How Golf Training Can Transform Your Game

Golf training has been brought to the masses thanks to Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, Larry Nelson and now by the Number One player in the world?Vijay Singh. Vijay is a golf training machine. His personal trainer travels with him on tour and works him out all the way through the week. Vijay has his golf training routine down to a science and doesn't deviate even a fraction.

When Annika implemented a golf training program she shot a 59 that year and dominated the LPGA. No one was even close. She was the one to beat every week. She even went as far as saying she needed to challenge herself, so she played in a men's PGA event. And almost made the cut!

Now club pro's, tournament golfers, seniors and even juniors are catching on. They are now realizing that it's the BODY that's keeping them from a great game. Work on your body with some easy-to-use, golf specific stretches and strength exercises and your swing will come to "life".

Doesn't it make sense?

Making a powerful backswing, with tons of stored energy ready to blast your ball WAY down the fairway!

I've seen golfers of all ages dramatically transform their game. And it didn't' take years to accomplish, or hitting thousands of golf balls. If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you get.

Have you heard that phrase before?

It's very true and so easy to stay in this rut. But if you're tired of the frustration and want to finally capitalize on your potential, then a golf training program is your answer.

If the pro's are doing it and seeing great results, that should reassure you that it's the right approach. In your mind, you should see a golf athlete. And like all other athletes, they train for their sport. Why wouldn't you.

Your golf training program should incorporate strength, flexibility and even endurance training. Doing a flexibility program without incorporating a strength program won't get you the results you're looking for. A combination of the two is best.

It's time to put metal to the floor and make it happen!

Golf Strength Training Is The Missing Link To A Great Game

Golf strength training is the quickest way to add yards to your drives and eliminate back pain forever. The golf swing puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body, especially the lower back. Implementing a golf strength training program will prevent and/or reduce boughts of low back pain and injury.

When it comes to driving distance in golf, it takes an optimum level of strength, especially in the "core muscles", to produce a high enough swing speed to hit the ball optimum distances.

If the "core" isn't strong enough, you won't be able to store and generate any power during the backswing and downswing, and into impact.

Trying to swing harder, and outside what your body is capable of doing, and the result will be more mishits and shorter drives due to off-center impact on the clubface. But if you can make a FULL backswing and store that energy in your "core", you will produce more clubhead speed without swing harder.

The beauty of being stronger, specific to golf is the added benefit of hitting the ball longer, with less effort. This removes the injury factor and improves consistency.

Many golfers think they need to hit MORE balls. That's not the case. Hitting more balls will only put more stress on their already weak bodies, resulting again in injuries and unlimited time "off the course".

The main emphasis in regards to golf strength training should be your "core", which is the abdominals, hips, glutes and even the hamstring tie-in. Doing golf strength exercises involving rotational movements will warrant the best, most effective results.

Remember, the golf swing is a rotational movement and any golf strength training programs should incorporate a big percent of the golf exercises to rotational movements.

A good example of such an exercise would be the seated twist with exercise tubing.

? Using door attachment, place tubing 3 feet from ground in door.

? Place ball several feet from door. Grab both handles with both hands.

? Face sideways from the door, raise hands to chest high with arms extended.

? Rotate hands holding tubing away from door until there is sufficient tension.

? While keeping hands at chest high return to starting position, but maintain tension on tubing at all times.

? Repeat until full set is done and reverse motion and position facing the other way.

This is just one of dozens of golf strength training exercises that will quickly and dramatically transform your game. You will have wondered why you hadn't started years ago.

It's NEVER too late to start! Don't put it off any longer!

Exercises to Prevent Common Golf Injuries

To those who don't play, golf seems like a low impact sport. But golf provides a real physical workout and arm and lower back pain and injuries are common among golfers. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends some preventive exercises so golfers can protect themselves against injury.

To avoid golfer's elbow, suggests these simple exercises to help build up your forearm muscles.

Squeeze a tennis ball

Squeezing a tennis ball for five minutes at a time is a simple, effective exercise that will strengthen your forearm muscles.

Wrist curls

Use a lightweight dumbbell. Lower the weight to the end of your fingers, then curl the weight back into your palm, followed by curling up your wrist to lift the weight an inch or two higher. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, then repeat with the other arm.

Reverse wrist curls

Use a lightweight dumbbell. Place your hands in front of you, palm side down. Using your wrist, lift the weight up and down. Hold the arm that you are exercising above your elbow with your other hand in order to limit the motion to your forearm. Perform 10 repetitions with one arm, then repeat with the other arm.

These simple exercises can help strengthen lower back muscles and prevent injuries.

Rowing

Firmly tie the ends of rubber tubing. Place it around an object that is shoulder height (like a door hinge). Standing with your arms straight out in front of you, grasp the tubing and slowly pull it toward your chest. Release slowly. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

Pull-downs

With the rubber tubing still around the door hinge, kneel and hold the tubing over your head. Pull down slowly toward your chest, bending your elbows as you lower your arms. Raise the tubing slowly over your head. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions, at least three times a week.

Golf Swing Mechanics Can Be Improved Very Quickly

If you're like most golfers, you're always trying to duplicate that "perfect" golf swing. I know I am. Doesn't it feel great to hit that effortless shot? Don't you wish you could do it every time? That would be a similar feeling of what the pro's have most of the time. It would be such a high!

So what's keeping you from this goal? Do you think you just need to hit more balls? Or, are you already hitting hundreds every week? If that's not working, do you need more golf lessons? Or, have you taken lessons but not seen improvement?

If it's none of the above, then what?

I can tell you almost 100% for sure?it's your BODY!

Your body dictates your golf swing. How many times have you felt like you can't make a FULL turn or backswing? Do you think the solution is hitting more balls or taking more golf lessons?

It's not! It's improving your golf-specific flexibility and even strength.

Once you address and improve your physical limitations, your golf swing mechanics fall into place, with very little effort. Unless you don't have a concept of what needs to be done to complete a proper golf swing, in which taking a golf lesson to understand it would be first priority.

The majority of amateur golfers have some kind of physical limitation that keeping them from a great game of golf. It could be flexibility, or it could be strength.

Combining the two is your most effective approach.

Getting a golf-specific evaluation by a golf fitness professional is your first step. Then, you can set up a game plan on what you need to work on and how to do it.

You'd be amazed at how quickly you can improve your golf swing and game with this approach. Don't keep looking for the silver bullet. The answer is in the mirror. Now do something about it!

What a Load of Golf Balls

Through out the history of golf the golf ball has evolved more than any other piece of equipment used in the game. From the very first wooden balls followed by the feathery to the latest 4 piece, high energy core, tungsten weighted, titanium, super thin covered, go further go straighter last forever golf ball, advances in science and the materials used in manufacturing has taken that little white thing to a new level of performance.

At the moment in my shop I have 36 different balls to choose from and there are plenty more types I could stock. This being the case it is difficult for a golfer to choose which is the right ball for them especially when they all claim to be the best thing since the couch potato was given the remote control.

The Number one

Titleist golf balls have been known for many years as 'The Number 1 Ball in Golf' and it is true that more tour players across the world use a Titleist ball. Some golfers think that if Ernie Els is playing with a Titleist then they should play with a Titleist as well, however, that is not necessarily the case. Believe it or not in amongst this huge selection there is the right ball for you and the ball you choose to play with needs to suit your requirements and level of skill.

In my opinion the huge range of golf balls on the market can be broken down into 5 categories.

1) Budget

2) Hard

3) Medium

4) Soft

5) Swing speed

If you are a beginner, or lose a lot of golf balls, then buying budget balls is the best thing to do. These are often packaged in 15 ball boxes and are a hard durable ball that will generally go further when you hit them. The draw back of this ball is that it is very lively off of the club face and when it comes to chipping and putting can lack some of the soft feel that some golfers prefer.

The harder golf balls such as Topflite XL 3000, or Callaway CB1 are perfect for the golfer who doesn't lose too many balls but could do with more distance off the tee. These balls are not as hard as the budget type, but are durable and offer some feel around the green although they still won't stop very quickly on landing.

If you want the combination of distance, feel and durability then balls such as the Titleist NXT Tour, the Callaway Hex 2 or the Strata Tour Straight are ideal. These are all what I call a medium ball giving the golfer consistent performance in all areas.

The top players in the world all use soft golf balls. Up until about 4 years ago the cover of the ball was actually soft enough to mark with your finger nail and marked very easily when miss hit. This meant that only the best ball strikers, or golfers with more money than sense, would use them. These days the covers on these balls are very durable and the ball will spin and stop very quickly on and around the greens. The leading balls in this category are Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Hex, Strata Tour Ace, Hogen Apex Tour and the Maxfli M3. These balls are manufactured to the highest specification and quality and every golfer could play and enjoy them. They are however very expensive at about £10 for 3 balls if you are a bit wayward with your shots then it could cost a fortune in golf balls.

When it comes to swing speed some players just cannot swing the golf club very quickly. If this is the case some manufacturers are now making balls specifically for those of you who struggle to get any distance because you just can't hit it hard enough! The Maxfli Noodle ball is perfect for anyone who has a slow swing and they are durable and affordable.

Whichever ball you choose, try to stick with that ball every time you play. You will get used to the feel and performances of the ball, which in turn will help, play more consistent golf.

Junior Golf Is Becoming More Competitive?Why?

How do you get the edge when you're playing junior golf? To keep up with the top junior golfer's means getting stronger both physically and mentally; and almost perfecting your golf swing. That's how competitive it's become.

There are big bucks at stake. Full scholarships are now worth up to a hundred thousand dollars, and for some of these to junior golfers, becoming a professional golfer can mean millions...

We have started to see a dramatic change in the caliber of junior golfers. They are getting fitter, stronger and are hitting it as long as the PGA and LPGA players. This is a combination of personal coaching on swing mechanics and getting stronger.

Junior golfers like Ty Tryon, Michelle Wie and the Song sisters are a perfect example of what junior golfers are capable of, given the right approach. Parents are now realizing the investment in their kid's golf pays off big when they receive partial or full scholarships for college. The difference between junior golfers and adults is typically strength - not flexibility. I've worked with hundreds of junior golfers and within a very short period of time, doing strength training, their drives increased as much as 50 yards.

Participating in a strength training program doing the wrong exercises can hurt junior golfers not help them. The exercises have to compliment the golf swing from a dynamic standpoint and a stability standpoint. If this is not taken into consideration, improvement will not happen.

The age to begin a strength training workout for juniors is between 12-13 on up. Having a professional oversee the program at the earlier ages is crucial. The upside is a rapidly improving game and who knows...a scholarship for college.

Too many parents and juniors are going it alone and aren't seeing the results they hoped for. This can be a long and frustrating road to take. Why not save years of searching and hundreds if not thousands of dollars, by doing a little research? Do some talking around your town to see if anyone knows of a fitness trainer who understands golf.

They are a rare breed, but if you look hard enough you can find someone somewhat qualified. Even talk to some of the teaching pros. They might know of some golf trainers who are acceptable. If not, hit the book store. There are several golf fitness books out there, but be on the "lookout".

From what I've seen, most of them are NOT golf fitness books, but only "general" fitness books in disguise. If you see any pictures of a golfer sitting in or on a machine, don't by the book. That is a telltale sign of a general fitness book. Remember, golf is played on your feet, not sitting down.

So get the edge, by getting stronger for golf! Who knows?you may be the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam.

Taking A Golf Lesson Isnt Always The Answer

Golfers will do anything they can in hopes to play better golf and hit the LONG ball. Am I right? Are you in this category? If so, I'm quite confident to say you've taken a golf lesson or two. Golf lessons can be very effective in getting you back on track, if your swing has gone south. But, not always.

How many times have you taken a golf lesson, only to be more frustrated and hitting the ball worse than before that golf lesson? Do you know why this happens? It can be many different reasons, such as too many swing thoughts; making drastic changes that require hours at the range and hitting thousands of balls; or lastly, your body just can't effectively move in the way it needs to, to make a mechanically correct golf swing.

I'm inclined to say that for the majority of golfers, especially the older golfer, it's the last reason above. Your body just can't move the way it needs to. The question now is, why?

Why can't your body do what you know it needs to do to swing the club correctly? It can drive you to the point of quitting the game. But there is hope. There is an approach that will almost 100% of the time correct this problem. Do you want to know what it is? It's addressing your "physical limitations". That's what's keeping you from a great game of golf.

Do you ever get on the course and just feel like you can't make a full backswing? Or, it just feels impossible to maintain your golf posture and "stay in your swing"? No amount of golf lessons or hitting balls will correct this. This is a "physical" issue with your body, and until you work on it, it will never get better. I've seen it time and time again. Golfers walking off the course in pure disgust. They've taken golf lessons, hit balls at the range, and even bought the latest, greatest titanium drive; and yet still can't play like they think they are capable of.

Finding out your "physical limitations" is the first step to a lifelong better game of golf. Once you find out what's keeping you from making that perfect swing, you can set up a game plan to improve it. It may be a flexibility issue, or it may be a strength issue. But either way, you've got to find out what it is.

The most common issue (especially for the older golfer) is flexibility. Not being able to rotate your body fully on the backswing, creating that power and torque for maximum clubhead speed. If your back swing is cut short, you will LOSE yards on your drives! And I say again; no amount of lessons or hitting balls will make that any better. You've got to do specific golf stretches to improve this limitation.

Now on the other side of these limiting factors is strength, specific to golf. And one of the most common limitations is weak hamstrings (the back of the upper leg). The role of the hamstring is critical. It allows you to maintain your golf posture throughout the swing and for 18 holes. It prevents undo strain on your lower back. And can give you a steady, comfortable position while putting.

If your hamstrings are weak, I can almost say with certainty, you've got some low-back pain or injury. This is prevalent in older golfers and even the younger ones too. Back pain is the number reason to keep a golfer from playing his/her best. Have you ever walked off the course with your back in pain? I'm sure at one time or another you have. Now do you think hitting more balls or taking more lessons will improve this? I think you know the answer.

If you have a difficult time, "staying in your swing", it most definitely could be the above scenario. In order to maintain the forward flex in your upper body (golf posture), your hamstrings need to have optimal strength (and flexibility). If not, your hamstring will send a message to your brain saying, "get out of this position, I can't hold it any longer". Do you think his has ever happened to you?

So working on the physical side of your game improvement may be the missing link. I can assuredly tell you with this approach, your game WILL improve. There is no doubt. Getting your body to move just a little better will make a huge difference in your ability to make an optimal swing for 18 holes. So before you take that next golf lesson, take a look at your BODY first!

Golf Workouts Can Quickly Add Yards To Your Drives

I'm sure by now you've heard most of the professional players; both men and women actively participate in golf workouts. It's no secret. But why then do most amateur golfers ignore this? Is it because it seems like work? Or, does the thought of actually breaking a sweat get you tired already?

Either way?the proof is in the bag. The number one player in the world, Vijay Singh, does his golf workouts all the way through Sunday of each tournament. Does it look like it's hurting his game? I don't think so. Back in 1997, a young, very athletic golfer came on the professional scene and blew everyone away. I think you know who I'm talking about.

Tiger took golf to another level. A real eye-opener for the veteran players who were hitting the 19th hole after every round?and the last thought on their mind was "exercise". What a wake-up call to be totally dominated by a player who was only 20 years old at the time.

How about the year Annika Sorenstam shot a 59 and totally dominated the LPGA? Do you know what she attributes it to? Golf workouts! She hired a trainer and got serious about her fitness. And look what happened? She hasn't looked back since. She just recently came out with an instruction book and devoted a chapter to golf workouts.

To my recollection, that's the first women's instruction book to include golf workouts. Working out to playing better golf isn't just for the guys; Annika has proved that. Now more LPGA players are working out to try and catch her, just like the guys did with Tiger.

How about the senior tour? Now players are realizing they can still make good money, even after they've turned 50 and can't really compete with the young guys anymore. With the money at stake, they too are all working out. This group of players both amateur and pro is the biggest demographic that needs it the most.

With age comes a decline in both flexibility and strength. When the body declines, the swing goes right along with it. The result is a big loss in yardage, more mishits, and ballooning scores. The end result?frustration! I can't tell you how many times I've played with and received phone calls from older golfers who are just about ready to quit the game.

They are SO frustrated at this rapid decline, that golf's not fun anymore. But there is hope. The answer? Get your body moving just a little better. How? By participating in golf workouts that focus on golf-specific strength AND flexibility. It's amazing to see golfers in this age bracket dramatically improve their driving distance, accuracy and scores.

You don't have to accept that with age, your body declines. No way! You've got to fight it all the way! I'm dead serious. The ones who do, are the ones who are enjoying the game again and taking all the money in their foursome.

What is a golf workout anyways? Is there such a thing? You bet there is. The golf swing is an awkward movement that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be both strong and flexible specific to the swing.

I could spend dozens of pages describing what this entails, but for the sake of this concise article, let's keep it simple.

The golf swing is a rotational movement, with your body in golf posture. Slight flex of the knees and a bending forward at the hips. Since the golf swing is primarily rotational, wouldn't it make sense to focus on rotational strength and flexibility? That is improving your turning ability related to range of motion and speed.

So anything involving twisting with resistance such as a medicine ball, a dumbbell, or even a weighted club would work. You need to have a resistance to take your body beyond where it normally goes.

For instance, if you took a club and placed it behind your neck, got in your golf posture and rotated back and forth; do you think that by itself would improve your range of motion or power?

No, you need to add resistance to accomplish this. Take a weighted club and make golf swings. Now you'll be making a bigger turn AND improving your power. Same thing with a medicine ball. Make turns back and through holding a 4 to 6 pound ball and you'll see a BIG improvement.

In fact, most of your abdominal work should be rotational. Doing straight crunches won't improve your driving distance. Doing rotational movements with added weight will. This is where I could go on and on, but I won't overload you.

I hope I've convinced you to take a real serious look at what all the other successful professional players are doing to stay at the top of their game. Doing golf workouts can and will dramatically change your game forever. Now get out there and get it started. No procrastinating. Do it right now!

How To Improve Your Game With Simple Golf Exercises!

Winter is upon us and you have more time, since you're not golfing?so why not get a jump on next season by doing some simple, in-home golf exercises that will quickly prepare your body to hit LONGER drives and shoot LOWER scores?

How many times have you started a new golf season with very high scores, short drives, and aches and pains? Am I talking to you? Let's be honest. It happens more times than you'd like. But why not do it different this time? Instead of going into deep depression that the season is over - keep golf in the top of your mind by starting a golf exercise program.

Don't let your clubs get dusty and forget about your game. Prepare your body in anticipation of next spring. It's no fun to come off the course feeling spent (in more ways than one) when you could have energy to spare. You have between 4-6 months to greatly improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. It would be the wisest thing to do to improve your golf for next season.

When you begin the season with a "broken" body, you're taking two steps back. Take a leap forward and prepare your body by getting your golf exercise program in motion. Think of it this way. What a great opportunity to get the edge on your playing partners and win all the money. Wouldn't that get their goat?

Finally, you'll get the chance to redeem yourself from a previous season that found you paying out more than receiving and being the brunt of all jokes in the clubhouse after every round. We've all been there - but no longer right? This is the winter to make the commitment and do it! No excuses. No more reasons to put it off. You may realize it's not easy - but nothing worth getting is easy.

Golf exercise is a very popular topic these days among all the pros, teachers and even amateurs. It's no secret that if you get your body fitter, stronger and more flexible you will swing better and hit longer drives that produce lower scores.

That's what we all want right? What a feeling to be the longest (and straightest) hitter in your group. Always hitting your approach shot last because you were the furthest down the fairway. Those are the kinds of thoughts you should have this winter while you're working out.

The simplist way to implement golf exercises is to look at the golf swing. First off, it's standing on your feet. Not sitting down, like on a machine in your local gym. So try to do most of your exercises on your feet.

Secondly, you should be in your golf posture. Which is a bend forward at the hips, with your knees slightly flexed. Doing exercises in this position will create a very strong, stable golf swing.

A good example of a golf exercise would be the Golf Posture Lateral Raise:

? Bend forward at hips just beyond normal golf posture.

? Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing each other.

? Slowly raise dumbbell to the side and up.

? Slowly bring back down to pre-stretch position.

Do you see how this would quickly build up the strength in the back of your shoulders for a strong take-away and downswing? The only equipment required was a pair of dumbbells (hand weights), which probably cost about $10. No fancy gym. And in the convenience of your home, saving you time.

This is just one example of a simple golf exercise you can do quickly and conveniently in your home to dramatically transform your game!

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure. But today's golfer is leaner, stronger, and fitter. Until the last few years, golfers didn't know how to go about incorporating golf fitness, or specifically resistance training for golf.

They have had a vision of going into the local gym and being intimidated by the "muscle heads." It can also be overwhelming to decide what plan of action to take and if it will be worth the time and effort. I have listed some myths about strength training for golf and the truths about them as well.

"I will bulk up too much and that will hinder my golf swing."

Golf fitness (resistance training specific for golf) will not result in muscle gain that will alter your swing mechanics. To increase muscle size, involves lifting increasingly heavier weights with lower repetitions, increasing your calorie intake dramatically, and spending a couple of hours per day lifting weights.

A golf fitness program incorporates moderate weight, with medium (12-15) repetitions, and in a time frame of 30-45 minutes. This type of program is designed to improve your golf specific strength and endurance, not build muscle.

"I will lose flexibility if I lift weights."

In fact, the opposite is true! Weak muscles are also tight muscles. When you do resistance training, you are increasing blood flow, working through a functional range of motion specific to golf, and strengthening the tendons and ligaments in every joint of your body. In conjunction with a stretching program, strength training will improve flexibility, not hinder it.

"Weight training will cause me to lose feel."

By strengthening your muscles specific to golf, you will have better control of your body. A golf fitness program trains your body specifically for your golf game. When you improve functional strength, you have more control and balance, which will improve your feel. Strength training involves body awareness, muscular control, and coordination. These are all key elements for enhanced golf.

So in summary, golf fitness can be done when you are in your early teens (with supervision), or into your late 80's. I have personally worked with people in there 70's and 80's who increased their strength 100%. This was partly due to the initial level of fitness being so low. My point is, that it is never too late to start. Search out a fitness professional or conditioning specialist to design a golf specific program and you will play better than you ever imagined! Start now!

Tips for Buying Used Golf Clubs

Used golf clubs can be great for those who are on a budget, don't play much, or just want a spare set. They certainly aren't for everybody, but many will find that they can get the job done just fine. Here are a few tips if your looking for used golf clubs.

Research Different Clubs

You will need to do some research and see what's out there. This applies to new or used clubs. You may want to consider renting some clubs and asking a friend what is good. Check places like ebay. The idea is to know what your looking for and what suits your style of play.

Checking out the Clubs

When you find a set of used clubs you like you will need to see if they are in good condition. The first place you will need to check is the clubheads. You need to make sure the groves are still there and aren't fading away. Make sure they have no dents or spots that show extreme amount of wear. If your buying a whole set you will need to check every club.

Check the Grips and Shafts

The next part of the clubs that need checking is the grips and shaft. If the grips on the clubs are showing cracks and are looking worn out you may need to re-grip them. Re-griping the club isn't expensive, but if all the clubs need it you may want to look elsewhere.

The shafts should be checked for bends and cracks. You need to make sure there is no weakness in the shaft. The best way to check the shaft is to actually try the club out.

Conclusion

The best way to buy used clubs is to take them for a trial run. You really don't know how well they will perform on the course until you try them. Of course you may not always be able to try out the clubs. That's where you need to follow the advice above. It should help you stay out of trouble.

Junior Golfers Gain A Competitive Edge By Building A Stronger Body

Strength training for juniors is supported by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Each of these organizations encourages children's participation in appropriately designed training programs as long as they are competently supervised.

Many research reports conclude that juniors can benefit from strength training programs through the improvement of motor fitness skills, self esteem, overall strength and physical and emotional well being.

For those juniors who are anxious to get an early start with strength training as a perfect compliment to their golf game, let's review the importance of form, function and good nutrition. These principles serve as the foundation for junior fitness and a lifetime of health and wellness for your young athlete.

Form. Each exercise we perform has a specific method of set up, instruction and properly executed form for each movement. There are muscles which stabilize while other muscles activate. Each plays a role in an exercise. When we compromise on technique or what is considered good form, injuries occur. When we place inappropriate loads on unsupported bodies, we no longer create an opportunity for growth, but rather continue to place unnecessary stress on our bodies. Take the time to learn proper form and lifting techniques. Once your child learns the basics, make sure they are properly supervised as they learn about their bodies and their new found capabilities. Remember these principles will serve as the foundation for their future so take the time to help them understand the importance of safety and appropriate lifting techniques.

Function. Once you set safety and proper form as your priority, it's time to choose an appropriate exercise program. Many young players ask about the right number of sets and reps for their age. Just remember that young players are not aspiring weightlifters or bodybuilders, but rather strength builders. Junior golfers should begin with body weight exercises that place an emphasis on many muscle groups and movement patterns which mimic real life movements such as pushups, pull-ups, and multi directional lunges. Weights can be used, but the focus should be light weights and higher repetitions. Simply choose 5 or 6 exercises and perform 15 to 20 reps while continuing your concentration on good form and technique. Never compromise on the quality of your movement in favor of increased repetitions. Begin with only a few repetitions until you master an exercise. Parents or instructors should provide clear instruction and close supervision.

Good Nutrition. As role models, parents have the responsibility to educate their children on the importance of proper nutrition. I'm sure, as adults, we've often wondered how different we would have viewed food if our parents had spent more time with us. Regardless of their age, it is not too late to teach them about fueling an athletic body and powerful mind. In the end, food fulfills three basic requirements. These are to provide fuel for their bodies, regulation of their metabolism and to support new tissue growth. Children who golf need an abundance of nutrients in the form of variety, balance and moderation. In the absence of proper nutrients, you sacrifice their growth as well as their future golf performance.

Senior Golfers Increase Swing Speed

It is widely known that with increased age comes a decrease in flexibility. This is why so many golf fitness programs emphasize stretching and increasing range of motion for senior golfers. It has also been well documented that senior golfers between the ages of 55 and 79 can increase their drive distance and enhance their overall golf performance by engaging in a safe and effective golf conditioning program.

According to a recent study evaluating swing speed, senior golfers reaped great benefits by engaging in regular core stabilization exercises. Senior golfers participated in an 8 week study where they engaged in a core stabilization program several times weekly utilizing tools such as foam rollers, mats, stability balls, medicine balls and elastic cables. The end result was an increase in club head speed of over 6 mph. In real terms, this can yield an increase in drive distance of over 17 yards.

For those senior golfers who are interested in improving their length off the tee while increasing their level of fitness, try these core stabilization exercises.

Glute Bridge

Goal:

This movement is designed to strengthen the glutes as well as improve their firing rate.

Instruction:

? Lie down on the floor on your back

? Bend your knees and place a ball or folded towel between your

? knees

? Place your hands at your side and lift your toes off the ground with heels remaining

? Engage your abdominals and glutes, then slowly lift your hips off the ground

? Don't let the glutes touch the ground while you perform repetitions

Ball Bridge

Goal:

This movement is designed to strengthen the low back muscles and glutes.

Instruction:

? Lie down on back with your feet on top of the ball

? Point toes towards your shins

? Pull shoulder blades back and down

? Raise glutes up until you are one line from your shoulders to your feet

? Slowly lower your body until hips almost touch the ground, then repeat the lift

Sitting Leg Lift

Goal:

This movement is designed to activate your hip flexor and thigh muscles while stabilizing your abdominals and spine.

Instruction:

? Sit on a Swiss Ball with your feet shoulder width apart

? Rest your hands on each side of the ball

? Tighten your abdominal muscles and maintain a straight spine

? Begin by lifting one leg at a time a few inches off the floor

? Alternate between each leg in a marching motion

? Try to keep the same spine angle and avoid shifting from side to side

Senior golfers still have what it takes to hit the long ball as long as they continue to compensate for the loses they experience through the aging process. Placing an emphasis on core strength, stabilization and flexibility, will keep senior golfers in the game for years to come.

Improve Your Golf Game Using the Unlimited Power of Your Imagination

Today, it seems, that many people are all too familiar with what they can't do. We need to spend more time and thought on what we CAN do. Many of us cannot afford to stop, think and imagine the possiblities that lay before us. The human mind is the most valuable resource that we have, and we can use it to fashion any outcome we desire. Take this man's story:

A Vietnam War veteran, after surviving the horrors of the Vietnamese P.O.W. camps, was asked by a reporter how he managed to survive the ordeal. His response was that he played an imaginary 18 holes of golf everyday inside his head. It became a habit. You see, this man was avid golfer prior to our entrance into the conflict, and as a way of dealing with the stress, he retired to his own personal golf course in his mind. In his golf course he visualized all the details he could; from the direction of the wind to the color of the grass, and each day he would play his 18 holes. The part of this story that applies to the topic at hand, comes when he was finally released and returned to the United States after several years of captivity. He discovered When he was able to play his first game of golf, in close to a decade, that his swing and ability had remained VIRTUALLY unchanged! He played golf as though he had never missed a day on the course... He was as good as he ever was!

This story is not only a testament to this soldier's determination in the face of adversity, but it is also an excellent example of the tremendous power and potential of the human mind. That said, I wish to introduce you to a concept I call the Power of Imagination.

Now, I can already hear some of you out there saying that imagining things is a child's game -- not to be played by adults. I assure you that utilizing the power of your imagination is anything but childish. Many famous entertainers, athletes, and even generals have used this power to achieve virtually anything they set their minds to. You can use this power to achieve your goals as well.

When using the Power of Imagination in golf, you should attempt to mimic the same process that the soldier used. You will want to find a nice quiet place, close your eyes, and relax. Next, you must vividly imagine yourself on the golf course. On your golf course you will know every minute detail. Is there a bird chirping to your left? What club are you using, and how far are you from the pin? What direction is the wind blowing and how fast? What kind of clothing are you wearing? Vividly imagine all the other details of the surrounding area. Each of these images are things you will need to know to make this technique work to your utmost advantage.

Once you have your golf course completely visualized within your mind you will now commence to play. On every stroke you will imagine the game as close to the real thing as possible.

Here is the key: As you play through this course you will visualize yourself playing perfectly, every shot exactly where you want it and you never miss. Science has shown that our body cannot distinguish between a real experience and one that is VIVIDLY imagined. To intensify the affect of this technique you should determine a schedule of at least 30 minutes each day at the same time. This schedule will allow your mind to operate at peak efficiency when using your Power of Imagination. By playing golf in this manner, your body and mind will train itself to perform well and expect success. The more you use this technique the more you will see reality conform with your mind's Power of Imagination.

Golf Specific Core Exercises Improve Your Drive Distance

What if I could give you three important exercises for golf and you were able to hit the ball further than you've ever hit it before? What if these exercises could be performed with a minimal investment of time and required no equipment. How about if I made it so simple and convenient you could simply perform them in the evening in the comfort of your own living space? What are you waiting for?let's get started.

The golf swing starts with core stability, then adds in the elements of strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Core conditioning is very important for a golfer because all movements in the upper and lower body are tied together, supported, and coordinated by your core.

The core is where the body's center of gravity is located, and it is where movement begins. Because all movement begins at the core and then progresses out to the arms and legs, core strength is essential. The core acts to produce force, it stabilizes the body to permit other musculature to produce force, and it's also called upon to transfer energy.

So, what types of equipment or tools are best to most effectively train this power region of the body? I'll give you a hint. It's not the machines in your gym. If you like the gym, then use the equipment that will provide the best results like pulley systems, free weights, and exercise/ medicine balls which provide far more neurological advantages than your typical exercise machine. Not only is the core challenged to fatigue with these alternatives to traditional machines, but you can recruit more muscle groups in two or three planes of motion compared to only one with machines.

Most people have a very weak core, and as a result, chronic posture problems. Over time, this creates wear and tear on the body. A golfer with a weak core is vulnerable to injury and will never be efficient in their swing. These weaknesses must be reversed in order to promote proper health and function. For now, let's put the gym equipment at rest and get started with those simple, home based exercises and get ready to create some serious distance with those woods.

Crunch - Lie on the floor facing up with knees bent. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest and crunch forward. Contract the abdominals to raise the shoulders off the floor, pause and lower. You may also try this exercise on a Swiss ball.

Twisting crunch - Identical to the crunch except as you crunch up you rotate the shoulders to alternating sides. Don't forget to contract your abdominals.

Plank - Begin by lying on your stomach with legs extended. Place elbows directly beneath your shoulders with hands reaching forward. Push your body up onto your toes and elbows. Pull navel up and towards your spine. Do not allow your low back to drop towards the floor. Try and hold this position for 30 seconds to start.

Strengthen your core region for golf and add an extra 20 yards to your drive distance. Perform these three exercises several times weekly and you'll see your hard work pay off in longer length off the tee.

Picking Your Golf Equipment Picking Your Golf Equipment

Looking for quality golf equipment but not sure you want to spend a ton on it? Are you new and starting out and need some new golf equipment but don't know where to begin? Finding the right golf equipment may seem like a challenge, but it really does not have to be. In fact, if you know what you need, your task could be quite easy.

The first step in purchasing golf equipment is to determine your budget. Once you get to that golf store and get the best club in your hand, you may just overspend. Knowing how much you can and should spend on golf equipment will keep your wallet as happy as you will be with your golf equipment. After determining this, you will need to begin looking. The basic equipment that all good golfers have is a set of clubs, tees, gloves, and golf balls. There is much speculation about which types of clubs you need and what material they should be made out of. The best bet to determining the right equipment for you is to try it out and get a feel for it. A basic set of golf clubs will include woods, irons, putters, and wedges. The types of these clubs that you end up purchasing will depend on how they feel in your hand and through your swing. Other golf equipment to consider includes shoes, balls, gloves, clothing and more.

Golf equipment is widely available. You can go into any sporting goods store and find quality merchandise. You can also go to some of the department stores and find golf equipment there. There are even golf equipment stores that can provide you with many choices. Still want a better selection? Are you looking for the best value for your money? Use the internet to search from site to site to find the right golf equipment at the right prices. The basic golf equipment should be the first order of business for you. Once you have these items you can move into getting the other golf equipment you may find.

Increase your Flexibility with These 3 Key Golf Stretches

Why is it a golfer rarely asks for a full 20 minute extensive warm up routine prior to golf, but rather those two or three key stretches guaranteed to yield the best results in the shortest period of time?

No matter how hard those in the golf fitness arena try and convince golfer's to stretch prior to a round of golf, our efforts are often fruitless. It's not that golfers don't care; life just seems to get in the way of our best laid intentions. So, instead of arriving 30 minutes early as planned, most golfers come scurrying around the corner and plop into their carts in an effort to get away with the bare minimum prior to tee-off.

So, based on popular demand, here are those 3 key stretches. While it will always be in your best interest to plan and prepare, both mentally and physically, prior to your round of golf, the following stretches will get your body ready in record time.

Stretch #1 Lunge with Rotation

Goal:

This movement is designed to duplicate the trunk rotation involved in the swing while stretching the hip flexors.

Instruction:

? Place hands on opposite ends of a golf club and place behind the top of shoulders

? Begin by taking a nice long step forward, then lowering to a lunge position

? Gently turn your torso towards your extended knee

? Hold each side for a count of two, then switch legs

Stretch #2 Rotator Cuff Stretch

Goal:

This movement is designed to stretch the rotator cuff muscles.

Instruction:

? Hold the club in the middle of the shaft with one arm extended straight out

? Rotate the club to the right and then to the left

? When complete, switch to the other arm and repeat

Stretch #3 Trunk-Hip Rotation

Goal:

Loosens up the hip joints and prepares the body for a shoulder turn by stretching the low back.

Instruction:

? Bend over slightly from the hips

? Hold your spine in a neutral position

? Place club behind your back and in the crook of your arms

? Rotate your shoulders to the right, then to the left

? The movement duplicates the trunk rotation involved in the swing

Use these three stretches prior to your next round of golf and you will likely see a significant impact in your performance. Get ready to take your game to a new level!

4 Essential Elements of Golf Fitness

Are you ready to take your golf game to a new level? Golf fitness and a whole body approach to your golf game may be the answer. Many of you have spent hours on the driving range sharpening your golf skills. You've invested a small fortune in new equipment, golf lessons, and accessories, yet you haven't seen a decrease in your handicap in years. You're not alone. Fifteen years ago the average handicap for women was 29. For men, it was 16.2. However, you may be surprised to learn it is the same number today. What accounts for this lack of improvement and what can we do about it?

The real answer lies in the basic understanding that what you are seeking cannot be purchased in a pro shop, from a local golf retailer or on-line store. The answer may be closer than you think because it lies within your current physical capabilities. The most overlooked component of improvement in golf is neglecting to factor in your physical conditioning.

There are four main physical requirements a golfer needs to graduate to a greater, more consistent level of play. Which of these physical characteristics do you possess and which of these areas need improvement?

Balance. This is an area often overlooked by golfers of all abilities. Balance plays a critical role in stabilizing the core musculature as well as adding the element of control through muscle coordination. Balance plays a pivotal role in your ability to execute weight transfer and hip rotation without jeopardizing a stable address position. Those individuals with exceptional balance will have more efficient reaction times and therefore movement speed.

Flexibility. Allowing your muscles to extend through their full range of motion is widely considered one of the most important aspects of a successful golf swing. Muscles which are inflexible can have a significant impact on all aspects of your game. The same is true for muscle imbalances. Never neglect a pre-round warm up. It will prepare your muscles for the work to come and ward off immediate dangers to tight muscles.

Strength. When muscle force or strength is applied to the ball, power is created and distance is increased. Increasing your striking force to the ball will likely yield a desirable result for any level of player. Strength in key muscle groups will offer protection from injury. Strong lower back muscles will support your position at address. Strength in your midsection will provide you with the stability you need to make the most effective separation of the hips from the shoulders in producing the power you seek. A strong body creates a powerful swing, a strong mind, and a fit body.

Endurance. Golf has always been thought of as a sport based on skill, requiring minimal fitness. While the cardiovascular requirements for golf are not extensive, they are critical in maintaining adequate levels of energy and maximal levels of concentration. In the absence of a sound cardiovascular routine, physical fatigue can easily lead to mental fatigue. Mental fatigue then gives way to skill deterioration.

Use your body as your most prized possession and your greatest resource as you build a foundation for better golf. Factor in your current physical conditioning by using a whole body approach and you will see a lifetime of benefits in increased performance, longevity in your favorite sport, and a physically fit body worthy of recognition.

5 Best Uses for Hybrid Utility Clubs

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Fix Your Slice: The Cause & Simple Cures For The Beginner Golfer

Are you slicing all or some of your tee shots? If so, you are no different than most new golfers, And even more experienced golfers still slice shots from time to time. Here are some simple things you can try to fix it:

First, the problem is hardly ever the club. If you feel it is, have your driver examined by your local pro-shop, so no doubt lingers in your mind.

Now, let's consider what happens to a sliced ball when it is in the air. Here it seems best to state exactly what is meant by the term 'sliced ball' because a drive that finishes in the rough on the right of the fairway is not necessarily sliced. A sliced drive is one that starts straight, or nearly straight, from the tee and curls in the right of the line on which it started. The reason for this is that the ball is spinning from left to right, and the air pressure, being greater on the side which is turning into the wind, in this case the left side, pushes the ball to the right. A ball that is correctly driven has back-spin imparted to it by the club, and the air pressing on the underside of the ball tends to make it rise in flight. A hooked ball naturally has the reverse spin to a sliced ball.

This is very basic, but it is useful knowledge from a beginner's point of view, because it may give you a clue as to why you are slicing: To impart a left-to- right spin to a ball, the face of the club must be drawn from right to left across the ball during the moment of impact. This right-to-left movement of the club may be the result of several faults: the player may be hitting at the ball, instead of through it, in other words, checking the swing of the club at a critical moment; or the grip may be faulty, too tight with the left hand, too loose with the right, possibly the position of the hands on the shaft may be wrong; or the player may be drawing in his arms and not throwing them, as it were, after the ball. Certainly the best method of locating the fault is to go to your local professional, but if that is not possible, most experienced golfers would be able to spot it.

But once the problem is found it, is by no means cured; it is quite possible to know what you are doing wrong without being able to prevent yourself from continuing to do it!

Sometimes a simple cure will overcome the slicing habit: Try turning the right hand a little more under the shaft or gripping a little tighter with it. You can also try taking up the normal stance and then drawing the right foot back a few inches.

In the beginners' case slicing is just going to happen! But I'm convinced that if the beginner works hard, it can be cured in a month or two instead of wearing itself out perhaps in the course of a year or even longer.

Golf Tips - A Good Thinking Head Makes A Better Golfer

Golf is a wonderful game but we all want to improve a little bit more and for some a lot more. There can be many contributing factors as to why you find that you are not playing consistently every week or the fact that your handicap seems to be going up a notch instead of the reverse. We all need advice and starting with the basics that help even the lowest handicapper in the club.

On the tee box:

There is nothing like getting up on a tee box and letting fly with the perfect drive down the center of the fairway, well that's the way it should be. There are a number of basic errors golfers can make. Timing when hitting the ball is everything, too many golfers feel the need to smash the ball out of sight when in fact golf is all about placing yourself in position for the next shot. When teeing off with the oversized drivers remember to tee the ball a little higher than normal for a maximum strike.

Different golfers hit the ball different distances, how many times have your seen the guy only 5ft odd hitting the ball 30 yards further than someone of 6ft odd. In golf size does not matter, it's all about the timing of your shot. Golfers who try to kill the ball down the fairway will nine times out of ten make a mess out of the shot either by knocking the ball down or forcing is far left or right. Take your time and play golf like chess or pool, think about placement and the shots ahead, one big drive will not mean a par or birdie.

From the fairway to the green:

If you manage to hit a nice drive from the tee box confidence is at a high, now find the green, easier said than done. Always play to your handicap, if you feel that you cannot make the green on the second shot or quite possible find the bunker why not play a little short to leave a nice wedge to the green for your third? Under clubbing can also be a major problem especially with older golfers like myself, you need to be honest if you are at the age of 50 - 70, we are not young lads anymore so don't be embarrassed to drop down a club or two, it will only help keep the confidence high.

If looking from the fairway to the green you see that the pin position is at the front of the green but just over a bunker, why not aim for the centre of the green, sometimes the gamble will work out for you but the center of the green could get you a safe par or with a nice putt an excellent birdie. When chipping to the green with a little pitching wedge or sand wedge always try and leave yourself with an uphill putt, downhill is always tricky especially in the summer when the greens are lightening fast.

Putting:

Putting has a similar concept to that of driving from the tee box, timing is important. Never rush a putt no matter how short the distance is from the hole. Avoid at all times the one handed tap ins that could end up costing you dearly, how many times have you yourself tried to finish a putt one handed only to fluff the putt? Unfortunately we are not professionals with a caddy to help us with our shots, you need to take a step back and try to read the lie of the green.

In match play most games are won and lost on the putting surface. Always follow through with your putt, never quit after the backswing, quitting will make you either leave the putt a mile short of add unwanted side spin to the ball.

From the Bunkers:

Sand should only be found on a beach! That's what we would all like to think when we end up in a bunker. The sand shot is something that takes lots of practice. You need to hit hard beneath the ball and to do so a large backswing is important. Remember the ball tends not to travel too far once it hits the green so allow for your shot to be flown as close to the flag as possible.

If you end up at the very front of the bunker and are looking at an next to impossible forward shot play out sideways or backwards, better dropping only one shot than losing the head and hacking two or three in the sand.

In Brief:

Golf is a game of patience, rushing shots never works, a good temperament on the course is like having that extra club in the bag. Always have good protective clothing and waterproof golf shoes, choose your golf balls carefully to gain the extra distance or spin control. The golf glove will give you that extra bit of grip required in wet conditions or peak summer when your hands get sweaty. It's a wonderful game that can be improved with even the basic advice.

Super Golf Wheel Chair that Enables Disabled Golfers to Play Normally

Last week when I was at the driving range I noticed a number of young disable people working on their games. I was very impressed by a young lady who, despite the fact that she was sitting in a wheel chair, was able to drive the ball straight for around 120 to 150 yards. It was a real joy to watch her play. Every time she hit a good shot her face lit up in a radiant smile of pure pleasure.

Watching these young people having such a good time got me thinking.

A good friend of mine is a disabled golfer. He lost a leg in a land mine incident when he was serving in the army as a young man. Bob has never allowed his disability to stand in the way of making himself into a very competitive golfer. In fact this year he has been elected captain of our golf club.

So last Saturday I cornered Bob and asked him to tell me more about disabled golf. Now Bob is a real enthusiast, so I got myself cornered for a good half an hour, but it was worth it, because he told me about this amazing golf wheel chair for paraplegic disabled golfers. Take a closer look at the photo on my web site.

This golf wheel chair is the brain child of Anthony Netto a South African born golf professional and trainer. Anthony suffered a neck fracture after a no-fault car accident, in 1995. This led to him being wheelchair bound for months. After numerous operations and a lot of time in hospital the 37-year old was able to resume work as a teaching pro in 1997. However, in October 2000, he suffered a further setback when multiple sclerosis struck him down. Since that time he has been confined to a wheelchair.

Netto is a fighter; he told himself, "One does not die from this disease." A course of magnet-field therapy helped him, but he wanted to resume his life as a teaching professional and to that end he started to develop the special golf wheel chair, which has enabled him to play again.

The chair, powered by a tank battery, drives him around the course just like any other buggy. However, when he arrives at his ball, the seat swivels round so that he can face his ball. The seat then stands him up and supports him so that he can address his ball, just like a 'normal' golfer.

The golf wheel chair works well because Anthony Netto is now the trainer of the German national disabled golfers team and he has initiated project KidSwing to teach young disabled golfers. He works successfully with sick and disabled children in Cologne, Germany. His aim is: "to establish golf as a therapy and a rehabilitation scheme."

As far as I can find out the golf wheel chair is currently just starting to go into production on a very small scale. It is therefore expensive, my informant wasn't certain, but he thought the price was currently around ?17,000.00 ($22,000.00 approx.) I would expect this price to decrease dramatically once mass-production starts.

My informant also told me that the company marketing the golf wheel chair is being run in such a way as to limit their own profit percentage in order to make the golf wheel chair more widely available to disabled golfers.

There is more information about Anthony, some pictures of his golf wheel chair and links to other sites which talk about this wonderful machine on the Winning Seniors Golf web site.

Improve Your Putting By Developing Rock Solid Confidence On The Green

All of us have missed a short putt before. It is frustrating to miss something you know you can make! And most often a missed short putt can cause a chain reaction of bad play. Every golfer will have a tendency to remember a bad shot at a certain hole when he next plays that hole. Think of any short putt as a link on a chain that is a slack and being pulled tight. As the chain tightens each link is influenced by the one in front of it and influences the links behind it. What you must learn to do is break this chain of bad reactions by silencing that inner voice. This inner voice will tell you all manner of ill-advised advice and you must build a new chain based on memories of successful shots, not the failures of previous ones.

Next time, as you approach the green for your putt, do not speculate on what the condition or pace of the green is until you actually get there. Wait until you can physically check the conditions with your sight and touch. Here is where a key principle is at work. As you are consciously checking the grass and the line to the hole, your memory is subconsciously at work, as well, accessing previous experiences with which to compare this one. Much of the time, the images that are being recalled are things that are best forgotten? Things like whether or not you hooked your last putt on this green, or pushed it on a prior hole. Indeed, I am certain that golfers miss short putts purely because their memory, at the most awkward time possible, reminds them of the countless other short putts they have missed.

Thinking of missed or bad shots sets your mind and body into motion to repeat that same missed shot. Instead close your eyes for a moment and clear your mind of those memories. Visualize yourself hitting the ball perfectly, feel the club in your hand. Hear the ball hit the bottom of the cup. Then open your eyes, ready yourself and remember how you just saw yourself in your mind, and make the shot.

After the shot is sunk in the hole, take a moment and remember the putt, how you made it, make a vivid impression in your mind. This training will become a link in the chain, and it will influence the next link (putt). When you are on the next green, recall the putt you made, and then repeat the visualization of sinking this next putt. Thus, a strong "chain" is built - a successful chain. When you do miss short putts from time to time, even though it is important to learn why you missed so you can correct it, do not think of that missed put on the next green. Dismiss it from your mind and follow the above steps. Soon you will notice a dramatic change in your short game as well as your overall confidence.

Confusion Feeds the Golf Industry

The policeman drops his paycheck on the kitchen table so his wife can go shopping and pay their bills. They are able to do this because somewhere down the line someone killed, raped, or robbed someone. An unnamed X (rated) President of the United States can have pizza and frollick with a starry eyed intern in the White House because you are paying the rent.

Here's a news flash for you! If you have been in a coma or have spent the last half century on Neptune, you should know that the golf industry is now a multibillion dollar a year business. What did we learn in paragraph one? Somewhere down the line someone supports, funds, feeds or makes possible the growth and maintenance of such a insatiable glutton. How did IT get so humungous? Sit here on the Anti-Pro's knee and lets toss some ideas around in our craniums.

This hungry monster needs a lot of food (money). The dope addict needs a fix. Somewhere there is a need. And, in the golf industry, that need is cleverly disguised as confusion. Confuse the golfer and he will be back for more. He doesn't want anyone to think he is stupid or no talent, so he will convince himself that maybe he just didn't get it the first time, or second, or...?

A reader sends along this interesting observation: "My experience has been that the overwhelming majority, 85-plus percent unduly complicate the golf swing. I have spent thousands of dollars to come to this conclusion. I often wonder if it is a deliberate attempt to keep one in golfing no-mans land." Thanks, Chip!

Has the beast made a puppet out of us? Send the golfer a new magazine and watch him tear into it to find the "latest tip." Try it. Doesn't work? No problem, they will send you another next month that will give you just the opposite advice. The golf pro can't tell you the golf swing is simple. He could explain it ALL in one lesson, but if he did and

IF the golf mags didn't have new "bogus"tips and the book writers didn't have a batch of golfer wanabees drooling at the thought of getting better.....They would all die an

excruciating death from starvation. They CAN"T tell the truth...It would be Suicide.

AND that $500 driver? If your swing STINKS, it will NOT make any difference. It looks pretty goofy to stand up on the first tee with a $500 club and slice it into a subdivision.

Lets build the golf swing around this premise. A 3,4,5 year old watches a good golf swing, copies it and has a beautiful swing. No hi-tech, no books, no freeze frame analysis, no series of golf lessons. Watch Daddy walk....walk. Watch Mommy walk....walk. This is an A....write an A....this is a B.

There are thousands of languages here on Earth and the part of the brain that runs motor skills (your golf swing) does not understand one of them! If you continue to swallow the grub the golf industry is dishing out, get real comfy and enjoy your stay in................

.......No Man's Land!

How to Know What Defines the Best Golf Drivers

Why is it considered the most electrifying club in your golf bag? Why is it the first club anyone talks about when equipment is brought up? Why is it what everyone wants?

The answers are simple - POWER. It's all about the power of the long ball. The golfer who drives the ball the furthest is considered the man of the moment, and everyone wants to be that man. I guess it's an ego thing.

This mind game is played among all golfers form beginner to professional. It is one of the main driving forces behind the design of today's best golf drivers. The manufacturers are continually coming up with newer and better drivers that go further and straighter than the competition. They come in all shapes and sizes with the bigger is better attitude coming out on top.

A lot of the big oversized drivers are built to the largest legal size specifications under PGA rules and regulations. Combine that with the ultra thin super springy club faces. What you get is a kind of loaded canon. These clubs launch the golf balls high in the air and really long. We must emphasize really LONG.

A lot of the club makers have even taken the grooves off the clubfaces around the sweet spot areas. This is to reduce spin and allow the ball more distance with less resistance. What this also causes is less accuracy off the tee. But most golfers are willing to give up a little accuracy for more distance.

Now if you throw in the new technology in today's golf shafts it gets a little complicated. With all the different types of graphite, the raised and lowered flex and kick points, and now even tipping it almost seems out of control.

Wow, that's getting crazy. There is such a huge amount of possible grip, shaft, and club head combinations it can be confusing to the average golfer. But not to worry, there are a ton of great resources out there to get you fitted correctly.

Golf For Beginners - What Makes A Good Golfer?

A good golfer is a golfer who is happy with their own game and willing to listen to advice from experience. A good temperament is needed to play golf, expect bad days it happens everyone from low handicappers to full professionals. Having a hot head will only cause you more problems.

It can be daunting when starting as there is so much to remember but take time to practice and go to the driving range to help improve teeing off. Looking around the golf course you will see some players and think "Will I ever get to that level"? Remember everybody is different and we are not all made to be professionals, you should go out to do your best and bring in the best possible score and most of all, take home the enjoyment of the day.

Teeing Off:

How many times have we seen the big hitters hit the ball out of sight, if you are thinking that way starting, think again. You should be thinking of placement and keeping the ball in play. Hitting the ball a long way is one think, keeping it in play and well placed for the next shot is the way to think. The driver can be a difficult club to use of the tee when starting but practice will make it easier. If you are using the oversized drivers like most are remember to tee the ball up higher than normal to avoid knocking the ball down. If you find the 3 or 5 wood easier to hit then hit that until your game improves. On a par 4 or 5 many people hit a low iron from the tee. Whatever you are comfortable with, use.

A good swing:

In golf timing is everything. By swinging faster and harder you will not hit the ball any further, and most possibly will end up hitting a horrible shot anyway. A slow backswing and a good steady hit will make all the difference, rushing in golf gets you nowhere. Keep a steady head and do not raise it too quickly to see where the ball has gone, if you do you may find yourself going hard right if you are using right hand clubs and vice versa if using left handed clubs. Feet position is important; align your feet correctly to avoid an unwanted right to left or left to right shot.

Clubbing from the fairway:

If you find that you are looking from the fairway to the green you need to choose your next club carefully, under clubbing will leave you short and possible in the bunker or water hazard, over clubbing will leave you long and possibly in similar danger. Overtime you will become aware of all the clubs in your bag and the distance you can hit each one comfortably. You find yourself between clubs, meaning the next shot for example is neither an 8 or 9 iron. In a case like this do not hit the 9iron and try to force the shot, hit the 8 and go slightly down the shaft allowing you total control over the shot.

Good Golf Gear and Clubs:

Like in most cases it depends on the budget you have. Golf clubs can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. Are you brand orientated? As a keen golfer myself and off a handicap of four I play most of my golf in Ireland and in the US and from my travels I have seen beginners in both countries spending obscene money starting. We all want the best but the clubs will not do the work for you. You are not going to notice exceptional back spin or side spin starting so start with a sensible budget and build from there. It's you who needs the practice to improve the overall play. Clubs worth $3,000 dollars will not help you starting anymore than clubs worth $400. If you have extra cash to spend put it into golf shoes or waterproof clothing or spend it on travelling to other golf courses to gain experience.

Reducing handicaps:

There is no magic stick here, practice is the only way to improve and by improving you will automatically reduce your handicap either by observation from the golfing committee you belong to or by winning a prise or two. Listen to others and learn, you need to have an open mind playing golf and be willing to try new shots, different stances and even new equipment as time goes by.

Like all you will reach your peak and the best you will get out of golf is the enjoyment of getting out but for the elite few that next level could be pro.

Golf Equipment - The Most Expensive Is Not Always Correct For You

The essentials of golf begin with the clubs you choose. Shopping on the Internet will save you time and money but choosing can be difficult, as there seems to be endless options. From our work with different golfing web sites we have seen sales for golf clubs dramatically increase in the past two years but do people really know what they are buying? I think the answer to this is yes if you have been playing for a few years and no if you are a total beginner. Some people starting out in the golf world have more money than sense. At the start of every golfing year (generally in March) you see new members on the first tee with thousands of dollars worth of equipment beside them and the golfing skills of a squirrel.

Excuse the expression from above but you really need to go back to the basics when starting golf. Golfing is a skill that needs to be developed, by having clubs worth thousands will not help you any more than the person starting with second hand clubs worth fifty dollars, I had that told to me from more than one Irish professional during my time. All the major club manufacturers are selling online at great prices, choose carefully and get well within your budget, the left over money can be well spent on other golf apparel.

What are the essentials to have?

Without being silly and mentioning the usual such as golf balls etc you should have the following:

Good waterproof golf shoes

Waterproof Jacket and Pants

Golf Cart (Manual or Battery)

Golf shoes are essential, and if they are not waterproof put them in the garbage. Your feet must be kept dry at all times. Golf is not always in great weather. If your feet are wet for a number or hours you will not feel comfortable and run the risk of catching a nasty cold or flu like symptoms. There are plenty of cheap golf shoes on the market along with cheap so called waterproof pants and jackets, but by spending carefully on the golf clubs allows you spend wisely on essential clothing.

Golf Carts:

Some people prefer still to carry their bags but most will purchase a golf cart. The carts can either be manual or battery operated. The manual speak for themselves and can be a folded away in the trunk of your car the battery are a little more complex and need some careful taught before purchasing. Battery operated carts need maintenance and constant recharging. Check out the battery life expectancy before you buy. Some are like buying a car, they have a speedometer, mirrors and a light, do you really need all that?

Golf Balls:

Yes the ball will make a difference to distance and spin but don't be foolish, if you are a beginner you should expect to loose plenty so don't go mad buying the latest and greatest, you need to improve you overall accuracy and game in general. The more experienced golfer should pay more attention to the ball they are using, you could be losing valuable distance from the tee meaning the difference on your next shot from an eight iron or a comfortable pitching wedge.

Golf Tee:

Short and simple, if you are using oversized heads allow for a higher tee. Plastic tees do not break as easily as the wooden type.

Golf Glove:

I have seen many a good golfer never wear one but in hot weather it gives you added grip and in damp conditions it could be your only grip. Should not cost you an arm and a leg.

Putter:

I'm not one for getting into graphite shafts and other related metal when purchasing a putter. I prefer something that I feel comfortable with, if that happens to be graphite and within my own budget, so be it. The putter today comes in all different shapes and sizes, from the standard height to the putter that tucks just under your chin. Beginners start with a basic putter and move on, basic meaning something that is not costing you an arm and a leg. Experienced golfers will have their own unique putter style they prefer.

Overall - Internet golf shopping:

The prices will seldom be beaten if you purchase online, do not worry about quality as the products are the very same as what you will find in your local sports store. The variety is very large and tempting and delivery is to your door. Before you do go shopping online make a quick list of the essentials that you need.

How to Win at Golf

What's the point of playing sport if you don't want to win? You may try to kid yourself that you're playing for the good of your health or because you enjoy the sport, both of which would probably be true, but the real satisfaction and joy comes from winning.

If you don't believe me just study the attendance stats for a professional sports team which is on a run of poor results and near the bottom of the league table. Teams that win fill stadiums, losing teams empty them. People like to be associated with winning teams. We all like to win, it makes us feel better.

This is about how to win at sport, any sport, but particularly about how to win at golf which is my game.

There are certain actions and thinking patterns which are easy to learn which make a great deal of difference to any golfer's ability to win. In this article I will take you through the ones that I have found to be most effective.

Preparation

Can you imagine Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, or Phil Michelson arriving on the first tee without having spent a serious amount of time on the practice fairway to warm up? They also spend time on the putting green and probably check through their equipment with their caddie before they get to the tee.

Serial winners prepare thoroughly. This is a major reason why they win so often. How much time do you devote to your preparation before you go out to play? Let's face it, most amateurs may take a few practice swings; they may even hit a few putts, if the practice green is conveniently nearby, but it is rare for them to go to the practice fairway before they hit their first drive.

I think that your preparation should start long before you even get to the course. When I am really determined to win I start getting myself mentally ready during my journey to the club. In the car I start to think about how I am feeling that day. If I suspect that my feelings aren't 'right', perhaps I am feeling a bit apprehensive or tetchy, I set about taking charge of my feelings.

There is no point in letting your feelings run away with you - who knows where they will go? And, if you're not in charge of your feelings you will not play well. It is certain that you will not win. The good news is that your mind can control your feelings if you really want it to. After all, 'whose feelings are they?' If you created those feelings then you can also create a whole new set of feelings which will give you a much better chance of winning.

It takes discipline to control your feelings. They often want to escape from your control, but you must not let them escape. You must be firm with yourself. If you find yourself feeling 'nervous' you must tell yourself to be 'calm'. If you're feeling tense, you must tell yourself to 'relax.' You may have to fight for mastery of your feelings but it is a battle worth fighting because if you win that battle you will probably win your round of golf as well.

In fact I believe that most amateur golfers feel a bit shy about preparing too well. We don't want to appear over keen. But there's something even worse than that going on in our heads. We don't want to hit a bad shot and then have others laugh at us and say: "all that time you spent on the practice ground doesn't seem to have done you much good."

And, there's something even worse than that going on in our heads - we don't want to disappoint ourselves. We don't want to get ourselves all 'revved-up' and then go out and play badly. So we don't take a chance on the warm up in case it doesn't work.

Let me suggest a few positive actions you can take in preparation for your round of golf which will help you a lot. They may even help you to win next time you play.

First, make sure that you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the golf course. Enjoy the drive and enjoy taking charge of your feelings. Try to arrive at least half an hour before you are due to play. This will give you time to greet a few of your pals, have a drink, change and boot up.

Spend 10 minutes on the golf range or in a golf net. Start with some stretching exercises. Then go through your golf swing in slow motion a couple of times. Hit a few shots concentrating on making a good swing with good tempo. Feel relaxed as you play your practice shots. Concentrate on accuracy rather than distance.

Spend five minutes on the putting green. Start with short putts and gradually make them longer and longer. If you want to win you have got to sink putts. So make sure that you sink the short ones. Even if they're only a few inches it will help your confidence.Just try to get the long putts within a foot or two of the hole.

Now that you've prepared physically and mentally all you need to do is step up to the tee, relax and fire the ball straight down the fairway. This is the first shot on the way to winning.