Play Smart Golf... Learn To Save Stokes
Playing Smart Saves Strokes
Even players who thrive on crushing the ball know that hitting it long isn’t always the best strategy. Sometimes, they need to hang back and save that muscle for another time. We call it playing smart. Jack Nicklaus was a great example of a player who plays smart. He knew when to take what the situation gives him. That’s one reason why he was one of the world’s best golfers. For weekend golfers, playing smart can save strokes and keep your golf handicap from ballooning.
But playing smart isn’t always the first thing on your mind when in trouble. Many golfers try “miracle shots” to salvage the situation when in trouble. Often, it’s a shot they’ve never hit before. Save miracle shots for when you must try one. The rest of the time, play smart. It may not seem like the best strategy, but it can save you strokes later on. In my golf lessons I emphasize three situations when playing smart works well. Below I describe these situations and provide golf tips on how to play them.
Ball In High Grass
When we say high grass, we mean high grass—the no man’s land of rough. You know the kind—where you could be standing over the ball and not know it. The problem with this rough is that it’s much thicker than regular rough. It’s so thick it can catch your club and turn the hosel before the clubface is even close to the ball. Thus, it may take multiple shots to get out. It’s that thick.
The only remedy for this lie is to take your wedge and attack the ball with a hard descending blow. But first you need to adjust your set up using these golf tips: Use an open stance but close the clubface a bit. Next, take a firm grip, aim just behind the ball, and swing down hard. These adjustments make it easier for the clubface to cut through the grass. Make sure, you also swing through—because if your club gets stuck, the ball will, too.
Ball In Bunker
While a ball buried deep in the sand requires a shot like the one described above, a regular lie in the sand—one where the ball is sitting on top of the sand—needs just the opposite approach. The goal here is to “shave” the ball out, not shovel it. Here, you need to take a smooth controlled swing with an open stance and clubface. Aim to make contact two inches behind the ball. It will fly out softly with minimal sand, saving you strokes and landing the ball close to the pin.
Playing The Punch Shot
The punch shot is a third play smart situation. The object of the punch shot is to keep the ball low, straight, and precise. It makes for a great approach shot in the wind. But it also makes for a great shot to salvage par from the trees. Many players use a longer iron to make this shot, but a hybrid works just as well, as I’ve mentioned in my golf tips newsletter. Here’s how to make a punch shot work for you:
Play the ball just back of the middle of your stance, which takes some loft off your club and enables the ball to fly lower with backspin. Take a three-quarter swing, mostly with your arms, and keep your wrists firm and hands quiet on the downswing. Make a smooth controlled swing, with out decelerating or hurrying through the shot, and keep your follow through short and low. The punch shot is a great weapon to have when in trouble or when playing in a stiff wind.
These three common “play smart” situations are often discussed in golf instruction session and golf articles. There are more not so common play smart shots. Look for them and then store them in your mind so you’ll remember them. In these situations, forget the “miracle shot” you’ve never hit before unless you’ve no other choice. Playing smart helps keep a lid on scores and stops golf handicaps from ballooning.
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Golf Swing Tempo
Golf Swing Tempo... learn to add distance with increased swing speed
PurePoint Golf Instruction – Proper Golf Follow Through – Golf Swing Tempo
How many times have you stood in the middle of the fifth fairway at your local golf course and you always hit 9 iron from that little bush?
Or you always hit 7 wood from that little tiny tree on the side of the fairway, but today there’s just a little breeze in your face, or maybe the pin is in the back of the green? And you really don’t want to hit 8 iron and you really don’t want to hit 5 wood, but you’d like to hit the club you’re trying to hit a little bit further?
I want to give you a little tip, or a little pearl on how to hit it further by increasing your golf swing tempo, but I don’t want you to get hung up on the fact that it’s just for the driver. This can be for any club.
The next time you’re out, try this. Take a couple of practice swings. Warm up before you hit the ball, and then raise the club up in the air like you would a baseball bat.
If you can swing it in the air and increase your golf swing tempo, that’s 20% harder than I usually swing a golf club. Then put it down on the ground and do the same thing twice. Step up to the ball and give it a whack.
Now, if the truth were known and we went out and measured that 9 iron, I guarantee you that 9 iron went 10% further than my average 9 iron.
So, here it is. Make sure that just before you get ready to hit that you raise it in the air and increase your golf swing tempo a little bit faster than you normally would. Then put it on the ground and give it some swish. And then put it up to the ball and give it a whack.
Don’t forget, the further you hit it the more offline you might be.
So, if you’re looking to hit it a little bit further, try that practice session.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
PurePoint Golf Instruction – Proper Golf Follow Through – Golf Swing Tempo
How many times have you stood in the middle of the fifth fairway at your local golf course and you always hit 9 iron from that little bush?
Or you always hit 7 wood from that little tiny tree on the side of the fairway, but today there’s just a little breeze in your face, or maybe the pin is in the back of the green? And you really don’t want to hit 8 iron and you really don’t want to hit 5 wood, but you’d like to hit the club you’re trying to hit a little bit further?
I want to give you a little tip, or a little pearl on how to hit it further by increasing your golf swing tempo, but I don’t want you to get hung up on the fact that it’s just for the driver. This can be for any club.
The next time you’re out, try this. Take a couple of practice swings. Warm up before you hit the ball, and then raise the club up in the air like you would a baseball bat.
If you can swing it in the air and increase your golf swing tempo, that’s 20% harder than I usually swing a golf club. Then put it down on the ground and do the same thing twice. Step up to the ball and give it a whack.
Now, if the truth were known and we went out and measured that 9 iron, I guarantee you that 9 iron went 10% further than my average 9 iron.
So, here it is. Make sure that just before you get ready to hit that you raise it in the air and increase your golf swing tempo a little bit faster than you normally would. Then put it on the ground and give it some swish. And then put it up to the ball and give it a whack.
Don’t forget, the further you hit it the more offline you might be.
So, if you’re looking to hit it a little bit further, try that practice session.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
How To Hit Fairway Woods
How To Hit Fairway Woods... reap the benefits of mastering the three wood
Mastering The Three Wood
By: Jack Moorehouse... How To Break 80
The shorter your approach shot to the green, the better your chances of hitting it in regulation (GIR) and making par. The number of greens hit in regulation is a telling statistic – as I’ve explained in my golf tips newsletter. Why...because players who hit a lot of greens in regulation tend to have lower golf handicaps. Those who don’t tend to have higher golf handicaps.
The 3-wood is a great club for aggressive players. It’s also a great club for senior players who may have lost some flexibility and power over the years, but can still play well. The 3-wood is the second longest club in your bag, so it can be hard to hit for some. Hitting a crisp 3-wood from a tight lie is especially challenging, as I tell students attending my golf instruction sessions, no matter how good you are.
Used In A Variety of Situations
You can use the 3-wood in man situations. Since it’s shorter than the driver, it’s easier to control, so you can use it off the tee on tight fairways. Using the 3-wood ton the tee may cost you some distance, but it increases your chances of hitting the fairway. In fact, some players who can’t hit a driver hit a 3-wood off the tee instead. Players also use the 3-wood to chip with when on the fringe, in a fairway bunker if the bunker’s lip is low, and on long par-3s when there’s a head wind.
But the 3-wood is used mostly off the deck on par 5s, when you need a good second shot. Another common use of the 3-wood is on long par 4s, where you need a long second shot to reach the green. Hitting a good 3-wood there can put you on the green in two, something neither a long iron nor a hybrid can do. If you can master the 3-wood off the deck, you can save a lot of strokes.
Sweep The Ball From The Fairway
Unlike irons, which require a downward blow, the 3-wood (and other fairway woods) need a sweeping motion that strikes the ball as the clubhead moves parallel to the ground. Below are five keys to hitting the 3-wood:
1. Keep your weight balanced
2. Position the ball opposite your front heel
3. Keep you head and body behind the ball
4. Pull the club through with your lead hand
5. Extend your arms on the follow-through
To hit the 3-wood off the deck, you must take a wide stance similar to that used for a driver. Position the ball opposite your front heel or in some cases, slightly back from this position, and your weight balanced comfortably on the balls of your feet.
Start your swing on a low path that almost skims the grass to replicate the shallow path you want to take on your downswing. Keep your back shoulder level and pull your right hand (left for left-handers) through with your other hand. Above all, stay behind the ball after impact. Brush through the ball and extend your arms toward the target on the follow-through – something a lot of players I find in my golf lessons must work on.
Not Designed For High Shots
The 3-wood is designed to hit a line drive type of shot. But you don’t need to feel that you have to help it get the ball in the air. The 3-woord has more than enough loft to drive the ball forward for distance. If you need to hit something with more loft, use the 5-wood. It provides less distance but more height than the 3-wood. In the right circumstances, the 5-wood can be just as effective as the 3-wood.
The 3-wood is a great club in the right hands. It’s not as versatile as a hybrid, but it’s more versatile than the driver. Don’t be afraid to hit it. Used wisely, it can set you up for short shots into the green on par 5s or serve as the club of choice off the tee. If you’re serious about improving your game, master the 3-wood. It will shave strokes from your scores and your golf handicap.
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Mastering The Three Wood
By: Jack Moorehouse... How To Break 80
The shorter your approach shot to the green, the better your chances of hitting it in regulation (GIR) and making par. The number of greens hit in regulation is a telling statistic – as I’ve explained in my golf tips newsletter. Why...because players who hit a lot of greens in regulation tend to have lower golf handicaps. Those who don’t tend to have higher golf handicaps.
The 3-wood is a great club for aggressive players. It’s also a great club for senior players who may have lost some flexibility and power over the years, but can still play well. The 3-wood is the second longest club in your bag, so it can be hard to hit for some. Hitting a crisp 3-wood from a tight lie is especially challenging, as I tell students attending my golf instruction sessions, no matter how good you are.
Used In A Variety of Situations
You can use the 3-wood in man situations. Since it’s shorter than the driver, it’s easier to control, so you can use it off the tee on tight fairways. Using the 3-wood ton the tee may cost you some distance, but it increases your chances of hitting the fairway. In fact, some players who can’t hit a driver hit a 3-wood off the tee instead. Players also use the 3-wood to chip with when on the fringe, in a fairway bunker if the bunker’s lip is low, and on long par-3s when there’s a head wind.
But the 3-wood is used mostly off the deck on par 5s, when you need a good second shot. Another common use of the 3-wood is on long par 4s, where you need a long second shot to reach the green. Hitting a good 3-wood there can put you on the green in two, something neither a long iron nor a hybrid can do. If you can master the 3-wood off the deck, you can save a lot of strokes.
Sweep The Ball From The Fairway
Unlike irons, which require a downward blow, the 3-wood (and other fairway woods) need a sweeping motion that strikes the ball as the clubhead moves parallel to the ground. Below are five keys to hitting the 3-wood:
1. Keep your weight balanced
2. Position the ball opposite your front heel
3. Keep you head and body behind the ball
4. Pull the club through with your lead hand
5. Extend your arms on the follow-through
To hit the 3-wood off the deck, you must take a wide stance similar to that used for a driver. Position the ball opposite your front heel or in some cases, slightly back from this position, and your weight balanced comfortably on the balls of your feet.
Start your swing on a low path that almost skims the grass to replicate the shallow path you want to take on your downswing. Keep your back shoulder level and pull your right hand (left for left-handers) through with your other hand. Above all, stay behind the ball after impact. Brush through the ball and extend your arms toward the target on the follow-through – something a lot of players I find in my golf lessons must work on.
Not Designed For High Shots
The 3-wood is designed to hit a line drive type of shot. But you don’t need to feel that you have to help it get the ball in the air. The 3-woord has more than enough loft to drive the ball forward for distance. If you need to hit something with more loft, use the 5-wood. It provides less distance but more height than the 3-wood. In the right circumstances, the 5-wood can be just as effective as the 3-wood.
The 3-wood is a great club in the right hands. It’s not as versatile as a hybrid, but it’s more versatile than the driver. Don’t be afraid to hit it. Used wisely, it can set you up for short shots into the green on par 5s or serve as the club of choice off the tee. If you’re serious about improving your game, master the 3-wood. It will shave strokes from your scores and your golf handicap.
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
How To Hit Good Wedge Shots
How To Hit Good Wedge Shots... tips to make more birdies
Dial In Your Short Irons Now
By Jack Moorehouse
When you’re within 20 yards of the goal in American football—the Red Zone—you must score. If you don’t, your team’s offense failed. When you’re within 40 yards of the green—8-iron, 9-iron, and wedge distance—the Scoring Zone—you also must “score.” Put another way, you must drop the shot as close to the hole as possible, leaving you an easy putt. If you don’t, you’ve cost yourself a birdie.
Obviously, the more birdies you make, the better your score and your golf handicap. But before hitting from this distance, you must answer six critical questions. Answering them improves your chances of dropping it close significantly. In this article we’ll discuss these six critical questions and provide golf tips on how to hit them better, improving your chances of collecting more birdies.
1. How Far Do You Hit Each Club?
Dialing in your short irons is mostly about distance control. In other words, you must know exactly how far you carry each club on the course, if you want to hit it close. Distance control is what teachers focus on in golf instruction sessions. If you don’t know how far you hit each short iron, go to the range. Practice making normal and hard swings. Get a feel for just how far you hit each club using each swing.
2. How Do You Hit Each Club?
Direction control is also vital when hitting short irons. So in addition to getting a feel for distance when practicing at the range, track your tendencies with each club. Do you draw or fade the shot? When you swing harder, do you pull or push the ball? Find the answers to these questions on the range first, so you’re not educating yourself on the course. Keep them in mind when playing a shot within the scoring zone.
3. What Kind Of Swing Do I Make?
Some weekend golfers shorten their swings when hitting short irons. Or, they ease up. This leads to bad shots. Take your normal swing and hit through the ball in the scoring zone. Hit them just like they teach in golf lessons. If you need more distance, don’t swing harder. Take an extra club. And don’t try to hit the ball really high. You may lose control of the shot. If you don’t hit these clubs well, take some golf lessons and practice at the range. Also consult golf tips on hitting them.
4. Where Do I Want To Hit This Shot?
Directional accuracy demands that you aim correctly. When you’re practicing with these clubs on the range, work on alignment, too. Begin every shot by standing behind the ball. Then follow your routine. In addition, picture an imaginary line from your long distance target to an immediate one a few feet in front of the ball to the ball. Align your club to the target line and the ball. Then, align your body parallel to the imaginary line.
5. What Are Your Conditions?
The best short iron players monitor their conditions—their sate of mind and their physical condition—on every hole. Your conditions really matter. If you’re angry or pumped up, you’ll hit the ball longer than you normal. If you’re tense or tight, you may hit it shorter. compensate for your condition. Also, track how you hit the ball under the various conditions.
6. What Are the Playing Conditions?
Like your personal conditions, playing conditions matter as well. What type of lie do you have on the course? How firm is the green? What is the wind doing? Is the green above or below you? The answers to these questions have a major bearing on the shot. Run through them before you hit any shot.
The last thing you must do before hitting a shot in the scoring zone is remind yourself to never short-side yourself. Never miss a shot to a spot that gives you no green to work with coming back. You want to be aggressive in the scoring zone, but be smart about it. Follow this cardinal rule and you’ll be glad you did.
Answer the questions listed above before hitting a short iron and you’ll make more birdies. Make more birdies and you’ll not only trim your scores, you’ll also cut your golf handicap by several strokes. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Dial In Your Short Irons Now
By Jack Moorehouse
When you’re within 20 yards of the goal in American football—the Red Zone—you must score. If you don’t, your team’s offense failed. When you’re within 40 yards of the green—8-iron, 9-iron, and wedge distance—the Scoring Zone—you also must “score.” Put another way, you must drop the shot as close to the hole as possible, leaving you an easy putt. If you don’t, you’ve cost yourself a birdie.
Obviously, the more birdies you make, the better your score and your golf handicap. But before hitting from this distance, you must answer six critical questions. Answering them improves your chances of dropping it close significantly. In this article we’ll discuss these six critical questions and provide golf tips on how to hit them better, improving your chances of collecting more birdies.
1. How Far Do You Hit Each Club?
Dialing in your short irons is mostly about distance control. In other words, you must know exactly how far you carry each club on the course, if you want to hit it close. Distance control is what teachers focus on in golf instruction sessions. If you don’t know how far you hit each short iron, go to the range. Practice making normal and hard swings. Get a feel for just how far you hit each club using each swing.
2. How Do You Hit Each Club?
Direction control is also vital when hitting short irons. So in addition to getting a feel for distance when practicing at the range, track your tendencies with each club. Do you draw or fade the shot? When you swing harder, do you pull or push the ball? Find the answers to these questions on the range first, so you’re not educating yourself on the course. Keep them in mind when playing a shot within the scoring zone.
3. What Kind Of Swing Do I Make?
Some weekend golfers shorten their swings when hitting short irons. Or, they ease up. This leads to bad shots. Take your normal swing and hit through the ball in the scoring zone. Hit them just like they teach in golf lessons. If you need more distance, don’t swing harder. Take an extra club. And don’t try to hit the ball really high. You may lose control of the shot. If you don’t hit these clubs well, take some golf lessons and practice at the range. Also consult golf tips on hitting them.
4. Where Do I Want To Hit This Shot?
Directional accuracy demands that you aim correctly. When you’re practicing with these clubs on the range, work on alignment, too. Begin every shot by standing behind the ball. Then follow your routine. In addition, picture an imaginary line from your long distance target to an immediate one a few feet in front of the ball to the ball. Align your club to the target line and the ball. Then, align your body parallel to the imaginary line.
5. What Are Your Conditions?
The best short iron players monitor their conditions—their sate of mind and their physical condition—on every hole. Your conditions really matter. If you’re angry or pumped up, you’ll hit the ball longer than you normal. If you’re tense or tight, you may hit it shorter. compensate for your condition. Also, track how you hit the ball under the various conditions.
6. What Are the Playing Conditions?
Like your personal conditions, playing conditions matter as well. What type of lie do you have on the course? How firm is the green? What is the wind doing? Is the green above or below you? The answers to these questions have a major bearing on the shot. Run through them before you hit any shot.
The last thing you must do before hitting a shot in the scoring zone is remind yourself to never short-side yourself. Never miss a shot to a spot that gives you no green to work with coming back. You want to be aggressive in the scoring zone, but be smart about it. Follow this cardinal rule and you’ll be glad you did.
Answer the questions listed above before hitting a short iron and you’ll make more birdies. Make more birdies and you’ll not only trim your scores, you’ll also cut your golf handicap by several strokes. Isn’t that what it’s all about?
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Mental Side Of Golf
Mental Side Of Golf... Stay In The Present And Lower Your Scores
A frequently heard commentators comment is that of a player needing "only to stay in the present", possibly an obvious observation, but, certainly one of the most difficult states to achieve. The brain is such a fast operating super-computer that unconscious thoughts seem to fly unbidden from the right side of the brain to the left with alarming speed and clarity. Among the most useful tools that the sports psychologist or mind coach can give to a player are those that help clear the mind and allow them to stay in the present.
One of the most effective methods is that of "squeezing the sponge". Squeezing the sponge is the title of a breathing exercise whereby the art of concentrated breathing will calm and relax a player. People generally believe deep breathing to have its emphasis on inhaling, squeezing the sponge is in fact the exact opposite, by fully breathing out, exhaling, to the point where the stomach can be felt moving backwards towards the spine eventually a point will be reached where a reflex action takes place and the body is filled with clean fresh oxygen as the player is forced to inhale, in scientific terms, an involuntary action. As a player breathes out they are also expelling any bad feelings, while the new breath provides new energy and centers the mind and body. By concentrating on breathing in this way a player has been forced to stay in the present.
The sensation caused in the abdomen during the full exhale in the breathing exercise is also the area of the body concerned with the concept of centering. Centering is a method used widely in the field of martial arts and is an excellent tool for helping players stay in the present. In his book "Chen-Hsin - The Principles of Effortless Power" Peter Ralston states.
"There are aspects of this field of study that are sometimes emphasized or made pivotal to the rest. Centering is one of those. Indeed, it would be possible to devise an ENTIRE art founded totally and solely upon this one point. Many warrior trainings, esoteric practices and metaphysical techniques revolve around this one principle of centering.
In my life, I have spent much time concentrating on that spot and have practiced a great deal moving from there. It is my experience that this produces TREMENDOUS results.
The center region is concentrated in a place within the abdomen. You should feel this place to be large enough to be powerful and yet not so large that you cannot maintain a feeling of its density.
Performing and functional activity while concentrating on that spot will automatically increase the POWER, SKILL and EFFECTIVENESS of that activity."
It is important that players practice the art of centering to the point where they can automatically find their center in the pressure situation of tournaments. To help this and reinforce the benefits of these tools try hitting a dozen balls on the range thinking of nothing but technique, to in effect be hitting balls with your head, but still with a specific target. Then hit a second dozen having first squeezed the sponge and then following the centering technique as they cross the play line, feel how different the experiences are. This exercise has a tremendous added benefit in that when a player is fully and correctly centered they will also be perfectly balanced
Another tried and tested method to help players stay in the present is that of "clear keys", clear keys are tools that can be used to distract the conscious mind and allow the subconscious to perform unhindered. An exercise to show how this works is to stand about 12-15 feet away from a partner, he holding one golf ball, you holding two. Initially using only one ball each start tossing the balls to each other simultaneously and continuously but the only thing either of you concentrate on is saying the word 'now' when you perceive that the ball approaching you has reached the apex of its flight. You will find that you are both effortlessly throwing and catching the balls in the manner of seasoned circus act. After a short period, introduce the third ball into the exercise, you will find that you continue to "juggle" the balls without difficulty. The word "now" is your clear key and you have quieted the conscious mind.
Clear keys whilst playing usually take the form of some sort of mantra, back-hit, being one of the most common, humming is another often used key but any distraction can produce the desired result.
Nick Madgett is a Sports Psychologist and qualified Mind Factor Coach, the Mind Factor system is used by some of the worlds greatest players such as Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, David Howell and Graeme McDowell. Nick is also the main contributor to http://www.golfpsychologyonline.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Madgett
A frequently heard commentators comment is that of a player needing "only to stay in the present", possibly an obvious observation, but, certainly one of the most difficult states to achieve. The brain is such a fast operating super-computer that unconscious thoughts seem to fly unbidden from the right side of the brain to the left with alarming speed and clarity. Among the most useful tools that the sports psychologist or mind coach can give to a player are those that help clear the mind and allow them to stay in the present.
One of the most effective methods is that of "squeezing the sponge". Squeezing the sponge is the title of a breathing exercise whereby the art of concentrated breathing will calm and relax a player. People generally believe deep breathing to have its emphasis on inhaling, squeezing the sponge is in fact the exact opposite, by fully breathing out, exhaling, to the point where the stomach can be felt moving backwards towards the spine eventually a point will be reached where a reflex action takes place and the body is filled with clean fresh oxygen as the player is forced to inhale, in scientific terms, an involuntary action. As a player breathes out they are also expelling any bad feelings, while the new breath provides new energy and centers the mind and body. By concentrating on breathing in this way a player has been forced to stay in the present.
The sensation caused in the abdomen during the full exhale in the breathing exercise is also the area of the body concerned with the concept of centering. Centering is a method used widely in the field of martial arts and is an excellent tool for helping players stay in the present. In his book "Chen-Hsin - The Principles of Effortless Power" Peter Ralston states.
"There are aspects of this field of study that are sometimes emphasized or made pivotal to the rest. Centering is one of those. Indeed, it would be possible to devise an ENTIRE art founded totally and solely upon this one point. Many warrior trainings, esoteric practices and metaphysical techniques revolve around this one principle of centering.
In my life, I have spent much time concentrating on that spot and have practiced a great deal moving from there. It is my experience that this produces TREMENDOUS results.
The center region is concentrated in a place within the abdomen. You should feel this place to be large enough to be powerful and yet not so large that you cannot maintain a feeling of its density.
Performing and functional activity while concentrating on that spot will automatically increase the POWER, SKILL and EFFECTIVENESS of that activity."
It is important that players practice the art of centering to the point where they can automatically find their center in the pressure situation of tournaments. To help this and reinforce the benefits of these tools try hitting a dozen balls on the range thinking of nothing but technique, to in effect be hitting balls with your head, but still with a specific target. Then hit a second dozen having first squeezed the sponge and then following the centering technique as they cross the play line, feel how different the experiences are. This exercise has a tremendous added benefit in that when a player is fully and correctly centered they will also be perfectly balanced
Another tried and tested method to help players stay in the present is that of "clear keys", clear keys are tools that can be used to distract the conscious mind and allow the subconscious to perform unhindered. An exercise to show how this works is to stand about 12-15 feet away from a partner, he holding one golf ball, you holding two. Initially using only one ball each start tossing the balls to each other simultaneously and continuously but the only thing either of you concentrate on is saying the word 'now' when you perceive that the ball approaching you has reached the apex of its flight. You will find that you are both effortlessly throwing and catching the balls in the manner of seasoned circus act. After a short period, introduce the third ball into the exercise, you will find that you continue to "juggle" the balls without difficulty. The word "now" is your clear key and you have quieted the conscious mind.
Clear keys whilst playing usually take the form of some sort of mantra, back-hit, being one of the most common, humming is another often used key but any distraction can produce the desired result.
Nick Madgett is a Sports Psychologist and qualified Mind Factor Coach, the Mind Factor system is used by some of the worlds greatest players such as Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, David Howell and Graeme McDowell. Nick is also the main contributor to http://www.golfpsychologyonline.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Madgett
Golf Swing Exercises
Power Golf Swing Exercises Video With Dumbbells
Mike Pedersen, Perform Better Golf, shows us how we can use dumbbells at home to build a powerful golf swing.
Great golf training exercise... no gym necessary! Watch the video (2+ minutes)
Mike Pedersen, Perform Better Golf, shows us how we can use dumbbells at home to build a powerful golf swing.
Great golf training exercise... no gym necessary! Watch the video (2+ minutes)
Golf Tee Height
Here`a a quick lesson from PurePoint Golf on golf tee height.
Instruction – Tee Height – Improve Swing
Two minutes from now I’m going to have an answer for all of you on how high you should be teeing your tee shots so you can improve your swing. The new drivers that have come out in the last 5, 10 years have what is referred to as a deep face.
From the bottom to the top it’s about two or more inches. Most players associate all of that space with teeing the golf ball high. We even have three-inch tees now.
So, that isn’t true. You don’t need that. Some of you might, but most of you don’t.
So, here’s my rule of thumb for how high should you tee the driver: If the mistake you make is that you constantly top the golf ball, that isn’t always the answer. You could fix your posture and bend over a little bit and that would fix topping the golf ball.
If you always hit underneath the golf ball, this isn’t always the answer, where you tee it down so low. Maybe you simply need to get your chin up.
So, a great rule of thumb is that the golf ball should be slightly higher than the center of the club face.
If the golf ball sits much higher than the center of the face, the swing tip to improve your golf would have you hitting the golf ball on the upswing. If it was teed down close to the ground, and you tried to hit the golf ball on the upswing, you might wind up hitting a little grass behind it. Instead, you would have to hit this one on a little bit of the downswing, which is defeating the purpose of the driver. The driver’s swing is a sweeping swing. And you want to catch the golf ball at the bottom of the arc.
At worst, you want to catch it on the way up but not too much on the way up.
Experiment with your tee shots. Play a whole round of golf where you tee it a lot lower than normal, then the next round a little bit lower than normal. And then play the third round where you tee it real high.
I promise you that real high is not the answer. Try that the next time out.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Instruction – Tee Height – Improve Swing
Two minutes from now I’m going to have an answer for all of you on how high you should be teeing your tee shots so you can improve your swing. The new drivers that have come out in the last 5, 10 years have what is referred to as a deep face.
From the bottom to the top it’s about two or more inches. Most players associate all of that space with teeing the golf ball high. We even have three-inch tees now.
So, that isn’t true. You don’t need that. Some of you might, but most of you don’t.
So, here’s my rule of thumb for how high should you tee the driver: If the mistake you make is that you constantly top the golf ball, that isn’t always the answer. You could fix your posture and bend over a little bit and that would fix topping the golf ball.
If you always hit underneath the golf ball, this isn’t always the answer, where you tee it down so low. Maybe you simply need to get your chin up.
So, a great rule of thumb is that the golf ball should be slightly higher than the center of the club face.
If the golf ball sits much higher than the center of the face, the swing tip to improve your golf would have you hitting the golf ball on the upswing. If it was teed down close to the ground, and you tried to hit the golf ball on the upswing, you might wind up hitting a little grass behind it. Instead, you would have to hit this one on a little bit of the downswing, which is defeating the purpose of the driver. The driver’s swing is a sweeping swing. And you want to catch the golf ball at the bottom of the arc.
At worst, you want to catch it on the way up but not too much on the way up.
Experiment with your tee shots. Play a whole round of golf where you tee it a lot lower than normal, then the next round a little bit lower than normal. And then play the third round where you tee it real high.
I promise you that real high is not the answer. Try that the next time out.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Timing In Golf Swing
Here`s a quick golf tip on the timing in golf swing from Bobby Eldridge, head pro at Purepoint Golf.
PurePoint Golf – Timing – Golf Instruction Lesson
I want to review something with you that I consider to be one of the, I don’t know, I think it’s one of the most misunderstood verbiage’s or terminology’s in all of golf.
It’s called timing. And it’s used a lot on television and in all the magazines, but they don’t explain to you what timing is and what it means.
So, let me give you a little golf instruction lesson, and then, that way you’ll start to understand the value of the word timing. Okay, here it goes.
Whenever you watch a good player hit a golf ball and or when you hit a good shot, this is what timing means. It was your ability to swing the arms down as your left hip moved out of the way, and gets out of the way for you.
Now, there are a couple of mistakes you can make. First of all, some people swing the arms down, and this never moves and you stay still. If you do that, you would be one that would come down and the club face closes quickly at the bottom of the hit.
If your timing is off because you didn’t move the bottom out of the way, the arms will cross over real quick.
On the other hand, most of the golfing public, when they swing down, their body moves out of the way and leaves the club behind them and open.
So, a little golf instruction lesson, if your timing is off and your body’s too quick, you’ll go to the right. If your timing’s off and your body’s a little too slow, you might hook it.
If your timing is on, all that’s saying is that you have the combination of the body, the bottom part of the body moving out of the way, as the arms swing down.
Again, the body moves, arms swing down. It’s just a combination of getting the arms and the hands to match up with the bottom part of the golf swing.
Thanks, and have a great day. I hope that golf instruction lesson helped.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
PurePoint Golf – Timing – Golf Instruction Lesson
I want to review something with you that I consider to be one of the, I don’t know, I think it’s one of the most misunderstood verbiage’s or terminology’s in all of golf.
It’s called timing. And it’s used a lot on television and in all the magazines, but they don’t explain to you what timing is and what it means.
So, let me give you a little golf instruction lesson, and then, that way you’ll start to understand the value of the word timing. Okay, here it goes.
Whenever you watch a good player hit a golf ball and or when you hit a good shot, this is what timing means. It was your ability to swing the arms down as your left hip moved out of the way, and gets out of the way for you.
Now, there are a couple of mistakes you can make. First of all, some people swing the arms down, and this never moves and you stay still. If you do that, you would be one that would come down and the club face closes quickly at the bottom of the hit.
If your timing is off because you didn’t move the bottom out of the way, the arms will cross over real quick.
On the other hand, most of the golfing public, when they swing down, their body moves out of the way and leaves the club behind them and open.
So, a little golf instruction lesson, if your timing is off and your body’s too quick, you’ll go to the right. If your timing’s off and your body’s a little too slow, you might hook it.
If your timing is on, all that’s saying is that you have the combination of the body, the bottom part of the body moving out of the way, as the arms swing down.
Again, the body moves, arms swing down. It’s just a combination of getting the arms and the hands to match up with the bottom part of the golf swing.
Thanks, and have a great day. I hope that golf instruction lesson helped.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Here`s a video explanation of "timing" from Bobby...
Golf Driver Swing Basics
Bobby Eldridge, Purepoint Golf, reviews some golf driver swing basics... ball position and golf swing.
PurePoint Golf Instruction – Driver Ball Position – Driver Golf Swing
I often see a number of amateurs prepare for their driver golf swing by walking up, after they have teed the ball up, they just take a step back and they address it. They grip the golf club and they address it, and they sort of just plot their feet down wherever they land, but let me tell you the proper way.
This way you’ll be able to get the ball in the correct position more often than not. After you have the golf ball and you’ve gripped it and you have addressed it, then you’ll just look down, take a peek down, and if this golf ball is running towards the left heel, then this is correct.
If you look down and you see the golf ball is a little too far forward off your left, that’s too far forward and you’ll probably see that the shoulders are aimed too far to the left.
On the other hand, if you look back down and you think the ball is too far back in your stance when you put this shaft along you, you’ll be aiming way off to the right.
So, after you’ve addressed the golf ball, all you have to do to get ready for your driver golf swing is bring the shaft up and lay it along your shoulder line, and it should be going in the direction you want to go with it.
If you get it too far back in your stance at address, you’ll wind up aiming your shoulders too far off to the right.
And if you get it off the left heel, this should be proper for most people.
Give that a try the next time out.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Here`s Bobby with a visual explanation...
PurePoint Golf Instruction – Driver Ball Position – Driver Golf Swing
I often see a number of amateurs prepare for their driver golf swing by walking up, after they have teed the ball up, they just take a step back and they address it. They grip the golf club and they address it, and they sort of just plot their feet down wherever they land, but let me tell you the proper way.
This way you’ll be able to get the ball in the correct position more often than not. After you have the golf ball and you’ve gripped it and you have addressed it, then you’ll just look down, take a peek down, and if this golf ball is running towards the left heel, then this is correct.
If you look down and you see the golf ball is a little too far forward off your left, that’s too far forward and you’ll probably see that the shoulders are aimed too far to the left.
On the other hand, if you look back down and you think the ball is too far back in your stance when you put this shaft along you, you’ll be aiming way off to the right.
So, after you’ve addressed the golf ball, all you have to do to get ready for your driver golf swing is bring the shaft up and lay it along your shoulder line, and it should be going in the direction you want to go with it.
If you get it too far back in your stance at address, you’ll wind up aiming your shoulders too far off to the right.
And if you get it off the left heel, this should be proper for most people.
Give that a try the next time out.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Here`s Bobby with a visual explanation...
Modern Golf Swing Technique
How To Stay in the Shot – Modern Golf Swing Technique
Here`s help from Bobby Eldridge on staying in the shot:
There is a term that commentators on television will often say. He came, or she came, up and out of the shot. When you hear that, it usually means that the ball has gone to the right.
So, let me tell you an example of what ‘up and out of the shot’ means, and then I’ll give you a golf technique that you can use for your own golf game.
In the downswing, both knees stay bent during the bottom of the hit. And as the golf club passes you, the arms have to get out in front of you before you can turn through.
Now, here’s an example of a player that comes up and out of the shot. As they start down, they get out in front and their body unwinds. And they get tall in the hitting area and the spine comes up and you’ll see a push to the right.
So, here’s the golf technique. If you push to the right and you think there’s a chance that you may be coming up and out of your shot, you’ll hit it weak to the right.
A great little practice is for you to keep a little more weight on your right side and let the arms pass you before you turn through.
Thanks, and have a great day.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Bobby explains how to stay in the shot in this video...
Here`s help from Bobby Eldridge on staying in the shot:
There is a term that commentators on television will often say. He came, or she came, up and out of the shot. When you hear that, it usually means that the ball has gone to the right.
So, let me tell you an example of what ‘up and out of the shot’ means, and then I’ll give you a golf technique that you can use for your own golf game.
In the downswing, both knees stay bent during the bottom of the hit. And as the golf club passes you, the arms have to get out in front of you before you can turn through.
Now, here’s an example of a player that comes up and out of the shot. As they start down, they get out in front and their body unwinds. And they get tall in the hitting area and the spine comes up and you’ll see a push to the right.
So, here’s the golf technique. If you push to the right and you think there’s a chance that you may be coming up and out of your shot, you’ll hit it weak to the right.
A great little practice is for you to keep a little more weight on your right side and let the arms pass you before you turn through.
Thanks, and have a great day.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Bobby explains how to stay in the shot in this video...
Correct Golf Stance And Golf Grip Tip
Bobby Eldridge, "The Simple Golf Swing", talks about the correct golf stance and golf grip tip.
PurePoint Golf Instruction – Stance and Ball Flight – Golf Grip Instruction
I’m going to talk with you about how to draw the golf ball, hook the golf ball, or fade or slice the golf ball on purpose.
That way, the next time you go play, if you have a dogleg right or a dogleg left, or the wind’s blowing from the left or wind’s blowing from the right, you’ll be able to curve the golf ball that will be beneficial towards you.
Let’s say I’m going to play a hole that has a big dogleg to the left, and I think that I can get it out and around the corner. I’m going to give you a couple of ideas on how to draw the golf ball.
After you go through your routine, make sure that you aim the golf ball further right than normal, than you’re used to.
The second thing is I’m going to give you some golf grip instruction. You should turn your grip a little bit to the right. This will encourage the face to curve over.
And lastly, make sure that you’re aiming with your shoulders, knees and hips to the right. And if you’d like to and you feel comfortable, you can put the right foot back a little bit.
This will encourage the golf club to swing a little bit more underneath you from the inside.
Now let me give you a little bit of information on how to make the golf ball fade.
After you’ve gone through your routine and you’ve aimed down the left side of the fairway, another golf trip instruction is to make sure that before you draw the golf club back that you turn your grip to the left a little bit. And this will delay the face from closing opposite of the draw, and the face will return more open than it will square or closed. And then swing away and that will help the golf ball fade.
Now let’s spend a minute correcting a hook. If you’ve been struggling, really hooking a lot of your tee shots, all you have to do is check your grip. The golf grip instruction is to make sure that it’s over to the left a little bit and that will encourage the face to stay open.
If you’ve been slicing the ball, make sure you turn your grip a little bit further to the right, and that will help the golf club close and bring the ball back to center instead of slicing so much.
Try that the next time out and see how it works.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
PurePoint Golf Instruction – Stance and Ball Flight – Golf Grip Instruction
I’m going to talk with you about how to draw the golf ball, hook the golf ball, or fade or slice the golf ball on purpose.
That way, the next time you go play, if you have a dogleg right or a dogleg left, or the wind’s blowing from the left or wind’s blowing from the right, you’ll be able to curve the golf ball that will be beneficial towards you.
Let’s say I’m going to play a hole that has a big dogleg to the left, and I think that I can get it out and around the corner. I’m going to give you a couple of ideas on how to draw the golf ball.
After you go through your routine, make sure that you aim the golf ball further right than normal, than you’re used to.
The second thing is I’m going to give you some golf grip instruction. You should turn your grip a little bit to the right. This will encourage the face to curve over.
And lastly, make sure that you’re aiming with your shoulders, knees and hips to the right. And if you’d like to and you feel comfortable, you can put the right foot back a little bit.
This will encourage the golf club to swing a little bit more underneath you from the inside.
Now let me give you a little bit of information on how to make the golf ball fade.
After you’ve gone through your routine and you’ve aimed down the left side of the fairway, another golf trip instruction is to make sure that before you draw the golf club back that you turn your grip to the left a little bit. And this will delay the face from closing opposite of the draw, and the face will return more open than it will square or closed. And then swing away and that will help the golf ball fade.
Now let’s spend a minute correcting a hook. If you’ve been struggling, really hooking a lot of your tee shots, all you have to do is check your grip. The golf grip instruction is to make sure that it’s over to the left a little bit and that will encourage the face to stay open.
If you’ve been slicing the ball, make sure you turn your grip a little bit further to the right, and that will help the golf club close and bring the ball back to center instead of slicing so much.
Try that the next time out and see how it works.
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Tips For Driving a Golf Ball
Tips For Driving a Golf Ball... learn to adjust to playing conditions and reduce your score.
Here are some good tips for driving a golf ball in tough conditions by Bobby Eldridge, head pro at PurePoint Golf.
Have you ever gone to play a round of golf and the first hole the wind is straight into you, the next two holes it’s blowing out of the right, the next two holes it’s from the left, then four holes in a row straight back into the wind, and then it gets worse?
The next three holes it’s blowing harder from the left. Then you get the shortest hole in the golf course downwind. And then, of course, you know the rest of the story, the next three holes, the longest holes in the golf course, dead into the teeth of it.
Well, those are tough driving days and you have to be prepared to react to it, because the wind isn’t going to stop just for you.
And when you’re playing well, I know you’re going to laugh, but it seems like every hole’s downwind. And when you’re playing difficult, it seems like every one of them is into a gale.
Remember this about tough driving days, this driver is not always the answer. How many times have you driven the golf ball 50 yards left of the fairway and only wished that you would have hit 6 iron off of the tee to get a better golf swing?
I’m not advocating that into the wind. However, the flatter the face on the golf club, the more the golf ball’s going to curve and the better your golf swing will be. And the windier it is, it exaggerates the curve if it’s going in the direction of the wind. So, this isn’t always the answer.
I have a 1 iron that I love, and I have driven with it many times on windy days, even into the wind, because it was important to find the golf ball in the fairway and not out of bounds.
So, don’t forget this is not the answer on rugged days. This is the answer when you’re driving the ball well.
When you’re not, it might be a 3 wood. Don’t give into the driver.
******************************************************
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Here are some good tips for driving a golf ball in tough conditions by Bobby Eldridge, head pro at PurePoint Golf.
Have you ever gone to play a round of golf and the first hole the wind is straight into you, the next two holes it’s blowing out of the right, the next two holes it’s from the left, then four holes in a row straight back into the wind, and then it gets worse?
The next three holes it’s blowing harder from the left. Then you get the shortest hole in the golf course downwind. And then, of course, you know the rest of the story, the next three holes, the longest holes in the golf course, dead into the teeth of it.
Well, those are tough driving days and you have to be prepared to react to it, because the wind isn’t going to stop just for you.
And when you’re playing well, I know you’re going to laugh, but it seems like every hole’s downwind. And when you’re playing difficult, it seems like every one of them is into a gale.
Remember this about tough driving days, this driver is not always the answer. How many times have you driven the golf ball 50 yards left of the fairway and only wished that you would have hit 6 iron off of the tee to get a better golf swing?
I’m not advocating that into the wind. However, the flatter the face on the golf club, the more the golf ball’s going to curve and the better your golf swing will be. And the windier it is, it exaggerates the curve if it’s going in the direction of the wind. So, this isn’t always the answer.
I have a 1 iron that I love, and I have driven with it many times on windy days, even into the wind, because it was important to find the golf ball in the fairway and not out of bounds.
So, don’t forget this is not the answer on rugged days. This is the answer when you’re driving the ball well.
When you’re not, it might be a 3 wood. Don’t give into the driver.
******************************************************
Bobby Eldridge is the Head Instructor for the PurePoint Golf Academy where he teaches “The Simple Golf Swing” theory.
Fix Golf Slice
This lesson is entitled, "The Quickest and Easiest Way to Draw the Ball" (fix golf slice), and it's sure to make a lot of people very happy.
I'll tell you right now... this is going to be painless, contrary to what you may think. I'll start with a single definition.
Level Shoulder turn - a turn that stays level with the ground (parallel to the ground) through the backswing.
So, now that we have that out of the way, let's continue on with this quick and easy tip to draw the ball. And if you've battled a slice for years upon years, just wait until you try this. The next time out to the range, your slice is going to be dramatically reduced.
Here it is. Instead of taking your normal shoulder turn (whatever that may be), focus on keeping your shoulder turn as level as possible (parallel to the ground). So as you are setting up to the ball, feel your feet on the ground to determine if there is an uphill or downhill lie. Then in your backswing, just focus on keeping your shoulders level to the ground.
Now, this may actually produce a HOOK of all things, so remember to adjust accordingly. And remember that you are attempting to wrap that club around your body. You want a horizontal swing plane, not vertical. That's what this level shoulder turn is really accomplishing. You'll find it so much easier to release through the ball correctly, and to square up the face of your club at impact.
Give that a try on your next trip to the range and you'll be amazed to see that dreaded slice going away, especially if you use this in conjunction with the rest of the "The Simple Golf Swing" system. I know this probably seems incredibly simple to anyone who has been battling a slice forever (fix golf slice), but just remember that simple solutions are usually the most effective.
_____________________________________________
David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of “The Simple Golf Swing” which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today.
I'll tell you right now... this is going to be painless, contrary to what you may think. I'll start with a single definition.
Level Shoulder turn - a turn that stays level with the ground (parallel to the ground) through the backswing.
So, now that we have that out of the way, let's continue on with this quick and easy tip to draw the ball. And if you've battled a slice for years upon years, just wait until you try this. The next time out to the range, your slice is going to be dramatically reduced.
Here it is. Instead of taking your normal shoulder turn (whatever that may be), focus on keeping your shoulder turn as level as possible (parallel to the ground). So as you are setting up to the ball, feel your feet on the ground to determine if there is an uphill or downhill lie. Then in your backswing, just focus on keeping your shoulders level to the ground.
Now, this may actually produce a HOOK of all things, so remember to adjust accordingly. And remember that you are attempting to wrap that club around your body. You want a horizontal swing plane, not vertical. That's what this level shoulder turn is really accomplishing. You'll find it so much easier to release through the ball correctly, and to square up the face of your club at impact.
Give that a try on your next trip to the range and you'll be amazed to see that dreaded slice going away, especially if you use this in conjunction with the rest of the "The Simple Golf Swing" system. I know this probably seems incredibly simple to anyone who has been battling a slice forever (fix golf slice), but just remember that simple solutions are usually the most effective.
_____________________________________________
David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of “The Simple Golf Swing” which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today.
Driver-Online Golf Tips
Driver-Online Golf Tips
Here are some quick and real easy online golf tips for how to become a better driver from Dave Nevogt, author of "The Simple Golf Swing".
You can take these tips to the golf course or range today. Hope you find these golf tips helpful!
Here are the online golf tips...
So, what is it that's really causing problems with your driver? Is it a slice, a hook, or just flat-out inconsistency? Well the good news is that, regardless of what problem you are fighting, there are a few things to incorporate into your game that really will help you. If you're the golfer that's saying right now, "I've battled a slice for 25 years", then this is not going to be the undisputed end of your problem. But you CAN reduce the slice or hook, which will help you score better.
1. Swing Easy. Nothing can be better for your game than learning how to swing the club easier and more fluid. If you go to the range and concentrate ONLY on swinging easy, it will revolutionize your ability to position yourself for a good approach shot when you get onto the course. You will make more consistent impact with the ball, and it will reduce the amount of side-spin you naturally place on the ball because the club head won't be traveling as fast or with as much force. Again, I know you've heard it before, but I ask you to concentrate on this for 1 week. And if you can't physically practice it, visualize it at the office (visualization works great).
2. Switch to a low spin ball. Lower spin off of the tee means that the ball is going to go more straight regardless of how whether your ball moves right or left. I recommend the Titleist DT SoLo, the Precept Laddie, or the Maxfli Noodle. You can find these balls anywhere from $13 to $20 per dozen (check ... KnetGolf ... for great golf ball prices), and they will play a large role in reducing the side spin that you naturally place on the ball.
I realize that this all sounds over-simplified, but it's not. If you are having problems controlling your driver, switch to a low-spin ball, and start swinging easy. When you are on the range, ALL you should be thinking about is swinging the club easy. Incorporate this into your game this week, then next week we'll discuss how to get some more distance with your driver.
That`s it... online golf tips for how to become a better driver... hit`em straight and long!
------------------------------------------------
David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today.
Here are some quick and real easy online golf tips for how to become a better driver from Dave Nevogt, author of "The Simple Golf Swing".
You can take these tips to the golf course or range today. Hope you find these golf tips helpful!
Here are the online golf tips...
So, what is it that's really causing problems with your driver? Is it a slice, a hook, or just flat-out inconsistency? Well the good news is that, regardless of what problem you are fighting, there are a few things to incorporate into your game that really will help you. If you're the golfer that's saying right now, "I've battled a slice for 25 years", then this is not going to be the undisputed end of your problem. But you CAN reduce the slice or hook, which will help you score better.
1. Swing Easy. Nothing can be better for your game than learning how to swing the club easier and more fluid. If you go to the range and concentrate ONLY on swinging easy, it will revolutionize your ability to position yourself for a good approach shot when you get onto the course. You will make more consistent impact with the ball, and it will reduce the amount of side-spin you naturally place on the ball because the club head won't be traveling as fast or with as much force. Again, I know you've heard it before, but I ask you to concentrate on this for 1 week. And if you can't physically practice it, visualize it at the office (visualization works great).
2. Switch to a low spin ball. Lower spin off of the tee means that the ball is going to go more straight regardless of how whether your ball moves right or left. I recommend the Titleist DT SoLo, the Precept Laddie, or the Maxfli Noodle. You can find these balls anywhere from $13 to $20 per dozen (check ... KnetGolf ... for great golf ball prices), and they will play a large role in reducing the side spin that you naturally place on the ball.
I realize that this all sounds over-simplified, but it's not. If you are having problems controlling your driver, switch to a low-spin ball, and start swinging easy. When you are on the range, ALL you should be thinking about is swinging the club easy. Incorporate this into your game this week, then next week we'll discuss how to get some more distance with your driver.
That`s it... online golf tips for how to become a better driver... hit`em straight and long!
------------------------------------------------
David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today.
Online Golf Sale-Callaway Drivers
There is a online golf sale going on at 3balls Golf.
Callaway drivers, X460 and FT-3, are on sale for under $80,wow!
This is a very limited sale... only as long as this inventory lasts.
What Are These Clubs & Where Do They Come From?
Callaway Golf has OptiFit club fitting centers around the country. These centers used X460 Tour components that were interchangeable for optimal fitting. Callaway took all these components back to their factory, reconditioned and permanently assembled them just for us... and you! (These are limited in number, when they're gone, they're gone!)
What Does This Mean For You?
A Real VALUE Opportunity on a High Tech 460cc Titanium Callaway Driver!
- Clubheads Factory Reconditioned by Callaway!
- Many Have Upgraded, Expensive Shafts!
- Brand New Callaway Grip Installed!
- New Callaway Barrel Headcover Included!
- Serialized and Stickered!
- Fully Warranted by Callaway Golf!
- USGA Conforming and Tournament Legal!
What Does "Reconditioned" Mean Anyway?...
- The X460 Tour titanium head,including the face and sole, has been expertly buffed and polished at the Callaway Golf factory. The painted crown got a special buffing too.
- Callaway selected the best-performing shafts for each head and then permanently installed them in the head for total durability (as a result, reshafting will not be an option).
With That Addressed, Here's The Cool Tech Stuff:
- The X460 Tour Driver features a slightly modified center of gravity position to produce trajectories generally preferred by better players
- A 460cc titanium club head incorporating a CT/VFT Face, Consistent Alignment Sole and patented Callaway Golf technologies
- X-Sole design allows the club head to rest on two distinct points of the sole, preventing any rocking back and forth
- The oversized head allows the reposition of weight to the perimeter of the club head to increase the Moment of Inertia (MOI) and forgiveness on off-center hits
- S2H2 technology repositions weight from the hosel to the perimeter of the club head
Get over to 3balls Golf fast... this online golf sale won`t last long!
Click here... Online Golf Sale-Callaway Drivers
Technorati Tags: online golf sale, Callaway drivers, golf discount sale, golf equipment sale
Increase Your Driving Distance
Increase your driving distance... training tips to add distance!
Here is a golf training ebook that can be very helpful in the colder parts of the golf world. It's about that time of year when you put your golf clubs away and shed a few tears.
How did your season turn out this year? Did you lower your handicap? Have some really nice rounds of golf or, did you have another frustrating year, that's got you contemplating quitting?
No need to worry, as I want to tell you about a new way this off-season to turn your game around, so that next spring your "off and running" from the very first round.
Mike Pedersen has put together the most comprehensive golf training ebook I've ever seen. He covers every topic related to the physical side of golf improvement.
His golf training ebook has made it SO EASY for you to incorporate simple golf swing training exercises and stretches into your daily life, he's literally left you with no reason (excuse) not to do it.
Do you only want to spend 5 minutes a day to improve your power and distance? No problem. Or, are you the type that realizes you "get out of it what you put into it?" If so, Mike's golf training ebook has complete golf-specific programs you can do right in your home with less than $50 in equipment, and you've probably already got some of it.
If you weren't satisfied with your driving distance, then I strongly recommend you take a look Mike's golf training ebook. The golfers that have, are seeing "up to 30-40 yards" on their drives in a very short time period.
Click Here to find out more... Golf Training eBook
Secrets Of The Short Game
Secrets Of The Short Game... simple steps to improve your golf score
Here are some quick tips for short pitches from Jack Moorehouse, author of "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros".
Three Critical Decisions On Short Pitches
Golfers often commit two costly mistakes on short pitches. They square their stances and they open their club faces. Both hurt the shot big time. A square stance leads to a steeper swing and an open club face shanks the ball sideways. But asking yourself three key questions before making the shot and you’re chances of hitting it close rise dramatically. Use this routine whenever you have a short pitch.
Short Pitches
The questions are ...
1. What kind of shot do I hit?
2. What’s the best club for the shot?
3. What kind of swing do I use?
Many golfers choose the wrong club, use the wrong shot, and/or employ the wrong technique on short pitches. Check your lie carefully on short pitches before choosing your club. The lie is good if you can slide the ball under the club. A good lie allows you to use a more lofted club, like a 60-degree wedge, for maximum touch.
Also, open your stance. This pre-rotates your body to the target. That in turn keeps your swing shallow and helps the club slide through the grass.
Now, play the ball off your front heel and open the clubface. Swing down along your stance. And don’t flip the club. There’s no need. You have plenty of loft to get the ball in the air. It comes out high and soft, just like you want.
Don’t commit two common mistakes on short pitches. It just adds strokes to your score. Before hitting, ask yourself the three questions mentioned above. Answering them will help you choose the right club, the right shot, and the right technique.
After that, it’s just a matter of applying the right amount of touch to hit it close, saving a stroke or two on the hole.
*******************************************
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Here are some quick tips for short pitches from Jack Moorehouse, author of "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros".
Three Critical Decisions On Short Pitches
Golfers often commit two costly mistakes on short pitches. They square their stances and they open their club faces. Both hurt the shot big time. A square stance leads to a steeper swing and an open club face shanks the ball sideways. But asking yourself three key questions before making the shot and you’re chances of hitting it close rise dramatically. Use this routine whenever you have a short pitch.
Short Pitches
The questions are ...
1. What kind of shot do I hit?
2. What’s the best club for the shot?
3. What kind of swing do I use?
Many golfers choose the wrong club, use the wrong shot, and/or employ the wrong technique on short pitches. Check your lie carefully on short pitches before choosing your club. The lie is good if you can slide the ball under the club. A good lie allows you to use a more lofted club, like a 60-degree wedge, for maximum touch.
Also, open your stance. This pre-rotates your body to the target. That in turn keeps your swing shallow and helps the club slide through the grass.
Now, play the ball off your front heel and open the clubface. Swing down along your stance. And don’t flip the club. There’s no need. You have plenty of loft to get the ball in the air. It comes out high and soft, just like you want.
Don’t commit two common mistakes on short pitches. It just adds strokes to your score. Before hitting, ask yourself the three questions mentioned above. Answering them will help you choose the right club, the right shot, and the right technique.
After that, it’s just a matter of applying the right amount of touch to hit it close, saving a stroke or two on the hole.
*******************************************
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
A Good Golf Swing
Are you looking for a real good explanation of a good golf swing?
Well, here is a full explanation, in detail, and with visual reinforcement. JC Anderson shows us in his video how all the different parts of the golf swing work.
After watching this short video, it should be very clear to you how all the parts of the golf swing work! (right)
Thanks JC ... I understand now??? Let me know if you have any questions!!!
Here`s the video ... a good golf swing.
Why Tazoodle?
Tazoodle and Golf?You might asking... what is Tazoodle and what does it have to do with my golf game?
The answer is... how would you like to get paid while you search the internet for your golf information (or anything else for that matter).
Yes, I said get paid for using a search engine... Tazoodle
Tazoodle is the future of search engines and it`s FREE TO JOIN!
Tazoodle is the new Search Engine that is like Google EXCEPT that they PAY YOU when you search for ANYTHING... from Golf Information to the population of Texas!!
Tazoodle is different from Google because Tazoodle shares their revenue with YOU.
Do not kick yourself a few years down the road when you could have been a part of Tazoodle early on! It is Free to join and play with!
Click on the video below to get a ONE MINUTE INTRODUCTION...
Search engines earn income by charging advertisers to display their website links on the search results page. Tazoodle does the same thing.
What makes Tazoodle different is that they share the income with its advertisers and viewers alike. Get paid to find the newest golf information!
Best Clone Golf Clubs
Best clone golf clubs... GigaGolf Power Max GX922 Irons.
Everytime I think about how good these golf buys are, I am really amazed... you save 50-70%
Power Max GX922 irons are GigaGolf`s representation of the next generation of cavity back irons. They combine notched cavity back design with the ability to produce shot making.
Custom Made Irons ... Power Max GX922
Full Set 3-PW or 4-SW Currently Priced at $169.59, WOW!
You can also make up any combo that suits you! You can buy a single iron or full set.
This iron set will be custom made to your specs using their, easy to use, eFit System.
These are manufacturer direct golf clubs using top quality grips, shafts and heads.
Check out this great deal plus other great golf buys at GigaGolf!
GigaGolf Power Max GX922 Irons
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Golf Swing Tips-Correct Knee Bend
Here is a short (under three minutes) lesson ... Golf Swing Tips-Correct Knee Bend
Where Bobby Eldridge, head pro at PurePoint Golf, explains very clearly how your knees should bend through your golf swing.
Bobby explains the importance of keeping your knees flexed right through your complete follow through.
He is very good with these golf swing tips in that he you can see his actions in video while he explains the action you have to take. You will be able to see where you are making your mistakes in your golf swing.
Here`s the video: Golf Swing Tips-Correct Knee Bend
PurePoint Golf ... Full Swing DVD 2.0
Where Bobby Eldridge, head pro at PurePoint Golf, explains very clearly how your knees should bend through your golf swing.
Bobby explains the importance of keeping your knees flexed right through your complete follow through.
He is very good with these golf swing tips in that he you can see his actions in video while he explains the action you have to take. You will be able to see where you are making your mistakes in your golf swing.
Here`s the video: Golf Swing Tips-Correct Knee Bend
PurePoint Golf ... Full Swing DVD 2.0
Correcting Fat Golf Shot
Correcting Fat Golf Shot... tips for solid impact
Here are golf instructions concerning correcting the fat golf shot when the ball is above your feet.
These golf tips come from Jack Moorehouse, author of "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros".
Hitting A Ball Above Your Feet
Three things can happen when you don’t make the right adjustments.
First ... since the ball automatically moves right to left, you’ll pull the shot out of bounds.
Second ... on shots above your feet ... you can shift your upper body forward during the swing and come into the ball at a lower than normal, hitting the ball fat.
Third ... you can lose your balance and pop out of you stance, resulting in a weak slice.
To hit a ball above your feet, adjust your stance so you’re aiming right of the flagstick, which compensates for the tendency to pull the ball left.
Center your weight above your arches, not on the balls of your feet, which helps you swing along the slope and stay in balance throughout the shot.
Also, keep your posture constant so you can maintain the same spine angle you set at address through impact.
Lastly, you can also grip down on the club, to compensate for the shorter distance to the ball.
Make these adjustments next time you have this type of lie and you’ll hit the ball solidly.
I hope these golf instructions help you play better golf!
********************************************************************************
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Here are golf instructions concerning correcting the fat golf shot when the ball is above your feet.
These golf tips come from Jack Moorehouse, author of "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros".
Hitting A Ball Above Your Feet
Three things can happen when you don’t make the right adjustments.
First ... since the ball automatically moves right to left, you’ll pull the shot out of bounds.
Second ... on shots above your feet ... you can shift your upper body forward during the swing and come into the ball at a lower than normal, hitting the ball fat.
Third ... you can lose your balance and pop out of you stance, resulting in a weak slice.
To hit a ball above your feet, adjust your stance so you’re aiming right of the flagstick, which compensates for the tendency to pull the ball left.
Center your weight above your arches, not on the balls of your feet, which helps you swing along the slope and stay in balance throughout the shot.
Also, keep your posture constant so you can maintain the same spine angle you set at address through impact.
Lastly, you can also grip down on the club, to compensate for the shorter distance to the ball.
Make these adjustments next time you have this type of lie and you’ll hit the ball solidly.
I hope these golf instructions help you play better golf!
********************************************************************************
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Phil Mickelson Flop Shot
Tips To Execute A Phil Mickelson Flop Shot...
Here is an article, from Jack Moorehouse, author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!". He explains how to execute to very dangerous flop shop from bare ground.
You can refer to a prior post, Golf Club Bounce, that gives you idea of how bounce can either help or hurt you.
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Phil Mickelson Flop Shot ... From Bare Ground
Phil Mickelson hits accurate flop shots from difficult lies—including bare ground. Hitting a flop shot from bare ground is a challenge. It’s also risky. If you mis-hit it, it can cost you strokes big time. That’s why golfers stay away from hitting a flop shot from this type of lie. But when you have to do it, a flop shot from bare ground can help turn three strokes into two.
Below are six keys to hitting a flop shot from bare ground:
Also, keep the shaft vertical or slightly leaning away from the target, which means your hands will be even with or slightly behind the ball. Keeping the shaft vertical exposes the club’s bounce and enables its leading edge to slide under the ball. You want the trailing edge to go into the ground.
And keep your legs quiet from start to finish. On the follow-through, swing your arms to the left (right for right-handers). This prevents the club from delofting and bouncing off the ground and into the ball. Remember, the longer your swing the higher the ball goes. But it travels only slightly farther.
This approach to hitting a flop shot works for any lie. Of course, there’s no flop shot approach that’s fail-safe. That’s why you need to be judicious about when you use it. But if you’re going to use it, make sure you commit to the shot before swinging.
It is a very high risk shot to be used when it can save you shots or get you out of a tough situation.
*****************************************************************************
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.
Here is an article, from Jack Moorehouse, author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!". He explains how to execute to very dangerous flop shop from bare ground.
You can refer to a prior post, Golf Club Bounce, that gives you idea of how bounce can either help or hurt you.
******************************************************************************
Phil Mickelson Flop Shot ... From Bare Ground
Phil Mickelson hits accurate flop shots from difficult lies—including bare ground. Hitting a flop shot from bare ground is a challenge. It’s also risky. If you mis-hit it, it can cost you strokes big time. That’s why golfers stay away from hitting a flop shot from this type of lie. But when you have to do it, a flop shot from bare ground can help turn three strokes into two.
Below are six keys to hitting a flop shot from bare ground:
- Use a lob wedge with minimal bounce
- Keep the shaft vertical or leaning away
- Swing your arms to the left (right for left-handers)
- Swing longer for higher shots
- Keep legs quiet throughout the shot
- Complete your follow-through
Also, keep the shaft vertical or slightly leaning away from the target, which means your hands will be even with or slightly behind the ball. Keeping the shaft vertical exposes the club’s bounce and enables its leading edge to slide under the ball. You want the trailing edge to go into the ground.
And keep your legs quiet from start to finish. On the follow-through, swing your arms to the left (right for right-handers). This prevents the club from delofting and bouncing off the ground and into the ball. Remember, the longer your swing the higher the ball goes. But it travels only slightly farther.
This approach to hitting a flop shot works for any lie. Of course, there’s no flop shot approach that’s fail-safe. That’s why you need to be judicious about when you use it. But if you’re going to use it, make sure you commit to the shot before swinging.
It is a very high risk shot to be used when it can save you shots or get you out of a tough situation.
*****************************************************************************
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.
Impact Position Golf Drill
Impact Position Golf Drill... secrets to make solid impact
Are you hitting fat or thin golf shots?
Here is a quick video lesson (two plus minutes) from Bobby Eldridge, head golf pro at PurePoint Golf.
In this video, Bobby, quickly, shows how to correct the common faults that will cause a fat or thin golf shot. You will be able to use these easy golf tips immediately.
What I really like about Bobby is that he keeps everything real easy to understand (he speaks in terms that you know) and extremely simple.
Check out the video below, I know it will help with your fat or thin golf shots!
PurePoint Golf Video Lessons - Posture in the Full Swing - Fat and Thin Hits
See PurePoint Golf`s NEW Full Swing DVD 2.0
Are you hitting fat or thin golf shots?
Here is a quick video lesson (two plus minutes) from Bobby Eldridge, head golf pro at PurePoint Golf.
In this video, Bobby, quickly, shows how to correct the common faults that will cause a fat or thin golf shot. You will be able to use these easy golf tips immediately.
What I really like about Bobby is that he keeps everything real easy to understand (he speaks in terms that you know) and extremely simple.
Check out the video below, I know it will help with your fat or thin golf shots!
PurePoint Golf Video Lessons - Posture in the Full Swing - Fat and Thin Hits
See PurePoint Golf`s NEW Full Swing DVD 2.0
Creative Bunker Shots
Creative Bunker Shots... How To Hit The Long Bunker Shots
Here is an article by Jack Moorehouse, author of "How To Break 80", where he passes along some great golf tips on how to hit the long bunker shot.
Hitting A Long Bunker Shot
A green side bunker 20 to 30 yards from the pin isn’t where you want to be with an approach shot or a drive. But even the best of us find ourselves there occasionally. The long bunker shot from a distant bunker is one of the hardest shots for weekend golfers to make, if not the hardest.
Below are six tips for hitting a long bunker shot:
- Close your stance instead of opening
- Widen your stance a couple of inches
- Work your feet firmly into the ground
- Concentrate on just skimming the sand
- Rotate the club face open to closed
Use your sand wedge for this shot and focus on just skimming the sand as you go through the ball. Also, rotate the club face from open to closed on the downswing, which you can do by turning your right hand over your left through impact. Incorporating these adjustments into your stance helps you hit an accurate bunker shot.
We can’t stop ourselves from landing in a bunker 20 to 30 yards from the green. No one can. But good golfers get out in one. Hitting a long bunker shot will help you do that, keep your scores in check, and trim strokes from your golf handicap.
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Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!". He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicaps quickly. His free weekly newsletter goes out to thousands of golfers worldwide and provides the latest golf tips, strategies, techniques and instruction on how to improve your golf game.
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