Play Golf Every Day?

When a friend of mine introduced me to golf many years ago, I wasn’t overly impressed and asked him what he saw in the game. He said, “Well, golf means different things to different people. To me, it’s mostly about being away from my busy life for a few hours, being one with nature, and talking to some good friends.” That made sense to me, but I quickly found out what he meant as I became a golfer, too, taking lessons and burying myself in golf equipment reviews.

People do take up golf for different reasons and it does mean something different to almost every player. For some, like my friend, it’s relaxing on a beautiful course and enjoying nature and the scenery. To others it’s a great way to meet with clients and close deals. Some just enjoy an occasional round. Others get hooked and pursue mastery of the game with single-minded passion. But no matter what attracts you to the game of golf, we all have something in common: we need equipment. Lots of it.

Initially I had a real problem with that. Golf shops intimidated me. I didn’t really know much about golf clubs, golf shoes or even golf bags and I was embarrassed about my lack of knowledge. Whenever I went to a pro shop, everyone else seemed to be an expert, knowing everything about golf, except me. I didn’t understand half of what sales people were talking about and I didn’t even understand many of their questions. So I felt they were talking down to me and I resented that.

So I began reading golf books and magazines and asked golfing buddies for advice. I ended up with a good set of clubs, found that some balls worked better for me than others (I am a Titleist man), and spent a small fortune on golf equipment (Nike made a small fortune off me) I did or did not need. Truth be told, my lack of knowledge and my being ill at ease with the sales people in the pro shops probably kept me from enjoying the game as much as I should have.

All of this changed in the past few years. I am an online person. To me, finding accurate and unbiased golf equipment reviews on the web was just what I had been waiting for. I am not talking about just online golf stores or golf bulletin boards. What helped me were sites done by golfing enthusiasts who simply wanted to share their knowledge with others. See, while I used to be aware of the likes of Burton or Ogio or Ping, there wasn’t anyone who told me who truly made the best bag for me. I was told some of the training aids out there really worked while others were a waste of money but I didn’t know which was which. I knew of amazing advancements in golf carts and I had even heard of new technologies like golf gps, but I didn’t know what was valuable information and what was just marketing.

For me, the emergence of golf enthusiast sites with golf equipment reviews made all the difference. I love reading reviews written by real people as opposed to just sales spiels, and I love how some of those sites explain it all in terms that make sense. I love to read and learn, and these days I totally rely on golf sites that are not only entertaining, but also provide me with the reviews I need and even recommendations on where to get the best deals.

By: Chris Robertson

About the Author:

Cory

Around 22 percent of the country’s 26 million adult golfers are women. That’s a lot of ladies playing a game they were once locked out of — 5.7 million to be exact. And with the likes of young wonder golfer, Michelle Wei, making an impact, more women can be expected to be seen in the years to come swinging their special ladies golf clubs on the fairways and greens you play on.

There are some distinct differences between ladies golf clubs and those men use. There have to be, of course. A woman has wider hips and more mass and weight in the chest, so her swing is going to be different. Also, women are generally weaker, so their clubs need to be lighter with heads that allow for the difference. And so on.

Here’s a list of the differences you will notice (or not see, because it’s hidden in the design and materials) between the clubs of the two sexes.

Ladies golf clubs:

are made of graphite and therefore have more flex, which helps them to get more power onto the ball at impact will have a larger sweet spot and a lower center of gravity, to help get the ball in the air may be shorter by one inch or even one and a half inches, although height (only) determines the length of the shaft, not the gender of the player, so really a lady’s club does not have to be shorter are lighter have smaller heads have less club speed come in feminine colors like red, gold, pastel, pink, beige and so on have shorter grips because a woman’s hands are almost always finer and smaller than a man’s

It was not always like this. Golf can be said to date from the time of Julius Caesar, when wooden branches were shaped for the clubs and only men played. And there were no women’s clubs when the first woman known to have played the game, the lively, Mary Queen of Scots, played in the 1550s.

(As a side note, it’s from Mary we seem to have got the name ‘caddie’, and in her day the magnificent course at St Andrews was built. I’m not sure if she ever played there, but if not, then no woman did until the man-only course opened to lady golfers almost 400 years later.)

Women began playing in their own golf tournaments in the UK in 1893, and in the US and Australia the following year, and with this rise in women playing it is probable that shorter and more stylish clubs were being made for them.

It is no secret that today clubs for women are a major part of all the big brand companies’ inventories and sales.

By: Len McGrane

About the Author:

Constance

Are there really online golf schools which can teach you golf lessons for beginners? Not really, no. The best you can do is find step-by-step video instructions online. Fortunately, golf is very popular. There are actually several web-sites which offer quite comprehensive lessons. In the best of these, you might have the chance to interact with the instructor, either by phone, teleconference or email. The best of these may allow you to send them a digital video of your golf swing so that they can help you fix your problems. Obviously, the more services they provide, the more expensive the course will be. Make no mistake, these are just courses, not real schools.

Forget online golf schools. You are better off getting live golf lessons for beginners from your local golf school or golf instructor. If, for some reason, you do not want to do this, then invest in good golf lessons on video. It would also be a good idea if you read some golf books to pick up the rules and theory of golf. Make sure you know the perfect golf swing mechanics before you start swinging the club. Take notes as you read the books and watch the videos. Then spend some time at the range to practice hitting the ball. You will not master the perfect golf swing techniques immediately, but as long as you practice a lot and remain fully aware of how you are swinging the club, you will get there eventually. Some amateur golfers have followed this route of self-training, hitting the 90s in just one year of intense solo practice.

If you cannot get decent golf lessons for beginners locally, then save up for a golf vacation package. Get a package which has intense lessons – lessons in the morning, then a few rounds of real golf in the afternoon. Most beginners find that they learn best with a live instructor. It is easier for you to get feedback on any obvious and serious mistakes. In the more exclusive golf vacation packages, there may only be a few students, so you will get nearly personalized instruction. Do not underestimate the value of this near one-on-one learning experience. Of course, if you only want to brush up your game, a budget golf vacation package taken off peak periods might also do the trick.

Remember to invest in properly fitted golf clubs. These will repay your investment many times over. A set of clubs which are wrong for you – wrong flex, too long or too short, wrong-sized grips, etc. – can cause you to stumble along with slices and hooks sending your score into the 100s. If you cannot afford the full set, then make do with fewer clubs, as long as those clubs are properly fitted. Get training grips for your golf clubs as well – these will help you learn how to grip the golf club correctly. It is better to start your training with some old style blade irons. They have small sweet spots and give you quick and immediate feedback when you execute your golf swing techniques incorrectly. They are fairly cheap to get second-hand, too. Once you achieve some basic competence in your golf swing mechanics, you may like to invest in Medicus training clubs. If you follow the instructions properly, they will further help you to perfect your golf swing.

Finally, practice, practice, practice. Practice your short games – putts and chips – every free moment you get. Practice your swing every chance you get on to the range. Remember that the lifeblood of golf is the short game, so make sure your putter and wedges become your best friends on and off the golf course. Champions like Vijay Singh spend 8 hours hitting the ball everyday. Even the supremely talented Tiger Woods spends hours on his practise. If you cannot even spend 10 minutes everyday with your clubs, then you may as well give up golf.

As you can see, online golf schools do not really exist. The best you can do is interactive online golf lessons for beginners. Although you can pick up the perfect golf swing techniques on your own (as some famous professionals have achieved), most amateur golfers find great value in getting lessons from a living, breathing golf instructor. And never forget the value of having properly-fitted golf clubs.

By: Godfrey Swain

About the Author:

Teresa

Women’s golf club fitting has been ignored by the manufactures for a long time by not offering many options. In just the past few years this has started to change. Do not get me wrong. Against the offerings for men, the manufactures are still lagging with product for women’s golf club fitting. However, this should not discourage the ladies as a properly fitted set of clubs will help you shoot lower scores and have more fun.

“Why do I need to be fitted for my set of clubs?” is a question that I get quite often from ladies. All golfers come in various shapes and sizes. A properly executed club fitting will match your body type and swing to your golf equipment. Why is this important? A set of properly fitted golf clubs will make the game much easier as you will not have the need to manipulate the club as much during the golf swing.

“Why not buy a club or set of irons that are already in the golf shop?” is another question I hear quite often. Typically, local golf shops and golf clubs are only stocked with the manufactures standards. The two main reasons for this are the cost of carrying that many sets of irons/drivers from all manufacturers and the manufacturers have become very good at quickly filling orders. Most companies can fill a custom order in just three days. Golf sales reps have stated that these “standards” fit only ten percent of golfers. Most golfers purchasing a set of irons measure into an upright lie angle. In addition, most golfers are measured into a longer or shorter golf shaft than the standard offering.

While administering a club fitting a PGA Professional will determine the following: the correct club for you, your swing speed with different clubs, the correct length of golf club for you, the correct lie angle for your irons, your skill level or handicap, how often you get to play as well as the proper grip size for your golf clubs.

The process of a golf club fitting can vary in length depending on if you are being club fit for irons only, a driver or a complete set. As you will need to hit several golf balls during the fitting, I would not suggest being club fit when you are tired.

“How do I find a qualified golf club fitter?” Below are the questions that you would need to have answered to find a qualified club fitter that will get you into the proper set of golf clubs:

Does the PGA Professional have a fitting cart or multiple fitting carts with what you are looking for (steel, graphite, right-handed, left-handed clubs) available?

Is the PGA professional certified by a major manufacturer to fit their clubs and how many club fittings does the PGA Professional do in a year ?

Will I be fit outdoors to see the entire ball flight? This is a must. Do not be fit indoors on a launch monitor. The launch monitors are not always correct and nothing beats seeing the results with your own eyes.

What will the session cost and if I purchase the clubs from you, will the cost of the club fitting be put towards the purchase will that be put towards my purchase?

Before the club fitting is finished, make sure that you understand how the PGA Professional came to the final specs for your golf clubs. Knowing how the club fitter came to the specs for your golf clubs, you will be even more confident in your new purchase. Having a properly fitted set of woods and irons will make it easier for you to make a better golf swing and lower your scores.

By: Brad Myers

About the Author:

Paula

Selecting the right golf equipment can mean the difference between having great game after great game and having not-so-great games.

The right golf equipment means having drivers, shafts, gloves and other accessories that work with your body, your style and your capabilities. Your game, your swing, your body and your personal preferences should all be taken into account when making golf equipment purchases. By doing so, you will ensure that your golf scores drop! Think of the big celebrities in the world of golf: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson. Like the rest of us, they struggled to find the clubs and shafts that fit just right. You may have to try out several different sizes and styles before you find the right fit. Don’t make a quick, impulse purchase, or you may have second thoughts and regrets later.

When making the choice to purchase golf equipment, you have hundreds of manufacturers and stores (both online and offline) at your disposal. Many manufacturers carry several different sets, clubs, drivers and models for you to choose from. So how are golf clubs and sets different from one another?

Well, the making of golf equipment takes into account several factors, with a lot of importance placed on the golfer’s handicap, height, build and swing speed. Also up for consideration is how these clubs and such will be used: leisure, tournaments, or somewhere in between? Then there is the aesthetics aspect to consider. Whether a golfer wants to admit it or not, there is valid concern about golf equipment being pleasing to look at. The look of the club can be just as important as it meeting all technical requirements and guidelines. Also, the price of a particular piece of golf equipment may not necessarily be an accurate reflection of its value. Sometimes you are paying for the materials that make up accents and decoration on the equipment — leather, gold, silver, platinum, etc.

Other times you may pay out of the nose for a particular piece of golf equipment because of the manufacturer. In the end, make sure you are paying for the quality of the golf equipment, and not the name of the company that’s on it. Remember, you do get what you pay for. If you’re not sure where to start with selecting golf equipment, then go straight to the pros. A website like blind9golf.com can assist you with getting started in equipment selection, tailoring and purchasing.

By: Kimberly Green

About the Author:

Dana

If you are on a budget, but golf is your sport of choice, you have many options to purchase pre-owned golf equipment. From gently worn items to golf carts that no longer suit the needs of fellow golfers, there are countless ways to find high quality golf items at low prices.

Golf clubs are a very intimate part of your golf game. Purchasing used golf clubs can be tricky but not impossible. If you are patient and have an idea what type of golf clubs suit you best, resale shops are a good place to find quality golf clubs. In looking for left handed clubs or other unique features you might be surprised how easily your search will succeed in sound results.

Gently worn golf shoes are not an uncommon purchase either. Whether at a yard sale, thrift store, or a golf accessory store, name brand shoes are easy to find. Again, patience helps in your search efforts. There is a saying among resale shop patrons, “If you are looking for something specific, odds are you won’t find it until you have already bought it new!”

Used golf balls can be found by the bag at yard sales or thrift stores (or in water hazards!) These balls are a smart purchase because they allow you to practice your swing without worrying about losing new balls. Bags of tees can be found for minimal cost too. Ball washers, golf towels, and cleat wrench kits are all likely finds in the resale atmosphere, while head covers and other accessories are common among yard sales and in resale shops.

Golf cars and carts can also be purchased used. A good idea, considering the high initial cost of these items! Even purchasing a golf car that needs a small amount of maintenance or possibly a new mechanical part is not necessarily a bad decision. There are websites available that make finding replacement parts for motorized golf cars a breeze. (Hint: eBay)

Purchasing pre-owned equipment is a great way to save money and most times you will find decent, well taken care of products. More than likely your pre-owned equipment will bring you years of happy use.

By: Levi Bloom

About the Author:

Leon

Whether you want to be the next Tiger Woods, play with some friends on Saturday afternoon or simply go for a leisurely walk while striking a ball, there are a few questions you should ask yourself before you start playing Golf. Below is a list of ten things you need to consider.

1. Why do I want to play Golf?

There are countless reasons why somebody would want to play Golf. In fact, if you ask any business executive to name the places where a lot of their deals and contacts are made, their Golf club will surely be included in this list. Or if you ask the 80 year old grandfather to explain his reasons for getting up at 6:00 a.m. for a Sunday morning ramble through the fairways he would probably tell you that it helps keep him fit. So why do you want to play Golf? Do you have a reason or is it just a spur of the moment fling? You should think a little while before jumping in the deep end and really be sure that Golf is the right game for you. A good idea is take a pen and a piece of paper and make a list of reasons why you would like to play Golf. Because your neighbor plays every weekend and he says it’s a great game may not be the right reason to partake.

2. How much time am I willing to invest?

Golf is different from a lot of other sports due to the fact that there is quite a lot to learn before you can really begin to enjoy the game. Unlike other games, it is not really possible to teach yourself 100% from a book or DVD. The basic techniques require a lot of feel and take a while to develop. If you learn bad technique then it can be very hard to change it. Therefore, it is a good idea to join a club and get lessons from a Golf Pro. Having said that, lessons alone are not enough, a great deal of patience is necessary in order to get a feel for the techniques and to put them into effective practice. You need to spend a lot of time at the driving range and putting green before you ever go near the Golf course. Of course, Golf is not unique in this respect. How many guitars now lie in closets, scuba gear in basements and skis hang on garage walls? The bottom line that Golf initially requires more time than other sports but once you have the basics mastered you can invest whatever amount of time you wish.

3. How much equipment do I really need?

How far down the rabbit hole do you really want to go? Do you want to have a few beers and puck a ball in the general direction of the pin with the boys or play in serious competitions where the extra 10 yards can win or lose a tournament? Do you want a second hand Volvo or a new Ferrari? How much of a budget do you have? I am one of the firm believers that Golf should be a game for everyone regardless of social class, color or creed. So whether you buy your gold plated rocket science equipment from the Pro store or second hand clubs through E-bay, I would still enjoy a round of Golf with you. However, Golf is a game played outdoors and requires a lot of extra accessories to make life a little more comfortable. I’m not going to list everything here but for example if it rains you may need waterproof clothing or an umbrella or if it’s very sunny then you may need a cap for protection or sunglasses against the glare so you don’t lose sight of your ball in midair. But the basic equipment is no greater an investment than for most other sports or hobbies.

In general, one should ask themselves these questions before venturing into any sport or hobby, but as those who play Golf know, it is addictive and the more you play the more addictive it becomes and the initial learning phase becomes but a fading memory. So if having considered the above questions you still want to play then I look forward to seeing you on the tee.

By: Nigel Nix

About the Author:

Wesley