Why Start Golf?

Starting to play golf is no small undertaking both in terms of learning the game and buying the equipment. Learning to play golf can be difficult for the beginner. The learning process requires a high learning curve. Many beginner golfers struggle to even connect with the golf ball their first time out on the course. The lingo alone, such as "slicing," "divots," "bogies" and "birdies" can make it frustrating to focus on mechanical basics. In addition, many who have witnessed golf tournaments may assume golf is a team sport; not true. When you play golf, you're alone out on the fairway, just you and the golf clubs. If you chip your ball into the woods, it is only you that can deal with that golf hazard. What's more upsetting is that one wrong swing of the golf club usually leads to another and another... and yes, another bad swing. And then of course there's the investment of the golf equipment. 

The beginner golfers who start their game with a trip to the golf store can find themselves spending thousands of dollars before they reach the tee box. This is because a fully-fitted golfer needs a driver, golf irons, wedges, one putter, cleated shoes, a golf bag... and the list goes on. Mind you, this is all before you buy the country club logo'd hat so that you can brag about what golf greens you've played (oops, that's right, you haven't played your first golf game yet. Nevermind that.). But when the day comes to play your first round, don't forget to budget in the green fees and slot out four hours from your day (well, probably six for a beginner). And of course, if your golf buddies are smart, they'll introduce you to the rule that "the loser buys a round of drinks at the 19 Hole" (another expense you'll incur).

If you're NOT convinced by this point that golf is NOT the game for you, well then, welcome to the golfing community because all stubborn people make great golfers. Said another way, determination for the beginner golfer is a must. While it is true your learning curve must be high... for professional golfers, that is (did I forget to clarify that?), to become a great social golfer, all you need is patience and a good grasp of how the golf swing works. And while patience is a virtue, understanding the golf swing can be found in an instructional golf book. And speaking of buying a golf book, this is really the only new item a beginner golfer should buy. Buying new golf equipment at a retail store is not smart thinking. The Internet is a gateway to finding gently used golf clubs. Before spending big money, the beginner golfer needs to learn about their golf game: flex, loft, hybrid versus fairway wood are only a few of the variables. Making a minimum investment with pre-owned golf clubs is just plain smart. And when it comes time for that new Titleist, Callaway or Nike club, the resale value on your pre-owned clubs still remains.

Granted, it is hard for the beginner golfer to visualize four or more hours on the golf course. The first 18 holes will no doubt harken back to your first day off training wheels. Be aware that fatigue will set in around the second hole. The natural inclination will be to swing harder and cuss louder. You may be overcome with a sense of bafflement by the advice that a gentle grip is needed so as to let the club do the work. The best advice at this point is to let Mother Nature take over. Whether it is the clean air, the smell of grass, or being 500 yards away from a computer and desk, there is something about being in a natural setting that puts the mind at ease. Until of course you lose two of your TaylorMade Penta balls at five dollars a pop to a murky lake where the ducks refuse to swim... no, wait, stop. Let's come back to the clean air and flittering leaves falling to the ground. Golf is about composure; not throwing your 7 iron into the lake as well (warning: easier said than done).

Don't worry, Beginners. The sentiments in the previous paragraph are reserved for the veteran golfer. It is the case that once the beginner golfer starts to phase out of the novice stage, both in terms of making solid contact with the ball and the ability to translate the fairway lingo, a feeling of satisfaction will overcome you. When the day comes where you make your first par, triumphant pride will stream through your blood and a golf addiction will be born. Finding yourself in a bunker will no longer be viewed as trouble but instead an opportunity for rescue. For your birthday, you'll ask for a gps yardage device. Your yearly vacations will include a golf bag. You'll ask your children or spouse to learn the game. You will have created a hobby for yourself that will stay with you regardless of age, gender or health. Your golfing partners will come and go but the memories of birdies and bogies will remain.

To get started in golf you will need putters and drivers. Follow the links to purchase both. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benex_We_Thompson

5 Golf Swing Tips So You Can Easily Fine Tune Your Golf Game

When you play golf, one of the most important things you need to master is the correct golf swing. That is why you need to know some essential golf swing tips that will help you easily fine tune your golf game. 

These tips will work for beginners or someone that is a little more experienced. To help you master this skill, you just have to remember to use them, along with good golf swing instructions. 

Here are the most imperative tips that you need to understand and use to fine tune your golf game easily. 

One: Find the right golf swing instructions - When you are learning the correct swing, it is imperative that you have good instructions. You can find instructions in a good eBook, guide, videos or even better, you can take lessons to help you learn correctly. 

You will start seeing an improvement in your swing almost immediately, when you can learn from a source that you know offers good instructions. 

Two: Square clubface - This is important because it will ensure that you when you hit the ball correctly, it will go straight and will go for a long distance. In order to keep the clubface square, you have to be sure you keep a steady golf swing plane. 

You need to spend time practicing your swing by bringing the golf club right back and then on the same swing plane, follow through. This will take time to learn, but you can easily learn it correctly if you just practice and if you have good instruction. 



Three: Timing - You have to learn the correct timing in order to improve your golf swing. Be sure to keep a steady swing and don't make the mistake of bring the club back slowly and then speeding up. This will throw off your ball and cause it to go where you didn't want it to. 

Practice can also help you learn the proper timing for hitting the ball exactly where you were aiming for. 

Four: Golf fitness- One important thing to help improve your swing is to get in the habit of doing some simple golf exercises. This will help enhance the litheness and power of your game. 

Five: Golf grip - You don't want to get in the habit of having a rigid golf grip because this can very easily hamper your golf swing action. If your hands and arms are sore after a game of golf, then you will know that your grip is too tight. 

If you notice this, then you are using the wrong golf grip and need to improve on this. Again, good instruction will help you learn the best grip for a more effective game of golf.

These are the most important golf swing tips that you need to understand so you can easily fine tune your golf game. Being good at golf takes time, practice and dedication, but with these three things, anyone can easily improve on their game without difficulty.


Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/recreation_and_sports/article_4492.shtml

What Clubs Does Tiger Woods Use?

Like any other sports, golf requires that you are geared up correctly to be able to properly play the game. Tiger Woods uses the best clubs available for his specific style of play, most likely his choice will be a Nike Product.

Nike has proto types that they design just for Tiger Woods to use and what ever little tweaks Tiger gives these clubs is unknown to us mere mortals. This article will give you an idea of basic golf clubs Tiger uses so you can learn and play golf.

I know that Tiger Woods uses a Nike SQ DYMO 380 golf club to make the perfect drive. Tiger has also used a Nike SasQuatch Tour. Professional golfers usually have a bag or two of golf clubs to cater to their golf needs.

Golf drivers come in different varieties. I don't know if Tiger Woods has ever used a duel hinge driver or not but most players can see an improvement to their game by practicing on a duel hinge driver because these golf clubs empower the user to identify their flaws immediately, with the instant feedback of the dual hinge technology.

A bad swing produces one visible result (a broken hinge) and a good swing produces another (an unbroken hinge). Imagine a player lucky enough to practice only technically perfect swings within the first few months of taking up the game. What an incredible advantage over peers--he is fortunate enough to reinforce only good habits.

As for putters Tiger Woods has long favored the Scotty Cameron by Titleist Newport 2, an excellent putter. To be sure, all golfers live or die according to their ability to put, and Tiger is a master of the art. Choice of a putter is as much by personal preference of style, look and weight as it is by technology.

As you develop your game you will find an endless number of putters available for you to try and though you may begin or wind up with a Scotty Cameron by Titleist there is nothing saying you won't be more comfortable and successful with some other brand you run across in your golfing career.

As a golfer you will find use of a 3 wood club and Tiger favors the Nike SQ2 for a 5 wood try a Nike SQ2, Tiger Woods has used the Nike SQ2 for quite a few games. Irons such as Nike Forged Blades are among those favored by Mr.Woods. Nike Victory Red and Nike SV are Tiger approved wedges.

There is no time like the present when it comes to getting started in the sport of golfing and one could do worse than beginning with good clubs that are used by the leading golfers today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_McAvoy

Getting Your Golf Swing Fundamentals Right

When it comes to getting a better swing, we humans really like to complicate matters. As we like to fin out the reason why we are not getting a better shot, we do not really have to overcomplicate it by over analyzing every shot. Your golf swing is no doubt the most important aspect in this game, and thus over analyzing will easily leaves us even further away from what we really want in terms of perfect swing.

If that is the case for you, I do recommend you to take a break from what is happening and start focusing on your golf swing fundamentals. Understand that having a strong foundation in terms of basic golf swing can further improve the way you play, and make sure that you review it and find out why you are not improving.

Below are some golf swing basic techniques that you will want to get it right:

Start by reviewing the way you swing your golf clubs. This can not be stressed enough; too many beginner golfers are actually solely relying on their arms rather than their shoulders! When that happens, your swing would not be going up in an natural half circle; instead it will be pulled up from the ground which leads to the club angle being too straight.

What you want to do during your ball contact is to create a whip effect, which is what gives the ball the distance as well as the direction. When you do not use your shoulders, the club face will not hit the ball straight on, often resulting in a bad shot. This is due to the inability to control the way your club face angle when you swing. Therefore you have to get this golf swing fundamentals right, use your shoulder to guide the swing instead of your arms.

Another mistake that most beginners made during their swing is to try to hit the ball with all their might. This alone can have a disastrous effect because you lose control of your golf swing when you start compromising control for power. The golf club are specifically made to create the whip effect, which explains why different golf clubs have different loft and length.

When you use the right club for the right approach, you will get the prefect trajectory and power, as such understanding what each clubs are meant to do will benefit your overall game. Remember that you should not be trying too hard to squeeze the distance out; you are instead trying to create the perfect whip effect. As such, additional power will only lead you to lose control of your golf swing.


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The Most Reliable Golf Rangefinder - Get The One For Your Golf Game

Golf is a game where golfers should be correct in measuring the yardage of their target. It only comes with experience, confidence and practice. But even still the professional golfers cannot acquire the range right even following years of experience, particularly on demanding golf links with different degrees of gradient. You would like the finest laser range finder used for golf to obtain exact distances on the golf course. Golf gps systems and golf laser rangefinders have virtually totally done away with the guess-work for each stroke.

Thanks to the advanced technology in golf laser rangefinders on behalf of golf, not only can you acquire spot-on yardage to the hole merely by a push of a button. Some of the greatest laser golf rangefinders that have come onto the market place these days. They are been a godsend to every golf players globally. These accessories benefit from top of the range laser technology to determine yardage to any position on all golf course or practice range; even calculating in the elevations.

Many of the finest golf laser range finders are Bushnell Yardage Pro, Tour V2 and Pro 1600. Bushnell is without doubt one of the innovators when it comes to manufacturing a number of the top rangefinder for golf. Its range is owned by club golfers and professional golf players alike.

These days golfers get a multitude of options of gps for golf systems and golf laser range finders on the marketplace. It can become very challenging to pick the top golf laser rangefinder intended for golf that fits your choice and finances. But you can acquire a plenty of information from studying impartial golf distance finder reviews on the web. There are several objective web sites that rate various golf laser range finders from various makes and determine every system's individual traits.

Reviews will assist you to generate an objectional decision. It moreover helps to study owner criticism and advantages on different web sites and web pages as you will acquire sincere information via the genuine owner. In effect all of the top golf distance scope designed for golf are absolutely simple to operate. They display the range immediately devoid of the delay you will obtain from a gps golf rangefinder. They utilize superior laser and digital technology to determine out range to any position. Many rangefinders in addition present you exact yardage irrespective of the target being somewhat hidden by bushes or additional objects.

For you to determine which is the golf laser rangefinder you need, subsequently you should determine your golf skill. You need to determine whether you play golf with the intention of bringing down your handicap or you are an infrequent golfer that plays just for the fun of it. You have to evaluate the differences of every particular golf range finder and obtain the finest range finder that fits your skill level and of most definetly your budget.

You can generally obtain nearly all laser golf rangefinders via the internet. It is by far one of the best ways to purchase a gps range finder system or laser range finder. There are several great bargains on specialist golf web sites and they are usually much cheaper than a high street golf stores or a golf outlet store at the golf course.


Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/Art/354368/154/the-most-reliable-golf-rangefinder-get-the-one-for-your-golf-game.html

3 Golf Tips To Lower Golf Handicap And Improve Your Golf Game

If you are looking for means to lower your golf scores, then here are some valuable tips that are sure to help golfers of all ages and abilities to lower their golf handicaps.

(1) Practice…Slowly

Good form during a swing is very important in improving one's performance. However, too many people make the mistake of simply going for many repetitions instead of honing their form per swing.

If you do not force every practice swing to form perfection, simply doing repetitive exercise can actually be detrimental since you could be repeating a wrong form over and over again. This could burn the wrong form into your muscle memory and could seriously hinder your bid for better performance – and a lower handicap.

Practicing a golf swing in slow motion can be a great way to fine tune your swing and get the right form while you are at it. Your mind will connect better to the proper muscle movement and form.

You can start speeding up a little a time while you do this. Eventually, you can get yourself doing the right form over and over again. This is when repetitive exercise can help.

(2) Get a Grip

Good golf grip is important for any serious golfer. And the best way to develop your grip is by practicing it every time you can. Most golfers have golf clubs by their sofa – for easy access whenever they lounge by the television – so that they can practice their grip as often as possible.

With enough practice, holding a club properly will become second nature to you. So keep those clubs within constant range for a better golf grip.

(3) Get a Mirror

A mirror is a great way to monitor and evaluate how your swing is going. You could use a video recorder as well to get better angles of your swing – and they are great for keeping you focused on swinging instead of looking at the mirror. Choose whatever option is convenient for you.

Mirrors and videos can help you get immediate feedback on whether what you are doing is correct. You may also want to send this video to instructors who can then tell you what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong.

Conclusion

As with most things, only practice makes perfect. However, you can avoid wasting your time during practice by learning to practice smarter instead of just more. The tips mentioned above will help you get started on this road.

Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=68783&ca=Sports

Golf Muscles - Timing - Golf Mechanics: The Key To A Powerful Golf Swing

Golf swing power is truly sought after by many golfers short and tall. A powerful golf swing can be easily accomplished if you’re standing 6ft tall over the golf ball. Knowing the right mechanics of the golf swing, along with the right timing is essential. If you take two golfers of the same height, the exact same swing, same golf club and ball, the results in distance would probably be the same. If you take the same scenario and one golfer is approximately 6ft. tall, and the other approximately 5ft. tall, the advantage would be to the taller person. You’re probably saying, no kidding Sherlock. A taller person creates a longer and bigger swing span, which in turn generates more club head speed. Unleashing a huge drive can be monstrous if all golf mechanics and timing are in sync for a fairly tall person. So how does a shorter golfer stand to compete?

The answer would probably lie in the golf muscles of a shorter golfer. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go out and bench press 400 lbs everyday. By exercising your upper and lower golf muscles two or three times a week, you can make a world of difference. The golf muscles that need to be exercised would be the legs, thighs, and whole upper portion of the body. The upper portions of the body are the main coil of the golf swing, with the arms and wrist getting the most exercise. As these same muscles are used most to guide and control the weight of the golf club through the motion of the golf swing. The lower portion of the body is strengthened to reinforce the upper portion of the golf swing. There are many books and videos on the Internet that address these exercises.

Golfers that prefer to exercise outdoors and are not sure of the appropriate exercises to use should take the exercise out on the practice range hitting golf balls. By hitting golf balls at the practice range, you will be exercising the important golf muscles naturally, and greatly improve your golf swing at the same time. Have you heard of golf muscle memory? It is a part of the brain that remembers a movement. Putting it another way, have you felt a muscle say, stop right there? This same part of the brain will tell moving parts of your body how far you can take it, so you do not injure yourself. It also signals for the timing of certain muscles to kick in and take over, if your latter part of the brain were paying attention. It would also remember good habits and bad habits in the golf swing. One must be careful in their practice routine on avoiding the bad habits. Practicing regularly will exercise these certain muscles and train them for further swing improvement in proper moves and timing. Your golf muscles will take the golf mechanics and timing to a higher level of power by exercising them over and over again.

With regular exercise and practicing the golf mechanics and timing of the golf swing, both short and tall players can compete on the same level. To out distance your taller competitors, it would help to pack a few extra pounds of golf muscle behind your golf swing. The same would apply for the taller golfer to stay ahead of the crowd.

Published At: Isnare.com Free Articles Directory - http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=24686&ca=Sports

Putting An End To Your Golf Slice

One of the most dreaded outcomes from a golf swing is a golf slice, which can happen especially to beginners that lack consistency in their golf swing, not to mention that sometimes it will also struck professional golfers!



So exactly what can you do when a golf slice can even happen to the best players out there? It is simple as long as you understand how golf slice works.

Golf slice is usually used when you are trying to avoid a tree or obstacle in the course and it will fly from the left to the right, however a bad golf slice is one that is uncontrollable and often exaggerated, on the other hand if your ball is flying from the right to left then you are doing a golf hook. These slices and hooks does not happen unintentionally or by chance, it is a direct result of where your club is facing when the swing lands.

There are a few basic ways to tackle this annoying issue:

Obviously, the easiest way is to make sure when you land your swing, your club face angle is hitting the ball straight on. Easy as it sound, this is a difficult skill to master, hence the amount of golf swing tips out there. By just understanding this, you can now make a conscious effort to make sure that your club face lands the exact way you wanted it to be.

Another common problem that can cause your swing to be out of line is your golf grip. Your grip have everything to do with the way your club face, therefore you should really take note on how you grip your clubs. Gripping it too tightly can cause your club to face inward on your front swing, and thus causing you a hook, likewise, a loose grip will caused you a slice and sometimes a flying club!

Thus if you are guilty of performing golf slice more often than not, you should really take necessary steps to correct it before it becomes a habit for you! It can certainly sucks the fun out of this game if you can not hit the ball straight, thus you want to make sure that you got your golf swing fundamentals right. From your body alignment to the ball, distance, grip, stances and using your shoulders to perform the swing instead of your arms, you really have to get it right in order to hit the straightest ball down the fairway possible.

It can be difficult because the correct stance are some of the most unnatural physical movement your body need to adapt to, however do bear in mind that getting the best swing is simply a practice and through muscle memory. Make sure you take note of the above tips when you are out practicing your golf swing in your driving range the next time!


Source: http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/Art/369396/279/putting-an-end-to-your-golf-slice.html

Bags, Bags and More Bags - Which Golf Bag to Buy?

Golf bags are essential for carrying around all the things you need as you play golf. These would be your golf clubs, golf balls, tees, markers, towels and umbrellas.

Although they do not directly affect the result of your game, they could influence your attitude as you play, as golf bags offer you a lot of comfort and convenience as you go through the course.

Here are some types of golf bags.

1. Staff bags

Staff bags would be the largest kind of golf bags. A good staff bag would be made of leather or other durable and high quality materials and are usually a bit more expensive. They are able to contain all of your golf clubs, and still have a lot of pockets to hold other things and equipment that you wish to bring along as you go through the course.

Most professional golfers prefer to use the staff bag as they are able to hold the most equipment. They need not worry about lugging it around since they usually have their caddy to help them out with that.

2. Cart Bags

These bags are relatively smaller than staff bags but are bulkier and harder to carry around. Cart bags are designed to be transported in golf carts but have less pockets and less room for storage.

3. Carry Bags

These are the smallest of the golf bags, which are usually made from nylon, plastic or other light materials. They are constructed to contain the essentials like golf clubs, a couple of balls and small golf accessories. They are perfect for those golfers who prefer to carry their own bags.

When choosing the most suitable golf bag for you, you would need to consider the features that you need and your budget. It is not necessary to buy the most expensive bag available, as they do not directly affect the way you play, unlike your clubs, balls and golf shoes. You should carefully assess if the bag you are planning to buy has all the features that will suit your needs, while still being reasonably priced.

(ArticlesBase SC #278654)

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