Add Variety to Your Practice (Golf)

Many golfers practice the same shots over and over again. That's Ok if it is an area that needs concentrated attention, as 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.

To your golfing success

Fran Watson

Putting is about Feeling

Getting the Right Feel for Putting

Putting is all about 'feel' and there is no better way to get the feel of your putter than by blocking out all other outside distracting factors.

You are probably wondering how you might be able to do this.

Try closing your eyes for a moment and see how you can focus more easily something.  Just the action of closing your eyes will eliminate more than half of the distraction that we encounter constantly throughout the day.

So this is a lesson in playing golf with your eyes closed.  Seriously - this is a great way to perfect your putting by getting the right 'feel'. You won't need the ball initially - just the putter and you standing on the green.

Get into your normal putting stance and visualize a ball on the ground and line it up with the hole.
Swing your putter, as you would do if you were to hit a ball. Now do it again with your eyes closed and become aware of the pressure of your hands on the grip.

Feel the lightness of your grip and the weight of the putter hanging in your hands.  As you swing gently, be aware of the club as it grazes the grass on the green.  You should be able to feel the pressure of the grass dragging lightly on your club.

You can continue to swing backwards and forwards in a fluid motion making slight adjustments to eliminate the drag on your putter and more importantly you will be able to focus on the lightness of touch you have on the grip of your club. This is the important part of this exercise.

This will allow you to swing your putter while retaining the same light grip throughout the movement not squeezing tighter on the club at any point through your swing. Once you have done this a few times with and without your eyes closed, place a ball on the ground and concentrate more on the 'feel' of the club in your hands than the ball you are hitting.

This is also excellent training for getting the right distance on the green, as you will begin to have a better feel for what your putter will do

To your putting success

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 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