Golfer's Talk » Golf Tips

Making Your Drives Better

Mike — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:14:44 +0000

Driving is a very important aspect of golfing. Getting it right not only helps you to get better score, but it also boosts your confidence. Here are few advices and tips from our side that will help you in driving longer and straighter:

First of all, you need to understand two things – the driver is the longest shaft of the clubs that are in use, therefore make sure that your swing is shallow and not steep. Steeping your driver will spoil your drive.
Also, another thing you need to keep in mind is that the driver possesses the minimum amount of loft that is present in clubs (other than the putter). So make sure that you use it for full swings and to get the maximum ascend on your drive.
Select your driver according to your drive speed. An example can be that the players whose swing speed is low must use drivers which have high launch, with approximately 13 degrees of loft or more.
Make sure that you tee the ball a bit higher. Almost half the portion of the ball must be above the top of your club.
Here’s something we have to say about your stance while driving – take it an inch or two wider than the width of your shoulders.
To make your swings shallower, make sure that you take your stance in such a way that your right hand is outside your chin. Also, stand more upright than in your other strokes and put your hands a bit away from your body than the irons.
Your spine must be tilted away from the target and almost 60% of your weight should be on the foot which is away from the target (like on your right one if you are right-handed).
To attain a smooth and a shallow, try hovering the head of your club above the ground which is behind the ball.
Sweep the golf ball in such a way that your club isn’t steep.
Practice drives frequently to make it your strong point. You can use the various driving drills available.

Apart from following these, make sure that you watch and observe when your partners and opponents play their drives. Looking at the way they play can help you a lot in knowing the result of a particular stroke. Also, you can take their help to correct any mistakes or difficulties that you might be facing.

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Stretching Exercises For Golfers

Mike — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:58:48 +0000

If you want to increase the power and range of motion of your swing, then you must definitely try out some stretching exercises to improve your game, as well as to prevent any jerks that you may experience during the game. Doing some stretching exercises regularly helps to prevent any internal injury that may occur due to sudden strain while playing golf. Various types of stretching exercises significantly help to improve golf maneuvers of any golfer. Alternate practice of dynamic and static stretches increases the flexibility of muscles, thus enabling correct swing power, and at the same time helps in maintaining the energy level of the player. Warm up before golf, increases the endurance level of the golfer.

An ideal warm up regime would be of 15 to 20 minutes consisting of some simple but effective stretching exercises. Mentioned below are some exercises that you should include in your regime:

Brisk Walking: Walking with low skips for 3-5 minutes warms up the body and prepares and loosens any stiffness in the muscles.

Squatting with the help of a support: Squatting is another form of popular exercise that is helpful for golfers. It elevates the heart rate and increases blood flow in the whole body, thus preparing it for the action. The support can be anything like a short club. While squatting, you must remember that you must squat till your thighs are parallel with the ground. Repeat the exercise approximately 15 times. For a change, you can also try single leg squat using a support. Lift one leg at a time while you use a golf club as a support and place it on the opposite knee. Try to make an angle of 90 degrees. Now squat till the knee of the leg supporting the other leg is parallel with the ground.

Arm Swings: Stand with both your arms by your side. Swing your left arm in clockwise and anticlockwise directions for at least 30 seconds. Similarly swing your right arm. This will help you in achieving the correct swing which you desire in your game to get the required length. It is a great exercise for avoiding any injuries in arms and is a must for all golfers.

Some other popular exercises are waist rotations, bends, shoulder stretching, wrist rotation and leg swings. All or some of the exercise forms if incorporated in the warm up regime will definitely prove useful for any player. So get ready for some warm up sessions before you jump into action.

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Warming Up Before a Round of Golf

Mike — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:55:38 +0000

Just as every other sport requires its players to warm up for performing better, golfers also need it to attain better swings. Pro golfers go through regular and proper warm up sessions before the round begins and as a result, you see near-perfection in their strokes right from the start. On the other hand, if one asks a recreational golf player about what he does for warming up, the answer will simply be rushing from their cars to check in, and then dashing towards their tees; all in less than five minutes, in most cases. However, if a player aims for good swings, he must do more than that.

Here is our suggested schedule for individuals who want to play golf on a particular day:

Make sure you arrive early at the golf course, at least by 45 minutes. This will give you time to relax and get into your pre-play preparations nicely and easily. Also, it will do your confidence a world of good and it lets the excitement and anticipation build. Having time on your hands also allows you to prepare for the day ahead.
Next, you should start your practice at the putting green first. Since putting is the most relaxing stroke, you are bound to be more relaxed when practicing. Along with this advantage, you will also get an assessment about the speed of the green and another advantage is that it will build a tempo which will be smooth and comforting. Then spend some time in rolling some putts into the tees and hitting putts that run up the hill.
Analyze the nature of the green by stroking the ball with different speeds. Spend some time hitting a few chips in the green. Make the tee your target.
Next comes practicing your swings with stretching.
Take an easy walk from your stretching spot to the practice tees. Then practice full swings with strokes that are small wedged. After hitting a few, gradually proceed from short irons towards long irons and then towards woods. This will help you to attain some balance and rhythm.
Finally comes timing this routine. Make sure you pan it in such a way that it finishes just as your group comes in to start play. In case there is a delay in their arrival, keep working on the stretching.

If you fail to maintain a warm up routine, your game will suffer. Think like a pro and give your best to everything you do, and not just the game.

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Essential Golf Etiquettes

Mike — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:28:31 +0000

No matter what the game is, adopting proper etiquettes is an essential part of it, and golf is no exception. The golfers must be aware of certain rules that they need to keep in mind while playing the game. These include manners which help in making the game safe for the players, keeping pace of the play and keeping the field of play (the golf course) in order.

Here are the ones which are most important:

When swinging your club (playing a stroke), make sure that all the others, including your opponent are at a safe distance. Likewise, you should stay at a safe distance too when he hits the ball.
If a player plays a wrong stroke that is mistakenly aimed at anyone, shout ‘Fore’ which is an internationally known word to warn players of an error in a stroke.
When playing a stroke, make sure that everyone, including the audience, is out of your stroke’s range.
Practice your swing in a safe spot, away from other players.
Follow the safety instructions listed in the golf cart.
Keep track of your emotions and never let them make you too childish things such as throwing your club.
Make proper preparations and make sure that you take your stroke immediately when your turn arrives.
Try your best to keep pace with the group ahead of you or behind you.
Don’t waste too much time in finding a lost ball. Incase you decide to follow the rule (five minutes are allotted to find the lost ball), make sure you tell the other group to play through.
Always take spare (or different sized) clubs with you so that time is not wasted in retrieving them from the cart.
Try your best to keep the golf cart out of the green patches and hazards.
Take care (or repair) the areas, including the green and bunkers, after you play your stroke.
Do not take a divot on while practicing swings.
Do not talk when the game is in progress, and especially when the other player is taking his stroke.
Keep your excitement level under control. Do not shout or yell under it.
Be extremely cautious with other player’s putting line. Do not cross it or walk through it as it can damage it.

These are some basic etiquette that you must keep in mind while playing. They help in making the game comfortable and more fun.

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Getting an Insurance for Your Golf Cart

Mike — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:21:11 +0000

Golf cart accidents are not uncommon and the damage caused costs hundreds of dollars. It is a good idea to get insurance for your golf cart if you don’t want anything to be heavy on your pocket suddenly.

Preventive measures taken by golf ground authorities or organizations are not enough to control such accidents. It won’t do any harm to have some insurance policies in your hand so that you can be prepared monetarily for any mishap which can happen in the golf course. Though it is always difficult to compensate for personal and emotional losses, yet financial security is one support that you can definitely plan for yourself.

All golf carts, whether they are bought by an individual or an organization, must be insured. If you are one of those who use their personal “street legal golf carts”, then you can also take the benefit of golf cart insurance. Though it is not very famous, still is very useful for all professional golfers and those who play golf regularly as a hobby.

Before you opt for a golf cart insurance you must keep in mind some important aspects to make sure that you make the best possible deal:

Try to take a policy where you need to pay the premium annually instead of paying them on a quarterly or half yearly basis. Most of the times companies where you have to pay premium half yearly charge more interests. Paying the premium on annual basis helps you stay relaxed for the whole year.
Seek for coverage on safety apparels along with the cart. Many insurance companies provide facilities like safety jackets, helmets gloves etc for driving the cart.
Check whether the policy cover for towed trailer (required for large scale events) or not. It can be an added advantage.
Property damage covers and life insurance come as a part of golf cart insurance in most deals.
Go for a company which is ready to offer increased limits in case of golf cart liability insurance.
Not only accidents, but incidents like fire, adverse weather or theft of golf cart should also be covered in the policy.

Getting yourself a golf cart insurance will let you play with a relaxed mind and will keep you prepared for any kind of mishap that might occur with your golf cart.

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A Perfect Golf Holiday

Mike — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:09:19 +0000

If you are planning a golf holiday you need the blend of perfect environment, weather and setting. Golf holidays are not meant just for the experienced players who have achieved expertise in the sport, but even a novice can plan a golf holiday for himself and who knows, he might end up learning some real golf by the time the vacation is over. Make sure you are accompanied by seasoned players who can give you the perfect company along with some good guidance.

Choosing a proper destination is mandatory for a golf vacation. Choose a golf resort where you feel comfortable and which can offer you the facilities you require. –You can consult your friends or relatives who might be involved in this sport as well and who have a good idea of golf resorts. Select the golf course according to the level of your play. A novice and an expert will need different kind of golf course.

If one plans to make this a family holiday then make sure that your destination offers all the fun your family would be looking forward to because if your family is not interested in playing , they might end up getting bored while you practice your sport.

Here are some things that you should keep in mind, to make your golf holiday a perfect one:

Do some financial planning and prepare a budget.
Check out the golf facilities offered by your destination like courses, equipment, instructor etc.
Entertainment facilities for your family and your relaxation.
Value-adding facilities like discounts, treks or parties organized by the resort.

Remember that apart from the factors you can decide, your game is heavily dependent on weather. Make sure that you are aware of the weather conditions if you are planning to spend your time in an area which is unvisited or unknown to you. Your elaborate planning will get ruined if your summer sky turns into a cloudy one.

Do not fall for golf resorts which offer a surfeit of facilities and huge number of golf courses because most of the times you won’t be even able to avail all these facilities if your vacation is not very long. It is wiser and more economical to choose a resort which suits you the best and offers sufficient facilities.

A well planned golf vacation will relieve you from the stress of your monotonic life and at the same time will help you attain perfection in the game.

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Simple Golf Etiquettes to Avoid Slow Play

Mike — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:39:49 +0000

It can be frustrating for serious golf players when the game moves with a slow pace. And it can reflect in their game, causing it to suffer. In that case, those around him need to be acquainted with proper golf etiquettes. It is very important for the game because playing the game by the rules makes it more fun.

Here are a few tips about how you can avoid slow play:

Choosing the appropriate set of tees for you is very important. Not doing so can add extra strokes in your play and delay the game unnecessarily.
Make sure that you do not walk across to your ball with the whole group. If you don’t, then there will be delay because of talking and chatting amongst each other.
Save time by dropping the first player (whose stroke it is next) to where his ball is, while riding a cart. While you drop the second one, the first one takes his shot. As a result, the second player is ready to take the stroke as soon as his turn comes.
While walking towards your ball, think about the shot you will play then only. This will save time and you will be ready to play your shot as soon as you arrive near the ball.
In case your ball is lost, keep a provisional ball at hand to avoid delay.
Do not delay your stroke because you are having a chat with another player. You can resume it after your shot.
When using a cart, take the necessary set of clubs with you so that you wont have to travel back to fetch them when needed.
After putting, exit the area as soon as you can so that there will be no delay for the other groups.
Change your clubs and mark your scorecard after reaching the next tee and not where you have taken your shot.
Park your cart away from the green to give other groups some space.
Don’t waste too much time in finding a lost ball. Incase you decide to follow the rule (five minutes are allotted to find the lost ball), make sure you tell the other group to play through
Concentrate on every shot that is played. It will help in case a player loses sight of his ball. You can direct him to it and save time.
Don’t let your pre-play routine delay the game. Plan it accordingly.
If your putt is short enough, take it straight away instead of wasting time in marking lag putts.
Leave your cell phone in your car.
Do not rush when you walk from one tee to another but do not slow down too much either.

Paying heed to these simple golf etiquettes can be very helpful for the game.

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How to Control Your Golf Ball Flight – The Basics

Mike — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 07:30:05 +0000

When you do not get a correct swing on your golf ball, you start to wonder what is wrong. You practice the shot again and if this time also, the outcome is not what you had expected, you tend to get worried. The next thing you will do is go to your friends and ask for some advice and correction tips for the shot. You will follow what they say and sometimes you do get your shot right. But when you do not, you will ask from some more advice and will do anything and everything possible to get your shot correct. If you still don’t, an annoying frustration starts to build up, making your problems harder to solve.

So, rather than going around asking for advices, we suggest you to learn the basics of ball flight and be your own adviser and coach. They are the simplest explanations for what a golf ball does and why it does so. The basics given here are for a golfer who is right handed and is in the rightly aligned position.

Following is some information about the basics of the golf ball flight and its cause and effects:

Basic	Cause	Effects
Slice	The clubface is open at the time of impact.	The ball curves towards the right.
Hook	The clubface is closed at the time of impact.	The ball curves towards the left.
Push	The clubface hits the ball in a slightly right-ish manner.	The ball curves towards the right of the target and then moves straight.
Pull	The clubface hits the ball in a slightly left-ish manner.	The ball curves towards the left of the target and then moves straight.

Also, there are two other basics to be noted. They include a fade (a partial slice) and a draw (a partial hook).
If you try these single-handedly, the ball may not be able to make it to the hole. But, you can try these combinations in sets of two to achieve the desired result (which is usually getting the ball in the hole). These combinations can include some of the following:

Pull-Slice
The basic effect of this combination is that the ball starts moving towards the left of the target and then curves towards the right. The face of the club has to be kept open.
Push-Hook
The basic effect of this combination is that the ball starts moving towards the right of the target and then curves towards the left. The face of the club has to be kept closed.

While using these basics, you must keep in mind that these basics are secondary. The main thing you should primarily focus on is getting the correct position of the clubface because it decides whether your basic will get implemented correctly or not.

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How to Play Golf on a Windy Day

Mike — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:27:03 +0000

Anyone who is looking to play a good game of golf definitely expects the course to be the hardest challenge. While there are a bunch of elements that add to a day at the course, the weather is probably the most crucial one that sets the pace of the game. If you are trying to fight against nature for a better game, then knowing what changes to make with specific hits can help you to drive your ball further and against the odds. Understanding what it takes to drive your ball into the wind, without losing the main aim of your golf ball, is one of the specialty areas that can help you to have a better game, despite the conditions.

The first setup component that is changed with a golf ball going into the wind is to pick the club that you are going to use. If you use a club that has a lower number, then it will allow you to control where the ball is going while placing more drive behind the ball. You want to combine this setup with changing the position of the ball. Moving the ball so it is lined up with your chest, instead of your front foot will keep the ball lower, which automatically avoids the wind. Even though this may not have the same drive, it will help to keep your ball under control when you are trying to aim toward the green.

After you have the right equipment setup, you will want to slightly alter your position so you can hit into the wind without losing aim. The main ideal with this is to set up your hit so the ball spins lower than it normally would. This will help the ball to stay below the wind instead of moving into the elements. Pressing your hands forward on the club when you swing can help with this. You can also keep your swing flatter instead of using a complete swing. Many recommend only going up three-quarters with the back swing to assist with this control.

No matter what the conditions, you still have the ability to control your game of golf and to run the right course with your game. If you are fighting against the wind, then using proper specific techniques to avoid losing control of your ball is one of the essential strategies. This can help you to move to the green faster while keeping your ball under the right aim.

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Getting it Straight with a Better Drive

Mike — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:54 +0000

The straighter you can hit the ball in the beginning, combined with power, the more likely you will be able to get to the main goal of the green. If you are in a place where you are driving the ball, then simply changing set-ups can provide a different angle. Knowing how to drive your golf ball straighter through some small alterations can then lead you to become a better driver of the ball while you are playing on any course.

The first overlooked concept that helps with a better and straight drive is through the grip that is used. If you have a tight grip or don’t position your hands in the correct area, then it will lead to an angle in the hit. One of the recommended positions is the choke grip. You also want to hold your hands closer to the edge of the club for better guidance and control. This helps with the focus that you need to drive the ball and will ensure that the aim from your swing leads to a straighter movement.

Because hitting a golf ball straight means being accurate, consistent and controlled, you want to have the right grip and also want to have the right throttle back. There are many professionals that suggest a shorter back-swing when you want to move straight as this can provide more aim and focus as you follow through with your swing. Stopping at shoulder height is recommended for those that want to have a straight ball. When you are preparing for the hit at this point, you also want to make sure that your legs are stable, your hips are back and that your upper body turns. This position will give more power to compensate for the lower back-swing while helping to send a straight aim with your ball.

These two small alterations for a better drive are known to help you focus on a straighter ball, which can ultimately lead to a closer shot to the green. If you have found that your hits have power, but often get off course, then being able to focus on the hit with these two alterations will help you to compensate with the aim of every swing.

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Golfer's Talk » Golf Tips

Making Your Drives Better

Related Posts:

Stretching Exercises For Golfers

Related Posts:

Warming Up Before a Round of Golf

Related Posts:

Essential Golf Etiquettes

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Getting an Insurance for Your Golf Cart

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A Perfect Golf Holiday

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Simple Golf Etiquettes to Avoid Slow Play

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How to Control Your Golf Ball Flight – The Basics

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How to Play Golf on a Windy Day

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Getting it Straight with a Better Drive

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