Archive for June, 2008

How much are you willing to pay for one round of vacation golf?

admin June 26th, 2008

walterjay asked:


I do plan to get at least one round of golf in. A little pre-planning shows the greens fees range from $120 to $270. While I like the experience of different courses, $270 seems a bit steep, especially when I’m playing as a single. How much are you willing to pay for one round of vacation golf?

Stephanie

Golf Swing Takeaway Tip – Achieve Better Placement With Your Ball

admin June 25th, 2008



Just like in any other sport, it would certainly be of much help if you could get hold of tips for your golf swing. As we all, know, not all of us are born with the talents and skills that Tiger Woods has. Thus, many a golf swing takeaway tip would surely come in handy. With these handy tips, you will surely find yourself achieving better placement with your ball.

The first tip that you should know pertains to the address stage. The most important thing to do here is to assume the proper stance. Make sure both of your arms are straight during this stage. At the same time, your arms have to be relaxed, but not too relaxed as well. Remember to have your arms pointing downwards. Also, your hands have to be at a distance of just a palm’s width from your own body.

At this point, you should have formed a triangle with both of your arms. This is actually the first part of your takeaway swing. The next thing you should do is to move your created triangle backwards for your back swing. But you have to remember not to rotate your arms. Just allow enough movement for your wrist. This way, you can **** your wrists for your swing normally.

As soon as your hands reach your waist, you should have your shoulders begin rotating. At the same time, make sure your back wrist will not be in a cupped position.

A lot of golf instructors, and even the professionals, would actually recommend that you count while executing this part of the golf swing sequence. This is because through counting, you will inevitably develop and maintain your own tempo. This is how you should count: one, for your address; two, when you reach the top of your back swing; three, when you enter transition and on your way to your down swing. With the maintenance of your tempo here, your overall swing would have a better and smoother rhythm. Pretty soon, you will achieve a more natural flow for your swing.

Always keep your balance when making your swing. Much emphasis is made on the position of the arms, but you also have to keep balance in mind. You can achieve this by keeping your legs bent. This allows easier and more effective shifting of your weight, giving you a better swing, and even more power and torque.

By keeping these tips in mind, you will soon notice significant improvement in your swing. There is indeed much good that you can get with the typical golf swing takeaway tip.

By: Sean Bailey

About the Author:
Always remember that these are mere Online Golf Tips [http://www.bestonlinegolftips.com] and they will remain in theory until you yourself apply them. Thus, practice is the key here. Make sure to dedicate enough time to practice your swing, and for sure, you will be on your way to executing it perfectly.

For more golf secrets and tips, CLICK HERE [http://www.bestonlinegolftips.com]



Sue

Free Golf Lesson On How To Choose The Best Golf Equipment

admin June 21st, 2008



In playing golf, how do you decide which golf equipment suits you the best? Which type of equipment should you invest your money in? Choosing the wrong equipment could easily affect your golf game. Avoid this at all costs.

To let you make informed decisions, read the following guidelines and keep them in mind when you are shopping for your first golf equipment, be it golf balls, golf shoes or golf clubs.

Do Not Be Afraid To Ask Questions

The first thing that you should do is to ask around. You could ask your relatives or friends, colleagues or even your neighbours. Make sure that they do play golf. You never know but they might be into golf too. Ask them their opinions and get their recommendations on what types of equipment are worth buying and what to avoid.

Another option is for you to just walk into any store and get their advice. These shop assistants would be more than willing to share their opinions and ideas for new golfers like you. After all, they work on commisions aren’t they? Not only is this an efficient way to get information, it is also practical, as you’re already in a golf store and they can easily give you recommendations.

Set Your Goals For Playing Golf

In playing golf, you must remember to know what exactly your goals are. Remember to be realistic and pay attention to what you need rather than what you want. If you can identify your goals before you go shopping, it will save you lots of time and money. By identifying your goals, you would be able to select the types of equipment that you would really need. You would also be able to choose a new set of clubs in a practical manner, rather than spending too much time and money on choosing golfing equipment that you do not necessarily need.

Think also, of the reason you chose golf in the first place. Why not any other sport? Is it because you would like to join your business partners for a four-times-a-year game? Or is it because you really enjoy golf and would spend all your available hours devoting yourself to it? Once you get your priorities straight, you will find that choosing the golf equipment that suits you best is relatively easy.

Be Honest About Your Level Of Interest And Dedication In Playing Golf

Be true to yourself. How dedicated are you to playing golf? Now that you have decided to spend on golf equipment, be honest about the time and effort that you are willing to put into the game. Do you plan on playing often? How often do you want to practise in a week? Will there be lessons involved? If you are not sure about your plans then it is advisable for you to buy less costly golf clubs. However, if you just can’t wait to get into the game and are willing to spend hours perfecting your game, then you should probably think of investing in a more expensive set of clubs.

Should You Go For Second-hand Or Brand New Golf Equipment?

Again, you have to think about your goals and expectations. If you are in the habit of taking up a hobby and then forgetting it after a month or two, then it is better for you to buy used golf equipment. They are cheaper and yet just as effective as new clubs. Should you suddenly decide that you have fallen in love with the game and would like to dedicate your time and effort into it, then go ahead, invest in a brand new set of golf equipment. And, should you decide otherwise, you can always give the used set away or sell it to other new golfers.

Familiarise Yourself With Golf Shaft Options

To all new golfers, it is wise to pay attention to the golf shaft that you are using. The composition of the golf shaft would depend on whether it is graphite or steel. The flex of the shaft reveals how much the shaft bends when the club is swung.

Graphite is a lot lighter compared to steel. It creates a quicker swing speed. On the other hand, steel is more hard-wearing and tough. It is also a lot cheaper compared to graphite.

As graphite is lighter and easier to swing, it is the perfect choice for women and senior citizens. Meanwhile, younger and stronger men tend to opt for the regular and stiff shafts.

Decide Which Golf Club Is The Best For You

A perfect golf swing is invaluable. Golfers who are just now beginning to learn the ways to play need to choose golf clubs that are specifically catered to those with a higher handicap. The best choice would be the irons that weighed in perimeter and backed by cavity. Also, try looking at those hybrid sets. These have long irons (around 4- or 3- or 5-) and are at times substituted by utility clubs.

Remember; think of your goals, your expectations and your needs. That way you can pick the golf equipment that is the best for you.

By: Juzaily Ramli

About the Author:
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are golf enthusiasts and proud owners of the following golf websites:
  • Free Golf Tips
  • Golf Accessories
  • Free Golf Lesson Online


  • Darrell

    What is a very cheap golf bag that will hold beginner clubs?

    admin June 19th, 2008

    Spud™ asked:


    I only have 5 clubs, been golfing for about 2 months, but what is a cheap golf bag that I could buy?
    I live in Minnesota and the things nearby are Dicks, Sports Authority, and Play It Again Sports.

    Or maybe just a new set with like 4 Irons, then the bag will come with.

    Anything will help.

    Thanks!
    There might be more places around but I don’t know of them.

    Ramiro

    Where can I find a free guide online to learn how to play golf?

    admin June 19th, 2008

    Sadie asked:


    In my P.E. class, every student is paired up with another to teach the rest of the class how to play whatever sport they are assigned. My topic is golf. I used to caddy at Medinah Country Club, but that was over 4 years ago and I cannot remember a single thing. Where can I find simple rules and instructions on how to play golf so that I may easily teach the game?

    Tracy

    Golf Ball Comparison For The Average Golfer

    admin June 17th, 2008



    Golf, like most sport, is a game of precision and accuracy. In order to score a hole in one, you need the utmost concentration, and physical and mental strength. Furthermore, you need to match your skills and experience with your golfing accessories and equipment, particularly the golf ball.

    For non-golf aficionados, one golf ball is the same as other golf balls. The only major difference such people may see between one ball from another is the manufacturer or brand name. In the eye of a golfer lover, however, golf balls differ in more ways than one.

    If you want to improve your game, you need to pay attention to the type, covering material, core structure, and compression rates of a ball. You must bear in mind that your swing and level of play should be matched with the golf ball you use. Thus, you can’t expect to be like Tiger Woods simply by buying and using the same golf accessories, shoes, and balls that he uses.

    Here are basic golf ball comparisons you need to know to help improve your golf games:

    Common Golf Ball Types

    Two-piece

    If you are just starting to play golf, you most probably need to consider using the two-piece golf ball. This type of ball, aside from being the cheapest type available in the market, is aimed at providing great distance. If your swing is slow, the big rubber core of the ball helps in transferring the energy from the swing to the ball efficiently, thereby providing you with good distance.

    If you are a neophyte in the game, you need to concentrate on your accuracy. Hence, you need a ball that will boost your distance, enabling you to concentrate more on building your accuracy. Once you have mastered consistency, then you need to try the other types of golf ball.

    Three-piece

    The three-piece ball is ideal for advanced players, who have pretty much mastered control, partly because a person wouldn’t want to spend too much for a golf ball that will brandish his or her hit-and-miss swings. Such a ball, which is preferred by pro players, is composed of a core, which can be solid or made up of liquid or gel, a layer of wounded thread, and a plastic covering.

    Materials used as golf ball coverings

    Although there maybe other kinds of golf ball covering, the two most popular are the surlyn and balata.

    Balata

    Balata golf balls, which are usually three-piece balls, are made of soft covering. Professional golfers prefer such balls because they not only cuts and scuffs easily, but they are also easier to control. Furthermore, balata balls give more spin. However, these balls have shorter life span and are more expensive.

    Surlyn

    Surlyn balls are more apt for amateur gofers because they are cheaper. Most two-piece golf balls are made of surlyn, a hard material, thus it is more resistant to cuts and scuffs and provide more distance. Aside from being more inexpensive, such balls are also long lasting. However, it is harder to control and does not provide ample spin.

    Compression rate

    Traditionally, the tightness of the golf ball’s thread windings determines its compression rate. Due to recent technological advancement, however, the compression rate of a golf ball is now basically dependent on how the ball is affected when it is hit. The compression rating of golf balls usually range from 70-110.

    Low compression balls

    Balls with compression rating of 70-80 are considered low compression balls. Such balls are soft and are easily deformed or compressed when hit. Players with slow swings are encouraged to use such ball.

    Medium compression balls

    Most advanced golfers prefer balls with a compression rate of 90. These medium compression balls provide both softness and ease of control.

    High compression balls

    Golf balls with 100-110 compression rating are high compression balls. Such balls are hard and are less likely to deform upon impact, compared to those with lower compression rates. A high compression ball is ideal for those whose club head speeds are high.

    Be keen in knowing how the type of ball or its compression rates affect your performance. Keep in mind that the knowledge of golf ball comparisons is handy in enhancing your strengths and masking your weaknesses in the golf course.

    By: Lee Dobbins

    About the Author:
    Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.sports-wise.com where you can learn more about your favorite sports as well as read more great articles on golf.



    Lynn

    Golf Club Shaft Weight – Is it Important?

    admin June 12th, 2008



    Q. Is Shaft Weight an Important Factor?

    A. Shaft weight is one of the most obvious factors in determining weight of any or all golf clubs.

    The club head and grip weights always vary due to every individual golfer’s need. For instance, if a golfer needs more swing weight (head weight) or a larger grip size (grip weight). These custom weights are available in a lot of different units but the weight measurement units of the shaft are still much more variable.

    Currently shafts of weight 130 g (4.6 oz) down to about 40 g (1.4 oz) are widely available to purchase. When a player changes from a steel shaft to graphite, the weight change will be at least 50 g (1.75 oz).

    All golfers should be aware that longer distance of the shot is related to the speed of the swing (Clubhead speed). The lighter the overall weight of the club, the higher the speed of the swing will be.

    Important: Be aware of the fact that the swing weight of any club has to be matched with physique (strength, tempo, experience etc…) of the golfer using that particular club. If a golfer uses a club of any major weight difference, the golfer will tend to be less accurate at striking the sweetspot resulting in off-centre hits. This will ultimately result in less distance and off-target shots. It is best to change the weight of clubs as slightly as possible to adjust your pre-shot routine accordingly and get familiar with the difference in feeling of the swing.

    By: Roger Fagan

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



    Brandon

    Advice on Narrowing Down Your Choices For Your Golf Equipment

    admin June 2nd, 2008



    When it comes to golf equipment, you have a lot of choices. There are multiple brands and styles of golf equipment that you can use, but it can be confusing as to what you really need to play a good game of golf. Let’s take a look at some of the equipment that most golfers consider essential.

    Of course, your most important pieces of golf equipment are your clubs. You will want to take care to choose clubs that are suited to your style of golf. They should be easy to handle and designed toward your height. Beginners and experts alike should lean towards the lighter graphite shafts and titanium heads so that you have maximum forgiveness in the event of a bad shot.

    You will want to have a full set of clubs. That means you’ll need a driver, a 3 wood, a 5 wood, a full set of irons (from 3 to 9), a sand wedge, and a putter. That’s the minimum. You can also add other clubs to your arsenal as you become more proficient at the game. You can include a 1 iron for fairway shots as well as a lob wedge for getting out of the deep rough.

    The golf ball really can be a very important piece of golf equipment. Depending on what you are looking for, you can find balls that will improve your distance, your spin, or your performance. Look for balls that are a bit softer – like a balata. Also find a ball with lower compression – especially if you are a beginner.

    If you’ve never given thought to your golf tees as part of your golf equipment, now’s the time to start. There are actually many types of tees that you can choose from – each with their own advantages. There are long tees when you need to have the ball teed up high, short tees for those tee box iron shots, and even three-pronged tees for stability. In fact, the three-pronged tee was the first type of golf tee that was used in the early years of golf.

    If you like the idea of carrying your clubs around in one bundle, I guess you can just go ahead. However, a golf bag sure makes carrying your clubs around much easier. Plus, with a good golf bag, you can also carry your tees, your balls, some hand sanitizer, snacks, your cell phone, and anything else you think is necessary.

    Because the golf swing requires a certain amount of stability, you will also want to add some golf shoes to your golf equipment list. Golf shoes have cleats on the bottom that allow you to maintain your footing while swinging. This can be so very important as you are moving your body to hit the ball. Golf shoes help you stay balanced and keep your feet “grounded” if you will.

    There are definitely all sorts of golf equipment that you can buy and use when playing the wonderful game of golf. Just don’t go overboard and concentrate on the basics to begin with. Then when you get better, you can add all of the newest gadgets to your bag and see if that golf equipment will help you lower your score!

    By: Ian Botham

    About the Author:
    Ian Botham runs his own online sports goods mail order business as well as several sports related websites. Check out these great Golf Guide tips and techniques as well as these great Golf Equipment articles and resources.



    Vanessa

    Golf Driving Tips – How To Hit A Golf Ball Far And Straight

    admin June 1st, 2008



    Learning how to drive a golf ball well is a challenging task. It can take time and consistent practice to become effective at hitting this club. The reason why the driver is the toughest club to hit is because it is the longest club in the bag which makes it the most difficult one to control. Also any small flaws in your swing can result in big variations in the end result so the driver will reveal how finely tuned your swing really is.

    Do not expect to become perfect at hitting a driver as even the best golfing professionals regularly mishit this club. Instead focus on developing enough consistency to allow you to hit enough fairways with enough distance so that you can then use your short game to make more birdies and shoot low scores. It is important to learn how to hit a driver far and straight because golf courses are getting longer and tougher so you need both distance and accuracy.

    The good news is that there is a direct relationship between hitting a golf ball accurately and hitting it farther. If you consistently hit your driver straight then in time you will also hit the ball far. Remember that crooked drives do not go very far so the first step in hitting a driver further is to focus on accuracy first. You need to develop a swing that consistently strikes the golf ball solidly.

    In order to develop an accurate golf swing you must have great control over the club. This means that you will need to develop a more relaxed swing where you do not use your muscles to try to force more club head speed in an effort to hit the ball further. Use your muscles and strength to support your golf swing but let the club do most of the work.

    Remember that golf clubs are designed to hit the ball far if you make good contact so you do not need massive muscle power. You need to take advantage of leverage which is what will allow you to generate maximum club head speed. The best way to take advantage of leverage is to think of the club as a whip and to feel yourself whipping the club through the hitting zone. However this does not mean you have really force your downswing.

    Rather have a swing that is relaxed both on the backswing and downswing. Always aim to finish in a balanced position. If you find yourself regularly losing balance in your finish then you need to back off a little and stop trying so hard. Most amateurs and even many pros are guilty of having a rushed backswing and this can affect your ball striking.

    Also if you are deliberate with your swing both on the backswing and downswing you are much more likely to make better contact and if you do make a mistake then you will be more likely to find that mistake quicker. Another useful tip to help you generate more power is to think of your left shoulder exploding up on your downswing. This will help to keep the swing in the right plane where the club comes from the inside to out and will also allow you to create more leverage.

    Grip pressure can also make a big difference to your swing and hitting it further. You want to use your left hand to apply pressure to the grip and your right hand should stay passive. If you try to get your right hand involved too much in the swing you will end up casting the club or coming from the outside to in which will result in hitting a lot of slices. Use some of these strategies to help you drive the ball better.

    By: Mary Chillders

    About the Author:
    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.



    Monica