Are you a left-handed golfer in need of help on improving your game? Here are some quick tips to help get your golf game on track and lower your scores!
A big mistake that many left-handed golfers make is a rather common one. They attempt to golf right-handed! As incredible as this may sound, it really is quite easy to understand. When most people first set out to learn how to play golf, they will borrow a friends set of golf clubs, unless they have the money to buy their own. This makes sense because most folks want to know if they are really going to like golf before they invest in an expensive set of golf clubs. So the clubs they borrow are likely to be right-handed.
There are a majority of left-handed golfers who will eventually go on to buy left-handed golf clubs. Again though, some will continue to play with right-handed clubs because they now have been playing with them for so long. They don't want to try and learn how to play all over again with left-handed golf clubs.
It goes without saying that they will never be able to play golf as well as they could if they would only play with the proper clubs. When searching for golf tips, left-handed golfers have already discovered the most important tip of all and that is to play the game using left-handed clubs with their natural swing.
A good tip for left-handed golfers is to be cautious when choosing your new clubs. Unfortunately, left-handed golfers have a much more limited choice when it comes to purchasing golf clubs. This is especially true if you are shopping for clubs at a small golf store or local club.
Rather than simply buying a set of right-handed clubs that are not meant for you, consider holding off for a while. Wait until you can go to a bigger retail store or pro shop that will have a larger selection of golf clubs to choose from.
There is also one other option for you if you live in a small town and there are no sporting goods stores or golf shops nearby. You can buy your golf clubs through a mail order catalog. There are many good, reputable, mail order companies out there to choose from. You can find them by doing a search on the internet. A company like Golfsmith will have every conceivable golf club and equipment available to left-handed golfers.
Finally, one of the best tips of all for left-handed golfers is to get some good, quality instruction. A golf teaching pro can help you learn how to play golf successfully. You'll receive correct swing tips and instruction that are tailored to fit your game.
One thing to keep in mind is to pick the right instructor. Ask if they teach left-handed golfers. If not, do they know a good teacher who does? Many right-handed pros have a very difficult time trying to teach left-handed golfers. It would be a great idea to have a left-handed pro teaching you how to play golf correctly.
By having the right (left-handed) clubs and good quality instruction, you will see your golf game steadily improve. That means lower scores and much more fun!
How To Choose Your Irons
Selecting the right golf club irons is a critical step in being able to play the game of golf correctly. A set of irons will make up the vast majority of clubs that you'll carry in your bag. They are used on almost every hole on the golf course, from the shorter par threes to the longer par fives. And they will often also include clubs to help you hit out of the sand and pitch from short distances around the green.
The function of each club in the iron set is to hit the ball a certain distance depending on the loft of each individual iron. So a set of golf club irons are usually numbered from 1 - 9, and then you have a pitching wedge and a sand wedge too. The lower numbered clubs are designed for longer shots, and as the numbers go higher the loft of each club increases and therefore the distance decreases. Generally speaking, a full set of golf irons should be able to cover a distance of between 100 - 200 yards.
When choosing a new set of golf club irons, it's a very good idea to get them custom fitted to your particular skill level and body type. Usually you can get a custom fitting at a golf pro shop or a golf equipment retail store. The fitting usually only takes about 45 minutes or so to complete and will often cost about $50, but the advantages of having a custom fitted set of golf irons is well worth the money spent at this point.
As far as the equipment itself is concerned, there are two main considerations that you have when looking at a set of golf irons. The first is the clubhead itself. Most often, clubheads come in either cavity-back or forged design. Which type of clubhead you choose will most likely depend on your current skill level at the game. The advantage of cavity-back clubheads is that the weight is distributed around the outside perimeter of the clubhead, making a much larger sweet spot for hitting the ball.This can be a great advantage for a new or high handicap golfer who doesn't always strike the ball exactly right.
On the other hand, forged clubs are the weapon of choice for more experienced, low handicap golfers instead. The advantage of forged irons is that they are made from softer steel and therefore transmit more feel to the golfer. Of course, because the clubhead is much smaller than what you would find in a cavity-back clubhead, forged irons are much less forgiving then cavity-backed clubs are. But for better and more experienced players, forged irons give them much more control over the shape of their shots.
The second component of a set of golf irons that needs some consideration is the club shaft. Usually, there are two major choices that can be made here, having to do with the kind of material that is used for the club shaft. The choices are either steel or graphite. Generally speaking, steel shafts can be a good choice for those who have a very fast swing speed as it gives you more control. On the other hand graphite shafts can help out those who have a slower swing speed as they provide more distance.
Buying a new set of golf irons is a very important step in improving your game, so be sure to take your time and select the clubs and materials that will best fit both your skill level and the way you play the game.
Tips On How To Select The Best Golf Ball
It's amazing how many golfers spend lots of money and time on choosing their golf clubs very carefully, and then just grab any old set of golf balls that are available when they play. What they are not realizing is that choosing the right golf ball is just as important as choosing the right clubs, and it is not a decision that should be made because of an ad that was seen on TV or because a friend uses a particular brand of golf ball.
The manufacture of golf balls has improved dramatically over the years, and today there are more choices to be made than ever. But the good news is that essentially there are only three major types of golf balls to be concerned with, no matter what the ads for each individual brand may claim.
The first type of golf ball is called the two-piece ball, and these golf balls are specifically designed for providing as much distance as possible. They also very difficult to cut because of their hard outer shell that is usually made from a very tough material like Surlyn. The core of the ball is also made from very hard material to also enhance distance capabilities. The only drawback that two-piece golf balls usually have is that they produce less spin, and therefore less control.
The next type of golf ball is called the three-piece ball, and they are pretty much the exact opposite of the two-piece ball in that instead of being designed primarily for distance, their main function is to help impart more spin, allowing the golfer better control over their shotmaking. This is accomplished by having a relatively soft outer cover, usually Balata, and a solid core that is wrapped with a third layer of material in between. This design helps the golfer have more feel in each shot, but these balls are also easier to cut and destroy.
The third kind of golf ball is often referred to as an all-purpose golf ball. These try to bridge the gap between the two-piece ball and the three-piece ball. The result is that over all they can provide a good compromise between distance and feel, while also being durable as well. It has to be said that they are not outstanding in any particular area, but they are a good all around compromise.
With this information in mind, which golf ball should you choose then? The answer to that question most likely will depend on your skill level and how you choose to play the game. Generally speaking, most newer players should try to stick with the two-piece ball when they first start out because of its exceptional durability and added distance.
As you gain in skill and ability at the game, the use of either a three-piece golf ball or an all-purpose ball can be a good choice as you should have improved your swing to the point where you can make the most use of the spin features that these golf balls offer without sacrificing too much distance.
As you can see then, knowing a little bit about how golf balls are made and constructed can help you choose the right ball for your particular golf game. And using the right equipment, including the right golf ball, can help you play the game better and shoot lower scores.
Some Facts and Tips About Golf Balls
Golf balls have come a long way since the days of the old 'feathery' which most of you will have heard of but never seen. This was made from a ball cover of stitched pieces of leather packed full of boiled feathers, and it was surprisingly hard. A 'gentleman's top hat full' was the amount properly used.
This was then superseded by a ball made from solid gutta percha, and it was noticed that the more the ball was used, the farther it went. Ultimately it was realized that this was due to the roughening of the ball with play, and so developed the era of the dimpled ball.
Today, golf balls are high tech components of your golfing equipment. The dimples have been scientifically calculated and arranged for maximum use of spin and the aerodynamics of spinning spheres have been used to best advantage. Various materials of construction have been tested, and it now appears that you have a choice of two basic coverings: balata or surlyn.
A balata ball has a rubber wound core with a balata covering. This is a soft urethane material that is easily cut. It is said to more playable in that better use can be made of spin with it. Hence you can get more backspin, and stop it quickly on greens, and also fade and draw the ball easier. It also implies, however, that if you have a tendency to slice or hook, the ball will curve more and end farther off target. You also sacrifice some distance in exchange for this capability to better shape your shot.
A surlyn ball has a solid core and is therefore a lot harder than the balata ball. Surlyn is a synthetic material design to be hard wearing, and to eliminate cuts and nicks. By gaining that, however, you lose the ability to use spin to the same effect. However, a surlyn ball is cheaper and harder wearing than the balata ball, and it also travels farther.
Another property of golf balls that you should be aware of is the compression. Typical ratings are 80 - 100, with most players using the average 90. The compression is the amount by which the ball compresses when struck, and the higher the compression rating, the harder the ball feels when you hit it. Compression generally has no effect on distance, so if you have a choice go for the figure that feels best for you.
Having this information, what type of golf ball should you choose to play with? For most golfers, it really makes little, if any, difference. There are those that can play with either and not notice. The surlyn balls are often called 'distance' balls, and the balata 'spin' balls. Typical balata balls include the Titleist Pro VI, and they are better for the more competent player who is able to control the spin imparted to the ball.
Professionals, that are able to hit the ball as far as they need to, tend to use the soft balata spin balls because they generally need to be able to hold the ball better on the green, and to shape their shots either round obstructions or into positions that give them an easier next shot. The average player is more concerned with playing this shot than the next one, and curving the ball round a tree is more luck than judgment.
The ordinary golfer is better with the two piece surlyn ball, not only for the distance, but because it is harder. You don't want your ball to be all cut up after two or three holes, and a mis-hit can easily damage a soft covered ball. In addition to that, ordinary players tend to slice more, and the effect of the slice is minimized with the harder ball that takes less spin. A slice is caused by clockwise spin on the ball, or counter-clockwise for left handed players. Obviously a ball designed to make best use of spin is going to slice much worse than one that is not.
Finally, the best advice you can be given is to try out a few balls and play the one you feel best with. A harder cover might be better for you in general, but there are many different makes of surlyn ball, among them the Nike Juice 321 and the Wilson Titanium.
Choose which you like best, and play with it for a few rounds. Eventually you will find a type of golf ball that you like, and that you will stick with. Most beginners, however, don't care what ball they play with and have a long way to go before it makes a difference!
More Golf Tips
Golf tips are nothing more than the thought you hold in your head as you swing your golf club. Whether the golf tip comes from another player or a golf pro or that really great player you met on your last Las Vegas golf vacation - what matters is how well the golf tip works.
Your mind and body operate in a stranger fashion. It seems that your body does it's best work when your mind isn't in the way. By that I mean you aren't trying to think through your action you just let it happen. The secret is learning how to make this a habit instead of a rare glimpse of greatness.
So the first golf tip is learn how to turn off your mind and allow your body to swing without conscious interference. If you've learned how to swing correctly then your body knows how.
A great way to make this happen is to think back to a time when you made a perfect swing. Remember the scene in detail. Then remember how it felt. See it play out in your minds eye and feel the way you felt then. Now swing. This simple exercise really works.
Your golf grip is vitally important to your performance on the greens. Good golf starts with a good grip.
If you watch professional golfers you will see that most of their grips are very similar.
You have to find the best hand position and grip for you. It's something that has to be learned . The most important thing is consistency. Once you find the grip that works for you stick with it.
Only when you can put your hands on the club exactly the same way every time can you really tell if your golf grip is working for you. Learn and practice gripping the golf club the same way every time.
Your second golf tip is learn to grip the club the same every time.
Always select a club that will make you ask yourself "How much do I need to back off of this swing?". Use the 75% Rule. Make a 3/4 backswing and follow through, focusing on controlling the direction and distance of the shot.
A heavier club will give you the power you need refine your control and aim. Practice with heavier clubs and you will be able to swing with more control because you won't be putting all your strength into it.
You will find yourself making consistently better contact with the 3/4 swing and probably start hitting the ball farther with your controlled swing than with the full whack.
Golf tip number three is use a heavier club and reduce your swing to 75% - you'll get better power and greater control.
Your mind and body operate in a stranger fashion. It seems that your body does it's best work when your mind isn't in the way. By that I mean you aren't trying to think through your action you just let it happen. The secret is learning how to make this a habit instead of a rare glimpse of greatness.
So the first golf tip is learn how to turn off your mind and allow your body to swing without conscious interference. If you've learned how to swing correctly then your body knows how.
A great way to make this happen is to think back to a time when you made a perfect swing. Remember the scene in detail. Then remember how it felt. See it play out in your minds eye and feel the way you felt then. Now swing. This simple exercise really works.
Your golf grip is vitally important to your performance on the greens. Good golf starts with a good grip.
If you watch professional golfers you will see that most of their grips are very similar.
You have to find the best hand position and grip for you. It's something that has to be learned . The most important thing is consistency. Once you find the grip that works for you stick with it.
Only when you can put your hands on the club exactly the same way every time can you really tell if your golf grip is working for you. Learn and practice gripping the golf club the same way every time.
Your second golf tip is learn to grip the club the same every time.
Always select a club that will make you ask yourself "How much do I need to back off of this swing?". Use the 75% Rule. Make a 3/4 backswing and follow through, focusing on controlling the direction and distance of the shot.
A heavier club will give you the power you need refine your control and aim. Practice with heavier clubs and you will be able to swing with more control because you won't be putting all your strength into it.
You will find yourself making consistently better contact with the 3/4 swing and probably start hitting the ball farther with your controlled swing than with the full whack.
Golf tip number three is use a heavier club and reduce your swing to 75% - you'll get better power and greater control.
Important Golf Tips for Beginners
Starting in the game of golf can be confusing with all of the equipment available, people offering you free tips, and the feeling that you have to take everything so seriously. There are three golf tips for beginners that I was given by my instructor when I started, and that has really been a big help to me.
1. Don't Break the Bank With Your First Set of Clubs
As a beginner, you are not going to get all of the benefits that come from a top of the line set of golf clubs. As a beginner, you are not going to have the consistent contact or club head speed needed. Instead, think about buying a cheaper set, or better yet, get yourself a used set. You may also be able to use a free set from one of your more experienced friends until you figure out which clubs would be best for you.
2. Be Aware of Who is Giving You Instruction
Your friends, relatives, and sometimes people who don't even know you will think they have the golf tips for beginners that will fix all of your problems. Granted, if you have friends who are pretty good golfers, it may help to listen to them when you are first starting. However, to really understand the game, as a beginner, get your instruction from a professional. Golf pros are experienced in fixing swing problems and explaining things to you in terms of how they affect ball flight. Lessons are available at most any golf course, and even just a couple will really help set a good foundation for your game.
3. Enjoy Yourself
It may sound simple, but one of the best golf tips for beginners is to just have fun with the game. Keep in mind that you are probably not going to be getting your PGA card. Being competitive is fine, and of course you are going to want to continue to improve, but golf is a leisure game. Take your time out there and have fun with your friends.
These three golf tips for beginners can make all of the difference in the world. If you just get the right clubs to start, take instruction from those who know the game, and have fun, then golf will be a great way for you to spend your leisure time.
1. Don't Break the Bank With Your First Set of Clubs
As a beginner, you are not going to get all of the benefits that come from a top of the line set of golf clubs. As a beginner, you are not going to have the consistent contact or club head speed needed. Instead, think about buying a cheaper set, or better yet, get yourself a used set. You may also be able to use a free set from one of your more experienced friends until you figure out which clubs would be best for you.
2. Be Aware of Who is Giving You Instruction
Your friends, relatives, and sometimes people who don't even know you will think they have the golf tips for beginners that will fix all of your problems. Granted, if you have friends who are pretty good golfers, it may help to listen to them when you are first starting. However, to really understand the game, as a beginner, get your instruction from a professional. Golf pros are experienced in fixing swing problems and explaining things to you in terms of how they affect ball flight. Lessons are available at most any golf course, and even just a couple will really help set a good foundation for your game.
3. Enjoy Yourself
It may sound simple, but one of the best golf tips for beginners is to just have fun with the game. Keep in mind that you are probably not going to be getting your PGA card. Being competitive is fine, and of course you are going to want to continue to improve, but golf is a leisure game. Take your time out there and have fun with your friends.
These three golf tips for beginners can make all of the difference in the world. If you just get the right clubs to start, take instruction from those who know the game, and have fun, then golf will be a great way for you to spend your leisure time.
A Glossary of Golf Terms for Beginners
Address: The process of placing the club behind the ball and taking a stance in preparation of hitting it.
Alignment: Having the shoulders, hips, knees and feet in proper alignment with each other.
Aim: Having the shoulders, hips, knees and feet properly aligned and pointed in the same direction, usually at a 90-degree angle to the target.
Backspin: The spin of a ball where the forward area of the ball rotates over the top area of the ball causing the ball’s forward movement to slow on impact.
Backswing: The start of the swing as the club moves away from the target.
Ball Flight: The path and trajectory of a ball while in the air.
Closed Club Face: Occurs when the club face is turned slightly counterclockwise
within the swing path. Can cause the ball to hook.
Club Face: The front of the club, which makes contact with the ball.
Compensation: A movement for the purpose of overcoming another flawed motion.
Divot: The mark left in the fairway or rough, caused by the removal of turf by an iron. Indicates the [proper] descending blow of an iron.
Downhill Lie: The angle caused by the ball being on a downward sloping hill.
Draw: The flight of a ball where it bends slightly to the inside, relative to the swing.
Fade: The flight of a ball where it bends slightly to the outside, relative to the swing.
Flier Lie: The lie of a ball on fluffy grass, which causes the ball to pop up more quickly than expected.
Green: The manicured portion of the hole where the cup resides.
Grip: The rubber, plastic or leather sheath on the shaft.
Heel: Where the club head is attached to the shaft.
Hook: The flight of a ball where it bends sharply to the inside, relative to the swing.
Inside Path: The path of the club when it is inside the plane.
Lie: How the ball is sitting (good, bad, flier, etc.)
Lie Angle: The angle of the club shaft in relation to the sole of the club head.
Loft: The face angle relative to the sole of the club head.
Open Club Face: Occurs when the club face is turned slightly clockwise within the swing path. Can cause the ball to slice.
Outside Path: The path of the club when it is outside the plane.
Par: The number of strokes designated by the golf course for each hole and tallied for a total amount. Most 18-hole courses are between 70 and 72.
Pivot: The turning or “coiling” of the upper body during the swing.
Pull: Ball flight characterized by going straight and left of the target
Pull Hook: Ball flight characterized by starting left of the target and bending/curving even more.
Push: Ball flight characterized by going straight and right of the target
Push Slice: Ball flight characterized by starting right of the target and bending/curving even more.
Shank: Hitting the ball off the heel area of the club, which causes the ball to squirt low and to the inside.
Slice: The flight of a ball where it bends sharply to the outside, relative to the swing.
Square Club Face: Occurs when the club face is perpendicular to the swing path.
Sweet Spot: The area on the face of a club where the impact is most beneficial, as designed by the manufacturer.
Toe: The outside of the club, or part of the club head opposite the heel.
Unplayable Lie: A lie where the ball cannot be played due to natural obstructions. See the Rules for details on penalties.
Alignment: Having the shoulders, hips, knees and feet in proper alignment with each other.
Aim: Having the shoulders, hips, knees and feet properly aligned and pointed in the same direction, usually at a 90-degree angle to the target.
Backspin: The spin of a ball where the forward area of the ball rotates over the top area of the ball causing the ball’s forward movement to slow on impact.
Backswing: The start of the swing as the club moves away from the target.
Ball Flight: The path and trajectory of a ball while in the air.
Closed Club Face: Occurs when the club face is turned slightly counterclockwise
within the swing path. Can cause the ball to hook.
Club Face: The front of the club, which makes contact with the ball.
Compensation: A movement for the purpose of overcoming another flawed motion.
Divot: The mark left in the fairway or rough, caused by the removal of turf by an iron. Indicates the [proper] descending blow of an iron.
Downhill Lie: The angle caused by the ball being on a downward sloping hill.
Draw: The flight of a ball where it bends slightly to the inside, relative to the swing.
Fade: The flight of a ball where it bends slightly to the outside, relative to the swing.
Flier Lie: The lie of a ball on fluffy grass, which causes the ball to pop up more quickly than expected.
Green: The manicured portion of the hole where the cup resides.
Grip: The rubber, plastic or leather sheath on the shaft.
Heel: Where the club head is attached to the shaft.
Hook: The flight of a ball where it bends sharply to the inside, relative to the swing.
Inside Path: The path of the club when it is inside the plane.
Lie: How the ball is sitting (good, bad, flier, etc.)
Lie Angle: The angle of the club shaft in relation to the sole of the club head.
Loft: The face angle relative to the sole of the club head.
Open Club Face: Occurs when the club face is turned slightly clockwise within the swing path. Can cause the ball to slice.
Outside Path: The path of the club when it is outside the plane.
Par: The number of strokes designated by the golf course for each hole and tallied for a total amount. Most 18-hole courses are between 70 and 72.
Pivot: The turning or “coiling” of the upper body during the swing.
Pull: Ball flight characterized by going straight and left of the target
Pull Hook: Ball flight characterized by starting left of the target and bending/curving even more.
Push: Ball flight characterized by going straight and right of the target
Push Slice: Ball flight characterized by starting right of the target and bending/curving even more.
Shank: Hitting the ball off the heel area of the club, which causes the ball to squirt low and to the inside.
Slice: The flight of a ball where it bends sharply to the outside, relative to the swing.
Square Club Face: Occurs when the club face is perpendicular to the swing path.
Sweet Spot: The area on the face of a club where the impact is most beneficial, as designed by the manufacturer.
Toe: The outside of the club, or part of the club head opposite the heel.
Unplayable Lie: A lie where the ball cannot be played due to natural obstructions. See the Rules for details on penalties.
Inscription à :
Articles (Atom)
Articles
