Entries Tagged 'Tips and Tricks' ↓
November 17th, 2008 — Golf Ball Driver, Tips and Tricks
Volumes of advice have been written on the art of the golf swing, and yet people still struggle. There are hundreds of small things that can go wrong with any swing and even the pros are plagued by issues that haunt them every time they go up to the tee. While there is no magic bullet for your swing, there are a few things that you can target to help you get better results, drive farther and correct common issues such as slicing.
Not every golfer will have the same problems, which is one of the main reasons that books and videos on swing correction may not be useful. They are usually quite general in nature and designed for those that are either just starting out, or only need small tweaks in common problem areas. While this is a great strategy, if you have found that after taking lessons, reading books and diligently trying that you are still having problems, the solution may be easier than you think.
The best way to tell what may be wrong with your swing is to get someone to video tape you. This will help you take a look at yourself, and is very useful to those that just can’t “feel” what is wrong. If you can get a pro to look it over, great. If not, here is one major flaw that you need to watch out for. If you have this flaw in your swing, you’ll not only be wasting the power of your swing, but you’ll also experience a loss of accuracy.
The problem is called “the sway.” It’s a common issue but one that is rarely addressed fully. Many golfers find that they unconsciously sway when they hit the ball, but they really don’t know how to stop it. If you have a powerful swing, this sway can be a big problem, thanks to the rules of force. As you sway in the swing, you’re throwing off your target, and as such, all of that built up force is going to put the ball in the wrong place.
Once you have a video of yourself, watch it carefully and see if you do indeed have “the sway.” It may be subtle, but there is a good chance that it will be present. All of us sway to some extent, but if the movement is pronounced, there is an easy way to fix it. You can practice at home, on the course, or on the range to get rid of this problem. Every time you address the ball, you need to draw some imaginary lines and a box around yourself. Keep your hips facing forward and do not pull in either direction on the up or down swing.
The next step is to square your shoulders, so that they mirror your hips. This will keep your upper body from swaying. Once you have both your hips and shoulders working together, you’ll be able to reduce “the sway,” and get back to playing golf the way you want to.
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November 7th, 2008 — Book Review, Tips and Tricks
Michael McTeigue is a well known instruction in California that has built up quite a following. One look at his book will tell you exactly why. If you are looking for a complete resource to help you fix your swing, this may be the perfect answer. The illustrations were superb and we found the book to be an incredibly enjoyable read.
One of the golf pro’s that read this book commented that the example of just one of the swing techniques was worth the entire price of the book and we’d have to agree. This is great, common sense instruction and the author has done a great job of keeping the tone conversational. You never feel as though you are being talked down to, or that you’ll never be able to accomplish the swing. In fact, the author is great at motivation as well as instruction.
The first chapter gets into the mental game of golf, which often has a dramatic impact on your swing. Read this section at least twice, since there are many great nuggets of wisdom to be found here. Overall, we found a few things in this chapter alone that we could improve on.
The author breaks down every single step of the swing, from start to finish, making easy phase much easier to understand. You’ll be learning about how to shift your body slightly to get better results, the key to the Lighthouse Turn and many other great tips that will impact your swing and the way that you hit the ball. Lesson Seven is an incredible lesson that goes into the inside out swing, breaking it down even further.
Timing is essential in golf and this is one of the first books we’ve found that really covers this issue. Overall, as golf books go, this is by far one of the best we have ever read and one of the few that contained tips that could be immediately put into use right out on the course.
We highly recommend this book not only to beginning golfers, but also to more experienced players. Chances are you may have picked up a few bad techniques along the way, we all do, and this book can help you unlearn them very quickly. It is a fast paced read that is informative without being boring and it is also suitable for youth players. If you have been struggling with your swing for years, this book most likely will have the answer that will solve it.
Simply by implementing a few of the tips in this book you should be able to shave quite a few points off your score and you’ll find that playing is a lot more enjoyable. People can spend their entire lives perfecting their golf swing, but with this book, you should be able to solve your problems quickly and get back to enjoying the game.
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October 25th, 2008 — Golf Ball Driver, Tips and Tricks, tools
One of the biggest problems that most golfers face is figuring out where they are going wrong when it comes to their swing. Volumes have been written about the art of the swing and still people have difficulty. If you are trying to see where you are going wrong, there are a few techniques and tips you can utilize to diagnose and fix these issues, before they get any worse.
1. Videotape your swing.
By far, if you need to know what is going wrong with your swing, the easiest way to tell is by videotaping it. Thanks to today’s little cameras, you won’t have to worry about lugging a big camera along with you on the course and you can immediately see what is going wrong. Have a friend videotape your swing at each hole and then you will be able to analyze what you may be doing wrong.
We recommend doing this at each hole since your swing can change dramatically as you play. Whether you end up getting tired and sloppy, or you start to warm up and improve, you’ll be able to pinpoint quite a few problems if you do this. We also recommend showing your video to a pro, or to a friend that is knowledgeable on the game. They may be able to spot something you’re not seeing.
2. Use a swing monitor.
Most courses are moving towards installing these monitors in their practice areas, and you should be able to find at least one in your local area that has one. These machines will help pinpoint the exact second where you start to go wrong and they are incredibly beneficial, especially to new players. If you have been struggling and just can’t get past the problem, this is the perfect solution.
Find a course that offers this and then pay for one lesson with the pro on staff. They’ll be able to help you interpret the results and find ways that you can improve your swing. It will cost a little money, but the amount of time you save and the results you can get will make it more than worth the expense.
3. Watch other players.
Make it a habit to watch other players on the course and on television and start analyzing their swings. As you become used to seeing different swings and the results they produce, you’ll be able to start incorporating some changes into your own game. This is a very helpful way to learn more about how a swing works and how to get big results from small changes.
4. Get some instructional DVDs.
If you can’t quite afford an instructor, you can get some DVDs that will show you how to perfect your swing, piece by piece. We highly recommend the The 8 Step Swing by Jim McLean
DVD series and the book. These two resources are packed with information and help for every golfer.
With a little time and by paying attention, you can fix your golf swing and get better results from your game.
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October 24th, 2008 — Book Review, Tips and Tricks
Golfers can spend their entire lives trying to perfect their swing, or their stance and for many this pursuit always falls just short of their goals. Enter Joseph Laurentino, the author of The Negotiable Swing and his assertion that it is possible to play a great round of golf, even if your form is not perfect. There is certainly enough evidence to back him up – one weekend of watching pro golf on television can prove his point quite well.
But, how does the average golfer put that to work for themselves – in their own game. Laurentino offers some hard hitting advice that may change the way you think about golf and certainly about the way that you stand. While the stance and the swing are essential, perfection may not be in many cases.
The first three chapters cover basic form and common problems that golfers have. Chapter three is probably the most interesting out of the three since it discusses at length which aspects of your stance and swing are “negotiable” or what may not matter as much as you think it does. This is a fascinating discussion that raised a lot of new points.
The next group of chapters cover the different elements of the swing and how to make the most of what you have. We found these sections to be incredibly informative and helpful. For the everyday golfer, this is real advice that you most likely wouldn’t get from a course pro.
Last but not least, chapter twelve covers at length whether or not you as a player would benefit from instruction. This is a terrific look that encourages you to be honest with yourself, but still realize that there are some things about your stance that you may never be able to change. By realizing this, you may be able to save quite a lot of money on instruction fees and still be able to get the results you’re looking for out on the course.
We highly recommend this golf book to anyone that is struggling with their form and feels as though they will never get it right. You may not have to! While there is no replacement for proper form and learning the fundamentals of golf, Laurentino does offer hope to those of us that are still struggling to get it “right.” If you have ever wished you could play like a pro, or you are just trying to shave a few points off your game, this book may have the perfect answer for you.
We’ve read a lot of different golf books, and Laurentino’s newest book definitely made it into our top ten. He does a great job of writing in a style that is easy to read while still being very informative. While those that don’t have a problem with their stance or swing (and they are most likely in the minority) may not need this book, the rest of us can certainly benefit from it.
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October 10th, 2008 — Book Review, Tips and Tricks
If you have ever wished you could afford a true professional trainer, but that’s a little out of reach, there is a lot to be said for reading books written by a pro. While this doesn’t give you the exact same benefit of learning in person, you can still pick up some great new techniques and learn quite a lot. Out of all the pro books we’ve read, this one from Ben Hogan is probably our favorite.
Whether or not you like Ben Hogan, he’s numbered among the greatest players of all time in this game. We found his style to be engaging and even if he did get a little help with the writing, the results are spectacular. Whether you are brand new to the game, or almost a pro in your own right, there is plenty to be learned here.
The five lessons cover The Grip, The Stance, The First Part of the Swing, The Second Part of the Swing and Putting it All Together. Each one is vital to your game and either one or even all five may be keeping you from reaching par. Each lesson is completely broken down in exhaustive detail, so that you can learn literally from scratch.
The section on the grip is very important and should be read more than once. So many golfers get this wrong and even though they have a great swing, they can’t seem to get it to come together. This section should help correct a lot of common errors and help you get the right feel for how you need to be holding the club.
The stance section provides some great tips on how to stay open, and how to fix some common problems that you may think are swing related, but are actually caused by the way that you stand. We found this to be particularly helpful and the lessons were easy to practice at home. After a few tries you should be able to “find” this stance on your own naturally.
The two components of the swing are also vital, as is putting it all together. Hogan has a natural talent for breaking down each step you need to take and if you have had trouble with your swing, these three sections may just be able to solve it. It was truly an interesting read and after following these lessons, we did see an improvement on our score.
We highly recommend this book to any level of golfer. The tips contained herein are worth the price of a dozen pro lessons and will help correct a lot of common mistakes. If you can’t afford regular lessons, this book is just about as good and will save you a bunch of money. While it may not fix your entire game, Ben Hogan’s five lessons will give you that strong foundation for playing better. These lessons will help you improve your game, regardless of any issues you may have on the course.
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September 19th, 2008 — Book Review, Golf Ball Driver, Tips and Tricks
If you're trying to work on your putting game, this book is by far one of the best we've ever seen. You'll be able to learn a lot from it and even if you're a putting pro, there are some fantastic tips and techniques that everyone should try. This book can make a big difference in your game and it was one of our favorite golf instructional books of all time. From real tips you can use to thinking material, this book has it all. It's rare to find a book this well written and comprehensive when it comes to putting. You wouldn't think that the art of putting could take up this many pages, but when the author is breaking everything down so that each step can be understood, it more than accounts for the length of this book. Putting is actually pretty complex and you'll have a whole new appreciation for it after you've read this book.
The book starts off with the author's own experiences before moving into the absolute basics of putting. This is a great chapter for the novice golfer and the author did an admirable job putting everything together in an easy to understand format. The third chapter is a must read for any golfer, regardless of their skill level. This one covers the equipment you must use for putting and how big of a difference the right putter can make in your game. If you're a pro but have difficulty on the green, this may contain the answer to your problems.
The next two chapters deal with the art and form of putting, and you can pick up some really great tips here. Everything is discussed, from the proper stance, to the right way to swing a putter and line up your shot. From there, you'll be learning more about the mental game of putting and how to avoid setting yourself up for failure. We read this chapter twice simply because it was so informative.
Last but not least, the author wraps up some advanced techniques to try on your next round as well as a some common problems and fixes. For trouble shooting, this was a great section and it should be of use to most golfers. The putting drills are also incredibly useful and you can get to work on fixing your game right away.
Bottom line, if you need to fix your game, you need to read this book. We really enjoyed how it was put together and the author did a great job of making it easy to understand. Too many golf books tend to be a little inscrutable and they are not friendly for new golfers. We didn't find that the author used confusing terminology or obverse concepts that were too difficult for beginner's to understand. This little manual on putting belongs in any golfer's bookshelf and it would make the perfect gift for any golfer on your list.
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September 17th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
Your legs may not be swinging but that doesn’t mean that they don’t play a huge role in how hard you hit, how accurate you are, or how far the ball goes. Your legs play a very large role in your swing, and it is all too easy to go wrong if you aren’t placing them properly. Let’s look at a few tips on how to avoid this.
Hips –
Your hips play a role in determining where the ball will fall when it lands as well as how hard you hit the shot. If you are twisting your hips one way or the other, your aim gets thrown off and you lose that power that will help you drive longer. Practice keeping your hips square in front of the ball and if you feel that they are being pulled one way or another during your swing, take the time to correct it. You should notice an immediate improvement. Try practicing this at home until you can reliably keep your hips square with every swing.
Knees –
Your knees also control some very important aspects of your swing and the resulting shot. If they are locked, you won’t be able to utilize the pull power of your legs to get a stronger swing. If they are too loose, the same problem occurs. You’ll need to find that “sweet spot” where your knees have just the right amount of flex to them. Think about sitting down but stop after just a few inches. Your knees should just have a slight bend to them. Keep practicing until you can easily find just the right amount of flex when you are ready to swing.
Feet –
Your feet actually do play a role in how well you swing. If they are too far apart, you’re missing out on that perfect zone. If they are too close, you’re hampering your efforts. If they are pointing out, you may even find that your swing is pulled in that direction. Practice keeping your feet square, and planted but a little loose. You may need the quick help of a pro to get the position just right so that you can practice later at home.
Putting it all Together –
As you can see, there is more to just your legs than the sum of all of its parts. You need to focus on each little spot, improving that and working to find the right feel. Once you get your knees, your hips and your feet operating in unison, you should notice a dramatic difference not only in the quality of your swing, but also how far you are able to hit and how accurate your shots become. It’s well worth the effort to find that sweet spot and keep practicing.
With a little tenacity, you can develop that feel on your own and be able to get right into position each time you address the ball. Keep trying – you can get there!
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September 15th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks, injuries
If you are an avid golfer that plays several times a week, there is a risk that you could develop joint erosion. This is a painful process that can reduce your swing, and make it difficult to function normally. However, there are steps every avid golfer can take that will help them avoid joint erosion.
Wrists
This is a very common problem area for many golfers. Your wrists are a big part of your game and if you’re not protecting them, you may find that after awhile you experience joint pain. It is vital to wear proper golf gloves that will support your wrists and help make the impact less noticeable. A good pair of golf gloves can go a long way in protecting your wrists and preventing future problems, such as joint erosion.
Shoulders
This is another problem area that can flare up suddenly in many golfers. You’ll be using your shoulders quite a bit while you play and repetitive motion can be very hard on your joints. Try to take a few days off if you notice excess strain on your shoulders and make sure that you stretch beforehand. One of the best ways to prevent joint erosion in the shoulders is to space out your playing time and to make sure that you are swinging properly. However, if you do play a lot, this may not be enough to keep your joints sound. Consider speaking with your physician about medications that can prevent joint erosion.
Hips
Since your hips are a large part of your swing, and you’ll be using them if you are walking a course, it is important to protect these joints as well. Minimize your walking time if you already are experiencing joint pain, and take advantage of a cart whenever possible. This can help reduce the overall wear and tear on your joints. Having the proper form can also have a big impact on how your hip joints wear over time.
These are just a few examples of the major joints that can be affected by erosion. While there may not be a cure-all preventative, you can minimize the damage that you are causing by taking the steps to ensure that you are swinging properly and using the right equipment to support your joints.
Sometimes, the best medicine is simply to reduce the amount of golf you play each week, or you may be able to get extra help from your physician as mentioned above. There are also supplements that will help keep your joints lubricated, to further reduce the risk of joint erosion, but once again, these should only be used under the care of a physician since they may interact with other medications.
Joint erosion is a problem that affects millions, but with care, special attention and the right equipment, you can do your part to reduce the risks that you may develop this painful condition in the future or prevent an existing condition from getting worse.
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September 10th, 2008 — Tips and Tricks
One of the biggest problems for many golfers comes when it is time to address the ball. There are so many things that can go wrong, that it is all too easy to lose your focus and end up spoiling your shot because your mental game is a mess. Here are some great tips to help you address the ball, get rid of these worries and have a more enjoyable round of golf.
1. Put it into perspective.
Instead of stressing about whether you are going to hook or slice it, just focus on hitting the ball and cross the next bridge when you get to it. Nine times out of ten, simply by thinking about doing something wrong, you subconsciously do it anyway. Adopt a “who cares” attitude about your shot, and you may find that your accuracy improves and you no longer even have an issue with hooking or slicing.
2. Get your feet straight.
Your feet and as such, the direction of your hips are a big component of your stance and the way that you address the ball. Take a few seconds to make sure that your feet are lined up properly and that your hips are facing forward. It shouldn’t take long to get into a rhythm where your stance becomes automatic. Once again, don’t over think it. Just set your feet and move on.
3. Get a grip.
Having the proper grip on your club will also have a huge impact on the way that you swing. As you are addressing the ball, take a second to make sure that your grip is right. The key is not to stress on the point, but just make a quick mental note to fix your grip. After a few tries, you’ll find that it is much easier to go up to the ball and immediately find the perfect grip.
4. Walk away.
If the shot doesn’t feel right, don’t take it. Walk away for a minute and do a practice swing. This may be a little tough if the speed of play if very fast, but most people will understand if you want to get the shot right. Sometimes, if the feel is just wrong, the only way to salvage that shot is to fix it before you take it. Walking away can help you clear your mind and you can “start over” when you address the ball again.
5. Let go.
At the end of the day, this is a game, and it is supposed to be fun. Don’t get all wrung out about your score and try to remember that each hole is just another opportunity to get better. By getting the right mental game, you’ll notice that your real game will automatically improve. It takes time to develop skills and no one becomes a championship level golfer over night.
Practice is essential, but when it comes down to it, golfing should be a relaxing but challenging sport. Don’t let it get the best of you.
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September 8th, 2008 — Robert Muir Graves, Robert Trent Jones, Tips and Tricks, William Bell
Walking on to a course you have never played can be a little intimidating, especially if you are alone. You may not feel like chatting up the other players to get some tips and some course’s score cards leave a lot to be desired. However, there are some great ways that you can minimize the amount of stress that comes naturally with playing a golf course for the first time.
1. Study the scorecard.
Again, this may not be much help, depending on the pictures that are provided. Some give just numbers, while others will give you a rough idea of what to expect. Take some time to carefully look at the card and start to formulate your strategy.
2. Learn about the course before you go.
Some courses are known for their water hazards, others for their bunkers. Take the time to learn all that you can about the course before you get there. In many cases, you may even be able to find a walk through of the course online, and this can be incredibly helpful. Now, many courses are also adding video tours, so in the future, it should be a lot easier to go to a brand new course and know what to expect.
3. Learn about course designers.
Most of the courses in California were designed by the big three, Bell, Trent-Jones and Muir Graves. Each one has their own signature style. It really pays to learn a little about the courses they have designed in the past. Then, when you arrive at the course, find out how designed it. This should give you some important clues as to what you’ll need to know about playing it.
4. Try to get in two rounds.
It is very helpful to go for a first round that really doesn’t matter, and then play the second one when you are more informed. However, this may not always be possible, depending on your schedule and the amount of the green fees. If you can do this however, it’s the easiest way to get a good feel for the course.
5. Ask around the pro shop/club house.
One of the absolute easiest ways to learn more about the course you are on is simply by asking other players and the people that work in the pro shop. Remember, golf is a social sport and this is a great way to make new friends. Don’t be shy, they were once in the exact same position you were in.
6. When in doubt, work on accuracy.
Most courses can be surmounted simply by paying attention to accuracy. Do your best to get a good tee shot that is straight down the line and everything else should fall into place. It may not serve you well on doglegs, but overall, hanging to the center of the fairway and hitting it hard is generally the best approach on a foreign course.
Finding new golf courses should be fun – and you never know what great experiences are waiting for you unless you try!
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