Monday, October 24, 2011

Golf Balls

Do Balls Make a Difference?

What are the benefits of changing your golf balls?

As there are continuing developments in all aspects of the sport, from the design of the golf clubs to the type of golf balls we use, it becomes all the more important that you use what's best for YOUR game, and that can even mean a change of the type of golf balls you use.

To ensure consistency with your game you will need to use the same balls in practice that you intend to use when you are playing in tournaments.

This is not quite so imperative when practicing at the driving range where you won't be expected to lose a bucketful of high dollar golf balls amongst the driving range hacks.

You will need to use your preferred balls when practicing your short game, as the type of ball you use will determine the distance you can expect from your swing.

You need to be assured that the practice swings you do in training, will equate with the same performance on the course.

Golf balls have had more development than any other sports ball and that development continues to improve the quality of our game beyond what many golfers understand.

You need to choose the ball that best suits your swing and this decision can have as big an impact on your game as choosing the correct golf clubs.

There are three main categories of golf balls. The first and cheapest balls are the solid two-piece balls that consist of a hard shell covering an inner core. These balls are the best for beginners because they allow
for less than perfect swings and they are easier on the pocket when they get lost in the rough or the water.

The intermediate style balls are three piece or multi-layered. These are for more advanced players as they allow better control and the ability to add spin to the ball. The downside is the fact that the ball is softer, and a softer ball won't have the distance of the harder and cheaper balls.

The high performance balls are for advanced players and offer the best of all options with more control and the ability to go the distance. These top-of-the-range balls are considerably more expensive and unless you can exploit their benefits the intermediate balls are probably a better option.

P.S. For more information on improving your golf game, click here.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Improve Your Golf Game

Constant Small Improvements for Long-term Success

You should analyze your game after the shot. Look where the ball went and question what you did to get that result.

Information and education will assist in improving your game. Get that information from recommended books and videos. Get it from golf professionals who know what they are talking about, but always be wary of getting advice from friends and playing partners. There are always people willing to give you advice but bad advice is often worse than no advice at all.

If the ball has gone somewhere other than the right direction, check your alignment and see if your final stance is correct. You can find a lot of information as to why your shot has gone astray. You can look at the ground and observe the path of your club. You can look at the position of your feet after the shot. Maybe your shoes are letting you down by allowing too much movement in the conditions you are playing in. Look at the final position of your golf club. Consider how you were holding the club and whether you were gripping it too hard.

You shouldn't over analyze during the course of a game but making small improvements throughout play, when you notice areas that need adjustment, can pay dividends at the end of play.

By constantly chipping away at all aspects of your game you will see noticeable improvements that can take your handicap to the next level and that is why practice is so important.

And the practice that is most important are in the areas that you find you have the biggest weaknesses.

While it might be more fun to go to the driving range and hit the ball as far as possible, you will probably see better results from practicing improving your short game or getting better at getting your distance right on the putting green.

To your golfing success

Fran Watson

P.S. For more information on improving your golf game, click here.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Trouble shooting

Getting Out of Trouble

It is always best to stay out of trouble in the first place and that is why learning to control the ball and place it where it should be is the fastest way to a better score rather than relying on big drives off the tee.

Unfortunately that is not always the case and as golf is constantly challenging us to perform better and better we strive to go for more distance or attempt shots that we aren't 100% comfortable with.

Obviously the inevitable will happen and we will need to decide how to get out of the rough and salvage the hole.

All too often golfers make the wrong decision by not erring on the safe side and accepting that one more shot or a different iron might be a better solution.

You might think you can clear that tree with a 7 iron but if there are any doubts whatsoever it will be wise to select a 'safer' 8 or 9 iron just to be sure.

Consider using a pitching wedge if you aren't completely sure you will make the shot with the 9.

A safe shot can set you up for a good recovery by placing the ball in an easier position whereas taking risks might mean you don't make any gains at all.

It's like a seasoned gambler where you know the odds and playing safe often leaves more money on the table at the end of the day.

Golf is all about making the right decisions more often than not and a decision not to play safe can be detrimental to your score, particularly when the distance you might have gained with another club would probably have been minimal anyway.

Always play within your skills when you find yourself in difficult situations.

Salvage bad shots and then take a few extra chances when there is less likelihood of error.

To a lower score!!

Fran Watson

P.S. You can find more tips here:Swing Well at Golf

P.P.S Once you've tried a few techniques, come back and post a comment.