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 Beginners - Keep These Things In Your Golf Bag

Golf - Beginner Basics II What to keep in your golf bag.

There are many golf bags available, some designed for fashion, some for utility and some that combine both features. There are big bags, bigger bags and bags so big that they would keep everything you need for a long weekend vacation in one of the side pockets!

Generally speaking, you need a bag just large enough to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever, sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella.

It is also a good idea to have a packet of tissues, a band-aid or two, and if you play courses where insects are a problem, a can of bug repellent comes in very handy.

A small pack of baby wipes also come in very handy; in your bag they get warmed by the heat, so when you get sweaty or a sand trap covered you with sand, a nice warm wipe can be very refreshing.

If you happen to be allergic to bees, hornets and wasps, an Epipen is an important addition to your bag. If you are also hypoglycemic carry Lifesavers, which have to be replaced several times throughout the year because they tend to melt.

One item that doesn’t need to be in your golf bag is your cell phone. If you must carry it, turn off the ringer as a courtesy to other players. If you must use it, be aware of others who might be taking a swing or putting their ball. Be considerate!

Having these items in your golf bag should provide everything you will need, even in a minor emergency (like a blister) or a major inconvenience, like a sudden rainstorm. Being prepared makes the game a great deal more fun.

To your golfing success

Fran

P.S. Here are some more tips to help you become a better golfer - Click here

Beginning Golfer?

Golf-Beginner Basics I

The popularity of golf has increased tremendously over the past forty five years, giving us champions like Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods, and world-renowned courses like Pinehurst, Augusta National and the Blue Monster at Doral.

Why has golf become so popular? It’s the opportunity to be outside, to get a good whole body workout, network with friends or business colleagues at a leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never perfect.

Your scorecard, over time, shows your improvement, which keeps you playing again and again.

Here is a very basic lesson in golf for the person who has no clue about the game.

Golf is played on an eighteen-hole course; each hole has its "par", which is the number of tee shots (drives), fairway shots, chips (short hits as you approach the green), and putts.

The par number is based on the length and difficulty of the hole. Pars range from 3 to 6. If you get the ball in the hole in five shots on a par five hole, you "made par." If it took you six shots, it’s called a bogie, if you made it in four, it’s a birdie.

There are usually "hazards" of some sort on all the holes. Bodies of water, sand traps, and trees are strategically placed to make the hole more challenging. Beginner golfers should seek to find courses to play that are easier to play, with fewer hazards.

Each player keeps their own score, marking the number of total number of shots for each hole. At the end, each person adds their scores-the lowest number is the winner.

It is important for beginner golfers to not take themselves too seriously. It takes a long time to get good at this game; even though the professionals make it look so easy.

Take a lesson or two at the onset; it will help you develop a proper swing and help you get off to a good start.

Remember that it’s just a game. Have fun and look at the big picture-you’re outside and you’re not at work!

To your successful golfing!

Fran

P.S. Here are some more tips to help you become a better golfer - Click here

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