Golf on the Brain

Greatness at the PGA Tour by Camilla Mancini

2006-09-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

The

PGA Championship or the "Glory's last shot" as it is also known, took part last week at

the Medinah Country Club in Chicago. This official money event on both the PGA TOUR and

the European Tour, offered this year a purse of $6.8 million and for all the golf fans,

we got some of the best golf players in the world showing us what they're made of.

For most golf followers, the PGA Champion ended up being the Ali of golf. But for some

of the fans that followed the tournament these four days, golfers Mike Weir and Luke

Donald seemed to be on a roll for the first place.

If Eldrick T. Woods wouldn't have been in the tournament I also would've expected one

of this two to be the winners, especially after a 72 on Thursday, a 67 on Friday and

the astounding 65 on Saturday Weir was an excellent opponent and of course Luke was

another favorite since he tied with Tiger.

The first pairing of Tiger Woods and Luke Donald, on Sunday, caught all the attention,

event that helped Weir. The 4- and 5- under round of Mike's gave the impression that he

had a plus of having a second major victory on his career.

But on the other hand Woods was 11-0, leading after 54 holes, tied with Donald and with

a two-stroke advantage. This showed us how hard was for any other player to steal the

victory from the master Tiger Woods; a victory that also escaped from Weir during the

99's tournament.

Tiger had complete control during the game, began with a birdie and shot a 4- under 68.

He just had a bogey at the No.17th hole, when it was already obvious that he was the

winner. Meanwhile Weir made a bogey on the 11th hole, finishing the day at 11 under,

leaving fans perplexed for the change on his course.

Luke Donald and his fans were also expecting a different result and they all had the

hope of watching Tiger make a couple of bogeys that would've given Donald the chance to

take the leading title from his opponent.

This 51st PGA Championship was Tiger's third consecutive victory. With which he also

tied the record, 18-under, with Bob May for the PGA Tour. The first winner of a PGA

Championship, Jim Barnes, received $500 in 1916, while Tiger Woods received $1.224

million last Sunday.

When you know how much preparation and love Woods had during his life for golf, is

comprehensive how can he be so great at it. This 31-year-old amazing player always had

the passion for this sport, since he was six-month-old he used to mimic his father.

Even many of his opponents had accepted to feel useless to play in a tournament with

Tiger after watching him play. I hope we get to see more of him for more time, because

when he is on the field for sure we'll see the best of every player that join him.

About the Author

Camilla Mancini is one of the most qualified copy writers on Sports Betting and

currently writes for Instant Action Sports. Feel free to reprint this article in its

entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of

the content.

The Company Golf Outing - Top 3 Mistakes New Golfers Make by Raynay Valles

2006-04-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

Increasingly, playing golf helps you get valuable business contacts - otherwise you are left out. In some corporate cultures, it's often an unspoken requirement that you should be able to play a decent game of golf. If you play golf badly, your opportunities may be as limited as if you didn't play at all.

On the golf course, players tend to discuss a range of topics. You may find out about new job opportunities and get advice on how to take your success to the next level. New business deals can happen on the golf course.

Here are some of the mistakes that beginner golfers make that can cost you opportunities.

Mistake 1: Not Knowing How to Hit the Golf Ball

Either you swing and you miss, or you hit the ball and it bounces a short distance, or it flies far off target. These bad shots can happen to anyone, but when they happen repeatedly, it's embarrassing.

Tip: If you know your colleagues play golf, take some lessons and practice. The $35-$60 per hour for a good golf instructor may be money well-spent. A good instructor can cut years off your learning curve. Why? Because he or she will teach you proper techniques and how to practice to build your skills.

Mistake 2: Spending Large Amounts of Time Looking for Your Golf Ball.

It annoys other players and it's a dead giveaway that you're inexperienced. There's actually a time limit in the official Rules of Golf - five minutes - but NO ONE searches for that long. Five minutes on each hole could add 90 minutes to your golf game.

Tip: At the end of your swing, look up to see where the ball went. Pick out a landmark, such as a tree or a bunker to peg where your ball landed. With practice you’ll get better at seeing where your ball went.

Mistake 3: Spending Large Amounts of Time Talking About Your Next Shots.

It's only human to talk with other players about how to do better, especially when you're hitting bad shots. Keep this talk too a minimum though. The other players are not that interested.

Remember, they are trying to play THEIR best games, too. Just do your best and plan on taking a few lessons so you'll play better next time.

How do I know about these mistakes? Because these are the same mistakes I made. The first time I played 18 holes of golf was during a company outing.

*I couldn't hit the ball.
*I thought looking for your ball was part of the game.
*And I tried to figure out how to hit better by talking it out.

Looking back, was I embarrassed? Yes. Did I learn from my mistakes? You bet I did. And you can learn from my new golfer mistakes too.

Raynay Valles is co-author of Beginner's Guide to Golf with Golf Instructor Chris Otis. For golf tips to help you play a respectable game of golf - for business or pleasure - visit http://www.BeginnersGuideToGolf.com

Golfing In Costa Rica by Kenth Nasstrom

2006-03-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Few places in the world offer the amazing variety of natural beauty and environment Costa Rica can provide.

This has made it possible for Costa Rica to allow some of golf's best designers to create an amazing golf experience for its visitors.

The courses are challenging and beautiful at the same time, as they reside close to the dramatic deep blue waters of the pacific coastline as well as close to the green volcanic mountains of the central valley.

Golfers from the US and Canada will find that Costa Rica is very accessible from the whole continent and the prices keeps dropping. Once in Costa Rica you can besides the golfing also enjoy luxury vacations with all inclusive in tropical heavens like Los Sueños Marriot Ocean & Golf resort.

You can also find fine cuisines, hot nightlife and family activities everywhere, so everybody in the family will find their preferred vacation activity among one of the friendliest peoples in the world, the Ticos!

While touring Costa Rica visit and play golf courses like,

Parque Valle del Sol with its par 72, 6782 yards 18 hole course. Created by Tracy May or go north to the coast and try out the 18 hole course Hacienda Pinilla, a par 72, 7274 yards beauty created by Mike Young.

Some tips for a better golfing experience in Costa Rica.

* Check with your airline to see if they charge excess baggage fee for golf clubs.

* The least expensive form of transportation around the country, especially with a lot of golf clubs is to rent a car.

* Rainfall is a problem in the late afternoon and evening during the "green season". Green season is from mid-May to mid-November, but the months of July and August normally see less rain and generally are beautiful with mild temperatures.

* Apply sun block before leaving for the golf course. Use shades and hat.

* Golf courses have dress code. The normal requirements are normally golf shirts with collars for men and proper attire for women. T-Shirts, bathing suits and short shorts are not permitted.

* Wildlife sensitive areas are common in Costa Rica. Take note of and respect signage for safety.

* The saying "trees are 90%" does not apply to dense tropical trees. "Tree lined fairways" is an expression that really has been taken to a completely new level here. So stay on the fairway.

* When playing at the resort ocean courses, you'll have to learn how to play the wind. You have strong winds from the sea almost all year. Use the tree tops to get a feeling for the wind.

Want a perfect vacation with wonderful golfing experiences, go to Costa Rica!
About the Author

Kenth Nasstrom has a great love and passion for Costa Rica. For more information about golf in costa rica

Similarities Of Golf And Archery by George Gabriel

2006-02-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Golf started a little more than 500 years ago. It may have gone back as far as the roman days. The golf ball was a leather pouch stuffed with feathers. Is it possible the kids back then started the game of golf by taking the feathers of their father's arrows and stuffing their pouch, and used a club instead of a bow to get the curvilinear motion of a game they really wanted to play?

The Scottish Shepherds started playing golf back in Scotland, by hitting a leather ball stuffed with feathers. So many people played the game of golf in Scotland, that the government eventually stopped the game. The government wanted the people to practice archery, so they could be good enough to defend their country. Was stopping the game of golf altogether a mistake?

Judging by the enthusiasm of how golf is moving forward today. They might have been better off stopping the use of the mashie and niblick golf club, and made it mandatory to use the bow and arrow instead. It would have accomplished two things. The people would have improved their archery skills, and for the people who continued using golf clubs, it would have speeded up golf play at the same time. All they had to do to make it safe was lengthen the tee time intervals. The wind may have been the only other dangerous factor. The biggest problem would have been getting an audience or a crowd to watch along the sidelines.

Now taking a look at the similarities of golf and archery, one would think they went hand in hand. Both sports require a shaft, target, distance and accuracy. The two sports are played with a curvilinear motion. Players from both sports have to use a straight arm and a bent arm. The two sports have rounds to play. Both the arrow and golf ball are capable of going 400 yards or better in a single shot. The tournaments included junior tournaments. Carrying either equipment is typically swung over the shoulder. The circle in a target is the approximate size in width as the tin cup. Equipment for both sports is made with grooves in them. The one difference between the two sports that stands out the most, one requires a nock and the other requires a niblick to play with?
About the Author

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Putting and My Aching Back! by Sean Cochran

2006-01-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

I am guessing that all of us can relate to the title of this article. I am sure you have bent over for that 4 footer (can't give you that 4 footer, sorry), and felt that lower back feel tired, sore, painful or tight. Regardless of what the word is, you feel it! I also am guessing that some of you have changed to belly putters for the reason that your back hurts when you putt! Even if you are one of those players that has switched to a belly putter because of back pain, that pain is an indicator of something else going on within the body. I am sure we could use the excuse: I am older now and that is just what happens; or maybe we use the "cave man excuse": humans just were meant to walk on two legs! Regardless of what excuse you use, there is a reason and solution to solve those lower back problems. Even if you don't realize it, the lower back that you feel when putting is also affecting the other parts of your game (i.e. driving, long irons, chipping, pitching, etc.) This article has the goal of explaining why your back is sore when you putt and what we can do to help alleviate the problem.

Why Does My Lower Back Ache?

Well, let me say this to start. If you are in agreement with the "caveman excuse" you are in the ballpark as to why the lower back begins to ache on the 12th or 13th green. Standing upright, which is a specific posture (keep that word "posture" in mind throughout this article), places stress on the lower back. When I say stress, I am talking about the muscles of your lower back working to support your body in a specific position. The same holds true for when you putt. You get behind the ball, line the putt up, look at the line, maybe crouch down, take a few practice putts, and then away you go. In all the actions described above, your lower back is actively working to maintain posture in all those positions. Do this little activity to give you an idea of what your back is doing all the time to support your body. Take your hand and make a fist. Squeeze that fist as hard as you can for one minute, no less, more if you can. Now relax. How do your hand and forearm feel? Pretty tired, huh, maybe stiff. What you just did is exactly what your lower back does all the time. It is constantly contracting to hold your body upright. After time it gets tired and the result is a sore, stiff, and tight lower back.

Up to this point we understand that the lower back is involved to a great extent in supporting the body. Now, how about when we move? Have you ever felt that back tighten up when you are getting out of a chair, and then you have to wait a second after you stand up before you start walking? Again, I will guess that the majority of us can answer yes to this question. This an example of a movement where the lower back is already fatigued, but nevertheless the lower back is now involved in moving the body, even though it is fatigued. When you walk, run, bend-over, turn, or rotate, your lower back is involved in the movement. The lower back gets a so-to-speak "double whammy" when it comes to what it does for the body. The lower back is involved in both supporting a position in which you place your body and also in the movement of the body. (If you need an example of how much the lower back works during the day, keep your fist clamped for a day, and see how your forearm feels the next day.) So at this point we know the reasons why our back is sore when we step over that 4 footer for birdie (sorry it is still not a gimme in my book, gotta be inside the leather). It is a twofold reason: number one has to do with posture, and number two with movement. Now that we know why our lower back gets sore or tight, how do we fix it?

How to Fix that Aching Lower Back

Before we describe ways to fix the lower back let us first give some suggestions to those who already have severe lower back problems. I would first suggest you see your personal physician. Always better safe than sorry. If you are someone who constantly has a sore lower back or you get up every morning with a stiff back, go see your doctor. You never know what might be going on in that lower back area. Quite possibly you may have a problem with a disk, a bone spur, or any number of serious lower back problems. I have seen a lot of these issues in my day, and I will say, number one, it always important to be under the supervision of a physician in such cases, and, number two, if you catch such lower back problems early they are much easier to treat than the ones that linger. So do yourself a favor and go see your physician before things get worse.

Now, on to how to help eliminate the lower back that tires on the back nine of your weekly round. We know from above that we are using the back "24-7" so to speak. Golfing requires the lower back to work even harder than normal. This is a result of the rotating, stabilizing, and power production required of the swing. The lower back is getting tired because it is neither strong enough nor does it have enough endurance within its muscles to support the activities you perform on a daily basis!

I am betting by now you have a pretty good idea of what to do to rid yourself of that lower back soreness. The lower back must become stronger and increase its endurance capacities. This will increase the durability of the lower back to withstand the stresses placed upon it during your daily activities. Strength can be defined as having enough force production with your muscles to perform a certain activity, and endurance is having enough energy in those muscles to do an activity over and over again. These are simplified definitions, but they work well for what we are talking about. Strength in relation to the lower back has to do with the ability to maintain postures. You must get the lower back strong enough to maintain the postures of the activities you participate in (i.e. golf). Endurance in the lower back is creating enough stored energy in the lower back muscles to do to whatever activity it is that you do over and over again without getting tired (i.e. golf swing).

The combination of strengthening the lower back and creating more endurance within these muscles creates the highest probability of the lower back staying healthy for all activities. The next question you probably have is: what are the proper exercises I should perform to get my back in better shape for golf? Take a look at our products at www.bioforcegolf.com for more information on this topic.

About the Author

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. He has made many of his golf tips, golf instruction and golf swing improvement techniques available to amateur golfers on the website www.bioforcegolf.com

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How To Improve Your Golf Swing with Fitness Training by Terl J. Tyler

2006-01-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Fitness training is one of the keys to help you improve your golf swing.

In addition fitness training can help you get in shape and feel better both on and off the golf course.

Performing exercises to build muscular strength can add power to your golf swing, boost your endurance, and loosen up your muscles and joints to help you avoid injuries both on and off the golf course. Most golfers will do the actual fitness training in a gym using either free weights, machines or a combination of both. However, you can also perform fitness training right at home using everyday items.

Your golf fitness training program should include exercises for the both the lower and upper body and primarily focus on those exercises that add to the motion of the golf swing. The program exercises should involve multi-joint movements that also include work for the torso. A strong, powerful golf swing requires coordination and strength in the major muscle areas of the body and therefore the exercises you perform should help you build both coordination and strength.

Before you start any sort of fitness training program you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are a more mature golfer. If you know what type of exercises you will be performing and how often you will be training, make sure you cover them with your doctor. Your doctor should tell you if they have any concerns regarding the types of exercises you will be doing and your health.

Once you are done talking to your doctor, the next step is to determine where you are going to train. Most people perform their fitness training in some type of gym facility. Many gyms have certified personal trainers on hand who will be able to tailor a workout plan specifically for you to help you reach your goals. Before actually joining a gym, visit each one in your area and ask for a tour, or even a free pass for a week in order to check them out. Make sure that you are comfortable with the facility, the staff, the clientele and most of all the fitness training equipment you will be using.

Make no mistake about it, fitness training will provide you with benefits both on and off the golf course. Strengthing your body will enable you to transfer more power from your muscles into your swing allowing you to hit the ball farther and easier. So what are you waiting for? Get started on a fitness training program today and reap the benefits on the
About the Author

Terl J. Tyler is a golf and fitness enthusiast as well as a writer for Total Golf Instruction.com. Visit them today at http://www.totalgolfinstruction.com and sign up for their free newsletter to receive more great Golf Swing Tips.

Also visit Golf Tips for Beginners

The Chip And Run Shot Techniques by Dave Ryan

2005-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

Many golfers use the "chip and run" as regular part of
their game; and those who don't have at least seen others
do it. The chip and run shot is very similar to a putt,
but you play the shot from just off the green. Club
selection is vital for this shot, just like any other;
in this case, you will want to use irons.

The shot should be played with your legs close together and
the golf ball in line with your back foot. The club should
be held firmly in your hands ahead of the ball, which will
make the shot fly flatter through the air.

You should use only your arms to play the shot--just as you
would when you take a strong putt on the green.

When you are chipping uphill, make sure you carefully
consider your selection because you will need a club that
can keep the ball lower and help it roll up onto the green.

Conversely, when you are chipping downhill, you will need
a club that can create a lot of backspin, which will stop
the ball from rolling down the hill, causing you to gain
strokes.

Of course, when you are around the green, keep playing
the shot the same way if you haven't had trouble in the
past; and remember to allow your club to do most of the
work.

The chip and run will either make or break your putting
position. If you get it right, you can confidently stroll
up to the ball on the green, make a simple putt, and then
move on to the next hole; however, if you can't get a good
green lay-up, then you will be looking at a tricky putt or
another chip and run shot.

About the Author

For your FREE Controversial Golf Report Visit:
http://www.scratchgolfplayer.com

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Clubhead Speed Or Power, Which Comes First In The Golf Swing by Sean Cochran

2005-12-26T06:32:00.000-08:00

A question for the ages in relation to the golf swing. Golfers around the world are familiar with the term clubhead speed. It is the rate at which the golf club is traveling at impact with the golf ball. Golfers are also familiar with the term power.
They know that power is directly related to clubhead speed. Knowing the connection between the two, which comes first?

Clubhead Speed and Power in the Golf Swing

Take a moment to answer the question; which comes first, clubhead speed or power?

Write down your answer and continue reading. Before we answer this question, let us do a quick review of both clubhead speed and power.

Clubhead Speed

Again, we understand that clubhead speed is the rate at which the clubhead is moving at impact with the golf ball. The development of clubhead speed is a resultant of your golf swing mechanics. It is essentially a summation of the entire process of the golf swing, beginning with address, moving through the backswing, into transition, onto the downswing, and completing with impact.

The paragraph above should answer the question of which comes first; clubhead speed or power? Clubhead speed is the resultant of power development with the mechanics of the golf swing.

The next question we want to ask is about power:

How is Power Developed in the Golf Swing?

Power is a combination of two entities:

1. Golf Swing Mechanics

2. Body

Your golf swing mechanics is the efficiency at which you perform the golf swing. Essentially, the golf swing can be broken down into the stages. These stages are;

Address, Backswing, Transition, Downswing, Impact, and Follow Through

Each of these stages within the golf swing can be performed efficiently or inefficiently. PGA Tour players tend to perform the mechanics of the golf swing very efficiently, where as the 30 handicapper performs them very inefficiently.

If the mechanics within each stage of the golf swing are efficient. The creation of power and transfer of this power into clubhead speed is at a greater percentage.

On the flip side, if each stage is performed inefficiently. The amount of power developed and transferred into clubhead speed becomes a low percentage.

The first key in power development and the generation of clubhead speed is golf mechanics.

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics = Greater Power Development and Clubhead Speed

Once we understand that efficient golf swing mechanics equals more power and clubhead speed. We can turn our attention to the "support structure" of your golf swing.

The Body

The body is what drives the golf swing. It is your skeleton, muscles, and nerves performing the mechanics of the golf swing. As a result, your body has a direct affect on how much power you generate in your golf swing.

The mechanics of golf swing requires certain levels of:

Flexibility

Balance

Strength

Endurance

Power

Optimal levels within these body categories allow for the possibility of performing the mechanics of the golf swing at their most efficient levels.

For example, a full shoulder in the backswing is necessary for optimal power development. In order to perform a full shoulder turn, you must have a high level of flexibility.

If you are lacking the flexibility to perform a shoulder turn it will affect the amount of power you can generate.

Bottom line the body is the foundation on which the golf swing is developed.

If you have a weak foundation, you will have a weak golf swing.

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics + A Strong, Flexible, and Powerful Body = Clubhead Speed

We now know clubhead speed is a product of power development in the golf swing. Power development within your golf swing is contingent upon two entities. The first entity is your golf swing mechanics. Performing the mechanics of the golf swing efficiently elicits more power. Secondly, it is the body. Optimal power development requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power within the body. Put these two entities together and you have the ability to generate high levels of clubhead speed within your golf swing.

Sean
About the Author

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2005 PGA & 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. He has made many of his golf tips, golf instruction and golf swing improvement techniques available to amateur golfers on the website http://www.bioforcegolf.com. To contact Sean, you can email him at support@bioforcegolf.com.

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7 Tips To Improve Your Golf by Philip Lawrence

2005-12-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

It's when you start to play golf that you learn fastest. If you have bad golfing habits today, you probably learned them when you first took up golf. But the good news is that anyone can break bad habits and learn good ones. Here are a couple of tips to help you on your way to playing better golf.

1. Your aim is vitally important. If you can't send the ball in the right direction you will never get it in any of the holes. The clubface is the only thing that propels the ball, so line up the clubface with the target first, then take your stance with your shoulders parallel to the target line.

2. Always aim away from potential problems. Tee the ball on the side where the problem is. This will help to keep the ball in play and avoid penalties.

3. Bad wrist action equals a bad shot in 90 percent of cases. Keep the left wrist flat in relation to the back of the left forearm and the back of the left hand, and don't swing the club back farther than shoulder turn.

4. Read the green properly. A golf ball will generally roll away from a hill and towards a water source. So, keep this in mind and adjust as necessary.

5. The grain of the green is important too as it effects the roll. Shiny grass show the grain running away from you, and dull grass highlights the grain running towards you. Putts with the grain go faster and further. Those against the grain go slower and less far.

6. Your shoulders should follow your swing. They should be passive and not lead. Remember that your shoulder movement will determine the direction that your club, and therefore the ball, will travel.

7. Place the golf ball on the ground and take your stance in such a way that the shadow of your head covers the ball. Make your swing keeping your eyes on the shadow. If the shadow moves off the ball you have lost the proper swing center. If you keep the shadow on the ball, even though it moves a little, you have maintained the correct swing position.
About the Author

Philip Lawrence is a sports writer with a local newspaper in northern Florida, where he lives with his wife and two teenage daughters. When he's not writing he's either playing golf or maintaining his golf tips website.

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How To Pick The Right Golf School For You by Brad Johnson

2005-12-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

Golf is one of America's greatest past times. It is known for its easy, laid back style and is a game that has produced huge stars. For the savvy golfer golf school may be the answer to the perfect game.

Choosing a golf school is very much like your game - based on your preferences. There are some basic points you should always look into when choosing a golf school.

Golf schools vary greatly. You should always check a school out thoughouly before signing with them to make sure that it meets your needs. You should check out the instructors. Find out if the classes are in groups or one on one.

You should also find out if the classes are taught on the course, in a classroom or a combination of both.
ALso take a look at the curriculum. Find out if the intructors at a particular golf school work off a centralized lesson plan or if each instructor teaches their own way.

Check out how much time it will take to attend a session at a particular school. Some golf schools offer 1, 2 or 3 days short courses. Others run for a week. Decide what fits into your schedule.
Lastly you should consider the types of classes and your skill level.

It is important to find a school that teaches what you need to know. Finding a golf school should not be too difficult.

You can look for golf schools in the phone book, online or try asking at your golf course. Once you find one and determine it is for you then sign up and start improving your game straightaway.

About the Author

Brad Johnson writes for 1st-Golf-School.com

To find Golf Instructions, click the link.

Golfing Tips for Beginners by Michael Rad

2005-12-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

Golf can start an afternoon hobby and turn into a real passion as you get more involved with it. Learning how to play golf is not difficult and going through all the initial steps is actually fun and rewarding. Here are a few golfing tips that will help you start of on the right foot and turn into a real golfer:

Don't go for the shiniest, most expensive set of golf clubs. As a beginner you will miss a lot of the subtleties of professional golf equipment, so it's not worth spending thousands of dollars on the latest technology and golf club models. Start with a cheaper set of clubs, maybe even a used one. A good golf set would have a putter, two woods and five irons. The irons are usually the odd numbers, such as 3, 5, 7 and 9 plus a wedge. If you want to experience different club types without actually purchasing them you can always rent a set from the golf course. As in most cases, beginners play their first golf rounds with a more experienced friend - you can also borrow some clubs from them.
Getting golf lessons

Golf coaches are a better alternative than friends when it comes to teaching you how to properly play golf. However, if you are just starting golf for the fun of the game, a friend might be a good tutor initially. The only problem with friends teaching you how to golf is that they do not have the necessary skills to explain all the complexities of the movements, swings and strategies. A golf coach is experienced in getting you complicated terms in plain English. You can sign up for golf lessons at most golf courses, and this is a good investment if you have a competitive nature and a few friends that doubt your golfing skills. While costs can range from $20 to $50 per hour, you can also get a group booking that will save you some money.
Golf for fun

Once you have the basic notions about golf it is time to make the most out of this game: have fun! Ambition and determination are great when developing your golf skills, but do not let these reduce the enjoyment levels of the game. We invite you to visit our website for other useful golf tips: http://www.usagolfnews.com

Also check out Beginner's Guide to Golf

The Art Of Putting by Tim Henry

2005-12-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

The majority of the game of golf is putting - pure and simple.

It looks so easy - rolling that little ball into a nearby hole. But mastering the skill has threatened many a golfer's sanity.

Here are a few tips to help improve your putting skills.

• Use just one ball when you practice your putting. This is closer to what a real game is like. You tend to concentrate better this way than if you have a bucket of balls to keep digging into. And be sure to practice your putting daily.

• Putting isn't all in the wrists. When you're putting, the palms of your hands face each other. This prevents one hand from dominating and ensures that both work together for you.

• Make sure you're totally relaxed before you strike the ball. Loosen up your muscles so they feel flabby and jelly-like. Never tense up your muscles when putting!

• Make your back and follow through strokes the same length.

• Keep your putter face square by weakening your left hand and strengthening your right.

• Rely less on your wrists and more on your shoulders when putting.

• Keep that left wrist firm.

• Relax your knees a little. Don't lock up.

• Your heels should be shoulder-width apart.

• Gary McCord advises that on curved putts, keep your feel parallel to the line you've chosen, not parallel to the hole.

• As you make contact with the ball, you want to accelerate the putter. Keep the putter grip moving toward your target.

• It's better to miss a putt by sending it beyond the hole than by having it come up short. Finishing off the shot will be easier.

• Practice your putt at home on your carpet when the weather is bad or you can't get to the golf course.

• Find a putter that works well for you and stay with it.

• Have something at stake at every hole so you become accustomed to putting under pressure.

About the Author

This article provide courtesy of http://www.golfers-world-usa.net

Want to practice your golf putting? For information on all types of putting greens, visit All Putting Greens

'Golfer’ Back Exercise Can Eliminate Back Pain by Mike Pedersen

2005-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

'Golfer' back exercise is a key part of any golf-specific exercise routine.

A closer look at the golf swing will show clearly that it heavily depends on and indeed leans on the back. Actually a perfect golf swing is really all about using the spine as an axis to allow the correct swing plane. The spine is at the very center and core of the golf swing.

The facts of the matter are that a golfer with a back problem will always face an uphill and maybe impossible task when it comes to improving on their game. The back will always come in the way of any efforts at improvement.

This is where ‘golfer’ back exercise come in. They can be extremely useful in helping solve this nagging problem amongst the many golfers who suffer from this problem which can be both very painful and frustrating.

There are cases where the back problem started even before the golfer started playing golf and there are other cases where it starts shortly after they start frequenting a golf course. There are even cases where the problem is greatly aggravated by golf. Chances of getting an improvement on your game from all three different scenarios with the help of golfer back exercises are very high.

Many ‘golfer’ back exercise involve stretching exercises some of which I have covered in previous articles. Interestingly enough, I have witnessed some of these stretch exercises helping some golfers with chronic back pain problems.

There are some who have been fortunate enough to have the problem completely disappear while others have gotten a great deal of relief as a result of the ‘golfer’ back exercise.

‘golfer’ back exercise can also help golfers who have never experienced any back problems to avoid them altogether. As we have already seen, the golf swing involves so much use of the back that injury to it is quite easy. Especially where the golfer is not involved in any golf exercise program let alone ‘golfer’ back exercise.

About the Author

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his golf fitness site - Perform Better Golf.

Find Golf Tips for New Golfers Here

Instantly Improve Your Golf Swing by Timothy Gorman

2005-11-28T12:24:00.000-08:00

So you need a little help with your golf swing. This article will give you some tips that may help with golf swing improvement. Golf swing improvement is an important consideration when you are serous about the game.

Golf swing improvement tip #1: You need to have self confidence. Without self-confidence the likelihood of golf swing improvement is not very good.

Golf swing improvement tihp #2: Don’t worry about what others think or say about your golf swing. Think about how you feel about your swing and then work to improve it.

Golf swing improvement tip #3: Develop a positive attitude about your golf swing.

Golf swing improvement tip #4: You may not feel relaxed but you can learn to play whether you are relaxed or not.

Golf swing improvement tip #5: If you have problems with your left knee buckling when you swing, try imagining that you are holding a basketball between your knees.

Golf swing improvement tip #6: Don’t swing too quickly. Figure out a rhythm and stick with it.

Golf swing improvement tip #7: Remember to use the muscles in your legs and trunk. Using your wrists only will not produce the swing you need.

Golf swing improvement tip #8: If it is breezy it is not going to do you any good to hit the ball harder. Try hitting the ball lower.

Golf swing improvement tip #9: Work on a golf swing that has good balance and a very smooth tempo.

Golf swing improvement can occur with a little mental and physical work.

About the Author

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Golf-Swing-Improvement.com. He provides more golf swing and golf putting tips that will improve your golf game and lower your golfing score.

More About Improving Your Golf Swing Here

Things You Need To Know About Golf Bags by Rose Anne

2005-09-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

Do you like playing golf? For some people, learning a simple golf swing for best results golf is a great relaxing activity. There are many different small things that must come together in order to achieve the maximum distance in playing golf. The first step that you must take in order to prepare for a great swing is to have a golf bag.

What is so important about golf bags? Why do you need to be careful when choosing golf bags? Some professional golfer may want to change their bag each time they participate in a game. What about you?

You probably need to have same perception about golf bags. A golf bag is an integral part of golf equipment. If it carries easy, if it is functional, your mind is going to be where it needs to be - on your golf playing. That’s what most of golfers said about having a golf bag.

What golf bag should you choose? Golf bags vary widely in terms of design, size, weight, and the number of clubs they can hold. Most are designed specifically to either be used on a golf cart or to be carried on the shoulders, though most carry bags will also work on a cart in a pinch. When choosing a golf bag, it's important to consider your style of play, the number of clubs you currently own, and might own in the future.

If you are traveling and wanted to bring your golf equipment, golf travel bags offer protection for your clubs, particularly when traveling by air. Hard-sided bags offer more protection, but are heavier, while soft-sided bags offer somewhat less protection, but tend to be lighter.

The similarities between the luggage and golf bag categories start with the same user-friendly theme. In the case of golf bags, it's "enjoy golf; don't kill yourself." Therefore, lightweight is important for golf bags.

The golf bag industry has come a long way in making golf bags much friendlier to the golfer since 1995. With the way technology has evolved, manufacturers have made an effort to make the golf things you carry easier to find and simpler to organize.

The carry bags are so lightweight, just about anyone can walk with their golf bags now days -- but still there are a lot of golfers opting to pull their golf bag on a cart or strap them onto a powered riding cart. This fact has not escaped the golf bag manufacturers and so they have put a special eye toward creating functional, good looking golf bags for the cart as well as for the shoulder. You can either carry or roll along the course; your golf bag will always be with you.

Where you can find your golf bag? The easiest way is buying online. There are so many golf bags with different design, style, size, etc. that you can find in online shopping. Only a click of your hand, you can see so many golf bags before you. Choose the one you like based on your need. Not long after you order, you going to have a golf bag that you want.

So, what are you waiting for! Start order, you’re golf game is waiting! Good Luck!

About the Author

Rose Anne affectionate on bags, handbags, luggage, etc has made her into bags reviewer. She wants to share her experiences at MyBagsGuide.com. Her experiences on bags can be helpful for those who need more information about a certain kind of bags. Visit her Website http://www.mybagsguide.com.

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Instruction For Swingers (Golf) by Timothy Gorman

2005-09-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

Could your golf swing use some improvement? You are in luck because there are lots of sources for golf swing instruction. Golf swing instruction will be beneficial for your game.

If you are looking for golf swing instruction you may want to talk to one of the golf pros at the course where you golf. A golf pro can offer excellent golf swing instruction.

Maybe you want to try golf swing instruction on your own. Look at a golf shop for golf swing instruction ideas. The employees will be able to point you in the right direction for the best golf swing instruction aids available.

You can check out golf swing instruction books at a bookstore. The library may also have books or manuals that will be beneficial for someone who needs golf swing instruction.

Golf swing instruction tips can be found in many of the golf magazines. There are articles written by golf pros about golf swing instruction.

Check out the golf swing instruction tips online. There are many sites that are devoted to golf and golf swing instruction is part of the information offered.

There are golf swing instruction videos that may be helpful. These golf swing instruction videos will actually show you how to improve your swing.

If you have friends that golf they may be able to offer you golf swing instruction. Sometimes this is a great idea and will greatly improve your game. There may be areas that you can help them with also.

You can take lessons at some community colleges. The instructors will be able to spend some time with golf swing instruction.

As you can see if you need golf swing instruction, there are many options.

About the Author

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Golf-Swing-Improvement.com. He provides more golf swing and golf putting tips that will improve your golf game and lower your golfing score.

More About Improving Your Golf Swing Here

Improving Your Golf Balance by Jason Griffin

2005-08-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

The need for balance for golf just sounds so simple and easy. As a golfer, you know that maintaining proper golf balance is a key to a good golf game. And it's more than just having the correct stance.

Optimum golf balance depends on three aspects: your visual perception, the signals from the inner ear, and signals from your muscles and joints. Sometimes these aspects get out of sync, causing a balance disorder. Most of which can be easily fixed with some simple ideas.

A lack of balance usually occurs when your head position changes, which is a good reason to keep your head still during your swing! How many times have you been told or noticed yourself that you looked up during your swing? Everybody wants to see where their ball is going and when you move your head and throw off your balance, the ball doesn't usually go anywhere. At least not where you wanted it to go. So, keep your head down and still and let your playing partners watch for your ball.

Migraines can attribute to a balance disorder. So if you have frequent migraines, seek medical attention. These headaches can affect your golf game in ways you may never have thought of. Not to mention being just plain painful and debilitating.

Also, don't go spending a fortune on new golf equipment hoping for better play before you check your medicine cabinet to see if any drugs you're taking affect your balance. The condition "ear poisoning" seriously affects your balance. Ear poisoning is usually caused by side effects of some medications. Always be aware of the possible side effects of any prescription drugs you may be taking. This is just good advice all the way around, let alone it having an effect on your golf game.

Diuretics can pose a problem as well. So if you're taking any of these and you start feeling dizzy, get medical help! Sometimes the dizziness can literally become a lifelong problem, so don't delay in seeking help.

If your golf balance is a little off in your game, you may want to do some simple exercises to improve it. Just kicking a ball around your backyard can help. You can also set up a little obstacle course and weave in and out of it to improve your balance. If you have kids, they will have fun with the course, too! Actually, they may even set up one for you!

You can also buy a balance board to help you with your center of gravity. You can easily make one yourself out of some scrap wood or you could find a nice one online or at a local fitness equipment store. These boards are challenging and fun to use. Once you can balance for an extended period on one, pick up a golf club. Then practice your backswing while balancing yourself. This will dramatically improve you golf balance.

In addition, working with flexibility exercises helps increase your golf balance by releasing muscle tension. Try some simple yoga stretches to help with loosening up tight muscles. Yoga or pilates can be a real benefit for the golfer. These types of exercises tend to create long lean muscles and promote flexibility. Just what the golfer needs for the right golf balance and a fluid swing.

Another useful item is a yoga ball or exercise ball. Even just sitting on one of these balls requires balance - so try using one for part of the day. Work up gradually until you can sit on the ball for 30 minutes at a time. These ball exercises can help you develop proper posture, increase the mobility of your lower back, and develop overall control of your body core. Improving your core strength and flexibility will help you develop the correct golf balance.

Since balance is fundamental to every aspect of your golf game, spend some time each day working on developing it. Who knows? You could find your swing and your score improving significantly, and who couldn't use that!

About the Author

About the Author: Jason Griffin is a regular golfer who loves playing golf and helping other golfers, hackers and weekend players get more enjoyment out of the game. He is the creator of Guide to Golf Equipment - Your Information Source for Equipment Used for Golf. (http://www.guidetogolfequipment.com)

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The One Lever Golf Swing Involves Chipping And Putting by Tim Gorman

2005-08-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

The one lever golf swing involves chipping and putting. To improve you one lever golf swing these are the two areas to work on.

First of all we will talk about chipping as part of the one lever golf swing. You will need to figure out how to control your distance with chip shots.

The one lever golf swing and chip shots go hand in hand. Work on chipping close and turn a missed green into a par save and you will have mastered a part of the one lever golf swing.
Another one lever golf swing tip when it comes to chipping is to remember to keep your hands loose. Tension causes bad chips.

If you play the ball back in your stance your chip shots should be more accurate. When working on chipping as part of the one lever golf swing also keep your left wrist firm. Don’t let the lead hand’s wrist break until the ball is moving. When you are concentrating on the one lever golf swing and chipping keep your arms in front of your body.

Now on to putting as an element of the one lever golf swing. Start by keeping good posture even after the address. Your spine angle should not change even when you let your eyes follow the ball. When you are working on the putting area of the one lever golf swing you will want to select a line and stay with it.

One final comment on the one lever golf swing and putting advice; use short puts for the line and longer ones for rhythm.

If you work on chipping and putting your one lever golf swing may improve dramatically.

About the Author

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Golf-Swing-Improvement.com. He provides more golfing tips, putting tips and golf swing instruction tips that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

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Golfers – Here’s a Short Drive That Will Not Disappoint by Evans Putman

2005-07-31T08:06:00.000-07:00

Are you planning a golf vacation to Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head or Kiawah Island in the near future? We know you will spend the majority of your time teeing it up on all the beautiful golf courses. We would, however, like to suggest a day-trip to see a new engineering marvel and North American record holder.

Charleston is well known for its rich historical landmarks. Now the city is providing a look into the future. On July 16, 2005 the longest cable-stay bridge in North America opens in Charleston, SC. Believe me, this is one short drive that won’t disappoint you.

The new Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge replaces two bridges that have graced Charleston’s skyline for decades. This record-setting bridge features two diamond-shaped towers more than 570 feet tall, eight traffic lanes and a pedestrian lane. The towers are so tall that you might even spot them while on the golf course at Kiawah Island.

Here are a few facts about the new Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge.

Overall length: 3.5 miles

Tower height: 573.5 feet (Largest Concrete structures in South Carolina)

Roadway section between the two towers: 1,546 feet

Main span deck: 186 feet above the Cooper River

Concrete: 320,000 cubic yards

Construction time: 4 years and 1 month

If you are still thinking to yourself, “why should I give up a day of golf to see a bridge?” I don’t blame you. Actually, you don’t have to give up golf at all.

Charleston has its share of first-class golf courses. Even if you decide to play your rounds exclusively at Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head or Kiawah; you can still make the short trip to Charleston to enjoy the bridge, take in some history and eat in a world-class restaurant while making it back to your accommodations before bedtime.

Approximate distances and times to Charleston:

Myrtle Beach: 98 miles / 2 hours

Hilton Head: 120 miles / 2 hours 15 mins.

Kiawah Island: 30 miles / 53 mins.

So, after a round of golf at your golf vacation destination, make a short trip that is well worth the drive. Then replace your golf shoes with your running or walking shoes and enjoy the view from above the Cooper River on the bridge’s pedestrian walk. Or bring your bike to ride over the bridge. Sorry, no golf carts are allowed.

In any case, if you are planning a golf vacation to Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head or Kiawah Island; don’t miss an opportunity to experience the view from above on one of North America’s newest landmarks.

Copyright 2005 Evans Putman http://www.PerfectGolfVacations.com - All Rights Reserved. Reprints allowed with no changes, omissions, or additions. All links must be left live and in tact.

About the Author

Article courtesy of Evans Putman, owner of http://www.perfectgolfvacations.com Visit http://www.perfectgolfvacations.blogspot.com to keep current with updates, news and specials.

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How To Make A Full Shoulder Turn In Your Golf Swing When You're Not Flexible by Joe Pena

2005-07-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

This article is going to be somewhat controversial. It might even be considered sacrilege to some. Who knows, it might even incite outrage. But there's only one way to know for sure. Read on.

Do you envy golfers who can address the ball, keep their hips from turning, yet turn their left shoulder well behind the ball? Well, what if you could create maximum shoulder turn (which we all know is a major contributor to a more powerful golf swing), without doing anything to enhance your flexibility?

Sounds impossible doesn't it? And it can be if you're inflexible (or too lazy to work on your flexibility). Don't worry, I'm not going to try to shame you into stretching like a rubber band. Instead, I'm going to point out something that Bobby Jones did, something his contemporaries did too, like "Slammin" Sam Snead for instance. Okay, Sam Snead wasn't one of his contemporaries, but they did the same thing.

Know what it is?

Before I tell you, it's important that you know it's not being "taught" in the modern golf swing. The modern golf swing emphasizes strength and flexibility. That's the state of the game today at the highest levels. And since the highest levels influence teaching methods for the rest of the golfing world, that's why this is not being taught.

That said: It's time to tell you how to create a full shoulder turn without stretching exercises for days or weeks on end. But I must warn you, it flies in the face of convention. However, I must also point out, that a current tour player (Vijay Singh) does it.

And what's that he does?

He turns his hips too!

They don't stay put. They move. They turn. Just doing that alone will put your shoulders half way behind the ball. The remainder can be done by turning your shoulders as well.

Pretty sneaky huh?

Next time you see video of Bobby, or Sam, or Vijay...observe the movement in their hips. Witness their ability to make a seemingly effortless shoulder turn...just before they smash their shot down the fairway.

About the Author

Joe Pena runs the show at ClubWebSolutions.com - He created "The Two Simple Adjustments That Will Stop You From Coming Over The Top, In 5 Swings Or Less, Or Your Money Back".Golf Lessons Here

Improve Your Golf Game With Perfect Golf Swing Drill by Tim Gorman

2005-07-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

Perfect golf swing drills will help your golf game improve dramatically.

There are perfect golf swing drills you can do on your own. You may want to take lessons that will center around perfect golf swing drills. A golf pro may be able to help you with perfect golf swing drills. You can get information online about perfect golf swing drills.

Check out golf magazines and see if they have any articles written about perfect golf swing drills. You can purchase videos that show you perfect golf swing drills. Another idea if you are looking for golf swing drills is to buy a book about golf.

At the beginning of the perfect golf swing drills practice you should consider your posture. If you do not have perfect posture the perfect golf swing drills will not help you.

One part of a perfect golf swing drills program is the takeaway. The left arm is attached to your chest and the clubhead should be outside your hands as the club is about halfway back. Perfect golf swing drills centered around the takeaway continues with your left wrist cupped, right arm above your left and right knee flexed.

Perfect golf swing drills continue in the takeaway area when you put the butt of the club into your stomach as you grip the long iron just below the handle. Keep the shaft elevated so the clubhead is at knee height and then think about your arms, torso, legs, hips and club as being one unit.

The drill progresses when you take the club back by turning your body and feeling that your hands and wrists are not involved in manipulating the club.

Perfect golf swing drills may be just what you need to cut some strokes off your game.

About the Author

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Learn Golf with this new resource - Beginner's Guide to Golf

The Best Golf Aids by Tim Gorman

2005-07-29T21:16:00.000-07:00

You are an avid golfers always looking for the best golf aids. So where do you find the best golf aids?

Some of the best golf aids can be found by talking to your fellow golfers. Find the best golf aids by asking around.

The best golf aids can be acquired by talking to the professionals. The pros will know all about the best golf aids.

Do you subscribe to a golf magazine? If not and you are looking for the best golf aids you may want to sign-up for a subscription pronto! Golf magazines have all kinds of information on the best golf aids.

Check for the best golf aids by going online. You will find many sites that have places that list the best golf aids available.

Another place to find the best golf aids is at a sporting goods store. Specialty golf stores will have the best golf aids, too.

You can look at catalogues that feature golf equipment for the best golf aids.

The best golf aids can be the newest gadgets. You might find the best golf aids in the form of a video. Sometimes the best golf aids are the ones found in books written about the sport.

Before you buy one of the best golf aids you might want to talk to other golfers to see if they have used the product. There are many products on the market that are said to be the best golf aids but some don’t live up to all the hype.

The best golf aids may help you improve your game and remedy the problems you have when on the course.

About the Author

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Tips For Correcting A Golf Slice by Gary Gresham

2005-07-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Correcting a golf slice is the fastest way to shave strokes off of your golf game. Slicing a golf ball is one of the most common errors that an average player makes.

Some golfers remain frustrated for years because they never find out why they are slicing a golf ball. But if you are ever going to become a good golfer, correcting a golf slice is a must. These simple tips will show you how to cure golf slices just by practicing some basic golf swing tips and instructions.

Proper Golf Stance

A proper golf stance should be about as wide as your shoulders. Make sure your shoulders are aligned at your target. Point your right foot straight ahead and point your left foot slightly to the left. Keep your elbows as natural as possible to maintain a proper golf stance.

Even minor adjustments to your stance can make major changes in where your golf ball will end up. Practice the proper golf stance at the driving range and make small adjustments until you get the results you are looking for.

Proper Golf Club Grip

Another common way of correcting a golf slice is adjusting your hands for a proper golf club grip. Grip the golf club with your left hand and put your thumb along the shaft.

The line between your thumb and index finger should be pointing toward your right eye. Wrap your right hand over your left and rest your left thumb into your right palm.

A common mistake most right handed golfers make is gripping the club too tight with the right hand causing the ball to hook towards the left. But the opposite is true with a slice. A weak grip creates an open club face causing your ball to slice to the right.

The best way of correcting a golf slice caused by your grip is roll your hands back so that your non dominant back hand faces the target and your dominant back hand faces the opposite direction.

Practice the proper golf club grip at the driving range to determine if this is what's causing you to slice the ball. Take your time and make small adjustments to your grip. Even though a proper golf club grip seems simple, it is one of the most common ways of correcting a golf slice.

Correct Golf Swing Mechanics

Correct golf swing mechanics is another cure for correcting a golf slice. A proper golf backswing starts with your hands, is immediately followed by your arms and shoulders all in one smooth motion.

A proper golf downswing begins with your hips, keeping your eyes on the ball and your head behind the ball as you follow through. Once you practice the correct golf swing mechanics, you'll be amazed at how quick you will lower your golf score.

Becoming a good golfer is a matter of practicing and playing on a regular basis while developing good habits. Small changes can often make a big difference in your score. Once you practice correcting a golf slice you'll soon be hearing, "great shot!"

Copyright © 2005 1 Stop Shopping Online.com. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author

This article is provided by http://www.1stopshoppingonline.com/golf.html offering you a great selection of new and used golf clubs, golf clothing, accessories and green fees at fantastic prices.

Par and Beyond: Secrets to Better Golf by Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz

2005-06-30T03:17:00.000-07:00

What tips would one of the Top 6 Head Masters in the country give you about your game? Find out now:

Par and Beyond: Secrets to Better Golf

by Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz

You've bogeyed your last hole, you are about to hit your next drive. As you take your practice swings, your mind is still on the last putt that you blew. You take your swing and it's a slice. In your mind you say to yourself "Oh no, I'm going to bogey again!" and you do.

Sound familiar? You know the techniques and mechanics, but you just can't get either your mind or body aligned with each other so that they do what you want them to do. In a word, you are stuck and "switched off," and your golf game is not going well at all.

Golf requires you to think clearly and be analytical which arefunctions of your brain's left hemisphere. Golf also requires you to be creative and intuitive which are functions of your right hemisphere. To be a truly successful golfer you need to use both sides of your brain at the same time; you need an integrated approach.

Brain integration is one of the components of a program that uses the concept of "muscle checking." As a professional speaker and trainer, I have demonstrated this muscle checking concept for over 20 years. Audiences have found it both amazing and exciting.

To understand this concept you will need a partner to practice on as you follow these instructions.

Face a partner. Have your partner raise one arm straight out from the side of his body with thumb pointing down.
Place one hand on your partner's extended arm, above the wrist and the other on their opposite shoulder.
Instruct your partner to resist as you push down, firmly and steadily, on his extended arm for several seconds. Your partner's arm should not move down more than a couple of inches.
While your partner keeps his arm extended, have him close his eyes and think of a negative golf experience. When he has it focused, press down on his arm. His arm will come down easily.
Now ask your partner to think of a very positive golf experience. Once he has it in focus, press down again. His arm will stay level and strong.
Have your partner check you.

The muscle checking is real and repeatable. It is indicating the response of your partner's unconscious mind to negative and positive golf experiences. The results have nothing to do with muscular strength; rather, you are accessing a neurological phenomenon. With the positive thought your muscle stays strong indicating that your body's life energy and brain functions are switched-on.

With the negative thought your muscle switches off demonstrating how negative thoughts actually affect your physical body, and this interferes with your golf game. As you observed and experienced for yourself, the contrast is very easy to see.

For more information on muscle checking and other techniques to help you play better golf, visit www.golf-help.info.

About The Author

Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz brings his expertise in the field of Holistic Health to help you revolutionize your success on the golf course. He has coached the University of Pennsylvania Women's Golf Team, and has been named one of the Top 6 Head Masters in the country.
support@golf-help.info

More Golf Swing Resources:
The Simple Golf Swing

How A Simple Golf Stretch Can Add 20 Yards To Your Drives by Mike Pedersen

2005-06-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Here's another great article to improve your game. You may already be familiar with golf fitness expert Mike Pedersen. With this article, he's going to help you prevent back pain and improve your backswing range of motion. Take it away, Mike.

How A Simple Golf Stretch Can Add 20 Yards To Your Drives

by Mike Pedersen

To quickly improve your golf, stretch your golf muscles regularly!

What’s the difference between a “golf stretch” and an everyday stretch? The answer to this question may be your missling link to a great game and years of enjoyment instead of frustration and weak attempts at quitting the game.

I know…you’ve considered it! I’ve been there many times. But the bottom line…we keep coming back!

So to end the years of frustration and quickly transform your game, you need to do golf stretches daily. Yes, that’s right…daily!

It will only take you a few minutes to get them done, but the improvement in your game will be quick and dramatic. The return on this investment (of time) is well worth it.

Now which stretches to do to get the quickest return?

That’s a personal issue. Everyone has different limitations. Some are backswing related, others are follow through or even maintaining your golf posture.

Below I’m going to list a couple of golf stretches that will help you prevent back pain and increase your backswing range of motion for longer drives.

The first golf stretch is the Lying Leg Crossover:

Lie on back with legs extended.
Raise one leg and bend at knee to 90 degrees in knee and hip. Cross that leg over extended leg, while opposite shoulder stays on ground. Go until slight pull in butt and lower back. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat once more. Switch legs and do opposite side.

This simple golf stretch will not only make your back feel better, but it will improve your ability to make a bigger turn, with less hip movement, creating torque and energy.

The second golf stretch is the Backswing Stretch:

Extend left arm out in front of you (if you are a right handed golfer). Take right hand and put under left wrist. Pull with right hand against left wrist and make as big a turn on back swing as possible. Hold for at least 15 seconds, repeat once more and do the opposite for arm for your follow thru side. This simple golf stretch will loosen up the muscles in the back of your shoulders and your upper back (lats), for more freedom on both your backswing and follow through.

Do these two stretches daily and watch your game improve quickly.

Note: These are only 2 golf stretches isolating certain areas of the body. To get the full benefit for your golf game, you need to do golf stretches for each muscle group.

About The Author

Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness tips and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness e-book, go to Click here.

For More Mike Pedersen tips, take a look at his golf fitness products.

For more Golf Fitness Resources, visit
http://www.golfcoursechicago.com/golf-fitness-resources.html

Alignment - The Most Important Lesson in Golf by Paul Wilson

2005-06-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

When I watch inexperienced golfers players hit the ball I find that they are usually mis-alinged to their target. Typically, they aim way too far out to the right. The reason they aim to the right is because the inexperienced player has the tendency to hit the ball with their arms which causes the ball to pull to the left. This means that they are compensating for a flaw in their swing by just aiming their body out to the right instead of fixing the actual flaw.

What this boils down to, is that the inexperienced players' bad swings make the ball go on target and their perfect swings make the ball end up in the trees, or bunker on the right of the target. So, they are seeing their good shots as bad shots and bad shots as good shots. If this is the case, the inexperienced player will never want to fix their swing flaws. If they don’t fix their flaws they will never reach their golfing potential. This is why I call alignment the most important lesson in golf.

Check Your Alignment

In order to find out if you are a player that has swing flaws, you must check your alignment. To do this, all you have to do is pick out a target and do your normal set up. Once you feel like you are ready, lay a club down at your heels or toes. Then, step back about 10 paces behind the ball to see where you are actually aimed. If the club you placed at your toes or heels is parallel left of your actual target, you have properly aligned yourself. If the club on the ground points to the right of your target you are mis-aligned.

If you find that you are mis-aligned, you must learn to square up your stance. To do this, simply find a target in the distance that you want to hit the ball to. Take out 2 golf clubs that you rarely hit (ie. 3 iron and 4 iron). Take the first club and lay it down directly at the target (you will have to step back a few paces to check this). Place the second club parallel to the first club on the ground. Now, take away the first club that is pointing at the target. You should have one club on the ground that is parallel to the left of your target.

Once you have the club on the ground parallel to your target line you have a guide to help you align your feet, knees, hips and shoulders squarely. If you aim your body squarely to the club on the ground and you hit the ball to the left of your target you have just found out that you are pulling the golf ball which means you are trying to hit the ball too hard with only your arms. If you hit the ball to the right of the target from this square alignment you are sliding your body too much laterally through impact which is causing the ball to fly to the right.

Learning that you are mis-aligned can be quite shocking at first but don't think of it as a bad thing, think of it as a good thing. It's a good thing because you now know that you have a swing flaw and you can get on the road to fixing it so that you can play even better golf in the future.

Paul Wilson
Director of Instruction
Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate
http://www.paulwilsongolf.com

About The Author

Paul Wilson is a nationally recognized golf instructor with numerous appearances on the Golf Channel and in major golf publications. He is the creator of "Swing Machine Golf" which teaches people the 3 elements of the Iron Byron Swing Machine. Please visit
http://www.swingmachinegolf.com to find out more about his teaching method.

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Best Uses for Hybrid Utility Clubs by John Bolt

2005-06-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Have you seen those new hybrid utility cubs? They are showing up all over the place, rescuing golfers from all kinds of situations. The reason for this is simple; they open up opportunities for a number of great new shots.

Even the tour pros are using them to help them win big tournaments. (Todd Hamilton – British Open, David Toms – PGA Championship, Reteif Goosen – US Open) We have come up with what we believe are the 5 best uses for these hybrid clubs.

OFF THE TEE – These clubs are great for long par 3's and short par 4 tee shots when you must carry a bunker or water hazard. Most long irons shots have a low piercing trajectory. These hybrids have a lower center of gravity that helps to launch the ball up into the air. Because of this high ball flight, the ball will come down on a steeper angle making it easier to stop on the green.
FROM THE FAIRWAY – They are good for long approach shots to the greens on par 5's and long par 4's. Because of their great distance control and accuracy, these hybrids will build your confidence. Hitting this club form the fairways will have you going for more par 5's in 2 and leaving you short putts for eagle.
FROM THE ROUGH – Most long irons get caught up in the rough causing them to twist easily and produce mishits. The bigger size and mass of the hybrids over regular irons makes it easier for the club to drive through the rough while keeping the face square. This squaring of the clubface is also aided by the rudders and rails on the sole of the club going through the turf.
OUT OF A BUNKER - Move the ball back in your stance to promote a little steeper angle of attack. The bigger club heads and larger ruddered soles of hybrids make it easier to swing through the sand without catching it fat or heavy. It is very important on these long bunker shots to hit the ball first. This will help get the ball up in the air very quickly and out of the bunker.
AROUND THE GREEN – Hybrid utility clubs work great for bump and run shots around the green (just ask Todd Hamilton). They help to eliminate the chance for error by getting the ball rolling on the ground as quick as possible. Because the shafts are shorter you can play these shots almost like a putt without choking down on the shaft to gain control. This eliminates the chance of a skull, chunk, or a decelerating wedge shot.

We find these hybrid utility clubs to be one of the most versatile clubs you could have in your bag. Get more info about hybrid utility clubs from our website. Then try one out in your bag today!

More golf club grip information and tips can be found at: http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/hybrid-golf-clubs.html

About The Author

John Bolt is the full time owner of GolfEquipmentSource.com. With years of competitive golf experience under his belt, he understands the importance of having properly fitted golf equipment. You can visit him online at: http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/hybrid-golf-clubs.html

golfmaster@golfequipmentsource.com

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Astonishing Victorian-Era Golf Book Predicted Bullet Trains and Television by Steve Smith

2005-06-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

Did you hear about the curious little book, first published in 1892, that predicted bullet trains, digital watches, television and women's liberation and other wonders decades before they came to pass?

It's a book that burst into the news in January, 2005 when a rare first edition was sold at auction for more than $2,000.

The oddest thing about the book is that it is not a work of science fiction, as we would generally understand that term, nor some obscure tome of religious prophecy. Instead it's a novel about, of all things, golf.

Written by a 19th-century professional Scottish golfer named J. McCullough, about whom
little is known, "Golf in the Year 2000; or, What We Are Coming To" also predicted the
advent of golf carts and international golf contests.

Published under McCollough's pen name, J.A.C.K., the book chronicles the adventures of a character named Alexander Gibson who falls into a deep sleep in 1892. He awakens 108 years later into a world, where, among other things, women dress like men, run businesses and hold most of the top positions in government.

Gibson also learns, to his considerable delight, that women do all the work in this society while men play golf full time. Upon being informed of this, he cries out that it's "the dream of my former existence come true! I am, indeed, a lucky man to see it. ... The world is evidently getting things ship-shape. ... Oh, how I would like to wake up some of my old chums. I know a few who would appreciate the arrangement."

But Gibson finds that his beloved golf has been radically transformed as well. He must adjust to the existence of driverless golf carts, golf clubs that automatically register their user's score and jackets that yell "Fore!" whenever the golfer begins to swing. He finds the jackets to be particularly annoying, but it's the rule at every club in Britain: you can't play unless you wear one.

He also watches -- via a television-like device that works through an elaborate mirror arrangement -- a golf competition between Britain and the United States, much like the Ryder Cup (an event which did not begin until 1927).

And, he learns that wars have ceased, at least among the European nations, because
international disputes are now settled by ... golf matches.

One thing about golf hasn't changed, Gibson reflects following a round of golf in which he emerges the victor--and has to listen to his defeated opponent grousing about bad luck.

"The same old excuses, I thought. Among all those inventions, surely they might have got something new in that line."

The main character's adventures in the year 2000 also include taking a ride in an underground tubular railway, familiarly called the "tub," and reading about a London-to-New York speed record of two hours and 32 minutes, achieved by a bullet-type train traveling underneath the Atlantic Ocean.

Little things, too, amaze him: He no longer has to shave every day; instead, he brushes a miraculous compound of some sort over his cheeks once a week and this is sufficient to keep down his beard. Similarly, he employs a hairbrush that keeps his hair at whatever length he prefers, so he never needs to visit a barber (which is good, since barbers no
longer exist).

The appeal of "Golf in the Year 2000" is perhaps stronger today than it was when it was first published. Golfing fans enjoy it for its humorous commentary on the sport as practiced in the 19th century and in the "future" (our present). General readers have fallen in love with it, too. Not only is it fun to go through it count author McCullough's hits and misses on the predictive front, the book is suffused with a Victorian charm treminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes story.

Now, the world is rediscovering this little gem of a book.

In January of 2005, news services reported that an American collector named James Espinola had paid $2,240 at auction for a first edition of "Golf in the Year 2000".

Although Espinola is in the process of selling off his own immense collection of golf memorabilia, he was quoted as explaining that he can't resist buying the occasional "odd thing" at auction--and this was one of those things.

The Edinburgh auction house of Lyon and Trumbull had estimated that the book would fetch less than a quarter of what it ended up bringing. The firm's golf specialist was quoted as saying that the final price took them "a bit by surprise."

Although original editions of the book are rare, it has occasionally been reprinted in facsimile editions. No one thought to make it available to the vast audiences of the World Wide Web, though, until recently.

On February 26, 2005, a little over a month following the news about the auctioned first edition, "Golf in the Year 2000" made its debut on the Web at http://www.golf-in-the-year-2000.com/. The full text of this strange and engaging book is finally available for anyone, anywhere to read,
free of charge.

At the conclusion of the book, the main character declares that he does not intend to wake up and find himself back in 1892 again, with his amazing adventure having all a dream. "No, no; I'm in 2000, and in 2000 I mean to stay." Like him, the quirky tale of his adventure seems to have found a secure place in our time.

About The Author

Steve Smith is a writer and editor living near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the United States. His Web sites include Tops 4 Tennis at http://www.tops4tennis.com/ and Golf In The Year 2000 at http://www.golf-in-the-year-2000.com/.

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Golf for Inspiration by Leon van der Walt

2005-06-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

(From Golfhead: Leon could have called this article Golf - Metaphor for Life.)

You might be tempted to ask what golf has to do with inspiration. The inspiration in golf, for me, comes from playing it. It is a microcosm of life. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Every shot you take can either be a success or a failure. Each shot you play results in the next shot you have to play. Each shot a result of the shots up to this moment. You can love it (fairways) or you can hate it (out-of-bounds) or you can lie in all the grey areas in between (rough, sand, water).

It is said that once you know the basics of golf, the game is 90% mental. And so it is with life. If you think you can make the shot, you probably will. If you think you can't, you're right as well. To become a better player, you must learn what you can and can't do. And if there are shots that you can't make right now, practice them until you believe you can do it.

Most golfers will remember the best round they ever played. I'm no different: it was a round of 84 (at handicap of 18) on a par 72 course. And if I must say it myself, I played darn well! And so many of us relive the glory days. Instead of moving on and continually striving to improve, we just sit around and talk about the good old days.

But life, like golf, can and should be so much more than a good memory. Don't ever stop and think that the best is behind you. Play every shot as if it is your last. Play every shot to the best of your ability. Accept that mistakes are part of the game, but don't dwell on them. And remember that you aren't playing alone, so do make a stop on the 19th hole.

Don't be so focused on your own game that you don't notice the good shots of your fellow players. Compliment and encourage them to play the game as it should and could be played. Try to forget about the things outside of the here and now. Focus on one shot at a time. Don't just play on one course all your life. Get out of your comfort zone and go and see the scenery (hopefully not the bush and the sand and the water) on other courses. Learn from those more skilled than you are and if they are willing to learn, those less skilled than yourself.

We try to avoid the obstacles that are presented to us (sand, water, etc.) but once in a while - sometime more often than not - we have to face them. And how you face them tells something about your character. You could cheat, you could go for an impossible shot or you can go for safety. Whichever way you choose to go, remember that it is only you that will have to live with it. So make your choice something worthwhile.

So whether you are playing the best or the worst round of your life, do it in courage and truth. Courage to believe that you can always enjoy the game and truth so that you may know that whatever the result is, you are important in the big scheme of things. May your golf and your life hold fairways and greens and once in a while a hazard, just to mould your character!

About The Author
Leon van der Walt is an aspiring netrepreneur in the fields of inspiration and financial freedom. Leon has a masters degree in quantitative risk management and when not working on the Net is a bank employee. He strives to continually improve himself and is focussing on increasing financial literacy.

Copyright 2005 www.financial-inspiration.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

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Golf Course History - You Can Play The Oldest Golf Course In The World! by Gary Hill

2005-06-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

If I asked you where the oldest golf course in the world was what would you say? Scotland – yes, good guess so far. But where in Scotland?

When pressed most golfers eventually say St Andrews, but they’re wrong. Golf was played at Musselburgh near Edinburgh at least ten years before any recorded games at St Andrews. Local records suggest that golf was played on the links land near the shore at Musselburgh from around the year 1567.

The “old course” in Musselburgh is still there today and retains much of its original layout. It has nine holes and can be played by all comers. Seven of the holes were laid out before 1830 (and probably much earlier) and the two “new holes” were added in the mid 1800’s.

The British Open golf tournament was held at Musselburgh on five occasions between 1874 and 1889 and the first ever golf competition for women was played on the course in 1811. The club members still compete for the Old Club Cup, which dates back to 1774.

Even the holes in the greens are significant at Musselburgh. In 1829 the members decided to buy a mechanical device from a local blacksmith to cut the holes on the green. By chance he made it with a diameter of exactly four and a half inches. Golf holes at the time could be any size that the members wanted – there was no rule about it. In 1893 the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews – who by this time wrote the rules of golf for the game worldwide – decided that all golf holes should be the same size as the ones at Musselburgh and the decision has remained unchanged to this day.

For a course of such historical importance, access is remarkably easy. You can simply pay and play if you wish and there is a small shop selling special souvenirs. Memberships are available for both local and overseas members – the latter might make a particularly unusual golf gift. Each overseas member receives a welcome pack with a history of the club, a special bag tag, special golf balls and tees and is welcome to join in any competitions if they come for a holiday in Scotland.

This truly is golf at it’s most authentic and in its most historical setting. Come try it – you will really feel the history of the place.

About The AuthorGary Hill lives and works near Edinburgh in Scotland.
You can visit his website at http://www.vacation2europe.com/ and read more about golf vacations to Scotland and Ireland at www.vacation2europe.com/ireland-golf-vacation.html

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Welcome to the Golf on the Brain Blog!

2005-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

If you like the thwack of the club, if you enjoy the sight of the ball sailing straight down the middle, stay tuned. I like to think of this blog as a blogzine. I'm going to post articles and tips to help you enjoy golf even more (if that's possible...). Stay tuned.