Golf Carts

While many people think that golf isn’t really golf unless you walk the course, the reality is that some people just can’t do that.  That’s where golf carts come in handy. 

The new golf carts that are out today really can make golf a little more enjoyable.  Besides not having to haul your golf bag around with you, the golf cart can also help you avoid fatigue and carry along a cooler of snacks, soda, or beer along with you if that’s what you like to do when you golf.  You can also get a good rest on a hot day when you use a golf cart to navigate the course.

There are basically three big golf cart manufacturers that dominate the golf cart market:
* Yamaha
* EZ Go
* Club Car

Some golf carts are powered with small gas engines while others are electrically powered.  The electric golf carts were the first mass-produced electric vehicles for private consumer use.  Modern golf carts may have car-like styling despite being no bigger than a traditional golf cart.  Accessories such as audio entertainment systems, custom wheels, and custom body panels in an assortment of colors are now being offered as choices for the personal golf cart.

Golf carts aren’t just used on the golf course.  Some small communities or neighborhoods will use a golf cart where their lack of pollutants, lack of noise, and safety for pedestrians and other cars are beneficial.  While purpose-built for general transportation, these are called Neighborhood Electric Vehicles and they have various operating limitations such as top speed and heavy regulation on street use.  They do resemble traditional golf carts in style, but some are enclosed to accommodate for use in all types of weather.

There is a huge market for aftermarket parts on golf carts.  Each major manufacturing company has their own line of aftermarket parts to enhance off-road capabilities.  Because golf carts can have a long life, people often buy used golf carts making these aftermarket parts very valuable to people who need to fix broken parts of their golf cart.

Golf carts are considered by many golfers to be an essential part of the golf game.  Others just think the golf cart make a golf course more dangerous.  Either way, the truth is golf carts can really help make the game more enjoyable by leaps and bounds.

To your golfing success...cart or no cart

Fran Watson

Problems with your back swing?

Tips to improve your back swing

The key to a natural back swing is to focus on your shoulders turning back and letting your arms go back naturally. You shouldn’t worry about your arms in a back swing too much.  The arms and hands job is to only hold onto the club and the body does the rest. Something to keep in mind while approaching the ball is: turn the shoulders, swing the arms, and cock the wrists. Then swing down and through the swing, turn the hips, swing the arms down and un-cock the wrists. You want the arms and golf club to start their movement back before the shoulders start turning. The club head has a much longer distance to travel to the top of the back swing then do the shoulders. If you start turning the shoulders with the club, hands and arms you won't have anywhere for them to go once the shoulders have reached their max turn. Once the club, hands and arms reached your knees (or so) then it's time for the shoulders to catch up and start turning to the top. Keep the left arm straight (right handed players) during the backswing and go back as far as you can. Your tempo is dictated really by your personality, some people are naturally slow movers so will have a slower tempo while others tend to move faster. The important thing is to do what is most comfortable for you.

 

To your golfing success

 

Fran Watson
P.S.  For more info, click here

Habits

UNCONSCIOUSLY we are forming habits every moment of our lives. Some are habits of a desirable nature; some are those of a most undesirable nature. Some, though not so bad in themselves, are exceedingly bad in their cumulative effects, and cause us at times much loss, much pain and anguish, while their opposites would, on the contrary, bring as much peace and joy, as well as a continually increasing power. 

Have we it within our power to determine at all times what types of habits shall take form in our lives? In other words, is habit-forming, character-building, a matter of mere chance, or have we it within our own control? We have, entirely and absolutely. "I will be what I will to be," can be said and should be said by every human soul.

There is nothing more true in connection with human life than that we grow into the likeness of those things we contemplate. Literally and scientifically and necessarily true is it that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." The "is" part is his character. His character is the sum total of his habits. His habits have been formed by· his conscious acts; but every conscious act is, as we have found, preceded by a thought. And so we have it - thought on the one hand, character, life, and destiny on the other. And simple it becomes when we bear in mind that it is simply the thought of the present moment, and the next moment when it is upon us, and then the next, and so on through all time.

One can in this way attain to whatever ideals he would attain to. Two steps are necessary: first, as the days pass, to form one's ideals; and second, to follow them continually, whatever may arise, wherever they may lead him. Always remember that the great and strong character is the one who is ever ready to sacrifice the present pleasure for the future good.

So how does this relate to golf

When we golf we develop habits, good and bad, and sometimes it takes concentrated effort as well as the help of a pro in order to change bad habits to good habits.  But we have to be prepared to make the changes.  If we continually fight against what the pro is telling us, thinking we know better, we won`t play any better.  It is only when we truly believe that what they are telling us is true and we follow their instructions that we become better.

So if you want to be a great golfer (your ideal), you must work towards that every day, practicing what will get you there and eliminating those bad habits that keep you from reaching your ideal.

To your golfing success

Fran

Spring is Coming

Well, at least that's what the calendar says.  For many people in the northern hemisphere the golf courses are still covered with snow or water.  So what to do to get ready for the golf season?

There are now many indoor practice centres where you can practice your swing, your putting, where you can evaluate what you are doing right and/or incorrectly before you step onto the golf course.

Many courses are offering special deals if you sign up now, so it's a good time to take advantage of these opportunities.  You might also want to think about taking some lessons to improve your game.

Getting the Most from Golf Lessons

It’s never easy asking for help, but in golf, it is almost a necessity. Unfortunately, we often ask our buddies and partners, when in reality we should take a lesson or two.

We think that a Pro would critique harshly, but they are honest, positive and very helpful.  Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you might think and they are worth it because your game will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration, making the game much more enjoyable for you.

Of utmost importance, is being honest about your game. The Pro will ask you what you want to start with; driving, chipping, putting or whatever you feel you need help with.  Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip or your swing; but remember - the Pro knows best.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if the question or concern in stupid-they’ve heard it all before and will not make you feel like an idiot for asking. If you don’t "get it", tell him/her that you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from a lesson with unanswered questions.

You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or several. You might start with a lesson in driving; get the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice it. Next time, you might work on your short game, or putting.

You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and improve your abilities?

To your golfing success

Fran

Left Handed Golfer?

Golf Tips For Left Handed Golfers


Most golfers are right handed, so it is difficult to find tips that can help left handed golfers to improve their game. If you are a left handed golfer in need of tips to improve your game, here are some tips that can help you put your game back on track and lower your scores.

The first thing for a left handed golfer is to get his/her club fitted. This will improve swing as fitting takes care of the various adjustments required to give effect to better swinging. Fitting your golf club will include adjustments to the shaft length, its flex and the size of the grip. In fact your grip on the club is the only way, in which you control your club. Your grip pressure should be firm, but not rigid and should allow the club to rotate as you swing to make a hit.

Many left handed golfers make a mistake of attempting to play right handed golf. Why is this?  Although it sounds confusing, it is really easy to understand. In the beginning everyone plays with borrowed clubs (unless they can afford to buy their own set of expensive clubs). Since most players are right handed, a beginner 'lefty' usually borrows clubs that are unsuitable for his individual game. This leads to a bad situation, which does not allow a left-handed player to learn to play properly. So, always make sure that you play with clubs meant for left handed players.

Many left handed players continue to play with right handed clubs, even when they learn that those clubs are not right for them, for the simple reason that they have been playing with them for a long time. Thus they have difficulty improving their game.  The best thing to do is to switch over to golf equipment specifically designed for left handed golfers to suit their natural swing.

When choosing golf clubs a left handed golfer should be cautious and make a careful selection as the options in left handed clubs are not as wide as they are in clubs designed for right handed players. If the right equipment is not readily available at a local store, it is better to wait for some time till it becomes available or try to visit a professional shop or a big retail outlet dealing in golfing equipment to make your purchase.

If you are unable to buy the right equipment for left handed golfers directly from stores, you can always use mail order catalogue services to place your order. The Internet is an excellent resource to locate companies, which sell the right stuff that fits the needs of left-handed golfers.

Most importantly, left handed golfers should endeavor to seek good quality professional instruction. It is an undisputable fact that a good pro can greatly help you to learn and play successful golf. You receive invaluable tips to correct your swing and tailored instructions to fit your individual style and game. The trick here is to choose the right pro. You need to inquire, whether the instructor is qualified to teach left handed golfers. You must note that most right handed instructors face a difficult time teaching golfers, who are left handed.

To your golfing success

Fran
P.S.  Looking for a place to play?

Golf Channel

Did You Know?

With the ever-rising popularity of the game of golf, mainstream television decided they needed to cash in on the golf craze and founded The Golf Channel. The history of this cable phenomenon is really a storied one.

In 1990, cable and cellular entrepreneur Joseph Gibbs of Birmingham, Alabama, offered to host a professional golfer for the 1990 PGA Championship. Mr. Gibbs was ecstatic to learn he would be hosting Arnold and Winnie Palmer during the week of the tournament. A friendship was instantly born and as the friendship blossomed so did the discussion of a 24-hour cable network devoted entirely to golf.

After conducting a Gallup survey to determine public interest, Joe Gibbs was pleased to realize that there was a strong interest for a golf channel among the general public. The successful entrepreneur and the golf legend were convince that The Golf Channel would flourish with offerings for the golf-loving viewer.

By 1995, the new corporation had raised over $80 million to finance and launch The Golf Channel. It debuted with less than 1,000 cable subscribers. The Golf Channel’s first live televised tournament was the Dubai Desert Classic which debuted on January 19, 1995.

Since then, The Golf Channel has grown by leaps and bounds in popularity. Many cable and satellite dish systems now carry The Golf Channel as part of their regular lineup of channels. It is now broadcast in Japan and Canada and in 1999, reached a “break even” status on their financial statements.

Today, The Golf Channel is considered the place to go for golf news and programming. They have a daily golf news show called “Golf Central” along with “College Central” which is dedicated to college golf. They air highlight shows of past tournaments and have many programs with professionals handing out golf tips to the eager viewer.

Not to be left behind with the reality TV phenomenon, The Golf Channel has joined in with their reality-based program called “The Big Break”. This program was designed to help aspiring professionals gain exemptions into PGA Tour and LPGA events. It has proven to be wildly successful.

In 2005, The Golf Channel helped set up a special match play event called Big Stakes Golf, in which teams of two paid a $100,000 entry fee to play in a special tournament where the winning team split a $3,000,000 first-place prize, the largest in golf history. In the end, mini-tour professionals Garth Mulroy and David Ping won the grand prize.

Two guys had a dream – one with business savvy, and one with golf savvy – and when The Golf Channel was born, that dream became a reality. Many households depend on The Golf Channel for their daily golf news and for those living in the northern climate where the winter snow has covered the golf courses and a golf game is a distant memory, the Golf Channel can keep their minds focused on how they can be better next year. Or they can plan their winter vacation and choose which courses they would like to play.

Happy golfing and Merry Christmas - may you find the clubs of your dreams under your tree this year.

Fran

P.S. If you are a new golfer, click here for some tips

If you are a more experienced golfer and want to break 80, click here

P.P.S. No matter what level of golfer you are, fitness is important. Click here for some tips

Common Golf Problems

The Most Common Golf Problem Is?


The most common problem beginners have playing golf would surely be the slice shot.  This is where the ball curves through the air from left to right assuming the player is right-handed.

The flight of the golf ball is determined by the spin of the ball and a slice is caused by the ball spinning clockwise thereby causing it to travel in a clockwise arch.

The most common reason why this happens is people tend to lift their head when they strike the ball.  The action of lifting the head causes the face of the club to hit across the ball and not through it.  By hitting across the ball, you are essentially hitting the ball from the outside in and this is the action that causes the ball to spin clockwise.

If you tend to slice the ball try to keep your head down until after you have hit the ball. By keeping your head down, and your eye on the ball to the point of contact you will play through the ball and your swing will remain straight, which will cause the ball to follow a straight path.  Keep your head down until after the ball has taken flight keeping your head and shoulders solid.

Another reason why you will get slice shots is by trying to hit the ball too hard.  In doing so you could be using your arms to pull the club in and this will also cause it to spin.  By hitting for less distance you can concentrate on getting the correct swing and playing for accuracy rather than length.  Try reducing your swing with these smaller shots to see if this starts to correct the problem.

As you begin to hit straighter you can begin to increase the length of your back swing and go for more distance.  Concentrate on accuracy first and distance follows. That is a good rule to always play by.

To successful shots

Fran

P.S.  Check out these golf specials

Golf Lessons

Getting the Most from Golf Lessons

It’s never easy asking for help, but in golf, it is almost a necessity. Unfortunately, we often ask our buddies and partners, when in reality we should take a lesson or two.

We think that a Pro would critique harshly, but they are honest, positive and very helpful.

Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you might think and they are worth it because your game will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration,making the game much more enjoyable for you.

Of utmost importance, is being honest about your game. The Pro will ask you what you want to start with;driving, chipping, putting or whatever you feel you need help with.

Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip or your swing; the Pro knows best.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if the question or concern in stupid-they’ve heard it all before and will not make you feel like an idiot for asking. If you don’t "get it", tell him/her that you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from a lesson with unanswered questions.

You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or several. You might start with a lesson in driving; get the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice
it. Next time, you might work on your short game, or putting.

You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and improve your abilities?

To improving your game

Fran Watson

P.S. For more help with your game click here.

Playing Golf is more than a mind game

What Makes You Think You Can Play Well?

Many people take up golf and think they can play well from the outset.

Although golf is a highly technical game that can take years to master,most people think they should be playing a lot better than they do in a short space of time.

We expect to play consistently well with little or no practice, which is very strange because we would never expect that from most other sports.

All sports require skill, and none more than golf where a top round needs consistently good play on many holes and being in the right state of mind to allow that to occur.

Beginners luck is precisely that and unfortunately it is unlikely to return to the golfer who doesn't put the time and the effort in to play regularly, practice regularly and learn from the professionals on the golf course and from the best books, DVD's and videos.

Taking shortcuts will land you in the bunker or the water and that is a fast way to put a damper on your game.

As with any sport, the better your performance, the more fun a round of golf will be, and the only way that will happen is by improving your levels of skill.

You may not be able to afford a personal pro, however there are other ways to obtain instructions from the best golf pros in the world. Much of this information is available relatively inexpensively. There are also various golf aids available to help improve your swing even when you can't get outdoors.

Check out the major online golf stores and see what they have available, you might be surprised to see the help you can get with very little money down.

Also consider getting some good tapes to help you with mind control as all things being equal, the person who has the top few inches of their head in the right place on competition day will always win.

To a lower score!

Fran Watson

P.S. Check this out

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.

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.

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:

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

Golf Tips

Accuracy First and Distance Will Follow.

Most beginners have one thing in mind, and that is to hit the ball as far as possible. Many golfers never quite get out of this mindset and this is one of the reasons why they will never get the distance that they are capable of.

The wise golfer will practice for accuracy first and concentrate on the distance once they have mastered the art of control.

There is not much point hitting the big yards off the tee if the ball is going to end up on another fairway or in the rough. All you will succeed in doing is making your following shots all the more difficult.

A drive down the center of the fairway, albeit a few meters shorter, will set you up for a better approach shot and a lower round score.

By playing with smaller, more controlled swings, you will gain control of your shots sooner and you will progress to the longer distances faster.
You will be learning correct techniques that will hold you in good stead for the rest of your playing career.

By developing accuracy first, you will also be lengthening the distance of your drives and will in fact hit the ball further.

By starting with smaller swings it will be easier to train your body to develop the correct actions, and these actions will always be needed when you progress to the longer drives.

As you master your swing, you can progress to a full swing knowing that you will have the control to hit the ball in the right direction.

This combination of correct action and a full swing will ensure you will hit the ball further than would be possible if you had only aimed for the big shots from the outset.

If you find that your drives are going wayward, then it would be wise to focus on control, even if that means limiting your swing until you are hitting the ball straight.

To your golfing success

Fran

P.S. To improve your score click here:

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

Great Shot...

Are You Still Thinking about Your Last Shot?

Will the last shot you played determine where the golf ball goes this time?

You might be surprised to realize that for many people the shot they have just played will have a major impact on their next shot.

The golf player who can switch his mind off that last shot, and move on, will always have a decided advantage over the competition.

If you are one of the many golfers who let their previous performance affect the rest of their game, then retraining your mind will do more for your game than all the tuition that any golf pro can give you.

How many times have we seen Tiger Woods play winning shots from out of the rough? How many times have we seen him come from behind to win major tournaments?

There is one thing that other players will never do, and that is to write Tiger off if he has not been having a good game. This is because they know he has the mind power to put everything behind him. In doing so, all the subsequent strokes are focused on winning the tournament.

Even the best golfers in the world duff their shots on occasions, but the way they handle those situations is a major reason why they are at the top of their game. They don't let mistakes have any impact on the rest of their game, as they know that if they do, they will have no chance of recovery.

Your mind and the thoughts that you allow it to have, are the most powerful influences on the performance of your game. It impacts on so many areas of play that it is often the downfall of so many golfers who could be better than their handicap suggests.

Consider the additional tension in your body when you are thinking about the last shot and how the next one needs to be so much better to compensate for your error. That tension is translated into your swing and the possibility of a great shot is diminished accordingly.


Relax and improve your game!!

Fran Watson

Front or Back?

Are You Better on the Front or Back Nine?

Looking at the way you perform through the course of a game can give you a lot of powerful information that can be transferred into results the next time you play.

I have talked to many golfers and there seems to be a consistency with a lot of them relating to their performance on the front nine compared to the way they play on the back nine in most tournaments.

Not that there is a consistency in their game, but a consistency in the part of the game where they consistently fare worst.

Some people struggle to get their game right for the first nine holes and then improve on the back nine, whilst others start off fine and then fade on the last nine holes.

It is like there is a switch that gets flicked half way through the game and their performance changes in one direction or another.

There is always a reason why this is happening and targeting that reason can result in some excellent improvements to your score.

More often than not the second nine holes result in a poorer performance and this can be due to a number of factors, such as fatigue or a lack of hydration. Lack of hydration in itself will result in fatigue. These are simple factors that can be easily addressed with regular intake of water and foods containing some carbohydrate content to keep the energy levels up.

Other people find they perform worse on the first nine holes and that can often be from tension where they tend to relax later in the game and start playing better. Once again, if you are aware that this is happening you can address the problem by making an effort to relax.

Learning relaxation techniques can do more for many people's game than all the advice in the world and it might be just what you need to take your game to the next level.

To improving your game

Fran Watson

P.S. Check out Mike Pederson's Power Golf Program Click Here!

Golf Tips

Variety is the Spice of Life and It Helps Your Golf Game

I see many golfers practicing the same shots over and over again.
That's Ok if it is an area that needs concentrated attention, and the more you practice a shot the better you will become at it. If you practice a shot enough you will virtually do it on autopilot when you get to the course, but you must also remember that variety will make you a better all round golfer.

The more techniques that you can master the better you will be on competition day. You can do this by trying new techniques when you practice.

Observe the results you get when you use different clubs or try different techniques.

Try adding some spin to the ball and see how this affects the flight.

Use different types of golf balls to see whether your level of expertise has changed and allowed you to get more benefit from the different ball compressions.

Even consider testing new golf clubs.

As your game progresses, so will your need to change equipment accordingly.
You won't want to be using the same clubs you had when you started playing and you will probably not want to be using the same golf balls either.

Better equipment will allow you to make shots that weren't possible before, and practice will help get you to the next level where you can take advantage of this equipment.

Try adding more backspin to your shots and see if this helps position the ball better for the next shot and offer more control on faster courses.

Your practice time should also be a time where you allow yourself the opportunity to experiment and try to broaden your game.

Having the ability to add spin to the ball might be the difference between hitting a tree and landing on the green.

You can never learn too much in the game of golf.

Remember practice makes perfect, but only when you practice the right things...

Fran

P.S. Check out Mike Pederson's Power Golf Program Click Here!

Drive For Perfection

Accuracy First and Distance Will Follow.


Most beginners have one thing in mind, and that is to hit the ball as far as possible.

Many golfers never quite get out of this mindset and this is one of the reasons why they will never get the distance that they are capable of hitting the ball.

The wise golfer will practice for accuracy first and concentrate on the distance once they have mastered the art of control.

It's not much point hitting the big yards off the tee if the ball is going to end up on another fairway or in the rough.  All you will succeed in doing is make the following shots all the more difficult.

A drive down the center of the fairway, albeit a few meters shorter, will set you up for a better approach shot and a lower round score.  By playing with smaller, more controlled swings, you will gain control of your shots sooner and you will progress to the longer distances faster.  You will be learning correct techniques that will hold you in good stead for the rest of your playing career.

By developing accuracy first, you will also be lengthening the distance of your drives and will in fact hit the ball further.

By starting with smaller swings it will be easier to train your body to develop the correct actions, and these actions will always be needed when you progress to the longer drives.  As you master your swing, you can progress to a full swing knowing that you will have the control to hit the ball in the right direction.

This combination of correct action and a full swing will ensure you will hit the ball further than would be possible if you had only aimed for the big shots from the outset.

If you find that your drives are going wayward, then it would be wise to focus on control, even if that means limiting your swing until you are hitting the ball straight.
 
Drive your way to success
 
Fran Watson

P.S. How To Break 80 Golf Instruction Program

Improve Your Golf Game by Improving Your Balance

A Balanced Approach


Golf is all about balance.

You need to get the right balance on your feet, in the movement of your body, in the swing of the clubs and so on.

Balance goes further than just the body however.  You need a balanced approach to the game with your mind in sync with your body.

You need to only consider the one stroke that you are playing and not let other holes impact on your balance.

When we get golf lessons we're taught about the distribution of weight on our feet and the weight distribution when we swing to strike the ball.

Many of the techniques seem foreign to the beginner but it is all about training the player to find balance in their game so the actions are effortless and natural.

Our balance should flow through with the movement of the swing in one fluid action to the striking of the ball and even after the ball has been hit with a balanced follow through.

It is a natural feeling that will become second nature with practice.

It is through finding balance in your mind and body that you will start hitting consistently good shots.  Without this it will be very difficult to find any consistency in your game.

Once you get your upper body correctly positioned behind the ball, you will find that you are naturally placing more weight on the back foot.

Try it next time you have a practice swing.  Stand balanced on your feet with no more pressure on the front of the foot than the back.  Position yourself behind the ball and gently swing through without making any effort to concentrate on the distribution of the weight on you feet.

You will find that this will come naturally with no effort at all and that is precisely how you should feel when you are striking the ball.

Different strokes for different folks - have a great game!!

Fran

Golfing For Seniors

8 Things To Becoming A Great Senior Golf Pro


Eight things will help make you a great senior golf player. There is attitude, concentration and focus, recovery of the game, practice, fitness, technique and foundation, balance and distance. Keep in mind that these are the foundation to becoming a seasoned golf player and will help you become as good as the pros and maybe even a pro. You need to play the game of golf with determination and stay with what works for you the best.

Your attitude about the game has to be focused on the win. Having a positive, "I can do it" attitude is the only way to succeed as a professional golf player. If you want to play the senior golf tournaments, you have to work up to it and dedicate your time to enhancing your game. Your concentration and focus, plan your shot before you even reach the tee. Never change your mind once you are over the ball. Second-guessing yourself does not make a pro golfer. When you address the ball, you already know where the ball is going and how you are going to get there without any hesitation.

Talent and recovery are what help you win the game. If you have a talent for thinking and hitting the ball right where you need it to be, you have a better chance of coming in with a scratch shot, however even the senior golf pros do have an eagle or a bogy here and there. If you do have a bad hit, you need to know how to recover from that shot and make your next play make up for the previous bad shot. This is all apart of golfing. If you have a two over par on the previous hole, try to go under par on the next hole. It is all in the recovery and the planning.

To become a senior golf pro, you need to be fit and practice. Just because you have been playing golf for years does not mean, as you get older you do not need a little more fitness in your day. You need to stay in shape and practice your game regularly. Keep in mind, you might need different equipment as you get older and this is going to require plenty of practice time with the new equipment to improve your game.

You need to learn techniques that lead to a solid foundation in your game. A senior golf pro does not stop learning and improving their techniques. You want to change as your age changes to get the same distance that you were getting before you started reaching the senior age. You are going to need your balance and your Zen for golfing to play with the pros. If you keep practicing and stay fit, you should be able to play golf well into your nineties if you wish. Most importantly, keep your distance or enhance your distance to stay in the game and compete on the same level as the rest of the senior golf players.
 
Happy Golfing
 
Fran

P.S.  Check out more tips:  http://www.tips-on-golfing.com/

Golf Videos

YouTube Video

P.S.:  Check out more tips:  http://www.tips-on-golfing.com/