Posted by Marita on 6 febrero 2012
When a new or existing student comes to me for lessons, I know I have done something correct in my teaching approach somewhere along the line. Being a golf instructor and teacher, someone skilled in ball striking and teaching, I have a good feeling as to how to approach each lesson. From the initial contact to about 5 minutes into the lesson, I know how to go about relating the important golf information to each student on an individual basis. Feel, intuition, and experience all figure into the equation.
If you are thinking of taking golf lesson, realize first as I am sure you do, that this can be a major investment. Even one lesson at a $60 to $80 price range can cut into your golfing and living budget. In my experience, I realize how hard it is to get by these days on what we have, so if you take a lesson from me, and I can only speak for myself, I can guarantee that you will get the most for your money.
I recently attended a seminar presented by Michael Breed of The Golf Channel. At one point in tthe presentation, Breed asked for 2 key words from the audience. He had a list of words that he had collected from all his previous seminars, and wanted to add 2 words from this audience, made up primarily of PGA professionals. Breed read us his list and got 2 more words from this group. No place on his list were the words I have previously mention, feel and intuition. Most in attendance agreed that it took about one-third to one-quarter of each lesson to figure out how to approach the student. I thought to myself that they are wasting a great deal of time on a part of teaching that they should have figured out in the lesson booking and in the first five minutes of the lesson: how to approach the relaying and relating of information.
My artistic background has given me a great foundation on which to base my teaching method. In the first place, I have learned over the last 40 years how to reduce information to its lowest common denominator, and how to get to the root of most problems quickly. In the second place, I have learned how to relay this information in a timely, simple to understand, common sense, coherent way. I have learned to operate on many levels at once, to get to the heart of the matter and get that information to the student precisely and quickly. No one wants to waste time and money; your golf lesson is no different that anything else.
I could tell you many reasons to take a lesson, from learning fundamentals to the ultimate goal of lowering your scores by hitting consistently better golf shots. This leads to increased satisfaction in your golf game simply from being a better player.
It is my goal as a teacher to first and foremost connect with you as a student, on some level. Then we can go about our business of making you a more consistent and competent golfers.
If you are looking for lessons, find a teacher who will meet your needs. Use email and the telephone to interview your prospective teachers and find someone who first of all cares about what he or she is doing, and second of all who can relate to you honestly as an individual golfer. Stay away from system or method teachers. What works for one golfer may not work for another. It is more important to relate swing fundamentals, both pre-swing and in-swing, to you particular situation, to getting you on the road to being a better player. Remember the words feel and intuition, and use them to your advantage on your search for a golf teacher or instructor.
Posted by Marita on 3 febrero 2012
It is amazing what a good swing training aid can do both for your golf swing and mental game. Some training aids make you think you are improving but there is no way to receive tangible results. This is what makes to restrict your unlike any other training aids.
The Tour Striker has recently become popular after getting quite a bit of buzz from professional golfer Gary McCord as well as other golfers on the PGA tour. It is quite easy to see and find the rave reviews average golfers like you and I are getting this product on various blogs and forums. The thing that differentiates this product from other training aids is that you are not able to fake results. If you are not using it properly and not swinging properly you will immediately know based on impact feel and flight of the ball. The tour Striker has a rounded leading edge which prevents you from scooping the ball like many amateur golfers do. It forces you to be in the proper position at the most important time in your swing, the moment of impact. With your hands in front of the ball and forward shaft lean the small face of the tour Striker will make solid impact with the ball and produce a high and penetrating ball flight.
If you look at any of your favorite golfers either in video or still images at the moment of impact they all are in a similar position – their hands are in front of the ball and they may contact in a downward motion. This is not a mistake; this position is what you should strive for to get added distance and consistency.
The quality of this training aid is top-notch. It feels like any other club out of the bag. It comes with the fantastic shaft, the club had has the nice weight to it, and it comes with an excellent grip. You will not feel like you switch from your normal clubs over to your training aid. The tour Striker is not a miracle product. You will need to spend a fair amount of time at the driving range to get comfortable using this club and making consistent solid impact. But once you do the movements in your golf game will be great.
One neat thing about the strikers that being a normal golf club they can be used in combination with other training aids, worthwhile training aids of course, such as the swing guide or pure ball striker.
There are various tour Striker models ranging from wedges to lower irons. It is important to find the best suited for your current skill level. This can be done by looking at the descriptive text on the tour striker website and by reading reviews of the club. Many players like to start with the Tour Striker Pro as it is a challenge to hit but insures proper position and striking the center of the club face. Be sure to read my in-depth review of the Tour Striker on my blog.
Posted by Marita on 30 enero 2012
Ask yourself, why should I buy a golf GPS unit? Well the simple answer is that you can see considerable improvement to your golf game by using one. Current thinking is that a good golf GPS unit can take 6/7 strokes off your scorecard. Think about it, it all makes sense, if you know the exact distances to the green or any hazard on any hole you are playing then the choice of club to play the shot becomes easier as it’s one less thing to think about.
The question is which unit should you look at, the Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS is a good quality unit with great features and we can explore these in this review. One of the drawbacks of many units out there is that they can be quite expensive, not just in the way of the purchase price but there can be annual membership and even download fees.
The Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS doesn’t cost the earth, the initial purchase price is what you pay so there is no set up fee or annual membership to pay – value for money here. A large amount of devices out there require you to pay a membership fee every year and this can add up over a number of years of use.
So what do you get for your money?
The Garmin GPS only has one button on/off on there, after this everything is controlled by the touch screen, it really is that simple. The colour touch screen is fully viewable even in direct sunlight which shows where you are on the golf course and which hole. There’s a highly sensitive GPS receiver integrated within the Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS which systematically updates your position on the hole. From where you stand you can get the exact distance to the front, middle and back of the green plus any hazards such as bunkers and trees that you may wish to carry. You do this by simply tapping the exact spot on the displayed map. You can zoom into the green and even move the flag to the cups location on the green to give you even more accuracy in your approach shot.
As well as having a sun readable screen, the Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS is water resistant so can be used in some of the most challenging conditions. Therefore this is ideal for some of the extremes of weather experienced in the UK and Europe. In addition to this the case is covered in rubber which means it’s more rugged than many other units out there. If you accidentally drop this while on the golf course then there is good protection against the case or screen cracking.
As mentioned earlier the Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS is good value for money and it continues this theme by having over 7,400 pre loaded UK, Ireland and European courses on the unit. One good feature is that Garmin add new courses on a regular basis. All updates are free from the Garmin website and is simply done via the USB cable supplied with the unit. Many other competitive units out there expect you to pay for updates and new maps of courses so this Garmin Golf GPS unit avoids these costs. The Garmin Golf GPS is ideal for anyone who plays golf and especially those who play different courses on a regular basis. It’s great to have your own personal Caddie at your finger tips that has all the course knowledge you will ever need. Just think how this could help you enjoy your golfing holiday more!
The Garmin Approach G3 Golf GPS uses 2 x AA batteries and you can always switch to rechargeable batteries if you want to save even more money. It can even double up as scorecard for up to four people, so no scrambling round for pencil all the time.
Posted by Marita on 28 enero 2012
When playing golf, a hook is usually caused by the player’s club face closing on the swing. This is a phenomenon that usually happens because the golfer has gripped the club in an incorrect manner. A bad grip can then lead to a backswing which does not move with the proper flow of the club head to the ball. In order to learn how to fix a hook, one should practice the proper grip in order to make it feel more comfortable to them. By following a few recommendations, a player will find that they will start to hit the ball much straighter.
Many golfers know of a familiar scenario. They address the ball on the tee, take the club back and swing away. Then the ball goes sailing off to the left side of the course. It causes a lot of frustration for players because they are not entirely sure what went wrong. What causes the hook is the club face being closed when it strikes.
A proper swing starts with the grip a player takes on the club. For right hand hitters, what they want to look at with their grip is the knuckles on the right hand. If they can see more than three knuckles when they address the ball, they are holding the club the wrong way. This causes the right hand to be dominant and makes for a natural pull to the left.
Right hand dominance occurs because it feels powerful and thus more natural. So, if someone wants to change their swing they have to work at changing their grip in order to get more comfortable with it. The appropriate way to take hold of a club is to make sure the palms of both hands are facing each other.
Once the proper grip has been taken, a golfer still has the potential to pull their swing. This is because on the backswing their hands can rotate to what feels natural. This means going back to having the right hand being dominant.
When a person takes a swing, they want to have a grip which is just strong enough to keep the club under control. There should not be any tension in the hands or forearms. However, these changes should not be extreme. Overcompensation could lead to a player developing a slice.
There are three different types of swing for the clubhead to follow. They are inside-out, straight, and outside-in. It is rather obvious that someone would want the straight variety. This can be accomplished by practicing a smooth easy swing. This can insure that the face of the club strikes the ball squarely. The best way to see the results of this change is to go to a driving range. One should start with an easy swing and then add more power as they become more confident.
Figuring out how to fix a hook on the golf course can take a lot of practice and patience. It is a hard game to master. However, if a player makes sure to practice taking a proper grip and maintaining their discipline they may eventually find a pathway to success.
Posted by Marita on 23 enero 2012
Golf is quickly becoming a sport that women are taking an interest in. Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie have become well known figures in professional golf as more women are beginning to understand that golf is not just for men. With this increasing interest there naturally arises the question of selecting the right golf apparel and ladies golf shoes in particular. If you are new to playing golf and need to learn more about how to select ladies golf shoes, here are three suggestions for determining which are best for you.
Watch The Pros
Although keeping an eye on what pro golfers are wearing is not the best way to arrive at your own style, at the very least you will derive some inspiration from your observations. Pros like Paula Creamer and Natalie Gulbis have been considered the LPGA’s fashionistas. Following their attire ought to give you some ideas to mull over. Granted, many of their choices in ladies golf shoes might be a little on the expensive side, but it might be a good idea to look for cheap golf shoes that still look as good as the pro choices.
Focus On Price
When you are looking for ladies golf shoes, be sure to look for a price that’s very affordable but still gets good reviews. Remember to use the internet and golf magazines to look up various reviews to have a better understanding of the different shoes and clothes that you can buy. Read the reviews with a skeptical eye, since the review may actually be promoting the products. Make sure you base your decision on more than just a single review. Also bear in mind that although what you get with lower prices may perform on par with the expensive brands, they will probably not be as durable.
Search The Internet
The internet has become the best place to do serious comparison shopping. The main advantage of the internet is that it is much easier to visit a large number of retailers in a relatively short time, especially if you use comparison shopping sites like Nextag and Bizrate to do your shopping for specific items. You can find the best deal for a specific type of women’s golf shoes among dozens of retailers in as little as five minute.
Are Golf Shoes Really That Important?
Unlike other golf equipment like your golf clubs, golf shoes and apparel are not obviously vital to your golf game, but overlooking their role in improving your game would be a mistake. Feeling comfortable in your golf shoes will certainly help you feel more relaxed on the course and thus help you shoot lower scores. If nothing else, the right golf apparel will help you feel more confident, and confidence in golf, like any sport, will give you an edge.
Overall, buying ladies golf shoes does not have to be terribly expensive. Just as long as you try your best to stay unique and to buy clothes that fit your style, you will surely be able to stand out on the golf course. Take your time with finding your golf shoes, clothes and accessories as you don’t want to rush into buying anything. If you are serious about playing the best golf of your life, you should certainly go out and start looking as soon as possible.
Posted by Marita on 20 enero 2012
People often wonder which golf GPS unit is the best, as there are so many golf GPS devices to choose from. This is the reason why I have compiled the four best golf GPS systems to narrow down your list. There is a golf GPS unit that perfectly suits individuals who only wanted to know the yardage, while there are other units that are built with several additional features. The price range of these products starts from $100 to $500 dollars.
The Top Four Golf GPS Devices Based on Consumer’s Experience
Garmin GolfLogix GPS-8
Amazon’s bestseller, the Garmin GolfLogix GPS offers balanced features at a very reasonable price. People often choose this because of its reliability and ease of usage.
Advantages
- It is waterproof.
- Can hold up to 20 courses.
- The screen is viewable in any lighting condition.
- Accurately calculate the front, center and the black of the green.
- Turning it on will automatically identify the course and provide accurate display of holes and targets.
Disadvantage
- It doesn’t meet the claim of the company’s 22 hour battery life.
iGolf Neo
People who asked which is the best golf GPS device that is inexpensive often find themselves holding the iGolf Neo. This type of golf GPS doesn’t have extra features but can be considered as a very reliable partner.
Advantages
- Can easily fit inside pockets.
- You’ll get a good and reliable partner at a fairly low price.
- Can provide detailed yardage information but with no maps.
Disadvantages
- iGolf Neo cannot be compared with the accuracy of Garmin of SkyCaddie, however, most courses are fairly accurate. There are no other features like maps which usually come on handy, however, it is expected that they cannot include it because of its low price.
SkyCaddie SG5
The Sky Caddie SG5 could be one of my favorites because of its accuracy and advanced features that are very useful during golf sessions. Built with a huge database of golf courses, it can help to speed up any game and even improve the player’s score. So if people ask me which golf GPS is the best? I will surely say to include this golf GPS on their list.
Advantages
- Rugged and water resistant.
- Colored screen which is easy to see even under the sunlight.
- Can reveal up to 40 targets for each hole and includes bunkers, creeks etc.
- It has excellent accuracy since it measures from the ground rather than using the satellite.
- Can get the accurate distance from the front of the green, back and places in between.
Disadvantages
- It asks for a subscription fee that’s around $30-$60 to access the course database.
Garmin Approach G5
Which is the best golf GPS? The Garmin Approach G5! This is the most advanced golf GPS that provides new features for the golfers. Garmin is the leading manufacturer of regular units, and has been successful in evolving their products to meet the golfer’s needs. The Garmin Approach G5 is the most expensive GPS system that normally cost under $500, however, they do not ask for monthly or annual fee just to access the course database.
Advantages
- Easy to use and view touch screen.
- User friendly menu system.
- Over 10,000 courses readily available for free (you can get more course through their website).
- Excellent utility for keeping score.
- Rugged and waterproof.
- Accurate measure of shot distance.
Disadvantages
- Default settings such as screen brightness cannot be customized.
So here’s the best four GPS units according to consumer reviews and experience. Be sure to check the pros and cons before purchasing one, so that you can have a better reliable partner while playing golf!
If you are a golfer and are looking to get a new golf GPS unit that I would urge you to read over our top golf GPS reviews and see for yourself which one is the best and which one best suits your needs.
Posted by Marita on 16 enero 2012
If you want to increase your golf swing productivity, and improve your golf game scores drastically. Then you will want to hear these three critical concepts. These concepts are having a good quality video camera, good grip, and also having good body position. In this article I will explain each and every concept in moderate detail. I will also explain how to leverage these concepts to get you playing like the almighty Tiger Woods and Jack Nicholas.
Having a good, reliable video camera is critical to improving your golf swing. It is very difficult to see what is going on with your golf stroke without visually seeing what you are or are not doing properly. Sometimes what you are feeling is actually not what you were physically doing. I know my first time watching myself swing a golf club. I was literally shocked with what I was seeing. Only after you see what you are physically doing, can you make the changes that are necessary to get you to the next level in your golf game.
Having a good grip goes without question. I know you have read many articles and watched many videos about having a good grip. So I have decided not to bore you with technical mumbo-jumbo. I have decided to just give you one basic tip. Just know this if you have too little pressure you will not control the clubface. If you have too much pressure with your grip you will more than likely hook or slice the ball. Although this tip is very basic, you must experience this for yourself.
Having a good body position is also important. If your body position is not in proper alignment with the ball, your chances of slicing or hooking the ball will increase dramatically. Naturally you’re going to take chances with ball positioning that will not work out. That’s okay. Just look at each experiment or swing as a way to get feedback, not a failed attempt.
Now that you have a good understanding of the three things that you will ever need to know to improve your golf swing. The best way to leverage your productivity is to get out there and practice. We have all heard that great practice breeds success. This is even truer when you are dealing with a game such as golf. Put these concepts to use in your life today, and enjoy a more fulfilling golf game tomorrow.
What would it be like if you had absolute perfect control over your golf swing, so that it will blindly follow your every command (almost like it’s reading your mind…)? If this is something you thought was possible only in YOUR DREAMS – then this article on my site may be one of the most important you ever read…
