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Archive for May, 2008

A Golf Driver Tip To Remember

Published May 12th, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

A Golf Driver Tip To Remember

Every golfer wants to know the best golf driver tip. I hate to disappoint you but there are many great golf driver tips that could be the key to unlocking monster drives for you. Every month the golf magazines have dozens of tips in them, but none of them get to the root of the problem. If I were to get the opportunity to write a golf driver tip for a magazine, I’d say something against the norm. Something teaching instructors wouldn’t want to hear. Do you want to know what it is? It’s not some quick fix, because they never work long-term. The “only” thing that works long-term is working on you.

Your body has a current level of physical ability. I don’t care how many balls you hit at the range; how many lessons you take; and what driver you’re swinging. Hitting the ball further takes an increase in clubhead speed. Period. So hitting more balls or taking more lessons won’t improve this.

The only thing that can improve clubhead speed is strengthening your core rotational strength and flexibility. Your core is the engine to your swing. A weak or inflexible core will not give you the results you are looking for.

The golf swing a turn back and a turn through. Isn’t that about as simple as you can make it? If that’s true, why wouldn’t you improve your body’s ability to rotate quicker and more powerfully? This is the ticket to longer drives!

There are many simple, yet effective core rotational exercises you can do in your home, or even office to greatly improve your clubhead speed and driving distance.

Do you want an easy one you can do right in your chair?

Cross your arms in front of your chest. Sit up tall and erect. With a fixed head position, rotate to the right and left slowly. See how far you can go. Do this without stopping. As you feel a loosening of the core, start to rotate faster and faster. Do this 20 or 30 times when you think about it and I guarantee you’ll feel it.

Since time is such a valuable commodity, you’ve got to get creative. I’ve put together a complete section of my manual that covers simples stretches and exercises you can do right in your chair in your office. You can’t get more convenient than that.

I hope I didn’t disappoint you with this golf driver tip.
About the Author

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf improvement sites. Take a look at his just released golf dvds and manual at his golf swing trainer site - Perform Better Golf.

Written By: Mike Pedersen, CPT

Sports

Published May 11th, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

Sports

Of all the various sports practiced in the world today, golf has got to be one of the most often played by amateurs and professionals alike. It is one of those sports that can be played with little skill by people of all ages ? young and old alike. Recognizing that golf is one of the major sports in the world has been a great advancement for people who love this game.

Most people think of traditional sports as one on one or team competitions. While golf is often played with other people, the real competitors in the game of golf are you against the golf course. Sure, you can try to score better than your opponents, but really what you are doing is trying to take into consideration things like sand traps, water hazards, and distance so you can make it from tee box to hole with as few strokes as possible.

While golf isn?t a very intensive sports activity, it does provide for good exercise ? especially if you walk the course instead of taking a cart. You?re not going to get a good cardio workout, but you certainly will benefit from a good stroll across the links. Plus, the swinging motion will work your back muscles as well as your arm muscles.

Golf is one of the most competitive sports both professionally as well as for amateurs. The lighthearted bantering you can hear on the golf course during a tournament is quite interesting. Many side bets occur on tee boxes and before a match begins. There?s quite a lot of ways you can try to best your opponents and make a little money on the side as well!

You can also find competitive golf in schools as part of their sports programs. These days, it?s not uncommon to find a golf team at the middle school level, and high school and college golf teams have been part of sports programs for years. This is great as it introduces golf to kids at younger ages and they are more likely to continue that interest into their adult years.

Golf is one of the fastest growing sports in the world with fans spanning all age groups coming from all walks of life. Participating in golf as part of a sports regimen provides for much enjoyment, some stress, and a lot of great experiences. If you?ve never tried golf as one of the sports you participate in, you really should. Gain the benefits of this traditional game and see all of the amazing things you have in store!

Gunnar Berglund, Online marketer since 2000
owner of golf-for-junior.com golf-for-junior.co.uk
and fredsgolfshop.com

Golf Apparel

Published May 9th, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

Golf Apparel

When it comes to golf apparel, you really have many choices available. What to wear isn?t always first on the golfer?s mind, but choosing the right golf apparel can make a difference in playing well and playing not so well. It?s true!

Many golf clubs have rules as to what golf apparel is acceptable on their course. This usually means no tank tops or short shorts, all players must wear shirts with collars, and no jeans are allowed. Other courses are less restrictive in their clothing and you can choose what you want to wear as long as it is tasteful.

Generally male golfers will wear khaki pants and a collared polo shirt. In warm weather, fitted shorts are generally permitted as part of the golf apparel. Most men will also opt for a hat to keep the sun out of their eyes.

Golf apparel for women, however, can run the gamut. Golf skirts are very popular for female golfers because they are less restrictive, but others opt for shorts or loose pants. Polo shirts are also worn by women ? some sleeveless polos are also allowed on upscale courses. Women tend to opt for visors to keep the sun away although hats are another option.

When choosing your golf apparel, you should take care that the clothing is not too restrictive. You will want plenty of room to move around because your golf swing depends on your body moving in a fluid, smooth motion. There?s nothing worse than clothing that is too tight ? especially on the golf course.

When choosing pants or shorts, it?s convenient to have pockets. Many golfers like to have pockets so they can carry golf tees, divot fixers, ball markers, and even extra balls, although we don?t recommend the latter as it can throw off your swing quite a bit.

You will want to choose clothes that are made of lightweight, breathable fabrics ? especially if you golf primarily in cold weather. Many manufacturers of golf apparel know this and keep it mind during production, so it shouldn?t be difficult to find clothing like this.

You can find adequate golf apparel in many places. Golf course pro shops will carry specific lines of golf clothing that will conform to their dress code, but they will be a bit more expensive than buying them in a store. Find a golf store and you will find a great selection of golf apparel to choose from. Finally, you can get some great deal on golf apparel on the Internet in many, many places, often at discount prices.

Gunnar Berglund, Online marketer since 2000
owner of golf-for-junior.com golf-for-junior.co.uk
and fredsgolfshop.com

Golf Score

Published May 6th, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

Golf Score

When you are playing the great game of golf, your golf scores become both your best friends as well as your worst enemies. Many players live by their golf scores and judge their progress according to what the score card says. While you might think that your golf scores are the best gauge of how you are coming along as a golfer, that isn?t necessarily the case.

The way golf scores are tallied can mean so many things. Just because you shoot an 8 on a par 4 doesn?t necessarily mean you are a bad golfer. It might mean that you had a bad drive and a mis-aimed chip ? but it doesn?t make you a bad golfer. So don?t put too much stock into what the scorecard says. Judge your golf game by how you play rather than what your scores are.

Golf scores are only meant to help you keep track of the strokes you take to get from tee box to the hole. They don?t ever take into consideration things like hazards, weather conditions, or anxiety. Sure, you can?t keep track of how you are doing without paying attention to your golf scores, but you still need to keep in mind that there are a million variables that can make your score fluctuate.

Of course, if you?re a golfer, you know all the terminology ? birdie, eagle, bogey, double eagle (if you?re really lucky) ? but the real story in golf scores lies in how you played the course and navigated the hole. Instead of keeping track of scores, why don?t you keep track of where you were for a particular shot and how that shot came out?

Let?s say, you make a horrible drive on a par 4 and only end up 100 yards off the tee box. Let?s hope it?s past the women?s tee ? if you know what I mean! So now you are faced with a long fairway shot. You pick up your favorite club and smack a beautiful flyer right on the green. Who?s going to say that wasn?t a good golf shot? You end up with a par on the hole, but your score doesn?t really reflect that amazing shot now does it?

The point is, don?t put too much emphasis on the amount of strokes on your scorecard. Think about your golf score as a reflection of the amazing shots you?ve made as well as the flubbers you?ve had to live through as well. Then you can find out what kind of a golfer you are and not have to live by the golf score alone.

Gunnar Berglund, Online marketer since 2000
owner of golf-for-junior.com golf-for-junior.co.uk
and fredsgolfshop.com

Free Golf Tips - Beware of Bad Advice

Published May 5th, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

Free Golf Tips - Beware of Bad Advice

If you have decided to take up golf, you are probably in search of free golf tips. Good news! You’ve found them! These free golf tips are designed with every golfer in mind, and they are beneficial to anyone who reads them.

The first tip is to beware of tips! That’s right. Many well meaning golfers will offer you a great deal of advice. What many people fail to realize is that what works for one golfer probably won’t work for others. These tips, however, are for all golfers.

Enjoy the game. Getting mad isn’t much fun. If you aren’t enjoying the game, you need to find out why, and fix the problem. Getting upset over bad swings or problem areas won’t fix anything, and it will only serve to take all of the fun out of the game. This is a game that tests your skill and technique - but it is still a game, and games are meant to be enjoyed!

Be a great sport - even if you aren’t great at golf. Be respectful to the other players. Be still and quiet when they are taking their shots. Don’t criticize or make fun of the way they stand, shoot, or grip the club….no matter how good you think your own game is. Good sportsmanship is everything, and without it, you won’t have any golfing companions in a very short period of time.

Golf responsibly. Do not litter the course. If the grass is loosened and turned when you shoot, use your foot to replace it. Wait your turn if you come upon a group at the next tee - don’t rush them. Use caution when driving golf carts, and use caution again when you take your shots to avoid hitting houses, buildings, animals, or other golfers. Leave the course better than you found it.

When you practice, practice at the hardest holes on the course…don’t take the easy way out, practicing only on the easy holes, thinking you are making headway - you aren’t. Practice on the hardest tees, and the hardest putts. Put yourself in the traps, and practice getting out of them. Imagine worst case scenarios and set them up. This is what will make you a better golfer.

Play miniature golf, and take it more seriously - but still have fun. Playing miniature golf is a great way to improve your putting skills. Many seasoned golfers laugh at this suggestion - but its true! Good miniature golf courses provide really challenging obstacles that you must put through, under, around and over….some even offer more challenges than you will ever find on your local golf course greens!

Keep your eyes open for used training aids. If they are reasonably priced - buy them! Not all training aids will help you, but unfortunately, you won’t know which ones will unless you try them out first. Get together with golfing friends and go in together to buy golfing aids that you can share. The aids that are available on the market today will help you improve your game a great deal, in a short amount of time.

Read a lot - and play even more. There are lots of techniques that you can learn from golfing websites, golf books, and golf magazines - but you will learn them faster out on the course! Read it once, and then go try it. If you need to, print it out and carry it with you - but go put the theory into practice - and practice, practice, practice! You can learn the concept sitting in your living room, but you will never make that concept work for you if you don’t take it out onto the course with you!

If you can’t get on the course, and you have some spare time and enough room, practice your swing. You don’t need a ball for this. Consider using a training club during these times to help build strength as well. If you take the time to practice your swing several times a day, you will find that you have a perfect swing for you in short order! If your golf game gets rained out - use the time to practice your swing, or practice your putting indoors…but don’t let that time go to waste! The best free golf tips you will ever receive will all include the word ‘practice!’

About the author:

Trevor Mulholland
We provide you with information on the best golf tips available, instructions on how to get your strokes down and much more. Dozens of free golf tips waiting for you, come and take a look! http://www.golf-game-tip.com/

Admiration Of A Better Player Is A Good Thing

Published May 4th, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

Admiration Of A Better Player Is A Good Thing

I like to think we all seemed to have our heroes and greats in our early years. Growing up in front of a television had us dashing around with a sword or packing a six-shooter at our side. Depending on what we were watching at the time, whether it was in front of a television or out on some field watching a football game. We all seemed to mimic someone at one time or another. In our early years finding someone we admired as a Mentor kind of kept the spirit alive in direction and where we are today.

I often wondered back how I caught on to what some people call golf fever. Thinking back I often admired good golfers where I caddied. How I remembered getting excited when I watched a good golfer walk towards the first tee box. Standing there in anticipation of a huge drive to follow as the golfer teed up his ball, remembering how they maneuvered the golf ball off the tee box, watching the shot rise with a steady climb as it went out into the distance. I had to figure out then and there on how they did that by grabbing a stick or a nearby branch of any length and mimicking their swing. I use to take buckets of golf balls out to the practice range to try and accomplish that remarkable hitting distance. It just made me a better golfer trying.

Names like Kendal and Nadler sparked my excitement that took me where I am today in golf. To this day, because of my admiration of their golf game back then, it fired up the enthusiasm for years of golf that followed. The names may not have recognition to anybody else, but to me they were like a Palmer and Nicklaus as their names are to anybody today in the golf industry.

Kendal I admired because of his ability to take trees and woods out of play. His shots started out low with a steady climb upwards at about 200 yards out. His drives were so huge. I think then and there is where I caught the fever. His 5 wood took all the trees out of play. With today’s technology, I would like to view those same shots again.

Nadler was a different type of golfer. She liked to play a low draw shot or fade shot. Her ability to move a ball in any direction was uncanny. Going up and over trees was not her game. Nadler steered her golf shots around them, like she was navigating a vehicle on an obstacle course. Her golf game was kind of like, hit the ball just before the green and watch it bounce past a sand trap and roll in towards the flagstick. Nadler could steer the ball around sand traps, trees, and whatever obstacles that were in her way. I often thought her golf ball had eyes, because of how her golf shots would start out straight and come back in towards the flagstick. It was amazing to watch. I learned from her that a straight shot was not the only golf shot you needed to master to play good golf. Also playing the old bump and run approach is an alternative game to play, that she was a master at.

It was because of them, my enthusiasm for golf took me to a better game. I didn’t even think about watching it on television at the time. Sure I enjoy watching it on television today. You tend to slow down and take a more relaxed approach, or what you may call a golf couch approach at the game, as you get older. I guess the golf fever for me then, was being able to play golf like my Mentors, and there was nothing more enjoyable than actually trying to create a golf swing like theirs out on the course. I liked to think of them as Mentors, because it was them that taught me the potential thrill of playing good golf.

No matter what game of sports you play or want to learn. It could work for all walks of life. Go out and watch someone that is much better than you, and see if you can catch the excitement, to be as good, if not better. It could bring you to the top. If you’re persistent!

About the author:

Learned to golf as a caddie. Now running a discount tee time site at http://www.golfanchor.net and a golf site at http://www.golfanchor.com

Written By: George Gabriel

St. Andrews

Published May 3rd, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

St. Andrews

St. Andrews is located in Scotland and is commonly thought of as the birthplace of golf as we know it today. St. Andrews is home to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, who exercises legislative authority over the game worldwide except in the U.S. and Mexico.

The beautiful golf links in St. Andrews (acquired by the town in 1894) is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship, the oldest of golf’s four major championships. Visitors travel to St Andrews in great numbers for several courses ranked amongst the finest in the world, as well as for the sandy beaches.

The St Andrews Links occupy a narrow strip of land along the sea. As early as the 15th century, golfers at St. Andrews established a customary route through the undulating terrain, playing to holes whose locations were dictated by topography.

The course that emerged featured eleven holes, laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the far end of the property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes.

There are six golf courses in St. Andrews including The Old Course which is where the game was first played. The clubs are open to the public as are the courses, but be prepared to wait! The Old Course has over 40,000 rounds of golf played on it every year. In fact, as of this writing, the official St. Andrews website reports that tee times for April through October of 2007 are completely booked.

You may have the best luck on one of the other courses, but you will need to make reservations well in advance. St. Andrews allow you to book tee times online, so check out their website and make a reservation as soon as you know when you?ll be there.

Be prepared to pay to play St. Andrews, however. Greens fees during the prime season between April and October are $235 for an adult on the Old Course. Of course, the other courses are slightly cheaper and you?ll save some money in the off-season as well.

There are plenty of places to stay when you want to golf at St. Andrews. There are over 500 hotels and numerous dining places nearby. There is easy access from local airstrips, so you won?t have much problem actually getting to the links on your scheduled day to play. In the meantime, you?ll enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside in the world complete with old castles and historical sites!

You can visit the official St. Andrews Link website at www.standrews.org.uk.

Gunnar Berglund, Online marketer since 2000
owner of golf-for-junior.com golf-for-junior.co.uk
and fredsgolfshop.com

Business on the Golf Course

Published May 1st, 2008 in Golf Improvement | No Comments »

Business on the Golf Course

There?s probably no better place in the world to conduct business than on the golf course. Business executive all over the world know that sharing a common frustration with their golf game promotes the perfect environment for business talk. More partnerships and businesses have been changed on the golf course than you could ever imagine.

When you are conducting business on the golf course, you have the luxury of sharing a common goal ? to beat each other. Yet at the same time, when you are playing with business associates on the golf course, you really need to practice some decorum when playing golf with a potential business affiliate.

So how do you balance business with sport on the golf course? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. Just as with any decision in business, you have to weigh the outcome with what is happening. If you are trying to land a big account, you probably won?t want to make fun of your potential client?s missed chip shot.

However, you won?t want to gain a reputation as a suck-up either. If your potential client makes a 7 on a par 3 hole, you really don?t want to whoop and holler because it will be obvious you are just trying to stroke his (or her) ego. Conducting business on the golf course is a delicate proposition, so start with a plan in mind.

DO NOT ? and we stress this a lot ? DO NOT begin your golf match with a declaration of what you hope to accomplish by the end of the round. If you want to insure that you will be landing that big account, don?t put on your golf glove on tee #1 and declare your intention. The idea behind conducting business on the golf course is to make friends first and then do your business.

As you are playing, keep in mind that you will want to bring your ?A? game as much as is humanly possible. Sure, you might be playing against a person who is head and shoulders above you, but if you are the better player, DON?T let them win just because you want to gain their business. Play golf like you mean it and gain that prospect?s respect.

There is much business that is done on the golf course every day of every week. You won?t find a better place to make a business deal than on the links. However, you will want to use some form of decorum to insure that your business goals will come to reality. Taking business on the golf course could be the best business decision you ever make!