Putting is widely believed to be the mark of a truly great golfer. Countless, well meaning amateurs buy a jumbo bucket of balls and spend hours sending them into oblivion at a driving range, and yet they haven't improved their game one bit. Only about 10-20% of the game of golf is played off of a tee. After that, 40% is spent on the various woods, irons, and wedges to get to the green. And finally, about 40%+ of golf is played with the smallest club in your bag; the putter.
The difficulty is that putting is a highly subjective skill, thus there isn't really a list of sure thing tips and tricks to succeed. When I think about putting, my mind inevitably wanders to the scene in Caddyshack (1980) when Rodney Dangerfield's character uses a comically advanced putter to sink a shot. This button press, easy-mode, fantasy of putting is what most golfers wish putting could be: but it isn't. Putting requires a constant diligence and awareness that takes time to cultivate, but could prove to be the key to improving your overall scores. The following are some of the best putting tips we've found to improve your game; practicable anywhere from a mini golf course, to your backyard, to the 8th hole at Pebble Beach.
- Subjectivity – We mentioned above the subjectivity of a putting stance. This is absolutely paramount, and should be stressed. Of course there are best practices which improve a shot, but when you boil it down you're simply pushing the ball into a hole at a deceptively short range. Start out with your comfort in mind. Maybe a shorter club where you can hunch over the ball for a pendulum effect, or a longer club where your wrist can exercise more control in giving the ball power? Whatever works for you in terms of stance and tools; stick with it and build upon it.
- Grip – The grip, or rather consistency of grip, is a shot maker or breaker. Jack Nicklaus wrote that no matter the length of the shot; always apply the same amount of grip. The consistency will help develop a form and feel for your putt. Also, never change the amount of pressure applied between practice strokes and shots. The slight muscle changes will throw everything off.
- Distance Putting – Most courses generally assume at least 2 putts on the green when you actually get to it. If you can shave strokes of your putting game, your overall score will drop considerably. When lining up a longer shot, don't focus on the big picture so much. Find a point on your shot line that you've lined up in your head, aim through that point, and the rest of the shot should follow through.
- Shot Thought – This is an effective tip, designed to win the mental battle of putting. From the moment you finish your last practice stroke, repeat one single thought inwardly to yourself. Do you want to focus on your grip? The follow through? Breathing? Make it a mantra, and force all thoughts out besides that one aspect you wish to improve. Eventually, as you practice, you will improve that aspect of your shot and can move on to the next element.
- Practice – Practice, practice, practice. When you go to the driving range, practice on the mini greens. When you have an hour to kill some Sunday afternoon, practice in your living room or backyard. Always practice your putting. Even when the family wants to play some mini golf at a family fun center, focus on your shot thought and form while you play. Mini golf is an immensely useful practice for putting skills, professional mini golfers are in high demand as tutors for people who want to improve their short game. Never miss out on an opportunity to improve.
2013年9月2日星期一
Do You Prefer To Play Easy Golf Courses Or Difficult Golf Courses?
I have always thought along the lines that if I can play a difficult course as my home club then when I go elsewhere it won't be too difficult by comparison. I like the challenge of a reasonably tough course.
That said I do appreciate that it can be a greater challenge psychologically. As a friend said the other day, "There are too many bad memories" for one to overcome. A tough course is not just more technically challenging; it is more mentally challenging as well.
It is vitally important to have a robust and watertight post-shot and post-game routine when you play a tough course. You have to be able to let go of bad memories and only retain the emotional impact of your best results. If you do not pay heed to this mental challenge you will find yourself over-whelmed by bad memories as you stand upon the tee box or putting green and your subsequent shot or stroke will reflect your emotional dilemma.
I can understand why many people moan and groan about difficult courses. I do sympathize...to a degree. But then there comes a point where I would have to say, "Stop whining - Put up or shut up!" Golf poses many challenges and it reveals ones true character.
If you just want to play easy golf, then choose easy courses. If you are not willing to put the time in to improve your golf both technically and mentally then you will find a tough course very dispiriting. All that will happen is that bad memories of poor shots will build up and your handicap will reflect this too.
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Golf is a game. It is meant to be fun. Not everyone wants to beat balls on the range or take endless lessons. If you just want to have a nice day out with your friends and hit a ball along the way then why punish yourself by playing a difficult course?
Alternatively, if your home course is difficult, you could just take the attitude that the results don't matter. Nobody else cares what your handicap is, so who should you? The fact is however, that most golfers do care about their handicap and don't like to see it climbing.
An "in between" route that you might like to adopt is to just get a little more mentally savvy. If your driver isn't working for you on tight fairways, you could just leave it in your bag and hit a shorter club that you can rely upon. Three shots to the green instead of two leaves you with a makeable two putt for a bogie on a par four without the stress of hunting for your ball in the trees or fishing it out of the water hazard and having to write up a 7 or 8x.
A conservative game strategy whereby you think to leave yourself a distance that you like to approach the green from and a chance at a one putt par or a two putt bogie will allow you to play to a far better standard. You will feel mentally more satisfied and your handicap will reflect your confidence. Golf is a mental game, whether you play it for pure fun or in a more serious manner.
That said I do appreciate that it can be a greater challenge psychologically. As a friend said the other day, "There are too many bad memories" for one to overcome. A tough course is not just more technically challenging; it is more mentally challenging as well.
It is vitally important to have a robust and watertight post-shot and post-game routine when you play a tough course. You have to be able to let go of bad memories and only retain the emotional impact of your best results. If you do not pay heed to this mental challenge you will find yourself over-whelmed by bad memories as you stand upon the tee box or putting green and your subsequent shot or stroke will reflect your emotional dilemma.
I can understand why many people moan and groan about difficult courses. I do sympathize...to a degree. But then there comes a point where I would have to say, "Stop whining - Put up or shut up!" Golf poses many challenges and it reveals ones true character.
If you just want to play easy golf, then choose easy courses. If you are not willing to put the time in to improve your golf both technically and mentally then you will find a tough course very dispiriting. All that will happen is that bad memories of poor shots will build up and your handicap will reflect this too.
Ads by Google
Golf is a game. It is meant to be fun. Not everyone wants to beat balls on the range or take endless lessons. If you just want to have a nice day out with your friends and hit a ball along the way then why punish yourself by playing a difficult course?
Alternatively, if your home course is difficult, you could just take the attitude that the results don't matter. Nobody else cares what your handicap is, so who should you? The fact is however, that most golfers do care about their handicap and don't like to see it climbing.
An "in between" route that you might like to adopt is to just get a little more mentally savvy. If your driver isn't working for you on tight fairways, you could just leave it in your bag and hit a shorter club that you can rely upon. Three shots to the green instead of two leaves you with a makeable two putt for a bogie on a par four without the stress of hunting for your ball in the trees or fishing it out of the water hazard and having to write up a 7 or 8x.
A conservative game strategy whereby you think to leave yourself a distance that you like to approach the green from and a chance at a one putt par or a two putt bogie will allow you to play to a far better standard. You will feel mentally more satisfied and your handicap will reflect your confidence. Golf is a mental game, whether you play it for pure fun or in a more serious manner.
How Clothes can Affect Your Golf Performance
There are many factors that can affect your golf game such as your preparation, equipment, concentration, and knowledge of the golf course. But one factor that is often overlooked is the clothes you wear when you play. As a gentleman's sport, golf follows a strict dress code. Even if you are just playing for pleasure and enjoying your Arizona golf packages, you have to follow the dress code before you can play on the courses of Arizona hotel resorts.
The right clothes have physical and psychological effects on your performance. Golf clothes can affect your movement, especially your swing. Clothes that are too tight can hinder you from making a proper full rotation of the swing. Loose clothing, on the other hand, can get in the way of the golf swing. Choose clothes that fit well. Try on the clothes first and carry out your swing to see if it fits comfortably. Playing under the sun in Arizona can be pretty warm, especially if you have AZ golf vacation packages that let you play all the golf you can. Wear clothes made of light and breathable fabrics to keep you from sweating a lot when you play. Excessive sweating may make you conscious and bother your concentration. Plus, if you are playing long hours in the sun, you have to stay comfortable to maintain your performance from the first to the last hole.
The golf accessories you wear can also affect your game. Golf requires a lot of walking so your shoes must be comfortable. Golf shoes provide the traction you need so you will not slip on the grass. Arizona hotel resorts usually do not allow metal spikes in shoes as it can damage the green. Shoes with soft spikes are more acceptable. Golf gloves can improve your grip so you can have better control during your swing. It also reduces the friction on your hands to protect them from blisters. Wearing a hat on the course also helps. Golf clubs are less strict when it comes to headgear so you may wear almost any kind. The important thing is it should protect your eyes from the sun so you can have a clear view of where your shot is headed.
Wearing the right clothes on the course can also gain the respect of your fellow golfers. If you have neat and proper clothes, it shows that you respect for the game and the course. Plus, the clothes can help with your confidence to boost your performance.
Arizona weather is perfect for golf all year round and it is easy to prepare golf clothes appropriate for courses here. But if you need to buy golf clothes for your vacation, there is a pro shop in Green Valley ranch and resort that has everything you need so you can enjoy your Arizona golf packages.
The right clothes have physical and psychological effects on your performance. Golf clothes can affect your movement, especially your swing. Clothes that are too tight can hinder you from making a proper full rotation of the swing. Loose clothing, on the other hand, can get in the way of the golf swing. Choose clothes that fit well. Try on the clothes first and carry out your swing to see if it fits comfortably. Playing under the sun in Arizona can be pretty warm, especially if you have AZ golf vacation packages that let you play all the golf you can. Wear clothes made of light and breathable fabrics to keep you from sweating a lot when you play. Excessive sweating may make you conscious and bother your concentration. Plus, if you are playing long hours in the sun, you have to stay comfortable to maintain your performance from the first to the last hole.
The golf accessories you wear can also affect your game. Golf requires a lot of walking so your shoes must be comfortable. Golf shoes provide the traction you need so you will not slip on the grass. Arizona hotel resorts usually do not allow metal spikes in shoes as it can damage the green. Shoes with soft spikes are more acceptable. Golf gloves can improve your grip so you can have better control during your swing. It also reduces the friction on your hands to protect them from blisters. Wearing a hat on the course also helps. Golf clubs are less strict when it comes to headgear so you may wear almost any kind. The important thing is it should protect your eyes from the sun so you can have a clear view of where your shot is headed.
Wearing the right clothes on the course can also gain the respect of your fellow golfers. If you have neat and proper clothes, it shows that you respect for the game and the course. Plus, the clothes can help with your confidence to boost your performance.
Arizona weather is perfect for golf all year round and it is easy to prepare golf clothes appropriate for courses here. But if you need to buy golf clothes for your vacation, there is a pro shop in Green Valley ranch and resort that has everything you need so you can enjoy your Arizona golf packages.
2011年12月13日星期二
AP1 Irons Review
While the heads of the new AP1 irons are the same size as their predecessors, their most significant new feature is a progressive blade length.
"The long irons are about the same size," said Chris McGinley ! Titleist's vice president of golf club marketing. "But as you go through the set, we brought the blade size down. That lets us make the long irons more forgiving and the short irons more traditional."
The new Tuned Feel System is a co-molded medallion of soft elastomer and aluminum plate. Titleist 712 AP1 Irons has been specifically designed to improve the sound and feel of each new iron. For the thinner face, larger cavity AP1 a hotter, more lively feel has been enhanced.
Titleist 712 AP1 Irons Main Features
Advanced Performance
High quality, high technology design and construction featuring a stainless steel body, tungsten nickel sole and Tuned Feel System enhances performance and feel.
More Forgiving
Perimeter weighted back flange and tungsten nickel sole bar locates the CG low and deep for increased MOI, forgiveness and stability.
Hotter Flight
Thin face, dual cavity design pushes weight to the perimeter for a hotter face and flight.
Improved Short Irons
Shorter blade length, thinner topline, and reduced visual offset deliver control and performance.
Improved, Hotter Feel
The thin face with integrated aluminum and soft elastomer Tuned Feel System in the back cavity improves sound and feel at impact for a hotter, more lively feel.
Solid Feel
High density tungsten nickel sole bar reduces low frequency vibration for solid feel.
Shaft and Grip
High performance Nippon NS Pro 105T lightweight shaft features a medium tip for control and softer butt section for feel. Titleist Tour Velvet rubber grip provides soft feel with traction.View more Best Golf Clubs at GolfULove.com.
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