December 17th, 2009 Archive

Choosing a Golf Ball

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

golf balls
Creative Commons License photo credit: TheTruthAbout…Most golfers choose a golf ball that will give them a few extra yards, or more, off the tee. This may not be the correct criteria to use when deciding which ball to play.

One of the most important shots you can make, is the approach shot. With this in mind, you should choose a ball that will give you the most performance on this type of relatively short golf-shot. A golfer takes his driver out of his bag only 14 times per round. Even 14 perfect drives won’t help your score as much as “sticking” it on the pin with a high soft approach shot. Choose a ball that will do what you want it to do on your approach shots.

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Driver Shaft Length

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Scott Verplank - Royal Dornoch Golf Club, 10 July 2008
Creative Commons License photo credit: foxypar4 The standard shaft length for the driver has been 43 inches. The trend is changing to a much longer shaft length of up to 45 inches. Here is where the controversy begins.

The 45 inch driver shaft allows for a wider swing arc and although 2 extra inches may not seem like a lot, it results in greater clubhead speed. Greater clubhead speed means more distance. With the 45 inch shaft, more control is sacrificed. That is precisely why some players grip down when they require more accuracy but gripping down decreases swing arc and that means a greater loss of distance. Nevertheless, many players are choosing length over accuracy by going with a 45 inch driver shaft. You decide.

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GOLF DIGEST’S Best New Courses

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Hole 15, North Course, Eagle Ridge Resort, Galena, Illinois
Creative Commons License photo credit: danperry.comGOLF DIGEST’S Best new courses for 2009:
(1) French Lick Resort, French Lick, Indiana (Pete Dye), 0, www.Frenchlick.com 888 936-9360. (2) Sequoyah National Golf Club, Cerokee, N.C., (Robert Trent Jones), -0, www.sequoyahnational.com 828 497-3000. (3) Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, Orlando, Fla., (Rees Jones) -5, www.waldorfastoriagolfclub.com , 407 597-3783. (4) Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, -Saguaro/Tortolita- Maran, AZ., (Jack Nicklaus) -5 www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain , 520 572-3500. (5) Wine Valley Golf Club, Walla Walla, WA., (Dan Hixson) -, www.winevalleygolfclub.com , 877 333-9842.

Best private courses for 2009: (1) Red Ledges Golf Club, Heber Utah www.redledges.com. (2) Wilderness Club, Eureka, Montana www.thewildernessclub.com . (3) Ballyhack Golf Club, Roanoke, VA, www.ballyhackgolfclub.com . (4) Victory Ranch, Park City, Utah, www.victoryranchclub.com . (5) Shooting Star, Teton Villiage, Wyoming, www.shootingstarrjh.com .

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Staying Connected

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Swing and a...
Creative Commons License photo credit: mhofstrand When your arms, body and club move in unison together, you are “connected.” This is the one feature that every good golfer displays and you should too.

When the club starts back, the shoulders begin the move, not the arms as many think. During this movement the hips start to turn also. The arms remain attached to the body throughout the entire swing. A good exercise is to place a golf glove under each arm and if either glove falls during the swing, you are unconnected.

Swinging in this fashion develops a golf swing that is easy to repeat and very consistent. It allows you to strike the ball more solidly time and time again. Practice staying connected, using the above example; you’ll be glad you did !

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Better Player, Better Man?

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Hole #4 green at Torrey Pines
Creative Commons License photo credit: SD Dirk Tiger Woods has crashed and burned and is now in self-imposed exile. More than the money, which he obviously doesn’t need, Woods was after the records set by Jack Nicklaus. In breaking Nicklaus’ record for major championships, Tiger Woods would have officially become the greatest golfer of all time. Now, because of the sex scandal, his goal is in serious question.

On one hand, we have Nicklaus a devoted father and family man who was never too busy for autographs or interviews. Nicklaus, like Arnold Palmer, represented the game not just on his ability to play, he was a true role model.

Woods may, technically, be a better player (many question that) than Nicklaus but is he a better man? In that regard, Woods has, forever more, sealed his own fate.

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Golf Lessons for Beginners

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Goose and Golfer In Step
Creative Commons License photo credit: donjd2 Taking lessons from a certified PGA Professional is always a good idea, however some people just simply cannot afford the charge, then what? If you are a beginner it isn’t a bad idea just to ask a golfer friend to get you started with the basics. When you are a beginner, sometimes just getting the ball airborne is a big deal. All you really need to know are the basics which are as follows:

(A) Grip. (B) Aim. (C) Stance. (D) Posture. Everything else can simply come later. Advancing the ball should be your first priority and those four points (G.A.S.P.) will help you do just that. Once you develop consistency, taking lessons from a PGA Professional makes more sense. It’s easier on the wallet also !

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Swinging too Hard

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Fore!!!
Creative Commons License photo credit: B_cool One of the biggest mistakes most amateurs make is swinging too hard. The mind-set is that the harder the swing the further the ball will travel. Nothing could be more untrue. Swinging hard can only slow the swing not hasten it. The way to make the ball go farther is to increase your clubhead speed and the way to do that is to remain relaxed throughout the swing.

Maintaining a relaxed grip is the first step. Squeezing the club harder is a habit that can be very difficult to break. When squeezing the club all of the muscles in your arms become tense when they should be limber. Try holding the club very loosely throughout your golf swing. This, along with everything else about golf, takes practice.

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More Questions

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Tiger Woods
Creative Commons License photo credit: Keith Allison Tiger Woods made a statement that he was “sorry for his infidelity” and that he was going to be away from golf “indefinitely.”

Why is Tiger Woods so afraid to make his statements in public? Here are two thoughts: First, he is still badly bruised from the alleged blows he took from his wife. The second and more likely scenario is that he doesn’t want to tarnish his image, for posterity and future sports history. Having a video of his apologies and maya copa’s concerning his adultery would not make a good legacy and he knows it.

Woods figures he’ll go down as history’s greatest athlete and he doesn’t want a video of his apologies following him to his grave, let alone the Saturday Night Live Show, Jay Leno or David Letterman.

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GOLF DIGEST’S Cover

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

Obama Wallpaper by Photos8.com
Creative Commons License photo credit: Photos8.com The January 2010 edition of GOLF DIGEST depicts President Obama and Tiger Woods, both reading a putt. Of course, this cover was in the works before the Tiger Woods scandal broke. It’s ironic that both men are in trouble with the American people. President Obama’s ratings have sunk to 47% approval and Tiger Woods’ ratings have dropped off the chart.

Woods has lost his credibility with his fans and corporate sponsors and Obama’s ability as a leader is now under serious question. Both men are in trouble. Tiger Woods’ dilemma is moral while President Obama’s is political. Both gave us promises: Woods with his squeaky clean image and Obama with his political promises. Will America ever read between the lines?

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Reasons Pros Have it Made

December 17th, 2009 by admin in golf instruction

The_Players_2009Brad_095
Creative Commons License photo credit: nsaplayer Reason’s: (1.) Buffered targets: a large number of fans surrounding the greens and fairways, act as a backstop for errant shots. (2.) With fans everywhere there are never any lost balls. (3.) Pros never pay for clubs, they get paid to use them; all the latest models. (4.) There are manicured sand traps with only the finest sand with flat surfaces and no pebbles. (5.) Caddies spend their entire career with one professional in a joint effort to win golf tournaments.

PGA Tour players are given a complimentary car for each event. They are treated like royalty whenever they appear for play. They make millions of dollars in endorsements and could possibly enjoy a career that might last 40 years. Yes, Pros do have it made !

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