By Jim Woolley
If you have ever played golf you will know that one of the hardest areas of the game to master is the swing, The whole sequence of the golf swing is of vital importance because if you can deliver a consistent swing with every shot then you are well on your way to becoming a decent golfer. So what are the basic components of a solid golf swing sequence?
Well the first part is the set-up. Before you start your swing you need to set yourself up correctly. This means placing your feet about shoulder width apart and parallel to your target at a 90 degree angle. Also your left foot should be pointing at the golf ball, although this last point is often determined by personal preference. Then you need to place the golf club directly behind the ball and point the middle of the head of the club directly at your target.
You are now ready for the next component of the golf swing sequence, the backswing. This should be as smooth as possible. Your arms should be in full extension to start with and then you should rotate your body slightly and bring the golf club smoothly above shoulder height until the club is in full extension.
Then you are ready for the next part of the swing which is the downswing. This needs to be just as smooth as the backswing to ensure that you hit the ball as straight as possible and close to your intended target. This is quite hard to do because it involves shifting your body weight from back to front and while you are doing this there is a lot of movement in your legs and hips. This requires careful control but it becomes a lot easier with practice.
Then the final stage is the actual striking of the ball and the all-important follow-through. You should obviously try and hit the ball in the centre and as you do so you should be transferring your weight to your front foot heel and the inside of your back foot. The follow-through should then be completed as fully and as naturally as possible so the club head finishes over your shoulder in extension.
Obviously a good golf swing requires hours of practice and usually a lot of technical corrections along the way, but hopefully I've given you a basic outline of the overall sequence of a golf swing.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
The Golf Putting Stroke - 9 Points to Remember
ByLawrence Bredenkamp
Putting is a game within a game and is this article I will cover nine points to bear in mind for the complete putting stroke. I refer occasionally to the "target" and "non-target" sides which simply mean the side of the body closest to or furthest from the target. For a right handed golfer the "target" side would be the left side of your body.
As there are so many different styles of putting and different types of putter the following 9 points apply to the conventional putting stroke. You may need to adapt slightly if you use a broom or belly putter.
At first glance that may seem like a lot to take in but practice each point until it becomes second nature. If you practice and achieve a consistent golf putting stroke you will soon gain confidence on the greens and start sinking a lot more putts.
A good golf putting stroke will convert to better golf scores.
Putting is a game within a game and is this article I will cover nine points to bear in mind for the complete putting stroke. I refer occasionally to the "target" and "non-target" sides which simply mean the side of the body closest to or furthest from the target. For a right handed golfer the "target" side would be the left side of your body.
As there are so many different styles of putting and different types of putter the following 9 points apply to the conventional putting stroke. You may need to adapt slightly if you use a broom or belly putter.
- Keep Your Head Absolutely Still. Some advocate keeping it still until you hear the ball drop. This is a good idea if you sink the putt but where the ball goes past the hole you should watch it closely as this will tell you your line on the return putt. To keep your head down concentrate on a small mark or grass pigment under the ball.
- Use The Large Muscles. In a consistent and smooth putting stroke the larger muscles in the shoulders and arms are used rather than the smaller muscles in the hands and wrists. They are much more reliable for a grooved stroke.
- Move Only Your Shoulders. Be conscious of moving only the shoulders. The target shoulder is 'dropped' to take the club away and the non-target shoulder is 'dropped' to seeing it through.
- Form A Framework. The shoulders and arms effectively form a framework, which does not change shape throughout the swing. There is also no movement in the legs, hips or wrist.
- Low, Slow and Accelerate. Take the putter back from the address position low, slow and smoothly. The forward stroke should be deliberate, controlled and accelerating. Make your follow through about twice as long as your back swing. Brush the ball towards the hole.
- Keep a Straight Back and Through Action. Learn to repeat a straight back and through action by keeping the putter blade square to the line for both the backswing and the follow-through. Practice this on short putts - say to 3 or 4 feet. On longer putts there will inevitably be a slight inside movement of the putter face on the backswing, the grooving and continual practice of bringing the putter through square will create the same grooved stroke through the all important striking area for the longer putts as well.
- Roll The Ball Towards The Hole. Roll the ball don't hit it. Putting is all about picking the correct line and then stroking the ball on that line at the correct pace. Let the hole get in the way of the ball.
- Develop Your Basic Stroke Around One Distance. Practice your basic stroke around one distance - 8 to 10 feet is ideal - before moving on to practice putts of different distances.
- Develop A Pre Shot Routine. Stick to the same pre shot routine on every putt. This prepares you both mentally and physically for judging distance and direction. First examine the line of the putt from behind the ball, choosing a mark on the putting surface about 6 - 8 inches in front of the ball on the line you have chosen. Having taken your stance to address the ball, concentrate on rolling the ball over the chosen mark. For very short putts, the hole itself will be visible out of the corner of your target eye, and will be the target when you are concentrating on keeping your head still until the stroke has been completed.
At first glance that may seem like a lot to take in but practice each point until it becomes second nature. If you practice and achieve a consistent golf putting stroke you will soon gain confidence on the greens and start sinking a lot more putts.
A good golf putting stroke will convert to better golf scores.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Some Practical Putting Tips
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.
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.
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.
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