In Business!
Success in golf is largely focused on mastering each skill 'to the best of one's ability' and in so doing, a player's talent or the lack thereof, becomes evident.
Ask any golfer, even the pros and they'll tell you which of the three disciplines they are best at and which they find most challenging. By most challenging, they mean the skill in which they are least adept - resulting in the highest percentage of 'Errors' on the course.
In the book, Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible, author and golf short-game guru, Dave Pelz, studied the best players on the PGA circuit and compiled some revealing data. In his research, he ignored a player's swing fundamentals preferring rather to concentrate only on 'Errors Made' in each of the three disciplines averaged over thousands of shots and hundreds of games. More to the point, a Player's Performance Results.
He discovered professional golfers, on average, had an error factor of 7-8% when driving [including irons]. In the short or finesse game their error percentage jumped to a surprising 13-26% and he found top PGA golfers ? the best of the best - enjoyed only a 50-50 chance of sinking a six foot putt. He referred to these statistics as a player's 'Percentage Error Index'.
That said; who among us would be surprised to find Tiger Woods with the best all round average Percentage Error Index amongst the pros? The fact is, Woods is an enigma. Like Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky, he is a rare blend of above average talent in the disciplines that count which is what separates him [them] from the rest. In Tiger's case, his ability to consistently achieve High Performance Results may make him the best to have ever played the game.
Despite his unquestioned abilities, though, experts and golf aficionados know he is not the best at any one of the three golfing disciplines. That is to say, recent PGA standings show Darren Clark with a 2.9% error factor as the best driver, Phil Mickelson, master of the short game and Ernie Els the best at putting with a 1.678 average.
Tiger is not the best at any one discipline ? currently ranked a surprising 51st in the Putting category. He is still, nevertheless, the best at the game and toughest to beat!
The Power of Three
Hypothetically speaking, imagine for a moment what would happen if the rules of golf were changed, just a little? What if players were allowed to take a 'Team Approach' to improve their chances of winning? Simply put, Tiger would play against a team of three. Clark would do all the driving, Mickelson would work the irons and Els would only putt.
The answer is not all that mysterious. With a team approach Tiger Woods would not stand a chance and the stats clearly bear this prediction out. In fact, any combination of three players, one from each discipline [listed in the PGA's Top Ten] would overcome Wood's formidable talents. In the end, the only mitigating factor would be LUCK ? a rather ironic twist for those who have ever played against the Tiger.
Although the game of golf is and will always remain an individual sport, the point not to be lost here is if experts were indeed allowed to compete as a team, three against one, using only their dominant strengths, they would automatically improve their win-potential becoming an indominitable force fueled by an unbeatable Percentage Error Index. To put more succinctly; regardless of factors like reputation, flair or swing-fundamentals, they would achieve Better-Performance-Results and Better Performance Results are EVERYTHING!
Winning golf strategies and business? Where's the correlation?
Few will argue the entire business landscape has been on a slippery slope for the last three decades. Suffice it to say, much has changed and many mistakes were made at all levels in all industries. Little more needs to be said except to ask, "What have we learned?"
Over the years I have waxed a great deal in articles I've written about changes in how companies market and sell, the people they got to do it and how fundamentals as uncomplicated as that have been anything but static.
Another look in the rearview mirror shows the 1980s ushered in the computer to mainstream business along with the new 'Technological Era'. Traditional salespeople suddenly became redundant due to their lack of computer and techno skills. That was their flaw despite the fact they knew how to sell.
Industries tried to compensate by quickly adopting a new 'Sellers Model' the Technical Sales-Specialist more affectionately known as the Techie. For a time this strategy seemed to satisfy the need to have frontline sellers who were knowledgeable [comfortable] with the ever-changing complexities of new products and solutions in what was fast becoming an ever-converging marketplace. That was, however, until the end of the 80s when a major flaw was discovered in the Techno Sellers ? They couldn't SELL!
Looking for answers to why profitability was dwindling and customer loyalty was a thing of the past, companies were shocked to find they had frontlines of 'Tellers' not 'Sellers'. Those in the trenches were blessed with knowledge and abilities in the technological genre but were sadly lacking in the discipline of Selling because it clearly contradicted their psychological comfort and expertise ? Technology.
Lacking the skills to frame a professional sale, customers were left morally unencumbered and free to shop presented solutions to other Tellers for a better price. Sadly, too many companies learned this lesson the hard way and didn't survive.
In the 1990s, industries got to work rectifying the Sellers Model conundrum surmising Techno Sellers needed to change if they were to be successful. Generic Sales Training would surely remedy the problem, wouldn't it? And what about the natural sellers? Couldn't they be taught to be Technical Specialists too?
Well, anything is possible, especially in theory but often in practice, unlikely. In the absence of a better plan and few options companies spent most of the late 1990s investing considerable time and effort trying to change the spots on those who were asked to do a lot more with less money, time and resources.
There is no better example than the high-tech industries where, for a while, convergence issues meant network solutionists and telephony providers had trouble even defining their own markets and customers never mind addressing the challenges faced by frontline sellers. These tumultuous times spawned a great deal of unrest, dissatisfaction, high turnover and many corporate casualties.
You may now be asking, what if anything has this to do with Tiger Woods or the Percentage Error Index?
Unlike the game of golf which is not going to change, business marketing and sales strategies can, should and will.
Team-Strategy Selling
In order to find credibility in the changes needed for today's corporate sales strategies, we must first subscribe to Dave Pelz's 'Percentage Error Index' golfing example discussed earlier in this article. Simply said; Tiger Woods, arguably the best player to ever swing a club, would prove no competition should he be challenged by any combination of three PGA top ten players from the three disciplines [Driving, Chipping and Putting]. The stats are irrefutable.
What we glean from this, is, a combination of competitors doing 'Only' what they are 'Best' at and nothing more, improve the Percentage Error Index to a level as to make the odds of winning, out of reach for an individual opponent ? even the undisputed best.
Would the same 'Team Approach' stratagem, then, derive similar results for corporate sales? The Percentage Error Index factor, would it prevail? In a word, Yes.
Top sellers, like golfers, are a blend of strengths and weaknesses that in the end ultimately determine how well they perform in each of their respective disciplines. Like Tiger Woods, the culmination of their innate talents is the stuff that keeps them ahead of the pack. Like Tiger woods, their odds of success, predictably diminish should they compete against a team of vertical experts.
"You can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear" or "You can't change the spots on a leopard" ? pick any analogy you want. The lesson to remember going forward in 2003 is we have to stop trying to change the dispositions or comfort levels of those we look to, to champion future corporate expectations. That's not to say employees can't change or improve but it should underscore the fact that a 'Team Strategy' designed to keep players in a comfort zone [intrinsic to them] utilizing only their natural expertise, is the formula that minimizes errors and mathematically enhances sales success.
Let frontline salesreps hunt and gather ? create the opportunities for potential sales ? that's what they're good at. Don't bog them down with paperwork. Let them be the team quarterback, the coach, if you will. Give them the autonomy to coordinate an approach utilizing a talent-pool of specialists whose vertical talents blend to provide uncompromising Trust and Rapport with customers by removing any Risk -thereby endorsing a positive atmosphere in which to do business.
They should be allowed to work as a team, be accountable as a team and most importantly, be rewarded as a team. That is not to imply remuneration should be equal. A hospital operating room works as a team but with compensations appropriate to each station.
Players should be clear on their responsibilities and the expertise they bring to embolden the team. There should be no doubt as to individual Performance-Results-Expectations. The 'Team Strategy' should be honed and practiced much like an actor rehearses for a part. Make no mistake; each team player is an actor confidently playing a convincing role in his or her discipline focused expressly on: a) meeting the needs of the customer, b) neutralizing the competition for their own success, and c) the success of the team and company.
The Bottom Line:
Whether in sports or business, Performance Results, continue to be the quintessential challenge, and, the defining factor for success. A Team Approach utilizing only the vertical strengths of each individual is the winning formula that clearly ensures victory in the competitive corporate marketplace or on the links ? even when confronted by masters like Tiger Woods.
About The Author
Paul Shearstone aka The 'Pragmatic Persuasionist' is one of North America's foremost experts on Sales and Persuasion. An International Keynote Speaker, Author, Writer, Motivation / Time & Stress Management Specialist, Paul enlightens and challenges audiences as he informs, motivates and entertains.
To comment on this article or to book the Pragmatic Persuasionist for your next successful event we invite to contact Paul Shearstone directly. 416-728-5556 or 1-866-855-4590 http://www.success150.com/ or paul@success150.com.
- Myrtle Beach Golf - Quality and Quantity
Ten years ago, our group of relatives, friends, and friends of friends, began our now yearly trek to this golf capital of the world. Although our line-up of players and courses alters slightly from year to year, one constant remains, that is the great golf bargains we have found in this golf mecca. Planning for the next years trip begins even before we putt out on the 18th hole of our final day. We don't want it to end, and we can't wait for the next trip to begin.
Living in the northeast, we play some great courses in PA, MD, and VA throughtout the year. But to us, it is all is just a warm-up to our late August mini-tour of this South Carolina beach town. With most of us approaching our late 40's or early 50's, it's the one time of year the wives let us indulge in a week of golf heaven, and we really get to be boys again (it pays to have picked the right mate). Since we have already fulfilled our families' summer vacation obligations, and the yard work is winding down, late August is the perfect time for our trip to paradise.
Playing Myrtle Beach in late August finds courses 1/2 to 1/3 of their premium peak season rates. Along with the lower hotel fees for this late season visit, we easily justify the trip. Crowds are low, most kids are back in school, and there are times when we are literally the only golfers on the course. Play is fast and cheap, so we have to go 36 holes!
We play combinations of "related" or "sister" courses like True Blue & Caledonia. Or, Tidewater & Grande Dunes. Many combinations like these provide substantional discounts for same day play, some even offer discounts for playing both in the same week. Complexes like the Legends or Wild Wing, have numerous courses on the same property where after a quick shower and lunch at their fantastic facilities, we are well tuned for a second 18 holes. Tee Times are in abundance for most of these top quality courses, we rarely run into a problem getting on a course. These are some of the best courses in the world. Where else can you play a TPC course for a replay rate of only $40-$50? The fee includes the same friendly accommodating staff, cart, practice range, full use of the facilities, locker room, restaurants, bar, and of course, the COURSE! All for a fraction of the peak season rates!
Private Membership courses are available for play as well. For example, stay at the "Caravelle", and Tee Times are available at "the Dunes" Golf & Beach Club. Newly renovated by Rees Jones, this course is a spectacular play, and former home of the PGA Senior Championship. Play it again the same day and pay less than you would for your regular muni-course back home.
Intimidated by the courses? Don't be, 4 or 5 sets of tees are available on most courses to accomodate almost all levels of play. Still not sure? Call the course. We have found the staff at any of these facilities always willing to help in providing information on any of the courses in the Grand Strand.
Check the local paper daily, as specials and bargains on golf are advertised regularly. Most hotels even have their own golf coordinator to assist you with tee times, course selections, and even transportation.
When you are finished with your golf for the day, you will find the restaraunts and nightly attractions as equally accessible and outstanding as the golf courses.
Lose a few balls? Break a club? Run out of tees? No problem. There is more than an ample supply of quaint little golf shoppes and massive bargain golf stores up and down the Grand Strand.
Three things you need to consider when taking advantage of these great golf bargains this time of year, and we have experienced all of them at one time or another. First, is the heat an humidity. Although it is typically not bad in the morning rounds, we experienced a few afternoon rounds which were quite uncomfortable. Second, it is hurricane season. In the past 10 years we were only pulled off a course once to evacuate.
However, most courses were open the next day. Third, the "Dupont Amateur", one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the world. There are still more than enough courses, but you may have to avoid a few. The schedule of courses used for this tournament is listed daily in the local paper, (We simply plan our trip one week earlier. Although it really isn't necessary, we are just anxious to get there and "tee it up".)
Myrtle Beach in late August is a truly great golf bargain. A large quantity of quality courses to suit every golfers game and budget. We'll be there!
(Copyright 2005-ehbvi-www.golfgodz.com)
Ernie Horning is a Business Owner and avid golfer who writes articles for: http://www.golfgodz.com/
- Ice Golf - Could You Stay Cool When The Heat Is On?
Ice Golf - only the coolest need apply!
Want to try the ultimate golf challenge on a course where you'll have no trouble staying cool over even the most testing putt? You should consider taking up Ice Golf - the most amazing development that the golf world has seen for decades.
Every year thirty six golfers (or lunatics, depending on your viewpoint) gather in Greenland to play in the World Ice Golf championship. This year's event takes place in late March and early April. The course is marked out on the ice of the frozen fjord and you can expect icebergs or the occasional polar bear for company! As the organisers say: "if you've played on the greens of Europe, then you'll find the "whites" of Greenland rather special."
The World Ice Golf Championship was the brainchild of Mr. Arne Neimann, a local resident and hotel proprietor on a small island called Uummannaq, off Greenland's North West coast. He and a friend designed the first course in 1997 and the sport took off from there.
The world championship is played on the ice in years when the conditions make the ice fields safe and predictable. Players compete over two days and play thirty six holes of stroke play. There is a "warm up" tournament the day before although "cool down" might be a more applicable phrase to describe the effect it has on the golfers. In March, when the world championships are held, the average temperature is minus 13.9 degrees Celsius, but temperatures as low as minus 25 can occur. The dry climate and the strong sunshine can make it seem slightly less cold than that - but not by much!
The organisers also try to keep the golf course open and accessible for several weeks each year for other open icegolf tournaments.
The greens are white and the balls are red. The "whites" are defined by a small wall of snow or by a red line on the ice. Players are allowed to use a scraper to smooth the snow on the white in front of their putt - the only time in golf that a player can legitimately improve the line of his putt. The snow and ice conditions underfoot vary from hole to hole and contestants need to wear polar ice gloves, artic boots and countless layers of clothing. Anti-glare sunglasses are also a good idea.
One contestant a few years ago quipped that "the only hole in one I scored was when one leg disappeared through a seal's breathing hole in the ice." There is also a local rule to deal with the unlikely situation of a polar bear interfering with your ball!
The organisers are looking for a new sponsor this year but in previous years the Drambuie liqueur company took the lead. Players and spectators were able to warm themselves by sampling some of the sponsor's finest product. As always however, even that feature has a twist to it. Rather than ice cubes in the drink, the drink was served in "ice cubes" or glasses carved out of ice to be more exact. Trophies were presented from tables carved out of ice and the scorer's tent was to be found in an igloo!
If you get the chance to visit Greenland for a game of ice golf then sieze it with both hands. It'll be the most unique game of your life.
Gary Hill plays most of his golf in Scotland and thinks that winter on the links of East Lothian is more than cold enough for him. Check out his european vacation website for information about more civilised golf and about Ireland golf vacations
Gary also contributes to a medical website on the theme of whiplash injury
- Golf Course History - You Could Play On The Worlds Oldest Golf Course
If I asked you where the oldest golf course in the world was what would you say? Scotland ? yes, good guess so far. But where in Scotland?
When pressed most golfers eventually say St Andrews, but they're wrong. Golf was played at Musselburgh near Edinburgh at least ten years before any recorded games at St Andrews. Local records suggest that golf was played on the links land near the shore at Musselburgh from around the year 1567.
The "old course" in Musselburgh is still there today and retains much of its original layout. It has nine holes and the golf course can be played by all comers. Seven of the old course holes were laid out before 1830 (and probably much earlier) and the two "new holes" were added in the mid 1800's.
The British Open golf tournament was held at Musselburgh on five occasions between 1874 and 1889 and the first ever golf competition for women was played on the old course in 1811. The club members still compete for the Old Club Cup, which dates back to 1774.
Even the holes in the greens are significant at Musselburgh. In 1829 the members decided to buy a mechanical device from a local blacksmith to cut the holes on the green. By chance he made it with a diameter of exactly four and a half inches. Golf holes at the time could be any size that the members wanted ? there was no rule about it. In 1893 the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews ? who by this time wrote the rules of golf for the game worldwide ? decided that all golf holes should be the same size as the ones at Musselburgh old course and the decision has remained unchanged to this day. Just measure the cup size on your local golf course if you don't believe me.
For a golf course of such historical importance, access is remarkably easy. You can simply pay and play if you wish and there is a small shop selling special souvenirs. Memberships are available for both local and overseas members ? the latter might make a particularly unusual golf gift. Each overseas member receives a welcome pack with a history of the club, a special bag tag, special golf balls and tees and is welcome to join in any competitions if they come for a holiday in Scotland.
This truly is golf at it's most authentic and in its most historical setting. Come try it ? you will really feel the history of the place.
Gary Hill lives and works in central Scotland. His website has lots of information on travel in Europe and about golf in Scotland or Ireland golf vacations
Gary also contributes to a medical website on the theme of whiplash injury
- Golf Holiday - Plan Your Holiday Golf or Your Ireland Golf Vacation
Ireland is, without doubt, one of the world's friendliest countries. If you take a golf holiday in Ireland then you are certain to return home with memories to treasure for the rest of your golfing days.
The Irish landscape is full of history and steeped in legend - and it has a truly magical and mysterious quality that you simply don't find elsewhere in the world. Each little village will bewitch you with tales of it's past - while entertaining you richly with its beers, whiskies and food. This is hospitality at its simplest and best. Your golf holiday in Ireland will be truly unique.
Holiday golf in Ireland lets you choose from some of the world's best links courses and the softest, lushest inland fairways and greens. No excuses then! This really is the place to make all your golf holiday dreams come true.
For many golf holiday visitors to Ireland or Scotland playing on an ancient seaside links course is a large part of the attraction. But links golf will test both your stamina and your golf game in a way entirely unlike anything you've previously experienced. Links courses rarely allow electronic golf buggies or golf carts. Walking is the rule. This is partly to protect the courses and partly because the terrain would make it impossible to drive a buggy safely. Some of the larger more prestigious courses may have caddies available and most will allow you to pull a simple club carrying golf cart or trolley.
Be prepared too, for what is often the most unique and challenging feature of golf on a seaside links course ? the wind! You should brace yourself (sometimes literally) for the fact that it is going to blow very hard and ? by some remarkably twisted freak of nature ? in such a way that it always seems to be in your face, no matter what direction you are headed in! No golf holiday in Ireland would be complete without almost being blown over as you line up that last tantalising three footer.
The fame of the golf links of Scotland ? just a hop over the waters of the Irish Sea ? has meant that the golf courses of Ireland remain relatively undiscovered. Ireland's golfers have been long-known and respected around the world but - for more than a hundred years - her golf courses have hidden quietly under the emerald green petticoats of their homeland. But not any longer! Names like Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, Portmarnock, Ballybunion, Mount Juliet, Druids Glen and The K Club are now reaching the lips of discerning players the world over. If you visit you will find that they are well worthy of the accolades they gather.
Treat yourself to the golf holiday of a lifetime - and may some of Ireland's magic rub off onto your putter!
Gordon Cameron is a doctor based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
When he's not busy saving lives he likes to hop over the Irish sea and attempt to save par on the golf courses of Ireland.
Dr Cameron's website can be found here
Click on the following link to begin planning your Ireland Golf Vacation or golf holiday to Ireland. You'll find lots of details about the golf courses of Ireland and helpful tips in planning your holiday golf.
Irish golf is unique and not to be missed.
- Golf Information Overload?
You go straight to the table of contents to see what is the most interesting article and there it is, swing advice from the winner of the last major tournament. "This is just what I need," you say to yourself as you flip to the correct page knowing that your club tournament is 2 months away.
The article has one of those swing-sequence photo frames. It has some quotes from other pros. It has a sidebar from the "Top instructor of all time" with his ideas of the perfect swing. The second page of the article is dwarfed by an advertisement for the greatest swing gadget ever created by a human and endorsed by sixteen instruction schools in five countries. The author talks about how he "remade" his swing prior to winning that major but that his best buddy on tour is struggling using the same method and swing guru.
The captions on each of the swing-sequence photos point out the minute details of where parts of the body of the pro are at 10 different positions during the swing and which of those are "technically not correct".
You don't want to give up on the article, since you really do need the swing advice, so you go to your dressing room mirror and check a couple of your body parts with some of the pictures in the article while attempting to freeze your swing at the same points as the stop-action photos. "I got it!" you tell yourself when you match a couple of these positions and then practice them outside with your real club. You congratulate yourself and then sit back down in your easy chair to get back to the business of relaxing.
A little later in the evening, you flip to the Golf Channel and instead of the usual tournament from 1994 there is a lesson program from a pro instructor. Lo and behold, he teaches that the move you worked so hard on an hour ago was the prevailing instruction of the 1980's and has since been proven to be "unreliable in competition".
You jump out of your chair to go check your favorite golf sites about this guy on the show and it seems that he is everywhere when you do a search for him. A couple of articles you land on say he has the best golf instruction this side of the border and a couple more take pride in picking him apart. The instructor's own website is loaded with testimonials from his students on how well his program worked for them so you keep surfing for further info.
This leads you to golf discussion boards, blogs, ezines, and untold numbers of websites that say that they have the secret to how to swing correctly. 3 hours later, you wake up from your golf web-surfing trance, realize you missed your bedtime an hour ago, and are now more confused than you were when before you opened that magazine in the mail.
You found more advice than your mind can process on a weekend day let alone a day that you had 3 meetings, your best employee quit, and your boss said something like: "?if you can't (blah blah blah)?. we'll find someone who will".
Ok, that story was a bit exaggerated for most people (truth for me), but the point still stands:
There's just too much instruction and tips on golf out there and we just don't know what to do with it all!
And worse, you can find a lot of it that is exactly the opposite from one instructor (or pro) to the other. Many of you are well aware of this fact but still get caught up in something seemingly new that gets printed or posted that could potentially be hazardous to your game. And it's not just us amateurs that get lost in this maze. Sports psychologists make a pretty penny on their touring professionals teaching them how to "Simplify" their swings and thought processes and "Focus" on what works for them.
So, what should we do about this problem? It's very simple: just realize that more is not better for golf instruction and to continue to read and listen to golf tips with a very discriminating eye. Over the years, I have now come to the realization that most published golf instruction is designed for the better player and that a tip that works for the 5-handicapper could be a waste of time for a 20-handicapper. Not that it isn't good advice, but the 20-hdcp should stop looking for more advice and start to work on something that will give him the greatest reduction in score for the time spent.
I know, I know, an article in a major magazine about "practicing good alignment" isn't going to sell many copies even if it is 90% of all amateur golfer's biggest problem. But the inescapable fact is, if you really wanted to get better at golf, you should read a basic instruction book like Ben Hogan's "5 lessons The Modern Fundamentals of Golf." And, only read one section at a time and work on what was taught in that section until it becomes a regular part of your game. And don't read any further until you don't have to think about it to do it correctly.
The other way to go is to pick an instructor or trainer and stick with them with a full set of lessons. You will need to actively ignore any other golf instruction that has the slightest hint of conflict with your lessons. If you run into something your instructor hasn't taught you about, check with him/her. That is why golf lessons are spaced at least a week apart. Spaced repetition has long been known to be how we humans best learn things. It's also why you can't remember a darn thing about a subject 2 weeks after cramming for test on it.
Do the same thing with any other golf instruction that you find also. Don't be tempted to jump ahead to Chapter 10 and see how to play a draw from a downhill slope because that ain't gonna help you. O.k., I'm sorry to ruin your fun with your favorite golf magazine. So go ahead and give yourself permission to read and enjoy it again so long as you promise to yourself that you will stick to your plan of really trying to improve by working what you've learned one item at a time. Now get back to that couch and finish up that unwinding session you started. And since I'm already up, how's your drink? Can I get you another one?
Craig Sigl is the creator of "Break 80 Without Practice" golf instruction system for Very Busy Golfers. Visit http://www.break80golf.com/ for more information and to download free ebooks "How you can play better golf using self-hypnosis" and "Better Golf in 5 Minutes."
