Golf - Resources, Bargains and Buys Blog
Friday, April 18, 2008
Golf Information
Our Featured Golf Article
You will find a lot of easy tips and techniques in this eBook to quickly transform your golf game and add 20 yards to your drive!
Wondering which golf clubs you should buy?
By: Lee MacRae
With so many different makes and types of golf clubs on the market, it is no wonder beginners, let alone the more experienced golfer, can become easily confused when it comes to buying clubs.
Read along as we discuss the types available and what they each can do for your game of golf.
First, are you between five and six feet tall? Then standard clubs will most likely work for you. That principle applies to both men and women. Taller or shorter? Then custom clubs may now come in to the picture.
Cast or forged iron clubs. Which?
The quick answer is "go cast iron".
The major reason? Because of the larger "sweet spot" you tend to find on the cast iron clubs. That term refers to the area in the middle of the face of the club head where the ball should be struck for maximum distance and accuracy. The larger "sweet spot" you have, the less likely it is that you will hit a bad shot You can still be a little "off center" and the ball is still struck well because you have a larger margin of error. It is for that main reason the beginners are steered towards cast iron clubs. Without a steady consistant swing, a larger striking area will produce better shots overall. That is why clubs like "Big Bertha" came on the market. The large oversized head obviously gives a much larger sweet spot than a normal driver. Average golfers get longer and straighter drives on a more consistant basis.
By contrast, forged iron golf clubs are "harder to hit" a good shot with as they have a smaller sweet spot.
So why even make golf clubs out of forged iron, you ask?
Because the "softer" forged metal gives the golfer a better feel than the harder cast iron does. The more seasoned player, especially the pros on the circuit, don't need that larger sweet spot. They have a more consistant swing plane and strike the ball with far more accuracy. They use the "feel" of the the forged iron clubs to influence the flight of the ball in a way that a beginner or average player can't.
The shaft of the club is the next item to look at. What will it be made of? A composite or steel?
The major criteria here is club speed. An average golfer will have a club head speed of 80-94 mph. Lower speeds usually means you should look at a composite shaft. The problem with lower speed is you get less distance on your shots. You need to generate more speed [and more power] or find some way to compensate until you can. And that is where the composite golf club shaft enters the picture. It gives you a lot more distance than you would get with your normal swing and a steel shaft.
For golfers with faster swing speeds, you don't necessarily need more distance. What you really want is more control. A steel tube shaft will give you that control to go along with your acceptable distance.
Have your swing speed determined by visiting your local pro shop or a golf store that is equiped with a swing speed radar device. Or simply buy a small radar device for yourself. You can find some small devices that operate by batteries but are effective enough to determine your swing speed.
With simply these few starting hints, it is ordinarily best if you rent a few different sets of clubs as you play and take note of how each club helps or impedes your game. You are searching to learn your personal strengths as well as weaknesses. Use as many clubs as you can beg, borrow, steal or rent. The more you use, the more you will learn about your own game.
If you implement these tips and work on them, you will be certain to develop a better drive within a short period of time. Just keep on practicing and working on your improvement. It's only a matter of time before your scores begin to drop.
Find a great golf club and improve your game!
More Thoughts On Golf
Don't grip the club too tightly. A tight grip inhibits a smooth swing and follow-though. Also, keep the grips on your clubs in good condition. Worn grips force you to hold the club too tightly. Replace the grips on your clubs as they get worn and smooth. When first learning the grip, keep a club around the house and practice gripping and regripping the club a few minutes each day. Remember to keep fingers secure and arms relaxed.
...PGA of America
To start with a proven ball position. Moving a golf ball even two inches forward or back in your stance can make a great deal of difference in shot consistency. Start with the ball a couple of inches inside the left heel. After you master this consistent ball position, you can experiment with other ball positions. However, a ball too far to the front of your stance will increase the chances of a slice by encouraging an outside-to-inside swing. A ball too far back in the stance will make it difficult to get the clubface closed by impact and may cause a push or a push slice.
...Golf Help
Low-Cost Alternatives
If golf sounds like a great idea, the sticking point to getting started can all too often be cost. After all, you need clubs, balls, tees, and in the case of many clubs a strict dress code must be adhered to that makes entry into the sport appear prohibitive. However, it is essential that such enthusiasm should be nurtured by means of the opportunities afforded by low-cost alternatives. So why not start out by identifying the location of the local driving range, or a municipal course run by the council that will be relatively cheap in terms both of green fees and the hire of clubs.
...mastering golf UK
A Portable GPS Unit
These impressive devices are reliable and easy to use. Some even allow you to measure your drives.
...Golf Tips magazine
When you want to get some extra distance out of your drives, it�s natural to think that your right or dominant hand (for right-handed golfers) should supply the power. In reality, however, maximum power is a result of a left-hand lead.
...The Golf Channel
Today's Golf News
Titleist Introduces 755 As New Flagship Iron Model
Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Immelman is Masters champion
Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:33:46 GMT
South African Trevor Immelman secures his maiden major title with a three-shot victory at Augusta.
Direct from the Tour: Tour Championship, Round 1
Thu, 03 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT
¶ 11:14 PM 0 comments
Our Featured Golf Article
You will find a lot of easy tips and techniques in this eBook to quickly transform your golf game and add 20 yards to your drive!
Wondering which golf clubs you should buy?
By: Lee MacRae
With so many different makes and types of golf clubs on the market, it is no wonder beginners, let alone the more experienced golfer, can become easily confused when it comes to buying clubs.
Read along as we discuss the types available and what they each can do for your game of golf.
First, are you between five and six feet tall? Then standard clubs will most likely work for you. That principle applies to both men and women. Taller or shorter? Then custom clubs may now come in to the picture.
Cast or forged iron clubs. Which?
The quick answer is "go cast iron".
The major reason? Because of the larger "sweet spot" you tend to find on the cast iron clubs. That term refers to the area in the middle of the face of the club head where the ball should be struck for maximum distance and accuracy. The larger "sweet spot" you have, the less likely it is that you will hit a bad shot You can still be a little "off center" and the ball is still struck well because you have a larger margin of error. It is for that main reason the beginners are steered towards cast iron clubs. Without a steady consistant swing, a larger striking area will produce better shots overall. That is why clubs like "Big Bertha" came on the market. The large oversized head obviously gives a much larger sweet spot than a normal driver. Average golfers get longer and straighter drives on a more consistant basis.
By contrast, forged iron golf clubs are "harder to hit" a good shot with as they have a smaller sweet spot.
So why even make golf clubs out of forged iron, you ask?
Because the "softer" forged metal gives the golfer a better feel than the harder cast iron does. The more seasoned player, especially the pros on the circuit, don't need that larger sweet spot. They have a more consistant swing plane and strike the ball with far more accuracy. They use the "feel" of the the forged iron clubs to influence the flight of the ball in a way that a beginner or average player can't.
The shaft of the club is the next item to look at. What will it be made of? A composite or steel?
The major criteria here is club speed. An average golfer will have a club head speed of 80-94 mph. Lower speeds usually means you should look at a composite shaft. The problem with lower speed is you get less distance on your shots. You need to generate more speed [and more power] or find some way to compensate until you can. And that is where the composite golf club shaft enters the picture. It gives you a lot more distance than you would get with your normal swing and a steel shaft.
For golfers with faster swing speeds, you don't necessarily need more distance. What you really want is more control. A steel tube shaft will give you that control to go along with your acceptable distance.
Have your swing speed determined by visiting your local pro shop or a golf store that is equiped with a swing speed radar device. Or simply buy a small radar device for yourself. You can find some small devices that operate by batteries but are effective enough to determine your swing speed.
With simply these few starting hints, it is ordinarily best if you rent a few different sets of clubs as you play and take note of how each club helps or impedes your game. You are searching to learn your personal strengths as well as weaknesses. Use as many clubs as you can beg, borrow, steal or rent. The more you use, the more you will learn about your own game.
If you implement these tips and work on them, you will be certain to develop a better drive within a short period of time. Just keep on practicing and working on your improvement. It's only a matter of time before your scores begin to drop.
Find a great golf club and improve your game!
More Thoughts On Golf
Don't grip the club too tightly. A tight grip inhibits a smooth swing and follow-though. Also, keep the grips on your clubs in good condition. Worn grips force you to hold the club too tightly. Replace the grips on your clubs as they get worn and smooth. When first learning the grip, keep a club around the house and practice gripping and regripping the club a few minutes each day. Remember to keep fingers secure and arms relaxed.
...PGA of America
To start with a proven ball position. Moving a golf ball even two inches forward or back in your stance can make a great deal of difference in shot consistency. Start with the ball a couple of inches inside the left heel. After you master this consistent ball position, you can experiment with other ball positions. However, a ball too far to the front of your stance will increase the chances of a slice by encouraging an outside-to-inside swing. A ball too far back in the stance will make it difficult to get the clubface closed by impact and may cause a push or a push slice.
...Golf Help
Low-Cost Alternatives
If golf sounds like a great idea, the sticking point to getting started can all too often be cost. After all, you need clubs, balls, tees, and in the case of many clubs a strict dress code must be adhered to that makes entry into the sport appear prohibitive. However, it is essential that such enthusiasm should be nurtured by means of the opportunities afforded by low-cost alternatives. So why not start out by identifying the location of the local driving range, or a municipal course run by the council that will be relatively cheap in terms both of green fees and the hire of clubs.
...mastering golf UK
A Portable GPS Unit
These impressive devices are reliable and easy to use. Some even allow you to measure your drives.
...Golf Tips magazine
When you want to get some extra distance out of your drives, it�s natural to think that your right or dominant hand (for right-handed golfers) should supply the power. In reality, however, maximum power is a result of a left-hand lead.
...The Golf Channel
Today's Golf News
Titleist Introduces 755 As New Flagship Iron Model
Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Immelman is Masters champion
Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:33:46 GMT
South African Trevor Immelman secures his maiden major title with a three-shot victory at Augusta.
Direct from the Tour: Tour Championship, Round 1
Thu, 03 Nov 2005 00:00:00 GMT
Labels: hybrid golf clubs | golf putting aids | beginners golf training aids
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Hybrid Golf Clubs Information
Golf Article Of The Month
Instantly slash your golf score by creating perfect impact!
Golf Swing Aids Make A Huge Difference
By: Joe Tierney
The swing is one of the critical aspects of golf training, and the perfect swing can mean the difference of many strokes. It is a basic technique of the game, and needs to be practiced with patience and care. For people who would rather train in privacy and at their leisure, many companies offer swing aids.
The swing aid is generally a circular guide mounted vertically on its stand, which offers support and guides the club in a neat arc, as perfect as you can get it. Repetitive use of this device trains your muscles to move in the correct arc, the end of the club outlining the circumference of a perfect circle. Using a training aid is a good idea when you don't want to waste time at the course, practicing the basics. The device is portable to a limit, and can easily be installed in a backyard or even a garage for uninterrupted training time. Most of the units come with a training video, which demonstrates the correct usage, and the difference it makes etc.
The perfect swing involves maintaining the correct posture, rolling the wrists in the follow through and the correct grip. The swing aid cannot teach you how to grip a club, but it does make it awkward for you to make a complete swing if you hold the wrong grip. It is important to note here, that swinging away with the wrong grip, on a swinging aid can lead to awkwardness, maybe even a sprain. It is advisable to initiate lessons with a pro, and then practice on a swing aid machine, fully knowing the posture and the grip you are supposed to maintain.
Like everything else during the last few years, there is a digital aid in perfecting your swing, called the swing tempo device, which helps calculate the time duration of upswing-downswing, so you know you are doing it right with every club that you use. This is made for somewhat advanced users, but is a useful tool to graduate to. Of course, many die hard golfers would say they never needed a machine to teach them golf, but that is an argument that many people have about digital-manual equipment, and is not one that will ever have a conclusion! The better way to look at it is, whatever it is that helps you achieve the desired swing, go for it!
Finally it is good to remember that golf isn't a game very easy to master, and it is a combination of variations like the correct stance, the right grip - not too hard not too soft, and the right swing and follow through, to name a few, that will make you a better golfer. It is indeed necessary to constantly evaluate yourself, and to use the right methods to improve your game. The golf swing aid is a definite advantage in the learning process, but the sooner you are independent of it the better. Of course it can always be kept for practice, but dependency on the device wont give you confidence in the long run.
One last device I'd likes to mention is the 'thumb caddy' endorsed by the PGS tour pro Brad Faxon. It is a little device made of nylon and rubber, that fits on your club and guides your thumb into a perfect position to deploy power as well as control, helping you to maintain a firm grip, and the right position on the club, making you avoid hook shots.
It's easily carried in your pocket, and may be just what you've been wanting, check it out! At the same time, it is worth remembering that this is intended for practice alone, and not allowed in tournaments.
Joseph Tierney is a golfer and college student from Florida. You can find out more about improving your golf swing at Golf Swing Tips http://www.simplegolfswing.info/
Quick Golf Ideas
Golf is played in many different types of weather. The type of weather affects how far the ball travels and its amount of spin. Knowing how the weather conditions affect your ball, therefore, is necessary to making correct club selections.
...golf news
You can�t fire a gun unless you pull the trigger, right? A similar concept also applies to the golf swing, which also usually requires a �trigger move� to get the body moving. Now, not everyone has a trigger, some manage to swing well from a static position to a dynamic position. But for the rest of us who often find confusion when it comes to where to start the golf swing, a trigger move can help you start swinging in a fluid and consistent manner.
...The Golf Channel
Playing The Game
Mechanical thoughts, especially during the backswing, have no place on the golf course. Swing issues and technical moves should be worked out on the practice range. On the course, focus on positive downswing thoughts like �accelerate through impact� and �finish with the right shoulder toward the target.� Avoid negative thoughts by visualizing the ballflight you're trying to produce, and swing with that image in mind. A consistent preshot routine helps.
...Golf Tips magazine
The reason for good extension in the follow through is to keep the clubface accelerating at impact! The reason that the slice is so common is that many players try to keep the clubface angle square to the target throught and after impact. This actually opens the face,resulting in a left to right spin to the ball (Slice).
...LPGA tips
Heel shots, scoobies, go rights, or the dreaded "S" word are caused by one thing -- "coming over the top." Coming over the top or swinging across your downward swingpath is perhaps the most common swing fault in golf. The path or arc of the golf swing should be circular (about 45 degrees) on the backswing and a little less circular (about 43 degrees) on the downswing. That variance in plane is called swinging inside. A great cure for coming over the top is to let your right shoulder (for R/H players) come UNDERNEATH your chin on your downswing. You may also feel that you are hitting the ball (in baseball terms) to right field. Dropping your right shoulder will free up the club to extend out toward your target and eliminate the possibility of Mr. Scoobie!
...US Golf Association
Today's Golf News
Tiger and his prey: Woods hot on the trail if the sun comes out to play
Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:01 +0100
<p>However many regular tournaments Tiger Woods wins, however many he wins in a row, the world No 1 does not consider a year "great" until he has won a major championship. </p>
Titleist Blazes Worldwide Leaderboards in 2005
Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Unmatched Success Continues for the #1 Ball in Golf
Brad Faxon Featured on ''Golf Fitness Academy presented by Titleist''
Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT
New Episode of “Golf Fitness Academy presented by Titleist” Focuses on Senior Golfers
Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Premieres Monday, June 5 at 8:40 p.m. on The Golf Channel
The Power of Momentum
Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Adam Scott Captures Shell Houston Open Trusting New Pro V1 Golf Ball, 907D2 Driver
golf swing | golf ball
¶ 11:00 AM 0 comments
Golf Article Of The Month
Instantly slash your golf score by creating perfect impact!
Golf Swing Aids Make A Huge Difference
By: Joe Tierney
The swing is one of the critical aspects of golf training, and the perfect swing can mean the difference of many strokes. It is a basic technique of the game, and needs to be practiced with patience and care. For people who would rather train in privacy and at their leisure, many companies offer swing aids.
The swing aid is generally a circular guide mounted vertically on its stand, which offers support and guides the club in a neat arc, as perfect as you can get it. Repetitive use of this device trains your muscles to move in the correct arc, the end of the club outlining the circumference of a perfect circle. Using a training aid is a good idea when you don't want to waste time at the course, practicing the basics. The device is portable to a limit, and can easily be installed in a backyard or even a garage for uninterrupted training time. Most of the units come with a training video, which demonstrates the correct usage, and the difference it makes etc.
The perfect swing involves maintaining the correct posture, rolling the wrists in the follow through and the correct grip. The swing aid cannot teach you how to grip a club, but it does make it awkward for you to make a complete swing if you hold the wrong grip. It is important to note here, that swinging away with the wrong grip, on a swinging aid can lead to awkwardness, maybe even a sprain. It is advisable to initiate lessons with a pro, and then practice on a swing aid machine, fully knowing the posture and the grip you are supposed to maintain.
Like everything else during the last few years, there is a digital aid in perfecting your swing, called the swing tempo device, which helps calculate the time duration of upswing-downswing, so you know you are doing it right with every club that you use. This is made for somewhat advanced users, but is a useful tool to graduate to. Of course, many die hard golfers would say they never needed a machine to teach them golf, but that is an argument that many people have about digital-manual equipment, and is not one that will ever have a conclusion! The better way to look at it is, whatever it is that helps you achieve the desired swing, go for it!
Finally it is good to remember that golf isn't a game very easy to master, and it is a combination of variations like the correct stance, the right grip - not too hard not too soft, and the right swing and follow through, to name a few, that will make you a better golfer. It is indeed necessary to constantly evaluate yourself, and to use the right methods to improve your game. The golf swing aid is a definite advantage in the learning process, but the sooner you are independent of it the better. Of course it can always be kept for practice, but dependency on the device wont give you confidence in the long run.
One last device I'd likes to mention is the 'thumb caddy' endorsed by the PGS tour pro Brad Faxon. It is a little device made of nylon and rubber, that fits on your club and guides your thumb into a perfect position to deploy power as well as control, helping you to maintain a firm grip, and the right position on the club, making you avoid hook shots.
It's easily carried in your pocket, and may be just what you've been wanting, check it out! At the same time, it is worth remembering that this is intended for practice alone, and not allowed in tournaments.
Joseph Tierney is a golfer and college student from Florida. You can find out more about improving your golf swing at Golf Swing Tips http://www.simplegolfswing.info/
Quick Golf Ideas
Golf is played in many different types of weather. The type of weather affects how far the ball travels and its amount of spin. Knowing how the weather conditions affect your ball, therefore, is necessary to making correct club selections.
...golf news
You can�t fire a gun unless you pull the trigger, right? A similar concept also applies to the golf swing, which also usually requires a �trigger move� to get the body moving. Now, not everyone has a trigger, some manage to swing well from a static position to a dynamic position. But for the rest of us who often find confusion when it comes to where to start the golf swing, a trigger move can help you start swinging in a fluid and consistent manner.
...The Golf Channel
Playing The Game
Mechanical thoughts, especially during the backswing, have no place on the golf course. Swing issues and technical moves should be worked out on the practice range. On the course, focus on positive downswing thoughts like �accelerate through impact� and �finish with the right shoulder toward the target.� Avoid negative thoughts by visualizing the ballflight you're trying to produce, and swing with that image in mind. A consistent preshot routine helps.
...Golf Tips magazine
The reason for good extension in the follow through is to keep the clubface accelerating at impact! The reason that the slice is so common is that many players try to keep the clubface angle square to the target throught and after impact. This actually opens the face,resulting in a left to right spin to the ball (Slice).
...LPGA tips
Heel shots, scoobies, go rights, or the dreaded "S" word are caused by one thing -- "coming over the top." Coming over the top or swinging across your downward swingpath is perhaps the most common swing fault in golf. The path or arc of the golf swing should be circular (about 45 degrees) on the backswing and a little less circular (about 43 degrees) on the downswing. That variance in plane is called swinging inside. A great cure for coming over the top is to let your right shoulder (for R/H players) come UNDERNEATH your chin on your downswing. You may also feel that you are hitting the ball (in baseball terms) to right field. Dropping your right shoulder will free up the club to extend out toward your target and eliminate the possibility of Mr. Scoobie!
...US Golf Association
Today's Golf News
Tiger and his prey: Woods hot on the trail if the sun comes out to play
Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:01 +0100
<p>However many regular tournaments Tiger Woods wins, however many he wins in a row, the world No 1 does not consider a year "great" until he has won a major championship. </p>
Titleist Blazes Worldwide Leaderboards in 2005
Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Unmatched Success Continues for the #1 Ball in Golf
Brad Faxon Featured on ''Golf Fitness Academy presented by Titleist''
Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT
New Episode of “Golf Fitness Academy presented by Titleist” Focuses on Senior Golfers
Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT
Premieres Monday, June 5 at 8:40 p.m. on The Golf Channel
The Power of Momentum
Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT
Adam Scott Captures Shell Houston Open Trusting New Pro V1 Golf Ball, 907D2 Driver
golf swing | golf ball
Labels: hybrid golf clubs | golf putting aids | beginners golf training aids
