Putting Technique Begins With the Putter

At least 35% of the game of golf is with only one club, the putter. Hours are spent in driver and iron selection and little time is devoted to the putter selection. Why so little time in putter selection? It is the most important club in the bag. Many missed putts are blamed on the player's form - the truth is the putter probably compromised the stroke. Needless strokes are lost.

Most putters will fail one or both of the simple check tests. The first is the spin test. With the grip pointing down, hold the putter just below the head between the palms. Spin the club. The more waggle it has the more unbalanced it is. The second test is the push test. Place the end of the grip on the floor and hold the club with one hand just below the head. With a finger of the free hand, push where the "sweet spot" is marked. If the head moves there is no real "sweet spot." If the putter fails one or even both, how is the putt going to be accurate?

Having a balanced putter with a true sweet spot has a major impact on the quality of the putting stroke. Striking the ball on the putter's sweet spot ensures complete energy is transferred and on the desired line. The putter should be a foundation to build a sound putting game and not a variable. Concentration should lie on the speed, slope of the breaks, greens condition, and length. Confidence will be gained by having a reliable club at set-up.

Many putters at address will torque away from the ball. The stroke will be unnatural and will be hit off-line. A putter should be balanced to allow for a smooth stroke through the ball. Making one less in a few holes saves those strokes and improves the score. In the extreme case, making one less putt on each hole saves eighteen strokes. In most cases, a player having a balanced putter will see an eight percent decrease in score in the first round.

For more information about putter design visit ARC Golf Tech at http://www.arcgolftech.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Bowlin

Better Golf Swing Tips - Addressing the Ball

I love golf - there's no other way to put it! I love everything about it. But I wasn't very good at it, so I knew I needed to find a resource that would offer better golf swing tips than all the rest. Fortunately, I found The Golf Swing Book. It has been an excellent guide to the basics of hitting the ball straight and true. And it covers a lot of advanced tips too!

One of my challenges was addressing the ball. I was always too hesitant or too sloppy. As a result, the ball would go everywhere! What I learned is that I wasn't looking at my entire body when I was getting into address position. I always knew that feet placement was important, but totally forgot about the rest of my body.

And what about your feet! I learned from the book that if the width of my stance was not correct, I was off balance. Not that I was falling over, or anything! But it was affecting my golf.

A lot of golf pros tell you that when you're standing there getting ready to hit, you should have the feeling that you're sitting on a bar stool. However, The book explained that you should feel as though you're leaning back on a stool. Sitting will cause the club to swing too level to the ground, causing you to hit the ground right behind the ball.

And there's a lot more tips where this came from! Check out The Golf Swing Book and you'll find better golf swing tips!

Sometimes if it wasn't for golf, I would probably go crazy! I love the game and everything about it. But I was always trying to find better golf swing tips. To learn more, go check out The Golf Swing Book!

Click Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_Vita

Tom Watson - "A Golfer For the Ages"

The British Open was the third major of the year that did not end the way I would have scripted it. The Masters had an improbable winner in Angel Cabrera when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were in the hunt and let it slip away on the last few holes and Kenny Perry, a 48 year old, had it all sowed up until the last two holes, which he bogied and opened the door for Angel to win in a playoff. In the the second major of the year, the U.S. Open winner could have easily been Phil Mickelson, who was playing his heart out for his ailing wife Amy but he could not hold on Sunday and lost out to Lucas Glover, and now Tom Watson, one of the greatest golfers who ever lived, loses to Stewart Cink in a playoff that didn't have to be.

Tom Watson had given the fans so many thrills all week and after the first round, even though tied for the lead, most of the golf authoritarians had already written him off and said he had virtually no chance for victory. Tom Watson had other ideas and I was rooting for him all the way. He kept coming back and even after four bogies in a row during one of the rounds, he bounced back with birdies and pars when he needed to and fought his way back into the lead. His play was reminiscent of the Tom Watson I so fondly remember when in his prime in the 70's, and where at this very venue in 1977 he faced down Jack Nicklaus, the greatest golfer who ever lived, for the final 36 holes and beat him by a shot.

After a valiant effort for all four rounds, the 18th hole of the final round turned out to be the defining hole of the tournament. Tom Watson was leading by two shots going into the 18th hole and a par would have clinched it for him. But again at the British Open the improbable happened, Stewart Cink birdied the hole and Tom bogied to force a playoff. Tom hit his eight iron approach shot to the green flush and got a bad break when it hit on the green and instead of checking up it rolled off the back and left him with an uphill shot back to the green. He opted for the putter, which had served him well all week, but he hit it a bit too hard to get thru the fringe and went past he cup by about 10 feet. The putt coming back was makeable but he hit it short and missed to the right. He may have lost the Claret Jug but he is a winner in my book.

I noted last paragraph that the improbable happened when Tom lost on the 18th hole. That statement is not true, because in reality he lost in a four hole playoff to Cink after tying on the 18th hole. Tom had been playing so well for the first 71 holes that when he didn't get the result he anticipated after hitting a very well struck 8 iron for his approach shot to the 18th green, it appeared to knock the wind out of his sails. He seemed to have lost on 18 rather than in the playoff and it appeared that he may have finally had enough. In retrospect, the improbable is the fact that a 59 year old is competing on a level never before seen in a major, against the best players in the world, for four pressure packed days, on a very tough golf course under extreme conditions. It would have been an awesome feat for Tom Watson to have been victorious and to clinch his 6th British Open title but he will always be a champion in my book. He came very close to victory and for those naysayers who thought he did not have a chance, I hope they now realize that if you have the heart and belief in yourself, as Mr. Watson did, then all things are possible. After Tom Watson's performance in this years British Open I would not be surprised if next year Jack, Arnie, Gary and Tom are going head to head like old times. In closing I would like Tom to know he will always be remembered as " A Helluva Golfer" not only by his peers but by all of us. Thank you Tom for making believers out of us !

Congratulations to Stewart Cink for his victory and some extraordinary play against the field and one of the worlds best golfers and gentleman, Tom Watson. Happy Golfing to All!

My name is Mike D'Auria and I grew up in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn. I started playing golf when I sustained a severe hamstring injury playing softball about 30 years ago, and have never looked back. It is a great game and I enjoy it immensely.

For more golf tips and valuable information visit http://guideforbeginninggolfers.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_D'Auria

Why Golfers Need Rangefinders

The recent Bushnell Golf Rangefinder commercial with the slow motion shot of Sergio Garcia hitting a tee shot over water while a Bushnell Rangefinder reticle is targeting the flag, sand trap, and the wooden water embankment in front of the hole is great. It's a great commercial because it's about time Bushnell started getting high profile golfers to promote golf equipment that actually help golfers lower their scores. While Titleist, TaylorMade, and the other golf club manufacturers focus on promoting the latest drivers, putters, and gimmicky clubs; rarely does a new club or new putter actually help an average golfer lower his or her score like a rangefinder can. This article lists 3 great reasons why the average golfer (handi-cap of 8 or higher) should always have a good rangefinder in the bag.

Good rangefinders are relatively inexpensive. I say relatively inexpensive because $200 to $400 may seem like a lot of money to spend on another golf gadget. Consider this: most golfers change drivers every three years, and buy new sets of irons every seven years. A $299 Bushnell Pinseeker Rangefinder should hold up for ten years. And for ten years, you get the benefit of accurate distance measurements to flags and other objects on golf courses that will help you play golf holes more intelligently. New drivers can run you anywhere from $200 to $500, while a new set of irons cost anywhere from $400 to $1500. If you do the math, these costs add up and make rangefinders a relatively inexpensive investment over the course of a ten year span. And remember that without a good golf swing, golfing intuition, and hand-eye coordination, those expensive hi-tech clubs won't help you any more than a Nke starter set that goes for $199.

Golf Rangefinders can absolutely lower your score. Average golfers don't have caddies. USGA rules also do not allow Rangefinders and other electronic measurement devices to be utilized during official tournament play. Sergio's caddy, however, is allowed to walk the course each morning and pace off distances from the tees to anywhere he wants to and then write them all down. Caddies even use rangefinders to record these distances to save time while they are preparing for an event. By the time a PGA tour event starts, every golfer's caddy has all distance measurements needed so that both he and the golfer are extremely prepared. In reality, Sergio Garcia wouldn't even need a rangefinder if they were allowed. The rest of the golfing world (us) barely has time to squeeze in a round or two each week, and if we do-the only preparation we may have time for is studying the scorecard that includes tee yardages and distance measurements to holes, hazards, and dog legs. When we begin play, we rely on yardage markers. When you're in between markers, however, a rangefinder will give you the exact yardage measurement so that you are not guessing between an 8 iron and 9 iron. It is these precise moments in a golf round where golf rangefinders can make the difference between coming up short and blasting it over the green. These are also the moments that that pars become bogeys, bogeys become double bogeys, etc.

Golf Rangefinders ARE allowed. USGA Rule 14-3 stipulates that under local rules, scores can be posted for rounds played while using a device that measures only distance; but NOT wind speed or ground slope. Take advantage of the rules. Golfing is both beautiful and unique in that imposes character on players by forcing them to be honest by adding penalty strokes and to not improve bad lies, etc. In this case, USGA rules recognize the difficulty that average golfers may have in measuring distances by allowing such instruments to assist them during a round. If the USGA says you are allowed to use golf rangefinders, you should use them. Putting it another way, if your ball ends up in casual water, would you NOT move it to drier ground? Of course not, because everyone knows that USGA rules allow you a free drop to dry ground provided your ball is no closer to hole. Knowing the rules and using them to your advantage is an integral part of golf.

Finally, good golf rangefinders really do work. They accurately range flags, trees, and other targets from up to 1,000 yards away; and to within +/- 1 yard of your targeted objects. They are also easy to use and are small enough to be kept in your pocket. I recommend trying the Bushnell Golf Medalist or the Bushnell Tour V2. Leupold's Gx-1 and Gx-2 models have also received very good reviews by golfers. For a step up in price and performance, the Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker with up and down slope measurement is a great instrument. And if you and your friends can live with the USGA rule infraction, I recommend it; especially for courses being played for the first time.

Vincent Saponar lives in North Western New Jersey, and has been an avid golfer for many years. He also has considerable knowledge and expertise around not only rangefinders, but other sports optics instruments as well, i.e., night vision devices and binnoculars. For more helpful information on golf rangefinders and other sports optics instruments, I recommend visiting http://www.onesourceoptics.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vincent_Saponar

Help For My Golf Game

Isn't golf so frustrating, one day you play good the next you're really awful, it's no wander a lot of people think I need help for my golf game. Some people have natural talent for the game, but if you're like I was I had to look for help for my golf game.

I know exactly how irritating the game can be. You go out and pay lots of money before you even get on the course and then after the eighteenth you think what a waste of money, as you don't seem to be getting any better. The problem is with golf is that there is too much to learn but with experience and the right guidance you should notice gradual improvement.

Now I'm not sure what level you are at in this difficult sport but I find that one of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is that they try to hit the ball as hard as they can. Perhaps you may relate to this and know that that doesn't work. It's more about timing, stance, and grip among many other things.

Many players lose shots because they want to hit the ball as far as possible and result in wayward shots instead of taking the short and straight approach. Practice your short game as this is where most shots are lost, practice your chipping and putting then at a later date when you have improved in that area start to concentrate on the rest of your game.

Go to the driving range as often as possible and hit bucketfuls of balls. Get to know how far you can comfortably hit each club. How far can you hit your 3 iron, 200 yards or maybe 220 yards knowing the answer can be most valuable. It could result in a ball on the green instead of a ball in the bunker or in a water hazard.

By participating in what is probably the most difficult of all sports to play, investing in a good program rather than replacing those expensive clubs would be a move in the right direction.

Help for my golf game is what I needed. If you're thinking the same why not take the route that I did. After the first week I took five shots off my scores and my game is now more consistent. Why not take a look. http://www.HelpForMyGolfGame.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sammy_Grainger

Used Callaway Golf Clubs - A Perfect Golf Gift For Family and Friends

Callaway golf clubs have been one of the golf clubs that paved the way for the innovation of the golf clubs. The innovation and creativity that Callaway golf clubs are known for made them one of the top brands that are linked to golf. Callaway Golf is an established name in golf and is associated with the sport. Many golf player beginners and pros alike have wanted to own a Callaway golf club or golf equipment due to its durability.

Callaway Golf clubs can be expensive due to the materials used for these golf clubs and the brand's reputation of giving its customers the very best products they can offer which delivers on both the performance and appearance aspects.

Every golf player wants to own a Callaway golf club but because of the expensive price tag which would set the player a few dollars back, will definitely think twice before buying a Callaway golf club.

Although Callaway golf clubs are expensive, there are several ways to get hold of one which do not require a hefty amount of sum to get one. There are a lot of used Callaway golf clubs out there where you can get one at reasonable prices. You just have to know where to look for one.

Used Callaway golf clubs can be purchased at shops in your locality but the problem is that you will be spending lots of time and money to do this. This is because you will need to use your car to roam around your area, hopping from shop to shop to search for the golf club that you are looking for. Sometimes the golf clubs you are looking for are not available or are not on their stock list. When this happens, you are wasting time and money because of the gas for your car.

The other way to look for used Callaway golf clubs is by searching online with the use of the internet, you can search for these golf clubs without leaving your home. Aside from that, the advantage in using the internet for searches is that you are maximizing the time in searching for the golf club's availability from site to site which will then let you save lots of time in doing this.

There are several sites on the internet that offers used Callaway golf clubs. These sites offer pre owned Callaway golf clubs that are still in good condition. The prices range from the golf club's condition. The higher the price, the higher the condition is. There are also sites that allow you to turn over your old Callaway golf clubs in exchange for new Callaway golf clubs with a small reasonable fee.

So if you are looking for Callaway golf clubs for yourself or as a golf gift, then this is one offer you shouldn't miss.

by David L Stargel

About the Author

Find out where to find used Callaway golf clubs at bargain prices.

How You Can Lower Your Golf Handicap - Focus on Golf Swing Tempo

Most amateur golfers generally swing too fast. This is all very well if you are continuously striking the ball correctly every time. If you are not, you will see horrendous results and many lost golf balls. The secret when focusing on the golf swing is tempo NOT speed and by getting this aspect of your game right you can definitely lower your golf handicap.

In trying to emulate the world's great players it is easy to forget that that it is swing tempo and not swing speed that matters. But, what is the difference between golf swing speed and golf swing tempo. Swing speed is just the speed that the club head passes through the ball, regardless of how fast it is during the different parts of the swing. For example, a golfer might have a very slow back swing but a much faster through swing. This can lead to a very disjointed swing. On the other hand, swing tempo means that the swing is fluid and not disjointed. Here, fluidity is the key where all parts of the swing appear to be in perfect harmony

Often a golfer's swing can appear extremely fast just because he doesn't have the correct swing tempo. He might usually have a very deliberate take away and back swing, attempting to place the club head in the correct position. He might even have a deliberate pause at the top of the back swing followed by a rush down towards the ball attempting to gain the momentum that was lost during the back swing phase. Nest time you are on the course watch out for golfers like this as there are plenty of them around.

Tour players are most likely to swing faster than club golfers but what separates them from the rest is that their swing tempo is always fluid without any element of being disjointed. They also swing to an exact tempo ratio. The tempo ratio is the glue that binds together all of the disparate parts of the swing - swing plane, take away, follow through etc. All of these fundamental but separate parts of the swing must be learnt if you are to lower your golf handicap. It can be a long process but when all are combined the result is the perfect swing at the perfect tempo...simple? Essentially, it IS simple, but like all goals there is effort required to reach it and you must be prepared to put in the work and effort if you are to be successful.

About the Author

Stuart Young is a keen club golfer who has successfully achieved a single figure golf handicap, although he readily admits to spending too much time on the golf course.

Similar advice on how to lower your golf handicap and other great tips can be found at www.loweryourhandicap.info.

Selecting the Ideal Golf Driver for Beginners

Selecting one golf driver out of the hundreds of good golf drivers out there takes a certain kind of experience. There are many factors and elements that go into the selection process. The most basic of these are the static weight and shaft material.

Depending on the skill level of the player, certain makes of clubs may work better. A beginner would best opt for golf clubs that are heavier, and can lend more control to the club. Heavier clubs will be harder to lift, but a novice golfer with a slower swing will still get the power he or she may need.

More advanced players will go the opposite route. Lighter clubs with lightweight carbon shafts are best for more advanced players as light clubs tend to hit the ball faster and create more distance, but are harder to control. The static weight is not to be confused with the dynamic or swing-weight, which more experienced golfers also take into consideration.

The flexibility of the golf club's shaft also makes for different variants of golf driver for different people. Stiff shafts do not bend as much, and thus make for less forgiving clubs. This kind of club will not adjust to an incorrect impact on the ball. Conversely, a more flexible material used in a club's shaft makes for a larger margin of error, which is better for novices. The same selection will also do well for anyone who is not in his or her ideal physical shape.

Different groups claim that they have made the ultimate driver, perfect for any person regardless of fitness or skill. The best golf club, however, is still no substitute for focus and practice.

About NGC Golf: NGC Golf is a Connecticut-based company that specializes in scientific and innovative solutions for every golfer's needs. From the best golf driver selection to original ideas for golf bags and training gear, the company and its hard working specialists are hard at work in refining and perfecting its products. For more information, golfers may visit the website at http://www.NGCGolf.com or call 1-800-285-3900.

About the Author

Jeff Paul is a writer and copy editor who likes to share information on many different topics.

Choosing Golf Equipment

Buying golf equipment can be like dumping money into a
money pit, but armed with some knowledge you can save
time and money in selecting the right clubs for
yourself. As with most things in life, you can spend a
lot or you can spend a little several times before you
get what you really need.

If you are first starting out and not completely sure
you want to commit to this addictive game, you should
either rent clubs at the golf course, or buy a starter
set of clubs.

Buying a set of started clubs enables you to become
accustomed to them; enabling you to concentrate on
your swing instead of wondering how this set of
miss-matched clubs you just rented are going to work
out.

As you become better at the game, you should invest in
a better set of clubs, fitted to you.

Generally, a set includes a driver, one or two fairway
woods, 4-9 irons, a wedge or two and perhaps a putter.

As you become more experienced and start thinking
about new clubs, you may want to consider buying your
driver separately. Some players want a driver to give
them more accuracy; some need the distance.

There are numerous balls available and the box will
usually have a chart on the back and direct you to the
right ball for your needs. As you learn the game and
get better at it, you should experiment with different
balls which could improve your accuracy or distance.

Having the right equipment is an important aspect of
the game; buy wisely!

Golf Etiquette

Golf is a dignified game of rules and manners, and it’s important to know the basics before you play for the first time.

Whether you are playing alone, in a twosome or a foursome, you must wait your turn. You must keep aware of the group on the next hole and wait until they are well ahead of you before hitting your ball.

It’s never cool to "push" the group in front of you.If you are playing with others, wait for your turn to hit the ball; never hit at the same time as another player.

While you wait for your turn, go to your ball and determine what club you’ll need and how you are going to hit it. This is called "ready golf" and keeps the game moving. Don’t rush, just be ready.

If your team is holding up the players behind you, let them play through. You would simply wave them through,or if they are close enough, ask them if they’d like
to play through. You will never make an enemy in doing this!

When someone is making a shot, you should be behind them and you shouldn’t make a sound! It is so distracting to be ready to tee off and just as you pull back, someone decides to jingle in coins in their pocket or noisily unwrap a piece of candy.

Replace your divots. When, in the fairway, you hit the ball and a clod of dirt and grass goes flying, replace it. On some courses you just put the clod back and step on it to press it on; on most courses, there is a sand/seed mixture on your card to put into the divot.If your ball makes a deep impression when it lands on the green, use your divot tool to repair it.

As soon as you have completed a hole, replace the flag and leave the green so that the next players can play.Count your score and write it on the scorecard when
you’re back at your cart.

Of course, there are many more rules of golf, but these simple ones will enable you to get through the course without coming to blows with anyone. We must
all keep the game dignified, right?