Golf is a difficult game to master and most golfers don't have the time it takes to practice, practice, and practice to significantly improve. When you're playing golf badly it isn't a lot of fun. Even the guys who play golf for a living and get the best golf instruction in the world still struggle to improve their golf; and they practice each and every day!
Concentrate totally on your game and you'll get the best score. The positive energy you send out will influence your game, just as negative thinking and therefore negative energy will affect it also. Golf requires tough mental fitness as well as physical fitness and is often overlooked.
Use the basic 'hitchhiker' position when you're working on your backswing. Ask your golf pro to evaluate your posture while swinging. One of the problems that most inexperienced golfers share is they think too much about their swing.
Before you swing, make sure you're relaxed; contract all your muscles tightly for a moment and then relax them. As the body matures, the ability to rotate the upper torso is affected by age, and the hand action can also slow down requiring a slightly stronger grip. Try not to grip the club too tightly.
Putting can become a nightmare and a condition called the 'yips' has affected not only amateurs but professionals as well; get expert advice and consider a golf swing aid. Putts and short chips are ideally played without much movement of the body, but most other golf shots are played using variants of the full golf swing.
At the end of a swing, the weight has shifted almost entirely to the left foot, the body is fully turned to the left and the hands are above the left shoulder with the club hanging down over the players' back.
Swing slowly and steadily using a nice rhythm. At the end of a backswing the hands are above the right shoulder, with the golf club pointing more or less in the intended direction of ball flight.
Workouts with straight crunches won't improve your swing or driving distance; concentrate on weighted rotational exercises instead. Using a weighted club, make rotational golf swings to improve your power. Once you understand that you can change your swing by using a simple technique, you'll never underestimate golf fitness again.
Golf swing aids come in all shapes and sizes including apparel type accessories to correct alignment or a golf club add-on accessory to monitor your swing. There are golf swing aids that act as driving range simulators. Golf aids are often for sale at your pro shop or local golf shop.
Most of all don't waste your money on a golf swing aid you don't need or will never use. Sporting goods stores have golf aids to improve your game. Look for golf swing aids at your local golf course.
Golf magazines often review the newest golf swing aids and are reviewed by golfers, making it easy to choose the right one for you. Overall, investing in golf swing aids will greatly improve your golf swing and your golf game. If you're looking for an aid to improve your stance they're not hard to find.
Before buying any golf swing aid, check with an expert to get an idea of what problem you need to work on first; backlift of golf swing, momentum of downward thrust or stance for example. In any case, stick to just one golf swing aid at a time; don't load up on them.
If you've hit with your golf driver perfectly once, you can do it every time. There are a lot of places to get golf swing tips, golf game tips and golf instruction so when you do have time to hit the course, you'll have a plan in mind. Having a plan and working on specific aspects of the swing or game should be your goal.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Understanding the Golf Handicap
The golf handicap system allows golfers of all levels to compete against one another. However, most people do not understand how golf handicaps are calculated. In this article, we will take an inside look at the golf handicap system and how your handicap gets calculated.
To understand how the golf handicap system works, we need to gain a good understanding of some terms that are used to calculate a golf handicap: course rating, slope rating, and adjusted gross score.
You have no doubt seen the terms course rating and slope rating if you currently have a golf handicap. This is because each time that you complete a round of golf you are required to enter the course rating and slope rating of that particular course.
But what do these numbers mean? Well, let's first discuss course rating, which is easier to understand than slope rating. The course rating is easier to understand because it is expressed as a golf score. In fact, it is the exact score that a par golfer, otherwise known as a scratch golfer, would shoot on that course. Thus, if a golfer who normally shoots par golf plays a course with a rating of 69.2, and par is 72, that golfer will normally break par on that course.
The term slope rating is slightly more difficult to understand. This number, which will always be between 55 and 155, is expressed as a ratio instead of an actual golf score. This number assesses the degree of difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer as it relates to the course rating. To have a better understanding of this figure, you need to know that the average course plays at a slope rating of 113. A number higher than this means that the course will play more difficult for you. A number lower than this means that the course should play easier.
Finally, and perhaps more relevant than any term, is the notion of the adjusted gross score. Many golfers implement this incorrectly and it drastically affects their golf handicap. The adjusted gross score is simply instrumental in calculating your golf handicap. It prevents a few bad holes from adversely affecting your golf handicap.
Let's say that you are a golfer who would normally play bogey golf. This means that on a golf course with a par of 72 you would normally shoot a score of about 90. However, you may frequently have one or two holes on which you "blow up" and have a hole on which you get a score of 10.
According to the rules of golf, you are not allowed to report this score of a 10 because you would be reporting your actual score instead of your adjusted gross score. The adjusted gross score is a system that prevents one or two bad holes from adversely affecting your handicap in golf. For instance, in the example above, this bogey golfer can report no higher than a 7 on his or her scorecard. The rules of this adjusted golf score are outlined under the heading "Equitable Stroke Control" by golf's governing bodies.
These three terms-course rating, slope rating, and adjusted gross score-are the fundamental concepts in knowing how the golf handicap is calculated. With a solid understanding of these terms, you can come to a better understanding of your handicap in golf.
To understand how the golf handicap system works, we need to gain a good understanding of some terms that are used to calculate a golf handicap: course rating, slope rating, and adjusted gross score.
You have no doubt seen the terms course rating and slope rating if you currently have a golf handicap. This is because each time that you complete a round of golf you are required to enter the course rating and slope rating of that particular course.
But what do these numbers mean? Well, let's first discuss course rating, which is easier to understand than slope rating. The course rating is easier to understand because it is expressed as a golf score. In fact, it is the exact score that a par golfer, otherwise known as a scratch golfer, would shoot on that course. Thus, if a golfer who normally shoots par golf plays a course with a rating of 69.2, and par is 72, that golfer will normally break par on that course.
The term slope rating is slightly more difficult to understand. This number, which will always be between 55 and 155, is expressed as a ratio instead of an actual golf score. This number assesses the degree of difficulty of the course for a bogey golfer as it relates to the course rating. To have a better understanding of this figure, you need to know that the average course plays at a slope rating of 113. A number higher than this means that the course will play more difficult for you. A number lower than this means that the course should play easier.
Finally, and perhaps more relevant than any term, is the notion of the adjusted gross score. Many golfers implement this incorrectly and it drastically affects their golf handicap. The adjusted gross score is simply instrumental in calculating your golf handicap. It prevents a few bad holes from adversely affecting your golf handicap.
Let's say that you are a golfer who would normally play bogey golf. This means that on a golf course with a par of 72 you would normally shoot a score of about 90. However, you may frequently have one or two holes on which you "blow up" and have a hole on which you get a score of 10.
According to the rules of golf, you are not allowed to report this score of a 10 because you would be reporting your actual score instead of your adjusted gross score. The adjusted gross score is a system that prevents one or two bad holes from adversely affecting your handicap in golf. For instance, in the example above, this bogey golfer can report no higher than a 7 on his or her scorecard. The rules of this adjusted golf score are outlined under the heading "Equitable Stroke Control" by golf's governing bodies.
These three terms-course rating, slope rating, and adjusted gross score-are the fundamental concepts in knowing how the golf handicap is calculated. With a solid understanding of these terms, you can come to a better understanding of your handicap in golf.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Golf Swing: 3 Ways to Develop More Power
Golf Swing
: 3 Ways to Develop more Power
How can you improve the power of your golf swing? This is a question that all of us want an answer to. Most golfers go to great lengths to get that extra yard off the tee. But how many people actually know that golf swing power is the result of these three specific factors?
* The first and probably most evident of the three is 'swing mechanics'. Everybody is aware of how important the mechanics of a swing are when it comes to driving the ball. If you are over the top with your swing or come inside too much, you'll see that dreaded slice or snap hook. Your drives will be inevitably be too short, too low, too high, left, right, or a combination of these if you are putting bad swings on the ball.
To improve your game, it is essential for a golfer to work on the mechanics of the swing at every possible opportunity. The golf swing is a highly complex, mechanically movement, that requires constant work to keep it highly efficient and in check. Professionals realise the importance and have swing coaches that work with them on a consistent basis.
Amateurs throughout the world pack driving ranges, week in and week out, pounding balls without any improvement. This, I feel, is a result of one of two things: a lack of instruction, or low levels of golf strength. A lack of instruction leads to the development and ingraining of improper swing mechanics. This only results in slices, hooks, topping the ball, and hitting it fat on the course. And we all know that those types of swings lead to frustration and bad rounds of golf. I would suggest to almost anyone: find a good instructor and take lessons on a consistent basis. This can only help your game in the long run. But if private lessons sound too expensive for 'just a past-time' then consider video tutorials and books in the very least. Swing mechanics are a fundamental in improving your power.
* The second of the three factors is what we term golf strength. It is probably the least recognized of the three, but for many is the 'key' to longer drives; yet the category is given the least amount of attention, especially by amateurs. Golf strength is defined as how well your body is conditioned to swing a golf club with maximum power (ie. it is a measure of fitness). Although probably the least understood of the three, golf strength maybe the most needed by golfers in general.
Strength, in terms of golf, is not about how much you can bench press or how much your biceps bulge! Golf strength and weight room strength, are very different. If you do not quite understand the difference, ask yourself one question: How many bodybuilders do you see on Tour?!!
It comes down to this idea: the mechanics of a golf swing require specific levels of flexibility, balance, stability, strength, endurance, and power to perform it efficiently. If your body does not have these required capacities, then the result will be obvious a less than optimal swing.
Essentially, your body supports your swing. I am sure that all of us would choose to build a house on a stone foundation rather than a sand foundation, wouldn't we? Yet I will say that many amateurs make a different choice when it comes to their golf swing.
Regardless of how much time you work on your swing mechanics, if your body does not have the 'golf strength' to support the swing, you are limiting your potential. I have seen it numerous times, people practicing at the range who struggle, not because of trying to get better, but because their bodies are limiting what they can do with their swing. Quite often I see people with limited flexibility, poor balance capabilities, and low levels of strength and power. The bottom line is that your mechanics will not get better until you fix the body that swings the club!
Up to this point we have discussed the two most important ideas when it comes to power on the golf course. A review of the topics tells us that they are optimal swing mechanics and the proper levels of 'golf strength'. One without the other is going to leave you short when it comes to potential in your game.
* The third most important factor to improve the power of your golf swing is: equipment. Yes, equipment. It does make a real difference to how far you drive the ball. The equipment manufacturers have let this fact be known to everyone, and I bet we all have gone to the pro shop probably more than twice to pick up a new driver that claims to give us that elusive 20 yards. It should be remembered however that, that extra distance might not be down the middle of the fairway; it will give you an extra 20 yards alright... but it could be left, could be right, or it could be down the centre of the fairway. That all depends on points one and two of this article. Equipment and technological advances have definitely lengthened the distance of our drives. But without better swing mechanics and your body in better golf shape, new technology will not help your game. A bad swing will produce a bad result, regardless of what type of 'new' driver you may have just purchased.
I think the majority of golfers are aware of the advances that have occurred in golf equipment over the last 20 years. I mean, in the glorious '80's when we were still playing with woods that actually had wooden club heads! Imagine that for a moment, and now we are using drivers with space age faces that shoot the ball off of them at warp speed. In addition, we have to mention the advances in terms of golf balls. How manufacturers design golf balls today makes a difference in how far they travel. What a lot of people do not realize is that the USGA has set standards on how 'hot' driver faces can be and how 'fast' balls can come off the face of drivers. Most clubs are reaching this limit, and anything past these USGA rules becomes illegal to play (in the professional game only of course!).
There's no doubt that custom made golf clubs can make a significant improvement to your swing power. But before you go off and spend a fortune, remember the saying: 'a bad workman always blames his tools'. In other words, first improve the fundamentals of your swing mechanics and golfing fitness before you make any purchase.
So in summary, what does power really come down to?
It comes down to three simple ideas. Number one is improving your golf swing mechanics. Improved mechanics will improve your driving distance. Number two is improving your golf strength. By improving your body as it pertains to the golf swing you will improve your distance off the tee. Finally, equipment does make a difference, but only if you hit the ball correctly.
Best of luck with your gam
: 3 Ways to Develop more Power
How can you improve the power of your golf swing? This is a question that all of us want an answer to. Most golfers go to great lengths to get that extra yard off the tee. But how many people actually know that golf swing power is the result of these three specific factors?
* The first and probably most evident of the three is 'swing mechanics'. Everybody is aware of how important the mechanics of a swing are when it comes to driving the ball. If you are over the top with your swing or come inside too much, you'll see that dreaded slice or snap hook. Your drives will be inevitably be too short, too low, too high, left, right, or a combination of these if you are putting bad swings on the ball.
To improve your game, it is essential for a golfer to work on the mechanics of the swing at every possible opportunity. The golf swing is a highly complex, mechanically movement, that requires constant work to keep it highly efficient and in check. Professionals realise the importance and have swing coaches that work with them on a consistent basis.
Amateurs throughout the world pack driving ranges, week in and week out, pounding balls without any improvement. This, I feel, is a result of one of two things: a lack of instruction, or low levels of golf strength. A lack of instruction leads to the development and ingraining of improper swing mechanics. This only results in slices, hooks, topping the ball, and hitting it fat on the course. And we all know that those types of swings lead to frustration and bad rounds of golf. I would suggest to almost anyone: find a good instructor and take lessons on a consistent basis. This can only help your game in the long run. But if private lessons sound too expensive for 'just a past-time' then consider video tutorials and books in the very least. Swing mechanics are a fundamental in improving your power.
* The second of the three factors is what we term golf strength. It is probably the least recognized of the three, but for many is the 'key' to longer drives; yet the category is given the least amount of attention, especially by amateurs. Golf strength is defined as how well your body is conditioned to swing a golf club with maximum power (ie. it is a measure of fitness). Although probably the least understood of the three, golf strength maybe the most needed by golfers in general.
Strength, in terms of golf, is not about how much you can bench press or how much your biceps bulge! Golf strength and weight room strength, are very different. If you do not quite understand the difference, ask yourself one question: How many bodybuilders do you see on Tour?!!
It comes down to this idea: the mechanics of a golf swing require specific levels of flexibility, balance, stability, strength, endurance, and power to perform it efficiently. If your body does not have these required capacities, then the result will be obvious a less than optimal swing.
Essentially, your body supports your swing. I am sure that all of us would choose to build a house on a stone foundation rather than a sand foundation, wouldn't we? Yet I will say that many amateurs make a different choice when it comes to their golf swing.
Regardless of how much time you work on your swing mechanics, if your body does not have the 'golf strength' to support the swing, you are limiting your potential. I have seen it numerous times, people practicing at the range who struggle, not because of trying to get better, but because their bodies are limiting what they can do with their swing. Quite often I see people with limited flexibility, poor balance capabilities, and low levels of strength and power. The bottom line is that your mechanics will not get better until you fix the body that swings the club!
Up to this point we have discussed the two most important ideas when it comes to power on the golf course. A review of the topics tells us that they are optimal swing mechanics and the proper levels of 'golf strength'. One without the other is going to leave you short when it comes to potential in your game.
* The third most important factor to improve the power of your golf swing is: equipment. Yes, equipment. It does make a real difference to how far you drive the ball. The equipment manufacturers have let this fact be known to everyone, and I bet we all have gone to the pro shop probably more than twice to pick up a new driver that claims to give us that elusive 20 yards. It should be remembered however that, that extra distance might not be down the middle of the fairway; it will give you an extra 20 yards alright... but it could be left, could be right, or it could be down the centre of the fairway. That all depends on points one and two of this article. Equipment and technological advances have definitely lengthened the distance of our drives. But without better swing mechanics and your body in better golf shape, new technology will not help your game. A bad swing will produce a bad result, regardless of what type of 'new' driver you may have just purchased.
I think the majority of golfers are aware of the advances that have occurred in golf equipment over the last 20 years. I mean, in the glorious '80's when we were still playing with woods that actually had wooden club heads! Imagine that for a moment, and now we are using drivers with space age faces that shoot the ball off of them at warp speed. In addition, we have to mention the advances in terms of golf balls. How manufacturers design golf balls today makes a difference in how far they travel. What a lot of people do not realize is that the USGA has set standards on how 'hot' driver faces can be and how 'fast' balls can come off the face of drivers. Most clubs are reaching this limit, and anything past these USGA rules becomes illegal to play (in the professional game only of course!).
There's no doubt that custom made golf clubs can make a significant improvement to your swing power. But before you go off and spend a fortune, remember the saying: 'a bad workman always blames his tools'. In other words, first improve the fundamentals of your swing mechanics and golfing fitness before you make any purchase.
So in summary, what does power really come down to?
It comes down to three simple ideas. Number one is improving your golf swing mechanics. Improved mechanics will improve your driving distance. Number two is improving your golf strength. By improving your body as it pertains to the golf swing you will improve your distance off the tee. Finally, equipment does make a difference, but only if you hit the ball correctly.
Best of luck with your gam
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