http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-chipping-and-pitching-basics.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-chipping-and-pitching-basics.html Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Pitching

Anytime a shot is about 40 to 120 yards from the green, you will most likely be pitching. As is apparent, the best club to use from this range is the pitching wedge. When pitching, set up the same as if you are hitting an iron shot, except when pitching you will have an open stance. This means positioning your feet as if you were aiming slightly to the left of the target (if you are right handed), but keep the clubface facing the target. Line up so that the ball is slightly back in your stance compared to a normal iron shot. In order to vary your distance with pitching, vary the length of your backswing. Bring the club farther back for longer shots, and vice versa for shorter shots. Just like with any normal iron shot, be sure to hit down on the ball; do not attempt to scoop it up into the air.

Chipping

Anytime you chip the ball, it should land within an easily attainable putting distance from the hole. The more accurate your chip shots are, the less accurate your putting needs to be.
With the chip, you will set up almost as if you are pitching, except your feet will be closer together. They should be less than shoulder width apart, but far enough apart that you have proper balance. Again, open your stance so your feet are positioned as if you are aiming to the left of the target. Make sure that the clubface is facing the target. The ball will again be relatively back in your stance. The key to chipping is hitting down on the ball with a solid stroke. Don’t decelerate on the downswing. When chipping, the backswing will be much shorter than the pitch shot, but again, in order to vary the distance the ball is hit, vary the length of your backswing.

Practice pitching, and chipping at a driving range and on a practice green. Obviously, you will be aiming to get the ball within a very close distance to the hole. In order to become more accurate with pitching and chipping, you must get a feel for the distance you are hitting. This can only be accomplished with a lot of practice.

Sources:

Newell, Steve. The Golf Instruction Manual. New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing Inc., 2001.



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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Beginner Golf Tips.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/putting-practice-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/putting-practice-tips.html Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
In order to improve your putting techniques, it is important to develop a consistent putting routine, and a consistent, solid stroke. Before heading out to play your round, make sure to spend some time on the putting green. I suggest beginning close to the ball, and then moving your way back, if you are making the close putts.

Also, on the practice green, begin with putts that are situated on a flat lie. Once you are comfortable with those, you can move on and practice putts that will break.

During practice, treat each putt as if it were taking place during a real round. Don’t rush; use this practice time to train yourself in developing consistency in your practice routine. Make sure your stroke is smooth and natural.

In varying the distance of your putts, it is best to change the length of your backstroke. For very long putts, I was once told to widen my stance, which has since helped the consistency of my long putts. In widening the stance, it makes it feel more natural to bring the club back farther on the backstroke.

Once you develop a consistent short game, you will notice your scores begin to drop. After daily repetition of your putting routine, sinking putts will start to become second nature.


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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To improve your putting even more check out putting practice equipment, and view more golf tips, at Putting Practice Mats and Gear .


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-mental-game-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-mental-game-tips.html Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Visualize

Visualization: in every sport I have played, coaches have preached about visualizing a positive outcome. This technique can definitely be applied to golf too. In your head, if you visualize yourself shanking the ball; there is a good chance that it will happen. It’s the same thing with a putt. If you approach your putt with a negative attitude, think, “I’m never going to sink this,” and visualize the putt missing, than you will probably miss it. You should be thinking positively. As you are standing above the ball to putt it, imagine the ball going in the hole. Think to yourself, “I am totally going to make this!” Use this same technique on all of your shots. Visualize yourself taking a nice smooth swing, and imagine the ball going exactly where it is aimed.

Don’t Count Your Score

When I first started golfing, I made this mistake all the time. I would start playing, get to hole number five or so, and get excited that I was say, only two over par. Then, on holes 6 through 9, I would think, “You have to par this in order to shot a 37!” Of course, this put too much pressure on me, and I would end up choking on one of the remaining holes, triple bogeying one of them. Therefore, don’t think about your score! Write it down on the scorecard and forget about it. Don’t constantly keep count in your head; play the game shot by shot.

Enjoy Yourself

Again, when I first started golfing, I made the mistake of always stressing about my score. If I was not on track to shoot a new all time best score, then I would get mad, and not enjoy my round. Recently, I learned to stop thinking about the numbers, and concentrate on each individual shot. I learned that I shoot my best while playing with someone else, enjoying conversation. I shot some of my all time best rounds just playing casual social golf. Now this may not be an option during competition, but in a competitive environment, just try to enjoy the game. Don’t stress about the numbers.

Golf’s mental game can be the source of many angry golfers, lost bets, and broken clubs, but it does not have to be. Ninety percent of your golf game will be ninety percent better, if you just take a laid back, positive approach to the game, and enjoy yourself.


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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Beginner Golf Tips.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/learn-to-grip-a-golf-club.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/learn-to-grip-a-golf-club.html Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
There is more than one “correct grip,” and I am going to show you three of them. At first, changing your grip may feel uncomfortable, but that is completely normal. You will get used to your new grip eventually.

The Fundamentals:

The fundamentals to properly grip a golf club are the same for each type of grip. Now, when placing your hands on the club, first place your left hand on the club (for right handed golfers). Now, rest the club on the ground. Your thumb should be pointed towards the ground, and your fingers should be wrapped around the club. Notice that your thumb and index finger will make a ‘V’. This ‘V’ should be pointing towards your chin. Next, place your right hand on the club below your left hand. The palm of your right hand should fit right on top of your left thumb. The ‘V’ that your right hand makes, should point to your right shoulder.

The Baseball Grip:

As its name implies, with the baseball grip, the golf club is gripped similar to how a baseball bat is gripped. The hands will lie next to each other on the golf club. The pinky of the right hand will lie next to the index finger of the left, but not overlap.

The Overlapping Grip

In the overlapping grip, instead of the hands lying side by side, the pinky on the right hand will rest on top of the space between the index and middle fingers of the left.

The Interlocking Grip

My personal favorite is the interlocking grip. In this variation, the pinky of the right hand, and the index finger of the left hand will interlock.

Make sure to grip the club with little pressure; just enough so that the club does not go flying out of your hands when you swing. No matter what grip you choose, if you are not currently gripping the club properly, than gripping correctly may feel uncomfortable at first. Get used to your new grip at the range. Then once you feel relatively comfortable with it, bring it to the course.


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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Beginner Golf Tips.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/women-and-golf--tips-for-women-golfers.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/women-and-golf--tips-for-women-golfers.html Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
The first step in swinging a golf club is properly gripping the club. First, rest the club on the ground, and then place your left hand on the club (if you are right handed). Make sure the thumb on your left hand is placed on top of the club’s grip so that it is pointing towards the ground. Your thumb and index finger will make a ‘V’ that should be pointing towards your chin. Then place your right palm on top of the thumb of your left hand. The ‘V’ of the thumb and index finger of the right hand should point towards the right shoulder. Don’t grip the club too tight; in reality you should place relatively little pressure on the club.

One of the most common errors I see women beginners make, is flexing the left elbow on the takeaway. This is wrong! On the takeaway, your left elbow should ALMOST be locked straight, and remain this way until the end of the follow-through.

I also see a lot of women bend their wrists when making contact with the ball; perhaps to try and help the ball into the air. Do not try to use your wrists to help the ball in the air. In reality, swinging DOWN, not up on the ball, is what carries it into the air.

Another thing women should keep in mind is that most of the power in your shot comes from your core. This means that gaining distance can be achieved by generating a good body turn at impact. Do not just use your arms in your swing. Use your whole body. Turn your hips as you are making contact with the ball.

These are just a few tips that I thought would be useful for beginner women golfers. Keep these in mind before teeing off. To really build a strong, fundamentally sound swing, I recommend going to a golf-pro in your area for lessons.


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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Beginner Golf Tips.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-club-jobs.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-club-jobs.html Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Cart Attendant:

“Cart attendants” typically have the job of setting up golf carts in front of the clubhouse for usage, as well as washing the carts after golfers are through with them. Additionally, many clubs have their cart attendants carry golfers’ clubs to their carts, and sometimes clean their clubs. If the course has a driving range, they are often times responsible for picking up the balls from the range. Cart attendants potentially can make a decent amount of tips in cleaning clubs, and shagging bags. Usually you need to be at least sixteen years old to work as a cart attendant, and have a driver’s license.

Maintenance

If you are looking for more manual labor, there is also the maintenance staff, which works under the greens keeper/superintendant in maintaining the course. This job consists of mowing the greens, fairways, and rough, watering the course, and making sure the golf course is in good shape for play. It consists of a considerable about of labor, and I imagine could be very unbearable on an extremely hot or cold day, but the maintenance staff typically gets paid more than a cart attendant. Again, you usually need to be at least sixteen to do this job, and have a driver’s license.

Beverage Cart Driver

In order to accommodate golfers who are hungry or thirsty out on the course, most golf courses have a person who drives a beverage cart around the course selling snacks, drinks, and alcohol. The “beer girl”, as this person is commonly referred to, is typically a girl, and makes the majority of her money in tips. The beverage cart driver should be at least eighteen in order to serve alcohol and twenty-one if they are required to pour alcohol.

Ranger/Starter

The ranger and starter are the people in charge of making sure the pace of play out on the course is adequate. The starter stands by the first tee, makes sure the golfers paid for their round, and tells them what time to tee off. The ranger drives around the golf course to keep the pace of play at a good rate. In my experiences, most of the rangers I have met are usually retired men, but I have seen people of all ages working as a ranger.

Clubhouse Jobs

If being outside is not for you; there are plenty of jobs available in the clubhouse. You could work as a cashier in the pro shop, a cook in the kitchen, or as a server or bartender.

There are obviously many golf club jobs available; meaning lots of opportunities for free golf! If you like to be around the sport of golf, and are looking for free golf, apply to your local golf course for a job!


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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Golf Enthusiastic’s Golf Tips .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/private-golf-courses-vs.-public-golf-courses.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/private-golf-courses-vs.-public-golf-courses.html Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
A public course is ideal for the golfer that does not play very often. What’s the sense in paying every month for a membership that does not get used? If you don’t play more than once a week over the summer, and do not play often during the winter, a public course would probably make more economic sense. Also, if you are all about trying out new courses, and see yourself getting bored playing the same eighteen holes every time you play, then definitely consider a public course.

A private course on the other hand, is best for a golfer that plays multiple times during a week, and frequently plays over the winter. More money would probably be saved in the long run in paying a set amount of money each month on membership and a cart pass, than to pay fifty to one hundred dollars for every round.

A private club is very attractive because of the social atmosphere. Not only can you and your friends go out and play at a familiar place, but you have the potential to meet more people with similar interests. It is also a great place for networking, and making good connections. Many private clubs have weekly leagues and hold special member tournaments that are very fun to participate in. They are often a great way to make friends. Some leagues even have special events where you can play at other courses against players from different courses.

Depending on what you are looking for, and how much money you are willing to spend, both private and public clubs have their ups and downs. It pays to research specific prices; as there are expensive private clubs, and public courses.


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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Golf Enthusiastic’s Golf Tips .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/curing-a-slice.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/curing-a-slice.html Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
The Problem:

For a right handed golfer, when the ball is sliced, it will travel on an extreme left to right trajectory. The ball will land significantly farther right than where it was aimed. Some people try to overcompensate for their slice, aim very far left, and hope that the ball ends up on the fairway. In most cases the ball will end up traveling even farther right. Even if the ball somehow it hits the fairway, much distance will be lost. Therefore, even if you manage to “play your slice,” it is beneficial to fix it for the purpose of gaining more distance.
The slice is caused by a golfer having an out to in swing path. Imagine a line through the ball, pointing towards the target. On an out to in swing path, the club will be on the opposite side of the imaginary line during the downswing. They club will strike the ball, and cross over this imaginary line. The clubface is hitting the ball at an angle. This gives the ball the spin that carries it so far to the right. When a golfer tries to compensate for the slice, and aims left of the target, this only adds to the problem. In aiming to the left, you are actually creating an even more extreme out to in swing path, putting even more spin on the ball.

Curing a Slice:

In order to get rid of this out to in swing path, you must set up aiming towards the target. Then, concentrate on making your swing path an in to in path. Again imagine the imaginary line. Think about having the club travel inside of this line on the backswing. Then the club will meet this line at the ball, and again travel inside of the line on the follow through. The one tip that helped me cure my slice the most was to concentrate on where the clubface is making contact with the ball. Imagine the ball as a globe. Looking straight down on the ball, the equator will be on the target line. Concentrate on striking the ball slightly below the equator.

Curing a slice can be a daunting task. Just remember to restrain from bringing the club outside of the target line. Do not try to compensate for you slice, as that will only add to the problem. Practice at the range, and soon enough you will be confident out on the course.



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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: Golf Enthusiastic’s Golf Tips .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf--the-lure-of-the-game.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf--the-lure-of-the-game.html Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
I can tell you one thousand reasons, why I like golf so much. Just within the past couple years, it has become my obsession. The summer is the one time of the year that I look forward to; because I get to spend it at the golf course. Let me try explain to you the lure of golf. I don’t think I can justify the beauty of the game in words, but I will attempt it. I am going to try and explain why golfers are so nuts about golf.

The Addiction

The first time I attempted to go out on a golf course, I of course, was not a very good golfer. I did take naturally to the sport though, and my friends were pretty impressed. At first the game was frustrating, because I could not finish a hole. I just had to keep trying though! I would have a relatively nice shot every once in awhile. Each time I had a little taste of success with my hit, I would crave that feeling more and more. Eventually, I pared a hole! I wanted to par every hole; just paring one hole wasn’t good enough for me.

The rest of that summer, I continued to go golfing on a very regular basis. By the end of the summer I was out playing every single day. Each day, my goal was to beat my current personal best score. I became a perfectionist at golf, and would get mad if I messed up on a shot. Basically, I became addicted to the game that summer; and golf has been a part of my life ever since.

The Environment

So golf is a boring sport for old people, huh? NO! I can’t think of any sport that is half as entertaining as golf. In baseball, football, and soccer, you are stuck within a 100 yard radius the entire game. In golf, you are never in the same place for more than a few minutes. You are able to spend time in the great outdoors, enjoying the weather, and scenery.

I love golf, because I can either play by myself, or it can be a social sport. Going out on the course, and walking eighteen holes alone provides for some great thinking and reflecting time. At the same time, golf can be played with other people, and is an ideal activity in which to bond with other people.

Not to mention, what other sport can you get drunk while playing… and sometimes even play better drunk than sober! “Party Golf,” as I call it, can either loosen you up enough to hit the ball smoothly; or can be disastrous, depending on how many beverages are consumed. Either way; it is fun!
The Social Aspect

By far, my favorite part of golf is the social aspect of the game. I have met some of the most awesome people, and have befriended individuals that I never thought I would ever socialize with.

Golf is an amazing way to create bonds with people. I have gotten to know so many people by just playing golf with them. Something about the game brings people together. Everyone at the club that I work at all has the same goal in mind; to play well! It makes for endless amounts of conversation. Put two strangers in a room together; and if two of them are golfers, they will have an instant conversation.

Not only has the golf club given me unexpected friendships, but it has given me connections. I know lawyers, real estate agents, doctors, and countless other professionals.

Like I said; I don’t know that I can put words to how much golf has changed my life. It just has. I will stop trying to explain the lure of golf to you; and let you find out for yourself. Trust me; once you become addicted to golf, you will understand.



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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: www.golfenthusiastic.com.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-tips--hitting-from-different-lies.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/golf/golf-tips--hitting-from-different-lies.html Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Hitting on a Downhill Lie

If the ball is on a hill sloping downwards, first you must consider playing a different club than you normally would from this same distance. Playing from a downhill lie will cause the ball to ball travel further, so play a club down. In other words, use a more lofted club.

Also, you will want to change where the ball is placed at address. Line up, so the ball is farther back in your stance than normal. In order to judge how far back to place the ball; take a normal practice swing, and note where the club makes contact with the ground. Line up so that the ball is where your club made contact with the ground. Finally, you will want to put a slightly greater amount of weight on the front foot than the back.

Hitting on an Uphill Lie

If the surface from which you are playing is sloping upwards, again consider playing a different club than you would from this distance on a flat lie. This time, play a club up; meaning use a club with less loft. This is because the uphill lie causes the ball to have a higher trajectory, therefore not traveling as far.

This time, at address, the ball should be placed more forward in your stance, than if you were hitting from a flat surface. Again, take note of where the club makes contact with the ground when taking a practice swing, and use this to judge where to place the ball. As far as weight distribution is concerned: place slightly more weight on the back foot for the uphill lie.

Hitting with the Ball Above Your Feet

When the ball is located above your feet, it will have a tendency to travel on a right to left trajectory. In order to compensate for the ball being above your feet, first choke down on the club. Then, make sure to aim right of the target, as the ball will travel left of where it is aimed.

Hitting with the Ball Below Your Feet

With the ball below your feet, you may feel slightly awkward at address, because of having to reach down to line up to the ball. In order to alleviate some of this awkwardness, bend your knees, and try not to be reaching for the ball. In this case, the ball will travel on a left to right trajectory, so aim to the left of the target.

Remember, in hitting from different lies, your swing mechanics will all be the same; do not attempt to change the rhythm or actual path of your swing. The changes that will be made in order to compensate for these different lies involve changing your position at set up, not the swing itself.



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Savannah Durbin is an avid golfer and aspiring computer engineer. To read more golf tips and articles, visit: www.golfenthusiastic.com.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>