Picking The Right Gear to Improve Your Game

golf gearIf you are finding that no matter what you try, your golf game is just not getting to the point where you want it, the answer may be in the tools and equipment you are using. Many players go their entire lives without a proper fitting for their clubs. Others may never realize that their feet may be the culprit. Here are some tips on how to get the best equipment and the best results for your game.

  1. Schedule a fitting.

    A club fitting is vital for any golfer and the good news, most pro shops will offer a free fitting, especially if you’re ready to make a purchase. Everyone is built differently, and off-the-rack clubs may not be suitable for your needs. For example, if you have arms that are a bit short, you will need to find a club that is longer to compensate. Otherwise, you’ll be throwing off your stance. If you are shorter in the legs than the torso, this can also affect the type of club that you should be using.

    By getting a proper fitting, you’ll be able to get an expert’s advice on the types of clubs that you will need. It may be that a custom set that is built specifically for you may be the answer to your game problems. They may cost a bit more, but in the end, custom clubs are well worth it, especially if you’re trying to work towards a better score.

  2. Wear the right shoes.

    Our shoes make a huge difference in the way that we play golf. If you’re pitched wrong, or using shoes that are not intended for golf, it can completely throw off your swing. For example, let’s say that you are an overpronator. This means that your feet tend to bend in a little towards the inside. If you are not wearing a shoe that corrects this problem, you won’t be able to get as much power into your swing as you would like.

    To see whether or not you may need a special pair of golf shoes, here is an easy test. After your shower, before you get out of the tub, place a towel on the floor. Get out of the tub and stand on the towel. Step away and take a look at the footprints. Do they seem like they disappear in the middle of your foot? You may be over or under pronating. Do they seem very flat? You may need special arch support to improve your posture, and your swing.

    The type of spikes that you’re using can also affect your swing and how you play the game. Most courses are now switching to soft spikes, but you’ll need to play around a bit to find the spikes that are best for you. You may not need a full shoe of them, or you may need quite a few. Experiment to find the best spike configuration for your unique needs.

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The Role Your Legs Have in Your Swing

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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How to Find the Right Golf Shoes

golf shoes Having the right pair of golf shoes impacts much more than your comfort level. If you’re wearing the wrong shoes or if they do not fit properly, this can effect your swing and as such, your entire game. Most of us don’t pay attention to our feet in golf, but they are incredibly important. If your method of shoe shopping to this point has been to find the coolest designs, this may be keeping you from perfecting your game. Let’s look at some tips to help you find the perfect pair of golf shoes.

First, let’s look at materials and overall weight of the shoe. There are thousands of choices on the market, but you’ll need to find the right match for you. If you have problems with your hips, knees or sciatica, a heavy shoe is a big mistake. Look for lightweight shoes, ideally with soft spikes. This will cut down on the stress that your legs are feeling and help open up your swing.

The material should be breathable, especially if you live in a hot climate. Look for a mesh shoe if you have problems with hot feet, but in most cases, real leather will be your best option. No matter which type of material you select, you must have the shoes properly waterproofed. While some are already done for you, you will need to double check this. There is nothing worse than walking around a course with wet feet.

One important point that is often overlooked is the impact that golf course chemical practices can have on your feet. If you are allergic to dies, or pesticides and herbicides you will need to find a shoe that is completely sealed. Your feet can absorb these materials, especially if they get wet and you may get sick. While some courses use safe practices when it comes to treating their fairways and greens, you cannot rely on this 100%. Take these precautions and you’ll be a lot happier and healthier.

Now, let’s move onto the actual mechanics of a shoe. You’ll want to make sure that it is well balanced, and addresses any existing condition you may have. For example, if you under pronate, which means that your feet tend to slope in towards one another, you may have issues with your swing. Likewise, over pronating can affect your stance and swing as well. Find out if you have undiagnosed foot problems and get the shoes that will correct that for you.

Your golf shoes need to be functional first and foremost, and although they can be expensive, getting the right pair will impact your game. If you have consistently found that you cannot improve your score, the problem may be right under you. Visit a shoe store that specializes in fitting golf shoes and try out a couple of different pairs until you find the right match. It’s well worth the time and the effort, as well as the money, considering how it will effect your game.

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