Golf Club Re-Gripping: How to Know When It Is Time to Re-Grip Your Golf Clubs?

One of the most unusual things I've noticed about golfers is that so many of them neglect to re-grip their golf clubs when the need arises. Seems to me that it is just odd that any golfer looking to play better golf, shoot lower scores and lower their handicap would want to take better care of the equipment they use to play the game. It's just contradictory to the objective.

Are you wondering now about your clubs? When was the last time your clubs were re-gripped? What do the grips look like now? How do they feel when you grip them? So many questions but I'll help you answer them for yourself.

Let's first discuss the question of how long a grip remains usable. A golf grip is made of either from leather, rubber or a composite of selected materials. All of which are subject to wear over time. Time is the enemy of golf grips. They simply don't last forever.

Your golf grips have been deteriorating since they were first installed. They are exposed to a number of conditions that work to break down the material in the grip. Ultra-violet light, golf course chemicals, oils and dirt from your hands are all working to cause your grips to wear out.

Storing your clubs in the truck of your car or garage can expose them to significant heat which will accelerate the drying out process of the material in your grips.

Therefore if your grips are more than a year old, no matter how often you've played, it is time to change them. How long has it been since yours were clubs were re-gripped?

Next let's discuss how much you use them. How many rounds have you played since your clubs were re-ripped last?

The golf industry, both grip manufacturers and club fitters, recommend that your grips be replaced every 40 rounds. So do most teaching pros. That is a pretty impressive list of experts don't you think?

I would like to add my name to the list of those who recommend re-gripping your golf clubs after every 40 rounds played. If you played more than 40 rounds with your golf club grips it is time to re-grip your clubs.

Now we'll discuss the appearance of your grips. Look them over closely. Do they look shiny or have surface blemishes?

No matter how long the grips have been on or how many rounds you've played if they appear to have a shiny surface or you notice blemishes like worn spots or tears in the material then it is time to replace those grips with fresh ones.

Re-gripping your golf clubs is a simple task that brings significant benefits. The good news is that you can do this job yourself with just a little instruction and a few tools. Golfers everywhere are saving time, money and strokes by learning how to re-grip their own golf clubs.

If you are due for a grip change you may want to consider doing the job yourself. It is a quick and easy process that yields important benefits for your wallet and while you are on the course.

It helps to have a guide or manual when you first tackle a new task. Re-gripping your golf clubs is no different. This will help you to make your first time a success How to Re-Grip Your Golf Clubs

Dooley wants to send free golf tips to your inbox? You know your game can only benefit. He just needs your permission and you'll receive a free copy of "The Duffers Report: A Duffer's Guide to Better Iron Play" just for subscribing to our list at: Dooley Duffer Golf.

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Golf Dreams

Enjoy playing a golf game of peak performance each and every time you play golf. Yes, it can be done. Golf dreams to play the perfect golf game with great shots and great strategy can be accomplished with mental training by self or with professional instruction.

If you have not done it as yet you should try mastering your golf game with mental control. Sports psychology is no longer just for professionals. Amateurs now have access to these training programs.

Do you not want to?

Drive the ball longer distancesDrive the ball down the greenway to the targetMake perfect short and long puttsTee a perfect drive

Having been in the entertainment field and actively involved in athletics one learns the value in acquiring mental focusing, hypnosis, or mental training. Any play always starts with the correct mental concept.

Golf dreams or the mental preparation to play the best game each and every time you play is always rehearsed before, during, and after practice. It needs to become a habit and an absolute for the real game.

Have you ever been backstage before any type of performance? You will notice how many of the performers will be mentally or physically rehearsing or warming up in preparation for their role. They need to make that last mental imprint on their brain for relaxation and readiness for performance.

Professional sports players make these same preparations for their self. It is not uncommon for a coach or a motivation speaker to be brought in for the pre-game talk for additional inspiration for a tough game to be played.

Sports scientists or sports psychologists are making this mental training available to everyone. This type of training once reserved for professionals is available for amateurs.

Your golf dreams can be realized by playing golf in your brain when you cannot attend the golf course. Visualize and play the entire game exactly as you intend to play it. The brain will respond regardless of whether you are playing mentally or physically.

If you are anything like me and have discovered mind-over-matter works. Then you know it is worth the golf dreams to play the perfect golf game. Accurate and great strokes rehearsed in the mind will deliver those same results on the golf course.

Golf dreams summary:

Helps to develop perfect strokesConditioned for playing at peak performanceAnalyzes and refines our golf game strategyA visualized game is identical to playing a physical game

Get in the zone and play golf. Go to the sports section of Infotrish at http://www.infotrish.com/ and review Renegade Mindset Techniques For Golf. Master Your Mind and Slash Your Handicap.

Tricia Deed, writer for http://www.infotrish.com/ brings you through internet marketing hobbies for your leisure, recreation, and business opportunities. I invite you to visit my web pages to review the various hobby companies. Do take advantage of their free giveaways.

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Getting the Right Golf Equipment

If you are serious about improving your golf game and becoming the best golfer you are capable of then you need the right set of clubs. Buying a set of clubs off a store shelf is definitely not the best way to get your perfect clubs. Sure you can get some great clubs that way, but are they right for you just because they are rated as the best clubs? Every golfer swings slightly different and is different physically. One size absolutely does not fit all when it comes to golf clubs.

Hopefully the people working at your local golf store will be able to help pick out the right sized clubs, but if not then an easy way to test is by going to the driving range and using their clubs. Most driving ranges will have a large selection of clubs to borrow, so try out some sizes until you find the right ones for your. Usually the length is about your naval to the ground. This is just a generally guideline though, because obviously people have different length arms, legs, etc. that would change this. Golf clubs are an expensive purchase so please do not rush into it, test out a bunch of brands and sizes before you make your decision. Unless you are playing in some competition that you need a new set of clubs for, there is really no reason to rush this decision.

Another way to test out clubs is to rent them. Many pro shops will allow you to rent clubs from them, so this is another great way to get out there on the course and use different clubs to see what feels right for you. After you have found a brand that you feel fits you the best, if you can afford it, you should get the clubs custom fitted for you. Please don't waste money on this if you are terrible at golf, if you are just getting into golf, do not waste money on this. Practice, practice, practice until you have a consistent swing and are hitting the ball straight. Then go out and get fitted for your clubs. There are many things that the fitter will recommend for your clubs based on how you hold the club, your swing, your swing speed and some other factors. They will determine what length your club should be, the size of your club head, the angle, the grip and the shaft type. Once you get a set of clubs that are custom fitted for you, you are going to see some great changes in not only your comfort while swinging, but you score.

If you think you have a great swing, but are not achieving the results you think you should be seeing, then maybe it is time to look into getting new golf clubs. If you are serious about becoming the best golfer you can, then you need to have clubs that are perfect for you. Professional golfers are using clubs that are all individually fitted to their needs, why shouldn't you?

Sam Davis is a contributing author who writes many articles on improving your golf game. You can find more excellent tips and an ebook on the perfect golf swing at Golf Swing Basics located at http://golfswingbasicssite.org/

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Drive The Golf Ball Further With More Control

Working with clients and talking with them about their weekly activities usually leads to golf, general topics include how bad the game was, how much further someone was hitting the ball, or occasionally how good the day was or even a broken window. One topic that almost always comes up is driving distance and control, there is nothing better when walking up to the tee than knowing that you are going to out drive all of your golf buddies AND put the ball right down the middle of the fairway! Here are some workout drills to give your brain that required confidence and train your body to get the task done!

Impact Zone Strength of Dominate Arm
Note: The term dominate arm refers to the type of golf club you use, right or left handed.

Attach a length of exercise tube or theraband to a solid object. The tube should be attached at your waist height when you are in your golf stance.
Stand with your dominate arm closest to where the band is attached, take one end of the band in the dominate hand, keep this in front of the body, take the other end of the band in the off hand and place this behind the body resting on the lower back or hip area.
Move away from the band until tension in the band is developed, this is how you can vary the load during your training.
Using your coordinated swing pattern and arm extension (minus your non dominate arm) move the dominate arm from around the 8 o-clock position through the impact zone to the 5 o-clock position. The non dominate arm should remain on the hip or lower back creating a twisting moment on the core.
Repeat this movement 12-15 times focusing on the feeling and form through the impact zone. To balance the exercise switch arms and repeat the work if desired.

Core Function and Control

Attach a length of exercise tube or theraband to a solid object. The tube should be attached at your shoulder height when you are standing erect with a very minor knee bend.
Place the feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Grasp the band with both hands and extend the arms horizontal from the shoulder. Have the feet facing 90 degrees away from the band attach point. Move away from the band attach point and let the arms be pulled to the band attach point allowing the core to twist so the shoulders now fact the attach point.
Twisting through the core while trying to minimize lower body and pelvis movement rotate the arms from facing the band attach point to the opposite side of the body. Keep the torso upright and erect throughout the twist. Focus on feeling the movement and logging it in your brain. Hands should move in a constant plane around the spine extended from the shoulders.
Repeat 12 - 15 times then switch the direction of loaded rotation to balance the exercise.

Swing Speed and Swing Plane Control

Grab a medicine ball or kettle ball, the weight of the ball can be increased as you progress.Assume a standing position with feet shoulder width apart. Prepare to do walking lunges. (do not be facing into a wall or equipment) Allow the ball to hang in the crotch area with hands on either side of the ball.Take a lunge step, while going into the lunge twist the core of the body to the forward leg, this twist should move the ball from the starting point to a point directly out from the forward leg side ear. The ball should move upward and outward during the twist of the core. As you come out of the lunge move the ball back to the starting point near the crotch.Repeat the same movement on the other leg.Repeat 8-10 times for each leg.

Muscle Memory for Weight Transfer

Find a two dimension (side to side) balance board.
Assume a position on the board to simulate your golf stance at addressing the ball before a swing.
Simulate a golf club using a club or other device.
Attempt to balance weight on the board at address.
Rotate into your swing takeaway. As you take away your weight should transfer on to the back foot, that side of the board should move down onto the ground.
Rotate through the impact zone to the follow through. The board should now have flipped to touching the ground on the front foot. Repeat this drill paying close attention to the timing of the weight transfer to the forward foot. The weight should transfer to the forward foot just as the club passes through the impact zone.
Repeat focusing on the transfer of weight timing versus the club head location in the impact zone.

Dustin Norlund is the founder of Holistic Life and Fitness based in Barrie Ontario serving the Greater Toronto Area with Holistic Wellness Coaching and Private Training. Dustin holds a CSCS certification from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a Holistic Lifestyle Coaching Certification from the C.H.E.K institute. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Dustin focuses on sports performance training, aging or ill client cases, nutritional coaching, and life style coaching. More information can be found at http://www.holisticlifeandfitness.com/ or by calling 705-896-5213.

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Golf Draw Tips - The Best Way to Correct a Slice

This is a golf draw tip that may be valuable for a lot of golfers who are suffering from consistently slicing the ball. For amateur golfers, the slice is the most common problem experienced in the golf course. Fortunately, this can easily be corrected as long as you are able to identify the problem and work on some drills to alter bad habits. You should know, though, that simply reading this article will not be enough to correct your slice. You have to have an open mind, implement what you have learned and spend some time on the range to get some practice.

First, it is highly recommended to take a video recorder with you while you are practicing. Take some videos of yourself hitting balls with the clubs that you most commonly use in the fairways. This way you will be able to a get a real time visualization of your swing which eliminates a lot of the guessing game. Watch your video and analyze your stance, how you address the ball, your backswing and your downswing. To get the perfect golf draw and get rid of that slice, ideally your stance should be square at address, your backswing should be on the direction up and around your shoulder, and your downswing should have an inside out plane. This method promotes a golf draw.

Here is a more detailed instruction on how to correct your stance, backswing and downswing to eliminate slicing your ball and being consistent with a golf draw.

Your stance and your grip. Make sure that both your feet are in a square position so as not to be off line. Lay a club on the ground and align your body and your feet to it. As for your grip, make sure that you are not gripping your club too tightly, as this will definitely result to a slice. Grip your club loosely 1 inch lower than you usually would, and you have to be gripping the club square as well.

Your backswing. When you analyze your video check if you tend to arch the club far out and up over your neck and head. This is one of the most common mistakes golfers make that results to a slice. The club should be arching up your shoulders and not over your head during your backswing. If you notice that you are doing this mistake, practice swinging your club with just your right hand (if you are right-handed). Position yourself square as mentioned above and swing the club 10 times. Repeat this drill 5 times before hitting balls on your driving range sessions.

Your downswing. The downswing is the most difficult aspect of your swing to control since this is done in top speed. However, if you are able to correct your stance, grip and backswing then you are effectively improving your downswing, too. When you have done enough drills following the 2 steps above, take a video of your practice rounds again. Run the video in slow motion and check if your club face is hitting the ball square on impact. Also, check how your forearms are positioned at the end of your follow through. Ideally, your arms should be completely crossed. The X you see should be formed by your forearms and not your wrist or your elbows. If you do not see that X, that means you are not releasing correctly which results to blocking the ball and you get less power and distance from your stroke.

These steps are simple do-it-yourself drills that can effectively eliminate slicing and improve a golf draw. As long as done consistently, you will be able to improve your game significantly. Also, try to remember that amateur golf is meant to be fun. So continue to enjoy the game while trying to improve it. Keep swinging fellow golfers and I wish you luck on your next round.

For more amazing golf tips on how to improve your golf swing, chipping, putting and more please visit this link Golf Draw Site

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Good Putting Drills

Developing good putting drills that work is one of the greatest ways to decrease your score. Lots of golfers lose a major number of strokes as soon as they move onto the green. By utilizing good putting drills, you can learn to get the ball into the hole in less strokes.

Any veteran golfer will tell you of the fact that short game tend to be stroke-hungry, and that what transpires on the green can inflict havoc on an otherwise good score. 3-putts, 4-putts, and also 5-putts tend to be more common than you might consider, however there's good news. Good putting drills is going to dramatically help golfers polish their experience on the green, giving you a smaller number of overall strokes.

When it comes to good putting drills, spend time focusing over the three essentials:
Maintaining the face squareMaintaining a smooth swingAttaining length restraint

Keeping the Face Square:

Providing you might be in the habit of striking the ball with your blade open or closed, do this:

Place a ball on the practice green and position a tee in the grass about twelve inches at the rear of the ball. Plunk a coin on the ground about six inches in front of the ball. Carry your putter back until it taps the tee after which swing it forward, study to make sure that the face stays square as it passes over the coin.

Keeping a Smooth Swing

Good putting drills must have a specific intention and specific aim. With this next idea, it is easy to learn to swing the golf club smoothly, and that is important to maintaining your rhythm and striking the ball soundly.

For a second time, rest a ball on the exercise green and place a tee into the ground approximately 12 inches at the rear the ball. Carry the club back until it just barely nicks the tee and then straight away go into your fore-swing.

Accomplishing length management

One of the most crucial good putting drills is learning distance control. The only strategy to master distance control is via your individual touch or feel. Nothing else is going to substitute hands-on exercise time with regards to honing your knowledge on the green.

One can find loads of training exercises for distance control, but one of the top is to simply stake out 5 tees, 4 feet apart, with the final tee being 20 ft away. After that, focus on getting the ball to each of the tees persistently.

If the ball rolls a couple of inches past the tee, that's fine. What you don't want to see would be the ball stopping short of or rolling long beyond your target tee.

These are only a few of the numerous good putting drills that can be found from golf pros as well as golfing internet sites. To master your cleverness around the green, you will have to spend time and energy. Learn to read the green and how to lag a putt, however most of all, learn to love good putting drills. They really do work.

Find some more helpful hints and tips for improving your golf game at http://www.novicegolfingtips.com/ and grab your FREE eBook while you're there.

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Golf Swing Videos Are A Great Tool For Fixing Your Game

Everyone who plays golf understands that it's all about the swing, no matter what else happens if your swing isn't going the way it's supposed to go then you'll find yourself hitting something else than what you think you're hitting and the ball will not go where you think it should.

The golf swing must be a smooth delivery with the proper arcing motion from beginning to end. If there's a break in the fluidity of the swing, the impact of the ball will be affected. Many golfers don't fully understand the arc that they're making and whether they can replicate the same arc each and every time they swing. The great thing about golf swing videos is that you get a personalized video of your swing along with so much more.

Trajectory is the path toward an object and the trajectory of a swing is how the swing follows a path from its beginning to its end. The knowledge you have when you find out whether your swing follows a perfect trajectory or whether it takes on a different path is extremely valuable in order for you to understand how to fix a swing. A quality golf swing video will show you the path of your swing and overlay it onto the path of a perfect swing. By perfect swing, there are actually a few to choose from, depending on which professional you'd like to mimic.

Professional golf swings follow a perfect arc and the reason they're professional is because they can repeat the same arc time after time. The average golfer is lucky if he can mimic the same exact swing 30% of the time. That means three out of 10 swings could be considered identical whereas the rest have some kind of flaw. A good golf swing video will show you what the flaw is and how to fix it. It could be a matter of bending an elbow or wrist or just letting gravity take the club through to its full length and follow-through.

When you have an opportunity to pick up a golf swing video, do yourself a favor and spend a few bucks and get yourself a glimpse into your game. You won't know what's broken until you see it on video and you won't know how to fix it until you understand what's broken. Understanding the trajectory of your swing and how it compares to a professional swing are a priceless tool for your arsenal.

Watching golf swing videos will easily cut hours off your valuable practice sessions. We have generated a web site with 1000's of golfing videos to improve your game and also give you guidance on how to improve your score. Check them out.

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Golfing in Gran Canaria

The paradise island of Gran Canaria is thought to be the birth place of golf in Spain. The first club to pioneer golf on the island was founded in 1891.

It's easy to see why Gran Canaria is so closely associated with golf, as year round sunshine and dry conditions provide perfect playing conditions.

There are eight magnificent golf courses in Gran Canaria, all designed by professionals, offering world class golf in calm and tranquil conditions.

Many of the best courses on the island are located close to fantastic quality accommodation in Maspalomas.

As Gran Canria boasts excellent road networks, it's quick and easy to travel between courses and accommodation, making for a hassle free holiday. There are good public transport links and very affordable car hire deals.

Maspalomas Golf is regarded as one of the best courses in Gran Canaria.

This 18 hole, par 73 golf course is located next to the Maspalomas Dunes.
The course was designed by Mackenzie Rose. The course is close to the sea, providing wonderful views, and a gentle breeze on glorious hot days.

Salobre Golf and Resort (North) is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course, designed by Ron Kirby. The course is one of the newest on the island (inaugurated in 2008) providing an exciting new challenge for golfers visiting the island.

Sanbre Golf and Resort (South) is an 18 hole, par 71 golf course, designed by Roland Faure. This varied course is suitable for golfers of all abilities. The course offers magnificent views over the sea and mountains of the upscale area of El Salobre.

Lopesan Meloneras is an 18 hole, par 71 golf course designed by Ron Kirby. The course is located next to the sea in the resort of Costa Melonerias. The course boasts 9 holes with views of the mountains and 9 holes with magnificent views of the clear ocean.

Golfers of all levels visit Gran Canaria to enjoy a wide range of courses. Specialists on the island can advise which courses are best suited to the abilities of each group.

Golf equipment can be hired, or purchased, on the island from a range of club shops and general sports stores.

After a competitive game, there are plenty of ways to unwind, with many leading golf clubs boasting fantastic restaurants, bars and private clubhouses.

Visitors who don't play golf can often join the golfing party for a relaxing glass of wine and traditional tapas overlooking the greens.

There are plenty of other activities for non-golfers to enjoy in Gran Canaria. The island is also popular for diving, cycling, hiking, surfing and fishing.

Gran Canaria also boasts fantastic tourist attractions for all the family including Holiday World. This popular attraction boasts a 27 metre high Ferris wheel that can be seen from afar.

There is also a roller coaster and a laserdome, bowling alley, shops, restaurants and bars.

Another popular attraction, situated near the golfing area of Maspalomas, is the Botanical Park of Maspalomas. There are more than 50 different species of plants in the garden, ranging from palms to vegetables, from around the world.

There is also a popular water park, with rides and attractions for all the family, considered by many to be the perfect way to cool down in the Gran Canaria heat.

Gran Canaria is the perfect destination for golfing holidays, boasting fantastic golf courses for all abilities, great sightseeing locations, exciting tourist attractions, wonderful food and drink, and a wide range of self catering accommodation to suit all budgets.

It's no wonder that thousands of golfers choose Gran Canaria is the destination for fun filled golfing holidays. Let the golfing adventures begin.

Carlos Richardson writes for Adventure Included - Adventure Holiday Spain.

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Improve Your Golf

Golf is one of the oldest sports around and has also managed to claim its rightful place in the annals of history by managing to find its rightful way into the next Olympic Games.

There is a certain belief that golf is a sport played by "the older generation" and that it does not do much for physical fitness and stamina as most of the work comes from the shoulders and hips and it involves brisk walking from one hole to another. Quite mistaken this myth is though! Golf IS a sport and when played at competitive levels involves a great deal of physical activity, mental concentration and overall strength. One must also take into consideration the weather factor where golfers are exposed to sometimes awful conditions, such as strong winds, rain, cold or heat for long hours at a stretch. It also involves trying to get out of awkward positions, such as thick shrubs or rough and bunkers littered with sand, which makes accurate putting and drives fairly arduous, to say the least!

Needless to say, starting golf at a young age is imperative to see progress. I never forget the first time I was exposed to golf, in a driving range in the UK. I could not hit one single ball and ending up breaking my brother-in-law's very expensive golf club in the process! I find that putting practice can be great for finding your range and nerve although regular practice in the golf range would reap greater dividends.

As is the case in most sports established in the distant past, etiquette plays an important role in the sport of golf. Spectators are urged to maintain perfect silence and orderly conduct when assisting golf tournaments from up close. Rowdy spectators have started to trickle into golf and make their presence known whenever they have the opportunity, which is not often, to be honest. Just like tennis, golf players need to concentrate in perfect silence as any unwelcome noise might unsettle their nerves. Having talked about rowdy spectators it is worth noting that we are yet to witness unsportsmanlike behaviour and antics from players similar to the antics of John McEnroe in tennis, for example. Maybe the fact that there is no Umpire to contradict the golf player might have something to do with this!

Of course it goes without saying that the choice of clubs used for certain shots is a key component of success. This is why the caddy should be the golfer's best friend when it comes to club choices. And their worst should the choice not be the appropriate one!

Whether you play golf for fun or professionally you will find the information, advice and tips necessary to improve your game.

Visit http://www.welcometosunshine.com/websites/Golf_And_Golfing/ for further tips.

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Spotlight on Cleveland Golf

Cleveland Golf is located in Huntington Beach, California and has produced and sold golf clubs since 1979 under the direction of founder Roger Cleveland. However in the 1940s and 1950s the company started with production of remarkable replicas. In 1990 Cleveland was bought out by ski company Rossignol, who themselves were bought by Huntington Beach-based Quicksilver in 2005. In 2007 Quicksilver sold to Japan based SRI Sports Unlimited who are the owners of Dunlop Sport.

Today Cleveland is highly regarded as the leader in product innovation. It has three international affiliates Japan, Europe and Canada. They currently have 26 distributors worldwide. Greg Hopkins who joined them in 1997 has developed for them a high performance production line available to every level golfer. As part of their touring professionals they count with Vijay Singh, Boo Weekley, Joe Durant, and David Howell and many more.

It is technology like CMM metal, golf's first light density, which has established Cleveland golf clubs among the best in the business. Cleveland Golf is also known for the best wedge according to many. Take a look at the CG 16 which is designed with a lighter overall club weight and a longer club length for greater distance.

Just this year they released their latest addition to the range of Cleveland golf clubs, the Mashie Hybrid; a utility club with an old school look. The finish is a throwback to early metal woods. This hybrid is 30 times lighter than most traditional utilities. A faster head speed for more ball speed and carry. The sole rails provide stability while a solid feel and sound at impact. This should be one of clubs to look at while considering which hybrid to use.

Golf accessories are among the most regarded as well. These clubs creates highest performing products with you the golfer in mind. With a wide array of apparel, travel bags, umbrellas, headwear, gloves and so much more. Classics golf apparels' new collection touches on true yet timeless classics but with modern age technology and comfort. The variety of Cleveland golf accessories will allow the golfer to practice golf and travel in style.

Cleveland Golf has also been a partner with the Red Cross and Green Tea Charity Campaign in helping the victims of the hurricane and tsunami that devastated Japan. They have donated 100 million in Japanese yen and goods to support the recovery and relief efforts. They also donated percentages from golf ball sales and online sales towards this cause.

Carl Liver

If you're a fan of Cleveland Golf, Then make sure to visit us! We have a great selection of Cleveland Golf Clubs.

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USGA - Rate the Red Tees For Men

Earlier this year, the USGA and the PGA of America had a campaign to encourage golfers to play from the set of tees that are appropriate to their level of skill. I hope it went well, because the whole point was to make golf more fun and easier to play. What few male golfers know is that the right tees might be the red ones.

For years, the red tees have been called the Ladies' Tees. They're for short-hitting women. This needs to stop, or rather, become more inclusive. There are some short-hitting men out there, too. In general, if you can't drive the ball more than 200 yards, you should be playing from the reds. The other tees present a course that is too long for you.

Even if you can hit the ball farther than 200 yards with a driver, but are pretty wild with it, you can play from the shorter tees, hit something off the tee that will keep the ball in play, shoot a better score, and... have more fun.

But some (actually, many) men feel that their manhood would come into question if they played from the red tees, even if they are hacks from the next set longer. Their loss, I'm afraid.

There is another reason why men won't play from the red tees, and that is there is no course rating for men, at least as far as I have ever seen. Look at the scorecards of the courses you play. There will be an M and L rating for the white tees, maybe the blues, but the reds only have an L rating. That means if a man plays from them, his score can't be turned in for handicap purposes.

It's not that playing from the red tees will make a 90-shooter a scratch golfer, either. It might lower their score by four strokes. You might get the ball up the green quicker, but you still have to get the ball in the hole. The red tees make the game easier, but not that much easier. I know. I play from the red tees with my grandson, and I shoot only two strokes better for nine holes than I normally do.

And, having only an L rating perpetuates the myth that the reds are "Ladies'" tees. Look right there on the scorecard -- L for ladies. What could be plainer?

So I'm calling on the USGA to encourage local rating organizations to establish course ratings for men at the red tees. If this body wants people to play from the right tees, then all barriers need to be removed, and this one is in the USGA's purview. I'm even thinking of forming a committee to rate the red tees for men as soon as I can think of a title that lends itself to a catchy acronym.

In the meantime, if you want to have some fun, play a round from the red tees. You'll hit different clubs, see a different course, and shoot a lower score, which is always good for the ego.

At last! A golf instruction book by a recreational golfer for recreational golfers. Better Recreational Golf shows you how to play consistently, starting from where you are. This is the instruction book you've been looking for. Get started right now by reading this FREE download at http://www.therecreationalgolfer.com/.

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Learn And Maintain Proper Golf Alignment To Help Your Golf Swing Path

Golf alignment is a fundamental of the golf swing setup and it is very important if you want to have a swing that is consistent and on the proper golf swing path. Misalignment with the golf setup, on the other hand, can cause errant golf shots due to swing path problems.

There are a few helpful tips which will get your golf alignment on track so you can hit straighter golf shots. First of all, when we talk about alignment in the golf setup, we are referring to the clubface, the feet, hips, shoulders, and even the forearms. As you setup to the ball, everything should be parallel to your target line with regards to your body. The clubface should be facing your target or where you want the ball to start out after impact.

It's helpful in your preshot routine and as you set up to the golf ball to first align your clubface as you set it directly behind the ball. Once you've set the club head down, then it's time to get your feet and the rest of your body square. The goal for correct golf alignment is to get everything parallel with your target line of where you want the ball to start after you've hit it.

It's easy for a golfer to get misaligned without even being aware of it. It's a good idea to check your alignment from time to time and even work on it at the driving range every so often. A great way to work on alignment at the range is to lay a club down on the ground in between your feet and the ball so that it is parallel with your target line. Then you can check your feet so that they are each the same distance away from the golf club. This drill will get your feet in alignment and it is then just a matter of squaring up your hips and shoulders so that they are over your feet and aligned in the same direction.

To check the alignment of your shoulders or your hips, just get in your setup position and then take a club and put it across the line of your shoulders and hips while maintaining your posture. You then want to look and see if the club points just parallel of your target. If it's not you can make the adjustment and get everything square. This will really help you start the club on the correct path and promote swinging the club on a good path especially in and near the impact zone. Good golf alignment will help your swing path and get your hitting better golf shots.

Start playing better golf today with our Golf Swing System. The Golf Swing Genius is a top golf instructor who has developed a golf swing system for golfers of all levels. Visit our website for more easy and effective Golf Swing Tips.

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Stages Involved In Learning To Play Golf Well

Golf is a challenging game to learn. There are few golfers who do not find themselves both surprised and a little frustrated by its complexities.

One's first thought is that it really should not be too difficult to play golf. You are after all simply aiming to hit a ball with an appropriate implement and direct that ball along a fairway. And eventually you have to get it into a hole, again using an appropriate club.

You soon realize that you initial thoughts were a little simplistic. That ball turns out to be more difficult to hit that it first appeared. It's all too easy to take aim and just hit fresh air, completely missing the ball. You begin to appreciate that a little work will be required to get that ball moving at all, let alone sending it flying in the right direction.

And so most people spend a fair amount of time struggling away on the range until that ball begins to respond in the way you wish it to. Probably every golfer will acknowledge that to take some lessons at this early stage of the game is a very wise move indeed. You thereby learn good techniques from the start, and that helps a lot. There are easier and harder ways in which to swing a golf club and you may as well ingrain techniques that are easier and more superior.

This stage of learning to play golf is mechanical and technique oriented. It involves practice and repetition. And eventually you are rewarded by being able to hit the ball further and straighter along the fairway. You feel great as you begin to think that you can play this pesky game after all.

Yet as soon as you think that thought, another challenge appears within this game called golf. You begin to realize that your mind can play tricks on you. You learn to appreciate the need to tame your mind and dial in your focus. You have to control your emotions. The mental game of golf is a game in itself, within the game of golf.

Once you gain a little mastery of the mental game of golf you have yet another stage of the game to traverse. To play golf well you need to employ your creativity. You have to be able to see a shot and follow your instincts to find a way in which to create the shot that you have seen.

Arguably this is part of the mental game, as you see the shot in your mind's eye and then set about creating it. In fact what is happening is that your mental and creative focus triggers in you the ability to explore and develop further in your technical ability. Your play becomes less "robotic" and more creative.

Think Seve here, and you'll appreciate what I am saying. Your ability to see a shot clearly allows you to improve and hone in your technique. The task you set in your mind leads you to develop new and greater technique. It leads you to "feel" your golf shots.

You can see when a golfer truly feels their shots. You can see the focus upon their face as they take their practice swing, feeling how the club head brushes the grass, taking a few swings until they have that perfect feel. And then they set up to the ball and feel that same swing repeat itself again.

And so the stages of learning to play golf naturally feed from one to the next. You learn your basic technique and then you start to focus and get your mind on side. You start to see your shots and develop your creative mind to set tasks which further develop your technique and eventually you really feel your shots.

Golf is a wonderful game to learn and to play in innumerable ways. It is very challenging but at the same time enormously rewarding. And there is always more to learn!

Roseanna Leaton, avid golfer and specialist in golf hypnosis mp3s and author of the GolferWithin golf mind training system.

P.S. Discover how to focus your golf mind, become more creative and develop better feel and technique through your mind. Check out my website now.

Improve your golf focus and develop creativity with mental golf training from http://www.golferwithin.com/ These golf mind mp3s will give you the winning edge that you are looking for.

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Putter Headweight - What Is Ideal or Is It Just a Matter of Personal Opinion?

The putter headweight is important to the feel of your putter. It can lead to your putter feeling too head heavy, too light, or just right.

A putter is assembled from three component parts: the putter head, the shaft, and the grip. In manufacture the maker decides the weight of the putter head, the corresponding shaft length, and the type of grip. The balance between these parts can be measured by calculating the putter's swingweight on a swingweight scale.

Unfortunately the assembled putter that you buy may not fit you and may require some modification. However, when you do this, for example, by shortening the putter length or by fitting an oversize grip, you change the original factory swingweight.

The importance of the actual number on the swingweight scale is debatable. This is because your putter is a one-off club and doesn't have to be matched to the other clubs in your set. However, club maker Ralph Maltby recommends that a putter should measure between C8 and D6. Below C8 he considers too light, above D6 too heavy.

I decided to check the swingweight of some of the putters that golfers at my club use. I tested 67 putters of different makes and models ranging from Odyssey to Ping to Scotty Cameron to TaylorMade. The range of swingweights stretched from C3 to E9. This was not surprising as the swingweight of a putter is primarily driven by the putter length and the weight of its head. A number of the putters had been cut down, and a few had oversize grips.

Scotty Cameron appears to be the only maker that includes the swingweight of his putters in the list of specifications. He changes the head weight according to the length of the putter - and this combination of length and putter head weight is shown as a swingweight range.

The standard length of an off-the-rack putter is 35 inches. Some manufacturers offer shorter lengths, but often do this without increasing the weight of the putter head. This will have the effect of making the putter head feel lighter.

A number of putters now have adjustable weights in the sole of the putter. This allows you to add or subtract weight. It is certainly more convenient that using lead tape.

The trend in putter design is to offer the customer more options, moving in the direction of shorter shaft lengths and heavier putter head weighting. That said, the feel of a putter is personal and its feel can also be influenced by the ball you play and if there is an insert in the putter head.

Should you worry about your weight of your putter head? This depends on you and what feels just right, remembering, of course, that there is no one best swingweight or putter headweight.

To read more about swingweight go to my web site and enter 'swingweight' in the Google Search.

Neville Walker has a passion for golf and is actively involved in researching information on all aspects of Putting and Putter Technology. His dedicated web site http://www.better-golf-by-putting-better.com/ is written specifically to help fellow golfers achieve greater success on the green with the flat stick.

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Release The Club, the Wrist's Special Function

The golf swing is a complicated function of the shoulders as well as the other areas of the body that come into play during the swing. It is important to understand that each aspect of the swing is important in its own right. However, some of the functions such as the weight shift/hip turn, transition at the top, and take away, to mention a few, rely mainly on feel. Many of the areas of the swing rely on a certain amount of innate athletic ability. There is really no way to "teach" these functions except to suggest certain feelings the golfer should feel or certain exercises to produce the desired feeling. Teachers tend to use trial and error methods using different techniques to produce the same result.

However, there are some aspects of the golf swing that aren't difficult to convey and can easily be understood and easily taught. That's not to say that they are easy to do. It's also hard to remember numerous different movements and to train your body to do them in a swing that is systematic, smooth, and flowing with good tempo. Therefore, certain aspects of the golf swing must be practiced in a way so that they can be incorporated into the swing without really thinking about them.

One part of the golf swing that may be learned easily is the proper wrist release. First, it is necessary to clear up some misunderstandings about how the golfer should release the club. Some writings on the golf swing seem to suggest that the wrist release is a matter of "rolling the wrists". The wrists and ultimately the club are not released by rolling the wrists. Although the wrists in fact do roll during the golf swing.

Prior to impact with the ball the wrists release into the ball which is commonly referred to by the term "release the club". However, it's very important that the wrists release properly. The wrists and club must release much like the way a fisherman would cast a fishing pole. Take a couple of practice casts with an imaginary fishing pole to get the feeling. Then observe your wrist and forearm as you practice this move. Notice how the back of the wrists and the back of the forearm are on the same plane as you cast the pole. This is the same way the wrists release when striking the ball. The release is much more of an up and down movement than it is a side to side movement. It is critical to understand this as any deviation from the proper wrist release will cause a "slapped" shot and not a downward thrust into the ball and through the turf. There are numerous training aids that can help the golfer perform a proper wrist release. Greg Norman endorses one that should do the trick.

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Software to Improve Your Game of Golf

Technology seems to amaze us all. It is changing the way we live and even play sports. One of the sports that has benefited from technological advances is the game of golf. Thanks to computers and recent electronic developments, people can improve their swings with just a few clicks.

Everyone is aware of how you can utilize the services of a golf instructor to become a better golfer. Even so, there is no guarantee that an established golf pro will be able to help you find erroneous elements of your swing. After all, these experts are only human and subject to their own flaws. When it comes to analyzing something as complex as a golf swing, it can be extremely difficult even for the best golf pro in town.

You will increase your productivity with a golf instructor if you have a videotape of your golf swing performance. This will allow the pro to evaluate every element of your swing by slowly advancing the film. While this can be very helpful in improving your golf game, there are better products on the market now. Today, you have the option of using golf analysis software to evaluate your own level of skill.

There are many programs from which you can choose. Numerous companies have created their own versions of the software. To use the majority of these products, all you need is the software, a computer and a video camera. Using the software for analysis is quite simple. You upload the video into the golf swing program, and then the computer compares you swing to a virtual image of the ideal movements. The data you receive will cover many elements of your swing including:

• Body alignment
• Ball speed and angle
• Speed of the club head
• Swing plane
• Positioning of the head
• Knee position
• Hip position
• Timing
• Spine and shaft angle

As hard as one might try, it would be impossible for a human to absorb all the motions of a golf. The movement is too complex and goes so quickly. Luckily, golf swing analysis software packages that golfers can use in their own homes. This software can aptly handle the job of identifying the weak elements in a player's swing. Using the software is also the fastest and most convenient method of bettering your golf game.

Best of all, golf swing software kits are relatively inexpensive. You can easily get one for less than what you would pay a golf instructor for a few hours of service. While you will have to keep paying for human golf instruction, you will only have to buy the right software once. Even better, you can use it anytime you like.

Maria A Lopez has written a number of well-written articles on Golf Swing Helpers and they can be found at Golf Swing Reviews. Golf Swing Tutorial is available with a wealth of information for anyone would like to learn more about Golf Swing Techniques.

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Teaching Golf to Kids

Everyone who has played golf knows how frustrating of a sport it can be if you are struggling. When you are hitting the ball great it is amazing to be on the course, but remember back to when you were just starting out, or to a time when you just could not hit the ball right, it was frustrating, wasn't it? So when you are introducing golf to a child for the first time, you need to make sure they are having fun with it. If you put too much pressure on them or put them in situations which are difficult, they are going to get frustrated and annoyed with golf, which can quickly turn them off of it. Kids are all about having fun, if you can make learning golf fun, they will love it, if it is not fun for them, they will quit or won't put any effort into it which means they will never improve. I can't stress that fact enough.

Don't push them too hard to start, get them into the groove with some light practices so they enjoy the game. As they get more into the sport and start improving, they will naturally want to get better and put more time into practicing. Pushing them too hard from the start will overwhelm them. When first starting out they are going to want to whack away at the ball, hitting it as hard as possible, especially if they have watched Happy Gilmore! Don't stop them from this, let them swing away and have as much fun as possible with it, soon they will realize that just swinging as hard as they can is not as fun as hitting the ball straight and far. One of the key pieces to teach a kid from the start, is to always keep both feet on the ground, when kids, or anyone for that matter, swings too hard they will fall off balance. Keeping them planted and balanced is one of the first and most important things you can teach a first time golfer.

Remember how I said to make it fun? Well having little games or contests can make it interesting while practicing. See how many times they can hit it into a big target. Challenge them to a closest to the pin and you hit from farther away. Anything you can do to make it more interesting instead of just swinging over and over again will make them enjoy it more. Stay as positive as possible and keep encouraging them. Kids love to have parents be proud of them, the more positive reinforcement you can give your child while practicing, the more they are going to want to practice. This goes with anything in life, not just golf, making your kids feel important and special everyday will make them very happy. Remember, golf is a game, games are meant to be fun. Do you play games that you don't think are fun? Of course not, why would you, so why would your kid want to play golf if they hate it? Low pressure, fun practices is the key to teaching your child golf. Good luck!

Sam Davis is a contributing author who writes many articles on improving your golf game. You can find more great tips and a free ebook on the perfect golf swing at Golf Swing Basics located at http://golfswingbasicssite.org/

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Nail the Short Putts

In my opinion, making putts that are inside five feet is all about having confidence in your abilities. The best short putters in the world all have incredible confidence in their putting and their ability to drain short putts. Tiger Woods was, at one point, the best putter inside five feet in the world and that was because he had confidence in himself and his putting.

It all starts with your stroke. You must have a putting stroke that is easy to repeat, achieves the best results for you and that you are comfortable with. Your stroke can be any kind of method; straight back and through, inside-to-inside, out-to-in, whatever works for you. The important part is that you trust your stroke and know that you can make putts with it.

The second key to making short putts is to check your grip pressure. Most golfers get very tense over short putts because there is that expectation that your putt must go in the hole. There is a stigma of embarrassment associated with missing a short putt, but you have to put that to the side and not let it creep into your head when over a short putt. When addressing the ball, make sure your grip pressure is very light all the way through the stroke and impact with the ball. This really helps to make sure you are not getting too tense over the ball and trying to steer the ball in the hole.

The third key to making short putts is the KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN. I see so many amateurs lift their head up at impact or just before impact because they are too anxious to see if the ball is going in the hole. Lifting your head is the worst thing you can do because it alters your stroke and pulls your whole body away from the target. The best thing to do if you are having trouble with keeping your head down is to just listen for the ball to go in the hole. If you are within five feet of the hole, you will be able to hear the distinctive rattle of the ball falling in the cup, there is no need to lift your head. Practice keeping your head down until you hear the ball fall in the cup and then you can lift your head.

Finally, don't get caught up in the stigma that is involved with missing a short putt. The best players in the world miss putts from inside a few feet all the time, it is going to happen. You just cannot let it shake your confidence in your stroke. Practice those three keys next time you are out on the putting green and then take it to the course with you next time you play and you will be on your way to better scores and fewer three putts.

Written By:

Evan Ives
PGA Certified Golf Professional

Visit my blog for golf instruction articles, golf course reviews, golf equipment reviews and more!

http://www.golflessonblog.com/

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The Necessity of Golf Swing Lessons

There is not a golfer who does not want to play like he is on the course with the professionals.

Even when pro play at their worst, they are still better them most hobbyists on their best golf days. What determines a good golf game or a bad golf game for a golfer of any skill level? It is the golf swing. The swinging of golf is bothersome to so many because making even the smallest mistake can totally ruin the entire swing. If you want to see a positive change in your golf score, then you should think about taking some swing lessons.

The benefit of taking golf swing lessons is that the instruction will provide you with a review of your golf. This review or critique will make you aware of the good, bad, and ugly factors associated with your swing. Do not sign up for the first golf class that you come across though. Take a little time and research your options. Perhaps you know someone you trust who can offer you a recommendation for an excellent course on golf swings.

The last thing you want to do is to get stuck in a course with an unqualified teacher. The person teaching your course should be an expert in the game and have accomplishments and certificates to prove it. You should not hesitate to ask the instructor for student references either, especially if you did not come across the class by a personal recommendation. If you do decide to take lessons from a professional trainer, then you should wait until after you have a little experience on the greens. It will be quite difficult to fix your swing issues if you do not know what they are.

You should also be aware that there are other avenues for golf lessons other than meeting in person with a golf instructor. You can find lessons in computer software packages, in books, videos, and even available online for download. All of these instructional forms are much more cost-effective than hiring a golf professional. At the end of the day, your budget and your personal preference will determine which training route you choose.

People who enjoy learning on their own typically prefer golf instructional materials like the videos and books. Other players need more guidance, and they tend to favor having swing lessons with a teacher. If you have the money, utilize whatever resources you like.

If you want to learn more about golf swings, visit Golf Swing Techniques and get all your questions answered while you read your Free Special Report. Isabella Brown has written a number of well-written articles on golf swings and they can be found at Golf Swing Reviews.

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Tips on How to Break 90

Scoring Strategy

Play each hole to make a bogey. You will certainly make just a few pars by doing this (plus some double bogeys in the process whenever you hit some bad shots), but by playing each hole for your bogey you can expect to eliminate the big numbers (7s and 8s).

Even "par" for you should be 90, play to get yourself a 45 each 9. That's 4s on the par 3s, 5s on the par 4s and 6s on the par 5s. Just steady, safe golf but when you get a "green" light (which we'll speak about below) aim for the flag and get a par.

Golf course Management

From the tee

Play the club off of the tee that will get the ball in play the most often. For me it's my driver. The ball is teed up, the head is the dimensions of a frying pan, it's impossible to top or chunk the driver.

Swing it easy together with good tempo and you'll be in the fairway. Swinging easy will take away the duck hook and the banana slice. You do not have to hit long drives; you need your ball in play down the fairway. Anything over 180 yards is wonderful because bear in mind, you are playing each hole for bogey, so you don't need to triumph over the fairway in two shots.

In the event you don't like the driver, then select a hybrid 3, 4 or 5 iron. If you don't own a hybrid, put that on your birthday/Christmas, good person present list.

In the fairway

If you are breaking 100 routinely, I'm guessing you have got a go to iron. The one you hit to loosen up at the range, the one you hit to learn your swing, the one you keep close to your bed for defense. For many people that's commonly their 6, 7 or 8 iron. Something you are able to strike 145-160 yards easily. For me it's my 7 iron.

>150 yards from the hole?
Hit your 150 yard club. The reasoning behind this is that you'll be able to control that club, so that you can now position your 2nd shot along the side of the fairway (or green) that is great for your 3rd shot (either a pitch, chip or putt).

<150 yards from the hole?
If you have no real danger along the side of the green where your misses go or no danger behind the green, go for it, you have a green light to shoot for the center/largest section of the green.

If you find hazard on your miss side, and no threat in front of the green, play One club less and shoot for the front of the green.

<100 yards away from the hole?
Aim for the centre of the green, you've struck a superb tee shot, and therefore are in a good position. You need to have this shot in your toolbox. If you can't regularly get close to or on the green from 100 yards away (7 out of 10), you need to train your wedge more.

Short game

To break 90, you've got to be capable to hit the green from 75 yards and in. This stands out as the one area of the game that is the easiest to learn because it doesn't require a perfect golf swing or very much athletic skill. It basically requires some training to get consistency and confidence.

Most greens are around 20-30 yards in width and 20-30 yards in depth. This gives you a lot of room for error; so don't try to get cute with your wedge shot. Just simply aim for the biggest spot of the green that is closest to the hole and you'll be amazed at how many you put close.

I really do not encourage using a lob wedge for this shot. Go with your sand wedge (56 degree). With your sand wedge, in the event you hit it just a little short of the green, there'll be enough roll that the majority of occasions it will roll on and you're putting. Your lob wedge is just too easy to hit short and also to strike thin. I highly recommend eliminating it from your bag until you are consistently breaking 90.

Just 10-20% of golf players are ever going to break 90, therefore, you will be in rare company once you do.

if you are interested in how to break 90, please check out Break 90 Golfing at http://www.break90golfing.com/

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