Written by golf bug on May 18th, 2007 in Improve Your Golf Game.
How often have you been frustratingly close to sinking a putt only to come up short?
Or maybe you have only just missed the hole to see your ball go sailing past adding too much distance for the return putt. A lot of games have been lost on the putting green and in most instances it has been due to the wrong distance, rather than the direction of the ball.
Most beginners quickly get a feel for the direction the ball will travel, even on sloping greens.You’ve probably seen it yourself when a newcomer to the game places the ball within inches of the hole on a sloping green time and time again.
What you won’t see quite so often is the ball stopping a few inches past the hole when they miss.
There are many factors that come into account when determining the distance a ball will travel on the green, from the slope, to the preparation of the green and whether it is wet and slow or dry and fast.It can make a huge difference depending on the time of the day with greens getting faster as they dry off in the afternoon sun.
So reading the distance of a putt is what you really need to concentrate on to get your ball to drop in that hole.
Once again it all comes back to practice and there is no better practice than on the day of the tournament in the conditions that you will be playing in.Always take some time to have a few practice putts before you start play to ‘dial in’ your distance.
One thing you must always remember; the golf ball will never drop if it doesn’t reach the hole.Sounds too obvious to even need mentioning doesn’t it, but more often that not putts will come up short.Always aim for the back of the cup so that, provided you have your direction right, you are going to have a chance of making the putt.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Some Basic Elements of a Good Golf Swing
Written by golf bug on May 5th, 2007 in Free Tips Improve Golf Swing.
There are some basic elements of the golf swing that the golfer should use as a mental checklist when taking a shot. The first element is the body’s alignment toward the target. Stand five to ten feet behind the ball, with the ball directly between your body and the desired target. Locate guidance targets on the ground (leaves, blades of grass, dirt, etc.) inches in front and behind the golf ball that should be on a direct line with where you are standing and the target. Keep your eyes on those ground targets as you approach the ball.
Align the clubface behind the ball, with the center of the clubface on a direct line between the two ground targets you have selected. Grip the club with just enough tension to keep it from slipping in your hands throughout the course of the golf swing. Align your feet on a parallel plain with your ground targets, shoulder width apart, and the knees slightly bent. The front foot should be pointed slightly outward, toward the target, to allow your hips to flow freely through the swing.
Tilt your torso slightly towards the ball while keeping your back straight. The arms should now hang freely in front of the body to grip the club. The shoulders should be parallel with the ground targets and the toes, and your head should be tilted downward with your eyes on the ball. These motions described are known as the set-up, or addressing the ball.
You are ready to begin the golf swing. Keeping your back elbow tucked as closely to your ribs as possible, slowly take the club back on a straight line along the plain of the ground targets. Keep your front elbow locked throughout the back swing and never take your eyes off the ball. This motion should naturally tuck your chin into your front shoulder. Hips should remain still and slightly tilted, while the front knee will turn inward. At the apex of the back swing, allow your wrists to break slightly.
Bring the club downward toward the ball, uncoiling the wrists, and shifting your weight onto your front foot. You should attempt to generate force and speed on your down swing, while never take the clubface off of the target line. Upon making contact with the ball, the clubface should strike the ground as it moves through, taking a divot from the ground in the area past where the ball was lying, and through your second ground target.
Finish the golf swing with a nice, high follow through of the club. Your hips should be turned toward the target. Your weight should have shifted, and should now be firmly on your right foot. Smile and watch the ball fly toward the target.
There are some basic elements of the golf swing that the golfer should use as a mental checklist when taking a shot. The first element is the body’s alignment toward the target. Stand five to ten feet behind the ball, with the ball directly between your body and the desired target. Locate guidance targets on the ground (leaves, blades of grass, dirt, etc.) inches in front and behind the golf ball that should be on a direct line with where you are standing and the target. Keep your eyes on those ground targets as you approach the ball.
Align the clubface behind the ball, with the center of the clubface on a direct line between the two ground targets you have selected. Grip the club with just enough tension to keep it from slipping in your hands throughout the course of the golf swing. Align your feet on a parallel plain with your ground targets, shoulder width apart, and the knees slightly bent. The front foot should be pointed slightly outward, toward the target, to allow your hips to flow freely through the swing.
Tilt your torso slightly towards the ball while keeping your back straight. The arms should now hang freely in front of the body to grip the club. The shoulders should be parallel with the ground targets and the toes, and your head should be tilted downward with your eyes on the ball. These motions described are known as the set-up, or addressing the ball.
You are ready to begin the golf swing. Keeping your back elbow tucked as closely to your ribs as possible, slowly take the club back on a straight line along the plain of the ground targets. Keep your front elbow locked throughout the back swing and never take your eyes off the ball. This motion should naturally tuck your chin into your front shoulder. Hips should remain still and slightly tilted, while the front knee will turn inward. At the apex of the back swing, allow your wrists to break slightly.
Bring the club downward toward the ball, uncoiling the wrists, and shifting your weight onto your front foot. You should attempt to generate force and speed on your down swing, while never take the clubface off of the target line. Upon making contact with the ball, the clubface should strike the ground as it moves through, taking a divot from the ground in the area past where the ball was lying, and through your second ground target.
Finish the golf swing with a nice, high follow through of the club. Your hips should be turned toward the target. Your weight should have shifted, and should now be firmly on your right foot. Smile and watch the ball fly toward the target.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Golf Clothing for a Better Game
Written by golf bug on May 8th, 2007 in golf accessories.
Although the primary concern for a golfer when picking out what to wear is comfort and functionality, golf etiquette asks that golfers dress a certain way. It is generally accepted that a golfer should have a nice appearance on public golf courses; and at private golf courses, following a dress code may actually be required. A man once said, “A round of golf is no day at the beach, so you shouldn’t dress like it is.” The message seems clear, and here are a few things to consider when dressing for golf.
Footwear
Although casual shoes are acceptable, they are not very functional on a golf course. A golfer should choose a pair of golf shoes that are manufactured with soft spikes on the soles to improve footing on the ground. Today, golfers can choose between classic wingtip of saddle shoes, casual or tennis-style golf shoes, or even golf sandals. Golfers should always wear cotton socks, and may want to keep an extra pair inside his or her golf bag.
Pants
A pair of slacks, khakis or cotton blend pants are generally accepted. Only a select few private courses do not allow golfers to wear shorts on the course, so a pair of Bermuda or walking shorts with pockets should be worn. Wearing blue jeans on a golf course is generally considered “bad form”. Some players may choose to wear a classic style of knee-length knickers, but most golfers try not to make a spectacle of themselves with unusual clothing or with bold color designs.
Shirts
A cotton or wool-blend golf shirt is chosen by most golfers, and they can be long- or short-sleeved, depending on the weather. Golf shirts offer the golfer a sense of style and comfort when playing. Again, it is considered “poor form” to wear t-shirts or tank tops, or to not tuck in your shirt, on a golf course.
Headwear
Most forms of headwear are acceptable on a golf course as long as they are not a distraction. Many golfers choose to wear a baseball style cap, a visor or a straw hat. In addition to style, a hat can protect the golfer’s head from being directly under the sun for four to five hours. Additionally, it is nice to have a hat if it begins to rain.
AccessoriesA golfer may want to keep a rain suit in his or her golf bag for rainy days. A golfer should also wear a golf glove on the swing hand to prevent blisters and improve grip throughout the round
Although the primary concern for a golfer when picking out what to wear is comfort and functionality, golf etiquette asks that golfers dress a certain way. It is generally accepted that a golfer should have a nice appearance on public golf courses; and at private golf courses, following a dress code may actually be required. A man once said, “A round of golf is no day at the beach, so you shouldn’t dress like it is.” The message seems clear, and here are a few things to consider when dressing for golf.
Footwear
Although casual shoes are acceptable, they are not very functional on a golf course. A golfer should choose a pair of golf shoes that are manufactured with soft spikes on the soles to improve footing on the ground. Today, golfers can choose between classic wingtip of saddle shoes, casual or tennis-style golf shoes, or even golf sandals. Golfers should always wear cotton socks, and may want to keep an extra pair inside his or her golf bag.
Pants
A pair of slacks, khakis or cotton blend pants are generally accepted. Only a select few private courses do not allow golfers to wear shorts on the course, so a pair of Bermuda or walking shorts with pockets should be worn. Wearing blue jeans on a golf course is generally considered “bad form”. Some players may choose to wear a classic style of knee-length knickers, but most golfers try not to make a spectacle of themselves with unusual clothing or with bold color designs.
Shirts
A cotton or wool-blend golf shirt is chosen by most golfers, and they can be long- or short-sleeved, depending on the weather. Golf shirts offer the golfer a sense of style and comfort when playing. Again, it is considered “poor form” to wear t-shirts or tank tops, or to not tuck in your shirt, on a golf course.
Headwear
Most forms of headwear are acceptable on a golf course as long as they are not a distraction. Many golfers choose to wear a baseball style cap, a visor or a straw hat. In addition to style, a hat can protect the golfer’s head from being directly under the sun for four to five hours. Additionally, it is nice to have a hat if it begins to rain.
AccessoriesA golfer may want to keep a rain suit in his or her golf bag for rainy days. A golfer should also wear a golf glove on the swing hand to prevent blisters and improve grip throughout the round
Choosing the Best Golf Clubs for a Particular Game
Written by golf bug on April 30th, 2007 in Golf Clubs
The most important part of playing a game of golf is choosing the right club. Even if your stroke technique leaves something to be desired, if you choose the right club you can often compensate for this. There are many things you have to decide on when you are choosing golf clubs, but once you start to see the patterns emerging you will be able to always choose the right one without even thinking about it too much. This is the mark of a truly skilled golfer, and it is the one way that you can start improving in a very quick and noticeable way. So read on to find out about what you need to look for and do.
People who don’t golf often have a hard time believing that all 14 clubs in a golfer’s bag will come in handy at some point. However, as you golf more and more you will see that there is a distinct situation in which every one will come in handy. When you start, your golf bag should be made up of drivers, wedges, putters, and irons. Each of them is used several times throughout every game, and most are made to correct strokes that aren’t made perfectly. All beginning clubs are designed this way – this is why it is not a good idea to choose clubs that are outside of your skill level, since they will be less forgiving when you make a mistake.
The handicap of a golfer will play a huge role in determining what kinds of clubs he carries. If you usually score around 10 strokes over par, your bag will look significantly different than someone who scores over 100 strokes over par (which, despite sounding ridiculous, is usually fairly standard for those who are new to the game). Golfers in this category will usually have a bag that reflects a preference for woods rather than irons, because of the heightened levels of accuracy that woods provide. The golfers with a higher skill level will have clubs that are less able to correct mistakes, and more likely to just send the ball rocketing in whatever direction it is sent in. This is why they take a higher skill level to master.
Hybrid clubs or adjustable clubs are also very valuable for beginners who have not yet gotten a grasp on their own playing style. Hybrid golf clubs are somewhere in between woods and irons. They provide accuracy due to their relatively short lengths, and they provide sheer distance with their specially designed heads that are usually very light and hollow. They are very unique and take some getting used to, but if you can try one out at the store before you buy it, you may discover that it adds a whole new element to your game.
All of these golf clubs play a very important part from getting you down the fairway right to the green and into the hole. Without one of them, you would have to use a different club to do something it wasn’t meant to. Therefore you should pay plenty of attention to all of the things that I have stated so far, and you will find that golf becomes a much more enjoyable sport to you.
The most important part of playing a game of golf is choosing the right club. Even if your stroke technique leaves something to be desired, if you choose the right club you can often compensate for this. There are many things you have to decide on when you are choosing golf clubs, but once you start to see the patterns emerging you will be able to always choose the right one without even thinking about it too much. This is the mark of a truly skilled golfer, and it is the one way that you can start improving in a very quick and noticeable way. So read on to find out about what you need to look for and do.
People who don’t golf often have a hard time believing that all 14 clubs in a golfer’s bag will come in handy at some point. However, as you golf more and more you will see that there is a distinct situation in which every one will come in handy. When you start, your golf bag should be made up of drivers, wedges, putters, and irons. Each of them is used several times throughout every game, and most are made to correct strokes that aren’t made perfectly. All beginning clubs are designed this way – this is why it is not a good idea to choose clubs that are outside of your skill level, since they will be less forgiving when you make a mistake.
The handicap of a golfer will play a huge role in determining what kinds of clubs he carries. If you usually score around 10 strokes over par, your bag will look significantly different than someone who scores over 100 strokes over par (which, despite sounding ridiculous, is usually fairly standard for those who are new to the game). Golfers in this category will usually have a bag that reflects a preference for woods rather than irons, because of the heightened levels of accuracy that woods provide. The golfers with a higher skill level will have clubs that are less able to correct mistakes, and more likely to just send the ball rocketing in whatever direction it is sent in. This is why they take a higher skill level to master.
Hybrid clubs or adjustable clubs are also very valuable for beginners who have not yet gotten a grasp on their own playing style. Hybrid golf clubs are somewhere in between woods and irons. They provide accuracy due to their relatively short lengths, and they provide sheer distance with their specially designed heads that are usually very light and hollow. They are very unique and take some getting used to, but if you can try one out at the store before you buy it, you may discover that it adds a whole new element to your game.
All of these golf clubs play a very important part from getting you down the fairway right to the green and into the hole. Without one of them, you would have to use a different club to do something it wasn’t meant to. Therefore you should pay plenty of attention to all of the things that I have stated so far, and you will find that golf becomes a much more enjoyable sport to you.
USGA Golf Rule: Effective Jan 01, 2008
Golf is gentlemen game. You play with integrity, so need to learn some of the golf rules.
Better still if you can master the golf rule ....here compliments from "USGA" in pdf format.
Advise:
Don't cheat your score - be honest and truthfull. Your true character will be display when you play this golf game!!!
Better still if you can master the golf rule ....here compliments from "USGA" in pdf format.
Advise:
Don't cheat your score - be honest and truthfull. Your true character will be display when you play this golf game!!!
Better Golf: A balance Approach
Written by golf bug on May 15th, 2007 in Improve your Golf Game
Golf is all about balance.
You need to get the right balance on your feet, in the movement of your body, in the swing of the clubs and so on. Balance goes further than just the body however. You need a balanced approach to the game with your mind in sync with your body.
You need to only consider the one stroke that you are playing and not let other holes impact on your balance. When we get golf lessons we’re taught about the distribution of weight on our feet and the weight distribution when we swing to strike the ball.
Many of the techniques seem foreign to the beginner but it is all about training the player to find balance in their game so the actions are effortless and natural. Our balance should flow through with the movement of the swing in one fluid action to the striking of the ball and even after the ball has been hit with a balanced follow through.
It is a natural feeling that will become second nature with practice.
It is through finding balance in your mind and body that you will start hitting consistently good shots.Without this it will be very difficult to find any consistency in your game. Once you get your upper body correctly positioned behind the ball, you will find that you are naturally placing more weight on the back foot.
Try it next time you have a practice swing.
Stand balanced on your feet with no more pressure on the front of the foot than the back.Position yourself behind the ball and gently swing through without making any effort to concentrate on the distribution of the weight on you feet.
You will find that this will come naturally with no effort at all and that is precisely how you should feel when you are striking the ball.
Golf is all about balance.
You need to get the right balance on your feet, in the movement of your body, in the swing of the clubs and so on. Balance goes further than just the body however. You need a balanced approach to the game with your mind in sync with your body.
You need to only consider the one stroke that you are playing and not let other holes impact on your balance. When we get golf lessons we’re taught about the distribution of weight on our feet and the weight distribution when we swing to strike the ball.
Many of the techniques seem foreign to the beginner but it is all about training the player to find balance in their game so the actions are effortless and natural. Our balance should flow through with the movement of the swing in one fluid action to the striking of the ball and even after the ball has been hit with a balanced follow through.
It is a natural feeling that will become second nature with practice.
It is through finding balance in your mind and body that you will start hitting consistently good shots.Without this it will be very difficult to find any consistency in your game. Once you get your upper body correctly positioned behind the ball, you will find that you are naturally placing more weight on the back foot.
Try it next time you have a practice swing.
Stand balanced on your feet with no more pressure on the front of the foot than the back.Position yourself behind the ball and gently swing through without making any effort to concentrate on the distribution of the weight on you feet.
You will find that this will come naturally with no effort at all and that is precisely how you should feel when you are striking the ball.
Basic You Need to Know about Golf Clubs
This article was published in US
Basics You Need to Know about Golf Clubs
Written by golf bug on May 3rd, 2007 in Golf clubs.
A good set of golf clubs is the weapon of choice for the advanced golfer. A complete set of clubs consists of woods, irons and a putter. According to the rules of golf, as set forth by the United States Golf Association (USGA), a golfer’s bag may hold 14 clubs. Most golfers will carry a driver, two fairway woods, 7 irons, 3 wedges and the putter.
A driver is a long-shafted club with a full head used to strike the ball that is set upon a tee. The club head does not have much lift to it, to achieve maximum distance off the tee. The fairway woods have club heads that are slightly more lofted than the driver, and are used for long shots when the ball is lying on the ground. Most brand name drivers cost between $200 and $400. Fairway woods normally retail from $150 to $300.
Golf irons are the essence of a set of golf clubs. Two thirds of the shots in a normal round of golf will utilize an iron. Irons are used to hit the golf ball off the ground from distances of 125 yards to 225 yards. Each iron is assigned a number based upon the loft angle of the club head. The 9-iron has the most loft, and is used to hit short, high shots. A 2-iron has very little loft, and is used to hit low, long shorts.
Wedges are normally included in the purchase of a set of irons. The most common wedges are the pitching wedge, the sand wedge and the lob wedge. These golf clubs are used for short, controlled shots, normally very close to the putting green. Some golfers may choose to remove one of the wedges in lieu of a 2-iron. Also worth noting, there are two primary types of irons available. Forged irons are precision clubs that can give experienced golfers a greater ability to shape their shots. Cavity-back irons are considered to be more forgiving, with a larger sweet spot and primarily for golfers who want to focus on hitting straight shots. A set of 10 irons can range in price from as little as $250, to as much as $1,500.
The final and perhaps most important golf club, is the putter. The putter is also known as the “money club” because it is the club used to tap the ball into the hole. The purpose of the putter is to roll the ball, so there is no loft on the club head. There are many varieties of putters in all shapes and sizes. Some of the putter shafts are so short that the golfer grips it near his knees, and some are so long that they are gripped at the golfer’s chest. Many golfers spend their entire lives changing putters to find the one that feels right for them. Simple putters can cost as little as $20 but some of the more exotic putters can cost as much as $300.
Basics You Need to Know about Golf Clubs
Written by golf bug on May 3rd, 2007 in Golf clubs.
A good set of golf clubs is the weapon of choice for the advanced golfer. A complete set of clubs consists of woods, irons and a putter. According to the rules of golf, as set forth by the United States Golf Association (USGA), a golfer’s bag may hold 14 clubs. Most golfers will carry a driver, two fairway woods, 7 irons, 3 wedges and the putter.
A driver is a long-shafted club with a full head used to strike the ball that is set upon a tee. The club head does not have much lift to it, to achieve maximum distance off the tee. The fairway woods have club heads that are slightly more lofted than the driver, and are used for long shots when the ball is lying on the ground. Most brand name drivers cost between $200 and $400. Fairway woods normally retail from $150 to $300.
Golf irons are the essence of a set of golf clubs. Two thirds of the shots in a normal round of golf will utilize an iron. Irons are used to hit the golf ball off the ground from distances of 125 yards to 225 yards. Each iron is assigned a number based upon the loft angle of the club head. The 9-iron has the most loft, and is used to hit short, high shots. A 2-iron has very little loft, and is used to hit low, long shorts.
Wedges are normally included in the purchase of a set of irons. The most common wedges are the pitching wedge, the sand wedge and the lob wedge. These golf clubs are used for short, controlled shots, normally very close to the putting green. Some golfers may choose to remove one of the wedges in lieu of a 2-iron. Also worth noting, there are two primary types of irons available. Forged irons are precision clubs that can give experienced golfers a greater ability to shape their shots. Cavity-back irons are considered to be more forgiving, with a larger sweet spot and primarily for golfers who want to focus on hitting straight shots. A set of 10 irons can range in price from as little as $250, to as much as $1,500.
The final and perhaps most important golf club, is the putter. The putter is also known as the “money club” because it is the club used to tap the ball into the hole. The purpose of the putter is to roll the ball, so there is no loft on the club head. There are many varieties of putters in all shapes and sizes. Some of the putter shafts are so short that the golfer grips it near his knees, and some are so long that they are gripped at the golfer’s chest. Many golfers spend their entire lives changing putters to find the one that feels right for them. Simple putters can cost as little as $20 but some of the more exotic putters can cost as much as $300.
How to choose your Golf Clubs for Beginner Golfers - David Negovt
Our Recommendations
by Frank J. Peter
As a Beginner you probably have a hard time making consistent contact with the ball. Hitting it with the heel and toe of the club, topping the ball or hitting the ground first (fat shots) will be your challenge. [Note: as you may have realized, I use 'challenge' (which is a 'positive word') rather than 'problem' (which is a 'negative word') - maybe you want to adopt that in your thinking.] As beginner you may also have trouble getting the clubhead to the ball in a square position. This means your clubhead generally approaches the ball from outside of the target line (out-to-in) and at a steep angle. This results in your typical shot shape being a slice - a shot that curves right. [Another note: proper clubs will help a lot, and for additional insights on how to cure a slice you may want to consult David Nevogt's eBook on The Perfect Golf Swing.] In short, you have a problem hitting the ball with the center of the clubface. Your swing speed is slow due to lack of experience with proper swing mechanics. Generally, for women and juniors, clubhead speed is slow due to lack of strength, causing difficulty in getting the ball up in the air, and a lack of distance.
Our recommendation: The Beginners Ideal Set
The ideal set for a beginner would be one that takes into account the swing/hit issues mentioned above. Maximum forgiveness is the goal. To help with inconsistent contact an oversized clubhead will help. An oversized club has a larger hitting area so there will be fewer mishits. For irons, perimeter weighting will help to make those mishits go a little straighter. You're shots off the heel and toe will be more solid. A wide sole will slide through the turf easier and get the ball up higher. Slightly shorter clubs will make accurate club-to-ball contact a higher possibility. To help with that out-to-in swing path, an offset clubhead will get the clubface back to the ball a little later. That means the clubface will be more square to the target and not open. This will also keep the hands a little bit in front of the clubhead, which in turn will also help with those fat shots. For long shots from the fairway or rough a beginner should choose woods and hybrid clubs with the most loft possible, together with a low center of gravity. More loft means it will be easier to get the ball in the air, and it will likely go a little farther as well. In addition it will create more backspin which will counteract the side spin of shots and keep them from curving as much. As a combined result your shots will be a little bit straighter. A beginner's driver should have a larger head (over 430cc) to increase the size of the hitting area. Additional loft (12-15 degrees) will get the ball in the air. Added loft once again will increase backspin and make those left to right curves less of a head ache. Putting is something that, with practice, will get better (although sometimes hard to believe). It's true, it doesn't take great athletic ability to be a decent putter. Yet again, it's still hard for a beginner to judge distances so 3 putts are still common. Besides keeping your head directly over the ball a good alignment system will also help getting over your inconsistency.
Let's look in detail at some Beginner set configurations:
Super Game Improvement (SGI) irons are the choice for maximum forgiveness. SGI clubs will offer maximum perimeter weighting, larger offset, a wide sole, and low center of gravity. Club choices can be 6 iron through pitching wedge or 6-sand wedge. The sand wedge selection should offer extra "bounce". Bounce is the feature on the sole of the club that helps it easily glide through sand or rough. While you are allowed to carry 14 clubs you actually don't need them. The first clubs to leave out are the long irons (3, 4). Your iron set should start with the 5 or 6 iron and go up to the sand wedge (SW). For longer shots use lofted woods (5, 7, 9) and hybrid clubs (3, 4, 5). You may find you still hit them all about the same distance, so if you can experiment, test them all to see which ones feel the best. Don't take the ones that you don't hit well and leave them at home. You should still buy them because you will get better and need them later. The right set also depends on swing speed. Swing speeds between 65-80 mph (women, juniors and some seniors) will need more woods and hybrid clubs and generally more loft to help get the ball up in the air. Average male swing speeds of 80-90 mph can begin to add a few more irons (5-6), but you still want to use hybrids and lofted woods instead of long irons. Woods are always easier to hit for beginners. Their larger heads and flat soles compared to irons create more confidence. Slightly shortened versions of 3, 5, and 7 woods (-.5") are highly recommended for all beginners regardless of swing speed. The driver should have a 440-460 cc titanium head. The new large headed drivers are easier to hit, no second thoughts about it. Make sure you have extra loft to increase accuracy and distance. If you find you still have problems hitting it accurately, try choking up an inch or so. For a putter, you want one of the new large headed mallet putters. These new putters have greater MOI (they don't twist on mishits) and their alignment aids make short putts much easier. Your set configuration should be: Woods (1, 5, 7), Hybrids (4, 5), Irons (Super Game Improvement) (6-SW), Putter (Mallet)
by Frank J. Peter
As a Beginner you probably have a hard time making consistent contact with the ball. Hitting it with the heel and toe of the club, topping the ball or hitting the ground first (fat shots) will be your challenge. [Note: as you may have realized, I use 'challenge' (which is a 'positive word') rather than 'problem' (which is a 'negative word') - maybe you want to adopt that in your thinking.] As beginner you may also have trouble getting the clubhead to the ball in a square position. This means your clubhead generally approaches the ball from outside of the target line (out-to-in) and at a steep angle. This results in your typical shot shape being a slice - a shot that curves right. [Another note: proper clubs will help a lot, and for additional insights on how to cure a slice you may want to consult David Nevogt's eBook on The Perfect Golf Swing.] In short, you have a problem hitting the ball with the center of the clubface. Your swing speed is slow due to lack of experience with proper swing mechanics. Generally, for women and juniors, clubhead speed is slow due to lack of strength, causing difficulty in getting the ball up in the air, and a lack of distance.
Our recommendation: The Beginners Ideal Set
The ideal set for a beginner would be one that takes into account the swing/hit issues mentioned above. Maximum forgiveness is the goal. To help with inconsistent contact an oversized clubhead will help. An oversized club has a larger hitting area so there will be fewer mishits. For irons, perimeter weighting will help to make those mishits go a little straighter. You're shots off the heel and toe will be more solid. A wide sole will slide through the turf easier and get the ball up higher. Slightly shorter clubs will make accurate club-to-ball contact a higher possibility. To help with that out-to-in swing path, an offset clubhead will get the clubface back to the ball a little later. That means the clubface will be more square to the target and not open. This will also keep the hands a little bit in front of the clubhead, which in turn will also help with those fat shots. For long shots from the fairway or rough a beginner should choose woods and hybrid clubs with the most loft possible, together with a low center of gravity. More loft means it will be easier to get the ball in the air, and it will likely go a little farther as well. In addition it will create more backspin which will counteract the side spin of shots and keep them from curving as much. As a combined result your shots will be a little bit straighter. A beginner's driver should have a larger head (over 430cc) to increase the size of the hitting area. Additional loft (12-15 degrees) will get the ball in the air. Added loft once again will increase backspin and make those left to right curves less of a head ache. Putting is something that, with practice, will get better (although sometimes hard to believe). It's true, it doesn't take great athletic ability to be a decent putter. Yet again, it's still hard for a beginner to judge distances so 3 putts are still common. Besides keeping your head directly over the ball a good alignment system will also help getting over your inconsistency.
Let's look in detail at some Beginner set configurations:
Super Game Improvement (SGI) irons are the choice for maximum forgiveness. SGI clubs will offer maximum perimeter weighting, larger offset, a wide sole, and low center of gravity. Club choices can be 6 iron through pitching wedge or 6-sand wedge. The sand wedge selection should offer extra "bounce". Bounce is the feature on the sole of the club that helps it easily glide through sand or rough. While you are allowed to carry 14 clubs you actually don't need them. The first clubs to leave out are the long irons (3, 4). Your iron set should start with the 5 or 6 iron and go up to the sand wedge (SW). For longer shots use lofted woods (5, 7, 9) and hybrid clubs (3, 4, 5). You may find you still hit them all about the same distance, so if you can experiment, test them all to see which ones feel the best. Don't take the ones that you don't hit well and leave them at home. You should still buy them because you will get better and need them later. The right set also depends on swing speed. Swing speeds between 65-80 mph (women, juniors and some seniors) will need more woods and hybrid clubs and generally more loft to help get the ball up in the air. Average male swing speeds of 80-90 mph can begin to add a few more irons (5-6), but you still want to use hybrids and lofted woods instead of long irons. Woods are always easier to hit for beginners. Their larger heads and flat soles compared to irons create more confidence. Slightly shortened versions of 3, 5, and 7 woods (-.5") are highly recommended for all beginners regardless of swing speed. The driver should have a 440-460 cc titanium head. The new large headed drivers are easier to hit, no second thoughts about it. Make sure you have extra loft to increase accuracy and distance. If you find you still have problems hitting it accurately, try choking up an inch or so. For a putter, you want one of the new large headed mallet putters. These new putters have greater MOI (they don't twist on mishits) and their alignment aids make short putts much easier. Your set configuration should be: Woods (1, 5, 7), Hybrids (4, 5), Irons (Super Game Improvement) (6-SW), Putter (Mallet)
I am new - what should I buy?
I know for sure all golfer got to go thru' this problem when for they decided to buy their own golf set. What to buy? The golf set is not that cheap and cheap set will not last that long (not many months) because you tend to upgrade it once you have improved your game. So what is the best deal for me then???
My advice is you get a moderate price iron set, don't go for a very expensive set but surely, not the one that you pay about RM1,000-RM1,200 for the whole set (irons, driver and putter + bag). The later will only satisfy you for next 6 months, okay.
So how?
Iron Set
Get an iron set that is forgiving (high handicap iron) and look for the one in the ranges of RM2,000, just be moderate not necessary go for expensive brand yet.
If you can get a 2nd hand set that will be good - the price range should be below RM1,000.
Get your iron set first. Practise our golf swings at driving range. Better if you enrol with the golf pro to show you the correct golf swings (RM500 - 700 for 5 to 8 lessons). Give yourself about 3 - 5 months at driving range before indulge to golf course proper.
Putter
Between that period, read on Golf related matters thru' Internet, watch golf channel at Astro, Golf Magazine etc... read on golf putter.
Better get the right putter for the very first time. It is not cheap and better do it right. I think it is a good investment to buy expensive one. Putter is very personal you need to get the feel using it, so choose the right one is very pertinent. The top putter brand name that I like are Odessy and Titleliest. You can fork about RM500+ for one putter.
Driver and Wood
The driver would be the last piece that you add to your golf bag. So no hurry to get one. Good lag time is about 6 - 8 months of gaining some experience before you make your move to get your golf driver.
I would like to say that Wood is one on the most important piece. Traditionally, it was wood 3, 5 and 7 were mostly found in the golf bag of the old timers. As for me, Wood is very important integral composition of golf clubs and I would recommend that you go for Wood 4 (17 degree loft) - easy to launch than wood 3.
I hope that I will be able to post articles on golf related matters so that have we can have informed knowledge before we make our purchase. Last advise, don't waste your money unnecessarily. Any saving can be use at golf course!
My advice is you get a moderate price iron set, don't go for a very expensive set but surely, not the one that you pay about RM1,000-RM1,200 for the whole set (irons, driver and putter + bag). The later will only satisfy you for next 6 months, okay.
So how?
Iron Set
Get an iron set that is forgiving (high handicap iron) and look for the one in the ranges of RM2,000, just be moderate not necessary go for expensive brand yet.
If you can get a 2nd hand set that will be good - the price range should be below RM1,000.
Get your iron set first. Practise our golf swings at driving range. Better if you enrol with the golf pro to show you the correct golf swings (RM500 - 700 for 5 to 8 lessons). Give yourself about 3 - 5 months at driving range before indulge to golf course proper.
Putter
Between that period, read on Golf related matters thru' Internet, watch golf channel at Astro, Golf Magazine etc... read on golf putter.
Better get the right putter for the very first time. It is not cheap and better do it right. I think it is a good investment to buy expensive one. Putter is very personal you need to get the feel using it, so choose the right one is very pertinent. The top putter brand name that I like are Odessy and Titleliest. You can fork about RM500+ for one putter.
Driver and Wood
The driver would be the last piece that you add to your golf bag. So no hurry to get one. Good lag time is about 6 - 8 months of gaining some experience before you make your move to get your golf driver.
I would like to say that Wood is one on the most important piece. Traditionally, it was wood 3, 5 and 7 were mostly found in the golf bag of the old timers. As for me, Wood is very important integral composition of golf clubs and I would recommend that you go for Wood 4 (17 degree loft) - easy to launch than wood 3.
I hope that I will be able to post articles on golf related matters so that have we can have informed knowledge before we make our purchase. Last advise, don't waste your money unnecessarily. Any saving can be use at golf course!
Breaking your 110 score for 5 games direct
We always see on TV how those professional played their games. They made it looks real easy.
My first 3 months on driving range and the next 3 months on the golf course with score above 120, that was year 2007.
Year 2008, the game slightly improve scoring between 110 - 120. To shave just 10 points seems to be quite challenging.
I am determining to break 110 score as my target by mid 2008 and shave another 10 points by end of 2008. I hope this is achievable and that's my aim for now
My first 3 months on driving range and the next 3 months on the golf course with score above 120, that was year 2007.
Year 2008, the game slightly improve scoring between 110 - 120. To shave just 10 points seems to be quite challenging.
I am determining to break 110 score as my target by mid 2008 and shave another 10 points by end of 2008. I hope this is achievable and that's my aim for now
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