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Before You Buy Golf Clubs

Buying your first set of golf clubs can seem daunting with all the choices out there. To take away some of the confusion I have listed some things to keep in mind before you go out to get your first set of golf clubs.

Be Clear About Your Golf Goals
If you identify realistic goals before you set out to buy, it will make the process of buying clubs much easier. If you’re deeply committed to golf and plan to play every day, then obviously you’ll want to spend more time, money and effort on a set of clubs than if you only intend to play twice a year with your brother-in-law.

Assessing Your Levels of Dedication and Interest
By honestly assessing your dedication to golf, you can more easily determine how much to spend, and on what quality of clubs. How much will you be practicing? Will you be willing to take lessons? If you aren’t willing to go that far, then you’re probably better off going with a cheaper pair of clubs. If you plan to practice regularly, and take lessons, then you may want something more expensive.

New or Used Clubs?
Used clubs are probably a good choice if you aren’t sure about your commitment or have a history of taking up hobbies and losing interest in them after a short time. Because they’ll be cheaper than new clubs, they can be replaced more easily later.

Budgeting
A set of clubs can be extremely expensive. If you have enough money and you’re willing to spend on top-quality equipment, then by all means do so. However, for most people the amount of money spent will correlate to how dedicated they are. A good idea for if you’re just setting out, though, is to look for an inexpensive first set - that way, you won’t have wasted as much money if you don’t continue playing.

Shaft Options - The Basics
The two differences in golf shafts that beginners should keep in mind are shaft composition (graphite or steel) and shaft flex (the amount of bend in the shaft during your swing). Steel is sturdier and cheaper, but graphite is lighter, so it will generate more swing speed. Women and older players will benefit most from graphite shafts that have a softer flex. Stronger, younger men may go with regular or stiffer shafts, but remember that many teaching say too many golfers use shafts with too much stiffness. If you’d like to get more details about proper shaft selection consider getting the Golf Beginner Guide, a 272 page ebook created especially for the novice golfer.

Getting a Clubfitting
If you’re getting a new set of clubs, a clubfitting is an option. A clubfitting, lasting about half an hour, is an option offered by many teaching pros. If you don’t want that, at least getting a measurement in a pro shop will ensure that the clubs you choose are well-suited to your body. If you are a 5-foot-10 male, then the standard clubs straight off the rack will fit you. However, if that description doesn’t fit you very well, you might want to get fitted.

Easier Golf with the Right Clubs
Of course, nothing will take the place of a good swing, but as a novice golfer you can make it easier on yourself by choosing clubs that are designed specifically for higher-handicappers - known as “game improvement clubs”. You should choose irons that are cavity-backed and perimeter-weighted. Investigate “hybrid” sets, in which utility clubs replace the long irons - that is, the 3-, 4- and occasionally 5-irons. Go for more loft (i.e. 12 degrees), not less, when choosing a driver. Don’t pay attention to what kind of clubs the Tour players use.

Ask Questions, Seek Advice
If you have friends who play, ask them for advice. Ask at a pro shop or golf pro for recommendations. Get some idea of what you’re really looking for. When you’ve done all this, and you’re ready to buy, remember to shop around. Range and price will always differ from one outlet to another, whether you’re shopping at pro shops, department stores, or garage sales. Just keep in mind your price range and only buy clubs within that range. If you would like more detailed advice we recommend getting the Golf Beginner Guide, a great resource for new golfers. It’s just $29.50, and we think this is money well spent.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Golf Balls

Size of the ball
The “Rules of Golf” says that a golf ball’s diameter must be a minimum of 1.680 inches / 42.67 mm. A smaller ball would fly much further than a larger ball. The reason for this is simple: with a smaller diameter the ball has less air resistance, or in other words, it displaces less air as it flies. Because of this, most manufacturers produce golf balls with the minimal diameter (1.680 inches / 42.67 mm). The rules also state that the ball must be round, but I guess you knew that…

Weight of the ball
A golf ball’s weight must not exceed 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g according to the “Rules of Golf”. The heavier the ball, the greater its momentum, and the less it would be slowed down by air resistance. Hence it would tend to fly further. For this reason most manufacturers produce golf balls with the heaviest sanctioned weight of 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g.

Compression Rates
In the manufacturing process, some two-piece, and all three-piece balls are rated by their compression measurements. This is done by pressuring them with a standard weight

Balls that don’t deform at all are rated Compression 200, while balls that deform by 0.2″ or above are rated Compression 0. These are the two extremes, and between them balls are rated in intervals of 0.001 inches. The Standard Compression rate is usually 90 or 100. the higher the compression rate the harder the feel, and vice versa. Almost every ball is subject to a compression rating. Compression rates of 80 and 100 are also found. However, manufacturers are not bound by an official standard. Hence one manufacturer’s compression rate of 100 can be different to another manufacturer’s compression rate of 100. This can mount up to a 3.5 point difference in either direction. In addition, some balls don’t even have the compression rate printed on them. According to a host of surveys, low speed swing players are better off using balls with a Compression rate of 80. Players with an average speed swing should choose Compression 100, and Compression 110 is best for high swing speed players. The weather should always be taken into consideration when deciding on compression rates to use. Low compression balls are best for colder weather, while high compression balls perform better in hot weather.Tips for choosing the right balls for you:

Considerations for Driving
Distance balls are designed to fly further and with more accuracy. This means you will be less likely to land in the rough, in a hazard, or out of bounds. Distance balls have their drawbacks, however, as they will be harder to stop on the green. Mid to high handicappers should favor a distance ball. If you would like more detailed advice we recommend getting the Golf Beginner Guide, a great resource for new golfers. On 272 pages it covers every aspect of golf, and for just $29.50 we think this is money well spent.

Optimum Performance in Your Approach
Spin balls are made with outer layers that take on more spin when you strike them with angled club faces. Drawing or fading around obstacles and hazards therefore becomes easier, as they will bend more to the left or right. They also take on more backspin when struck with a lofted club - this is important, as the balls will therefore stop more quickly on the green.

Whilst spin balls used to be made with fragile outer layers that were prone to damage, this problem has now been largely averted with the introduction of solid multilayer construction, replacing the old flimsy balata covers.Getting More Control
Distance balls designed to stop quickly when on the green, but with minimum risk of slicing or hooking are known as control balls. The Nike One and Titleist Pro V1 are members of the new generation of balls that are so versatile they will perform in any situation.

Balls for Slow Swingers
Known variously as Ladies or Senior balls, these balls increase driving distance to improve the scores of players with slower, less powerful swings.

Choosing the Right Putting Ball
Differently designed balls will roll for different distances on the green. As a rule of thumb, harder balls role further. The difference is more than you would think. Teaching professionals recommend that you putt with the same kind of ball all the time, as this will help you to calibrate, feel, learn and reproduce the connection between stroke strength and distance. As most balls aren’t perfectly balanced, they won’t roll absolutely true, but higher quality balls will be generally more likely to stay on course, due to higher standards of quality control during manufacture.

Affordability
Try to always play with the same balls that you practice with. So if you can’t afford to practice with a high quality ball, don’t switch when playing competitions. A ball that has been overused will no longer be spherical, and so is no good to you. Play balls that you can afford to replace regularly.

Source: The above information is just a small morsel taken from the Golf Beginner Guide. This 272 page ebook is full of golf tips and advice like the above, and for just $29.50 we think this every Golfer should have it, especially beginners.

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A Few Keys to Efficient Golf Practice

Whether it’s in baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis or any other sports that involves a ball, there is a feeling of immense satisfaction and pride that comes from hitting the ball solidly. Nowhere does this apply more than in golf, where the small ball goes where it wants on anything but a solid shot.

If you want to hit the ball solidly on a consistent basis, the only way is through practice and more practice.

Though you may not think so, the best time to practice is right after a round. Everything that didn’t work for you during the round is fresh in your mind, and your body and mind are ready to go. Failure to work consistently on the shots that regularly give you the most trouble means your game won’t soon improve.

The key to maximizing your efficiency in practice is creating ‘real’ situations. Ideally, you would mirror what happened in your round and employ your best swings. Also work on hitting balls from every bad lie you can think of. Obviously, it’s extra important to practice if you haven’t played for a while.

Boost your game further by visualizing a round of golf during lunch or breaks, on your way to or home from work, etc. Imagine taking many good swings and hitting a great shot each time. See your entire body flowing in unison through each shot, completely tension-free. This isn’t useless preparation. You are increasing your muscle memory and preparing them for the next round.

If you enjoy other sports, you can transfer movements in these sports to help your golf game. For instance, the way you shift your weight on a tennis backhand shot is very similar to the bodyweight transfer on a golf shot. Use the tennis experience to remember what you need to do on the links. For detailed steps on how to swing properly we suggest you pick up a copy of the Golf Beginner Guide - it’s a 272 page ebook full of great advice, tips and lessons in golf.

When you’re hitting a lot of balls in one session, remember to take a break between swings. You will avoid mental and physical exhaustion and can use the time to process what you’ve learned or accomplished. Remember, you’re not out there to hit a thousand shots, rather a few beautiful ones. Hitting 20-30 balls at a time is sufficient practice, especially if the majority of these are struck on the sweet spot of the clubface.

To hit a more accurate shot and promote better contact, pull out your favorite iron and try this exercise: take two tees and stick them in the ground a couple of inches apart. (You can also use two balls.) Try (air)swinging your iron through the tees without hitting them. Start with partial swings and work your way up to full swings as you get better at avoiding the tees. Soon you will be hitting the ball more solidly.

It may sound corny, but don’t forget the feeling of a good shot. Memorize it and internalize it, then practice it and you will soon be able to produce it consistently. It’s very easy to lose the feeling of a great shot because there are so many variables that went into hit, from hand position, proper grip and good pre-swing body alignment to the right ball position, clubface impact and follow-through.

Source: The above information is just a small morsel taken from the Golf Beginner Guide. This 272 page ebook is full of golf tips and advice like the above, and for just $29.50 we think this every Golfer should have it, especially beginners.

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Improve Your Golf Swing And Play Better Golf
by Will Davies

There are lots of products on the market that claim to be able to improve your golf swing. This article is a review of one such product which came to the market fairly recently.

The author of The Simple Swing, David Nevogt, wrote this popular book in 2006 and since then golfers in more than 30 different countries have bought a copy. The claims made about the book are certainly enticing - what golfer wouldn’t want to cut between 7 and 12 strokes from their handicap with a pretty much guaranteed success rate?

David maintains that the three biggest problems that people have when playing golf are being inconsistent, hooking or slicing the ball and not getting enough distance. As a result he set about trying to develop a simpler and more effective golf swing, in a scientific way, that could eliminate these problems for good. And The Simple Swing was born.

A golf buddy of mine first introduced me to The Simple Swing about 6 months ago. We both started playing golf a couple of years ago and were always of a similar standard - not very good. We used to score in the low to mid nineties but couldn’t break the 90 barrier. Anyway, I hadn’t seen my pal for a while so we arranged a round at our local club and boy did I get a surprise.

My friend had the round of his life and shot 84. I thought it was just luck but then he told me about this book he’d bought online and how he’d been practising the techniques so of course I went straight home and got a copy for myself and the rest as they say is history.

I practised hard over the next four or five weeks and brought my score down to the mid eighties. I probably knocked about 9 shots off my game through being more consistent and hitting the ball further. Some of the advice given in The Simple Swing will proabably be at odds with what you currently believe. Would you think that, for example, reducing your back swing could make your drives longer? And David has a great way to get you to hit more greens.

There are lots of testimonials on David’s website from golfers who claim to have had amazing results. I have to say I was sceptical, but reassured by the no questions asked money back guarantee if not happy after 8 weeks.

If you want to improve your golf swing and you’d like a guide that’s clear to follow and understand and that offers you a system that is easy to implement then look no further. This book is about as perfect as you will get.

Will Davies is a freelance writer and golf fanatic. If you would like to play better golf then please visit my website for more advice on how to improve your golf swing

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Perfect Your Swing With Golf Analysis Software
by Greg Hansward

Your golf swing technique is possibly the most important factor when trying to prefect your golf game. Many instructional videos and golf software are available today to help golfers perfect his or her golf swing. Any golfer, whether professional or amateur, can benefit from an analysis of his or her golf swing style and technique.

A golf analysis of your swing can be obtained with some of the new software on the market or software that is not so new but has been proven many times over to enhance many golfers’ swings throughout the years. Any golfer would agree that the key to a successful game is very much dependent on the success of your swing.

Whether you are an occasional, recreational golfer or a more serious, die-hard golfer, there is certainly golf swing analysis software that can help you determine how your swing can be improved. Learning where the problem is with your swing and, more importantly, leaning how to improve it will help ensure you are on your way to achieving your potential out on the course.

With so much software technology available today, there is really no reason you cannot start playing more like the professional golfers. With a little effort and some patience, you will eventually be the envy of your golf buddies once they see your amazing stroke power yet gentle control when the situation requires it. It is only with a solid golf swing that you can ease your way from hole to hole smoothly and with dignity.

Some golf analysis software offers instruction from favorite golf professionals, while some software uses golfers who are just as eager as you to fine-tune their golf swing and improve their performance on the course. Regardless of which software you choose, the results will amaze even the most skeptical golfer.

Golf swing analysis software brings the potential for improvement right into the convenience of your home and onto your own personal computer screen. With the assistance of your camcorder, you can have an expert analysis of a single swing and all of the critical points involved.

Generally, this analysis software is user friendly. In addition to simply purchasing the software, you can also find it as downloads or even free trials which are often advertised. With this in mind, finding the perfect software to help improve your swing is easier, more convenient and, certainly, within reach.

Some great tools are used for imaging swings and producing those imagines for analysis, including virtual comparison software and slow motion cameras. There are many technology-based analysis techniques available to golfers of any level. Fortunately, such software comes in a variety of prices to allow for it to fit in nearly any budget.

It cannot be denied that golf has achieved much popularity in the last few years and, quite possibly, the last decade. Professional golfers have become more publicized increasing the interest in the game itself. Whether you are a beginner golfer or a long-time golfer, you can take your golf swing to the next level with some of the latest golf swing analysis software.

Greg Hansward works essentially for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online site about golf package spain . On his site you might see his contributions on golf holiday in spain and golf vacations spain.