Posts Tagged ‘Amateurs’

How To Improve On Your Golf Swing Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Watch the pros on Tour and notice how in-control they look at the finish position of the their golf swing. Why? Because they are!

They are in perfect balance. Even the pro who might look a little “crooked” at the end of the swing has a balanced swing. Vijay, who is slightly bent to the side at the finish position of his driver, is still in perfect balance.

How often do you think an amateur practices or even thinks about his or her finish position? Probably never. I would surmise that once contact has been made with the golf ball, most amateurs’ thoughts shift to the ball flight rather than where our body is finishing the swing.

Why is the finish position so important to a successful golf swing? And beyond that being in a balanced finishing position?

The finish position is directly related to two very important concepts involved in the golf swing. Number one is swing plane and clubhead is number two.

The swing plane is defined as the path on which the golf club should travel upon during the swing.

A quick review of the swing plane tells us that beginning with the address position, into the backswing, onto to the downswing, into impact, to follow through, and completing with the finish position, the golf club is intended to travel on a specific arch. This arch is a result of the biomechanics of the golf swing sequencing properly. In other words, everything working with the correct timing.

Think of the club traveling in a circle during the swing. This imaginary circle is your swing plane and it dissects your back shoulder on the backswing and transition phases of the swing.

Returns to the same position as you started at impact with the ball, and dissects your front shoulder during the follow through into the finish position.

If the golfer maintains the clubhead on this path during the swing this is an indication that the mechanics of the swing are being performed properly.

What does a balanced finishing position have to do with the swing plane?

A balanced finishing position is yet another indicator that, number one, the golf club is following the correct swing plane, and number two, the golfer is performing the mechanics of the swing in the correct sequencing with proper timing.

Secondly, the finish position is directly related to what is referred to as “feeling” the clubhead.

Ask any Tour player they will tell you that they can “feel” the clubhead at any moment during the swing.

Completing the swing in a balanced finish position requires you to be “tension” free and feeling the club head through the entire swing.

Now the bigger question is, how does the amateur golfer get to a balance finish position?

Easier said than done. To develop “feel” in the swing, maintain the proper swing path, and develop a balanced finish position requires mastering three principles.

Principle number one is proper swing mechanics. In order to develop “feel” and correct swing path requires the golfer to develop the correct mechanics of the swing.

Not only do you need to learn the different fundamentals of the swing, you need to train yourself to put these fundamental in proper sequence.

Principle number two is the body. The body swings the club. Your body must have the flexibility, balance capabilities, strength, endurance, and power to perform the mechanics of the swing.

If the body is unable to take the club on the proper swing plane because of a lack of flexibility or lacks the power to develop clubhead speed. The ability to maintain a proper swing path, and finish in a balanced position will be compromised.

Principle number three is practice. In order to develop the proper swing plane, create “feel” for the club, master the mechanics of the swing, and develop a body to support the swing, you must practice the swing and train the body. Over time this will result in the development of components of a proper golf swing.

The amateur will often leave out one of the three principles. If the golfer does not practice, train the body, or develop swing mechanics, it is unlikely ou will keep the clubhead on the correct swing plane.

Bottom line, a balanced finish position is a very good indicator that particular swing was efficient. It also should tell you that your body is flexible, strong, and powerful.

Visit the Putting Tips website to learn about putting pictures and putting grip.

Feel free to book cheap golf packages in Las Vegas, Nevada! Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

This article is entirely dedicated to people who looking for cheap golf packages available in Las Vegas, Nevada. Providing our honest and independent overview on the best golf courses and hotels for your choice we can really help you spend time with the maximum comfort a great pleasure. No matter if you come to Las Vegas alone or just traveling as a group of people with a group of people around Nevada make sure that we can tell you about all cheap golf packages to fully meet your personal needs and desires. It should be pointed out that cheap golf packages provided in this article also include both hotels and golf rounds.
Being a very popular place among golf amateurs Las Vegas and Nevada can always boast of the most picturesque natural views and the best courses performed in different design styles. Depending on cheap golf packages selected you will have a splendid opportunity to play near the foothills of mountains, plunging ravines, rushing creeks, and arid desert landscapes. Taking into account the fact that there are many discounts and specials provided for the courses located on the territory of Nevada state it will be easy for everyone to order really cheap golf packages in Las Vegas.
As it is known there are many ways to arrange cheap golf packages in Las Vegas, Nevada. It should be noted that together with golf only courses both play and stay accommodations are always offered here in a wide variety. Just search for Las Vegas companies offering cheap golf packages over the Internet to select the most affordable and suitable ones quickly and effectively.
There is also another effective method to find cheap golf packages offered by the best Las Vegas courses. Visiting various hotel websites you will quickly manage to select the best proposals to stay and relax playing golf in Nevada. It should be also emphasized that in addition to cheap golf packages travelers can also receive good discounts for numerous exciting events in Las Vegas and other cities of Nevada. Acting in such a way you will also manage to economize significantly on shuttle transport from the hotel to the course, tickets to popular Las Vegas shows, etc. After playing golf you will also manage to relax enjoying the best nightlife in Nevada.
Considering really cheap golf packages in Nevada we would prefer to draw your attention to such popular resort as MGM Grand Las Vegas. This premier hotel beautifully combines elegance, glamour and the best room amenities in a single whole. Here, you will manage to spend two nights playing two rounds of golf either at Silverstone or Anthem-Concord courses. Cheap golf packages offered by MGM Grand Las Vegas will allow everyone to enjoy playing golf at the most exciting golf courses in Nevada like Desert Pines and Stallion Mountain. There are no doubts that MGM Grand Las Vegas will make a huge contribution to your golf vacations and traveling in Nevada.
For the reason summer can be considered as a very busy time in Nevada, when tourists usually come to play golf to the United States from all over the World, sometimes it can be difficult to find cheap golf packages in Las Vegas during this season. That’s why we would recommend you to plan vacations during another season rather than on the weekend when courses are extremely busy. To avoid problems like these ones it would be better to select cheap golf packages and book accommodations in advance.

Choose cheap Las Vegas Nevada golf packages!

More Tips To Improve Your Golf Psychology Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Ever wondered why you’re the greatest golfer in your world at the driving range but when it comes to playing a round you can’t get it done? If this does happen to you then I’m willing to bet that your swing turns distinctly average on the course. If this sounds like you then its probable your mindset isn’t in the right place. Lets take a look at some of the problems this presents and what you can do to get the best out of yourself on the course.

A big problem for every golfer is nerves and lack of confidence on the first tee. For amateurs this is generally the only time an audience is in attendance as the tee time queue builds up. As a result you often see out of character mis-hits off the tee due to pressure of being watched by people they don’t know. To help reduce ths anxiety it is as simple as doing some preparation.

Turn up to the course early and do some stretches. Get loose so your swing is less tense. Hit a few balls at the range and get comfortable with your swing. Focus on the club you will use from the first couple of tees. Get your putting stroke in rhythm on the practice green. The confidence you will gain from a solid first hole will provide a great platform for the rest of the day.

Lack of commitment to your swing usually results in a poor shot. So when you step up to the golf ball mentally commit to the shot. If you second guess whether it was the right club selection or you think the aim might be off you’re asking for trouble. Make your decision and then commit to the shot. You’re better off hitting a good golf swing that was too much club than topping the ball 20 yards because you didn’t commit. It was a technical mistake you can learn from.

If you have trouble with your swing thoughts, i.e. you get easily distracted mid swing, formulate a simple phrase to focus on that gets you through your swing. It could be as simple as counting. For example, count 1 for your back swing. At the top of the swing count 2 and then 2 again. Count 1 on the downswing. This helps with rhythm and pushes out distractions. Experiment with this and see what works for you.

If you find yourself with a shot that requires clearing water or a bunker do not visualise the ball going into these traps. Your brain cannot distinguish between reality and what you think. By doing this all you are achieving is training your brain to instruct your body to get the ball in the sand or water. Visualise the shot you want and then allow yourself to hit it.

Now lets face it, golf is a difficult game and there will be times you go through a bad patch. Its how you deal with them that determines whether a bad day turns into an horrific day or whether you end up salvaging your round. There is simply no point in being negative. Its not going to improve your game. It will only make your game worse. Work on turning your negative self talk into positive self talk.

After a bad shot take time out and take a couple of deep breaths. Let it go and move on. If you become tense and angry your swing will speed up and your play will become even worse.

Accept that mistakes will happen – try and watch some pro golf on TV. We all think that these guys are perfect on the course but what you will see is that many of them make mistakes and mis-hit the ball. Their true skill lies in forgetting about the previous shot and making the absolute best of the next one even if it is a bad lie or in the rough.

Finally, never give up. The front nine may have been awful but there is still another 9 to go. Many a bad round has been turned around after 9 so why should yours be any different? Everyone, has tough times on the course but the best way to deal with them is to learn from your mistakes, stay positive and stay relaxed. You can’t expect your game to be turned round if you’re angry, tense and lacking in focus.

Tags : golf psychology,sports psychology golf,golf psychology books,psychology in golf,psychology of golf

Michael Lewis has put together a complimentary report that will help you improve your putting quickly and easily. To reduce your golf scores today download the complimentary report instantly at www.easyputtingsecrets.com

The Best Golf Drivers Friday, November 27th, 2009

Considering the variety of golf clubs available, you may find everyone from golf amateurs to golf professionals debating which golf clubs and golf drivers are the “best”. It is a question that, in many cases, boils down to personal choice, budget, and performance. This debate has been further intensified by the improvements in golf driver technology. Adjustments in aerodynamics, size of the clubs, launch angle and certain sweet spot modifications all play a role in constructing the perfect driver.

However, while searching for an answer to this elusive question, it is a good idea to keep in mind what the golf driver is specifically intended for. Your driver is the longest and lowest lofted club in your bag, and it should be the lightest club you own. Your driver is designed for the longest range and is frequently used from the tee making it one of the most important clubs in your bag.

Construction

Jason Nichols is a freelance writer who writes about sports, often focusing on a particular product used in sports such as golf irons .

Miracle Hybrid Clubs Will Lower Your Golf Score Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Many golfers struggle with the long irons as they are notoriously hard to hit. As a result many amateurs choose to shun them and give up a few shots in a round. But recent golf technology developments may well have solved this problem. Introducing the hybrid club a.k.a utility club a.k.a recovery club. This club has been revolutionising the game and if you’ve ever seen a golfer without his or her long irons in their bag then the chances are that they are using these instead. Lets have a look at exactly what they are and how they can help you lower your scores.

The term hybrid comes from the fact that the club combines the design of both the fairway woods and the irons.The shaft length is similar to an iron and the head is a cross between the fairway woods and the irons.

The key point to this club is that it is supposed to be easier to hit than a long iron without giving up distance. Sound good to you?

The design of the club head is such that there is a low centre of gravity. This has the effect of helping increase the height of the ball and reduces mishits. With the shaft being shorter than the fairway woods there is a greater element of control.However, you do get the benefit of forgiveness in the club similar to the woods so you are still able to generate distances equal to or greater than the long irons.For example, a well hit Hybrid 3 should play as long as a 2 iron. Add in the fact that the hybrid shot tends to land soft all comes together to produce a fantastic weapon to have in your bag.

Within the hybrid club range you also get 2 distinct types. One has a head which is more iron like and the other type has a head which is more fairway wood like. This caters to different types of player – it is generally accepted that the fairway wood type head is more suited to the less advanced amateur. You can also choose between graphite or steel shafts. Steel tends to be cheaper and heavier. The weight promotes greater control. The graphite shaft is lighter so is easier to generate club head speed – it is advisable for newer players or those with slow swing speeds to use this type of shaft to help increase distance.

The Hybrid should be treated as if it is an iron so you should swing accordingly (i.e hit down on the club in contrast to sweeping the ball as per a fairway wood/driver swing).

But it also has other uses. It holds its own off the tee, is a great option off the fairway for that long second shot (where you may have previously lost yardage by not using a long iron) and comes into

its own in the rough or bad lies. The reason for this last point is that the sole of the club is fatter but has a narrow face which is ideal for skimming through grass without getting caught up. This fact alone could revolutionise a high handicapper’s game. It can even be used to chip around the green as the loft of the head varies between 15 to 21 degrees.

Ask around at your golf club and you will be surprised at how many converts there are. Its certainly the case that many now leave their 3,4 and even 5 iron at home with a set of hybrids as their welcome replacement. Such is the many uses of the club you may find that you end up using it far more than any other club in your bag!

Tags : hybrid golf clubs,hybrid golf club set,which hybrid golf club,hybrid golf club sets,hybrid golf club

Michael Lewis has put together a complimentary report that will help you improve your putting quickly and easily. To reduce your golf scores today download the complimentary report instantly at www.easyputtingsecrets.com