2010 January | The Golf Star

Archive for January, 2010

How to Choose Your First Golf Equipment

January 28th, 2010 | Author: budl

Finding Clubs at Any Age

No matter the age of the new golfer, the clubs and other golf equipment will be one of the first considerations. There is no need to run out and buy the latest titanium drivers to start with, but as you continue to improve your golf game, you can slowly improve your golf gear. To start with, however, you simply need the most basic set of golf clubs including: drivers, wedges, putters and irons. Make sure that you know which club is which, and what they are intended to be used for. Also, do not get caught up in buying all of the gadgets and accessories; there will be plenty of time for that later.

In addition to golf clubs, you will need good shoes, with or without cleats. Check with the course that you will be playing the majority of the time to find out what kind of shoes are and are not allowed. (While you are at it, you might want to check out their dress code as well.) Other important initial golf purchases to consider include books or videos to help you learn not only the mechanics of the game but the rules as well.

For the younger child, price should be a consideration for a number of reasons. For one thing, a child’s hobbies change fast and often, and you do not want to get stuck with a ton of golf equipment when the hockey phase sets in. Also, children are still growing, and the clubs may be too short for proper use in a few months, again, leaving you with useless gear. And finally, unless the child is exceptional, they just do not take the very best care of their belongings. A used set should be perfectly adequate for a child to learn on- but make sure that they are properly sized for them. Too short and the stance will be all off, possibly leading to poor posture; too long and they will not have be able to have a graceful, powerful swing.

For the adult, the growth factor is not such an issue, and most adults know how to take care of their things with relative responsibility, but are you really going to be sticking with golf for a long period of time? Consider renting or borrowing clubs while you honestly gauge your actual interest in the sport- will you be playing often or will it be a once in a while kind of thing? Can you afford to pay top dollar for something that will have to be dusted off between each use? Check with the local golf pro shop and get a general idea of what kind of clubs are right for your body type, stance and your swing. Crunch the numbers and decide what you can afford and what is out of your reach right now. Start with the basics and then upgrade as you go.

Keep Out Of Trouble With Your Driver

January 27th, 2010 | Author: budl

Stay out of trouble with your driver (notice, I didn’t say smash the ball 300 yards down the center of the fairway).

Staying out of Trouble with your Driver

So what is it that’s really causing problems with your driver? Is it a slice, a hook, or just flat-out inconsistency? Well the good news is that, regardless of what problem you are fighting, there are a few things to incorporate into your game that really will help you. If you’re the golfer that’s saying right now, “I’ve battled a slice for 25 years”, then this is not going to be the undisputed end of your problem. But you CAN reduce the slice or hook, which will help you score better. So here the first tip is.

1.Swing Easy. Nothing can be better for your game than learning how to swing the club easier and more fluid. If you go to the range and concentrate ONLY on swinging easy, it will revolutionize your ability to position yourself for a good approach shot when you get onto the course. You will make more consistent impact with the ball, and it will reduce the amount of side-spin you naturally place on the ball because the club head won’t be traveling as fast or with as much force. Again, I know you’ve heard it before, but I ask you to concentrate on this for 1 week. And if you can’t physically practice it, visualize it at the office (visualization works great).

2.Switch to a low spin ball. Lower spin off of the tee means that the ball is going to go more straight regardless of how whether your ball moves right or left. I recommend the Titleist DT SoLo, the Precept Laddie, or the Maxfli Noodle. You can find these balls anywhere from $13 to $20 per dozen, and they will play a large role in reducing the side spin that you naturally place on the ball.

I realize that this all sounds over-simplified, but it’s not. If you are having problems controlling your driver, switch to a low-spin ball, and start swinging easy. When you are on the range, ALL you should be thinking about is swinging the club easy. Incorporate this into your game this week, then next week we’ll discuss how to get some more distance with your driver