When you watch golf, there may be many different looking swings, but I can tell you the hands release the same in nearly every golf swing. There are many ways you can screw this up, but when you get it right, what your golf ball will do off your clubface is pure magic.

There are many common faults golfers perform that result in mishits, lack of distance, and consistency.

Early Release Golf Swing

This is probably the most common one among golfers who can’t break 90. It’s a premature letting go of the angle (lag) in your right wrist early in the downswing. Doing this will cause everything from thinning your ball, to chunking it, to hitting way off the toe.

All of these will destroy accuracy and rob you of a ton of yards. Golfers can’t figure it out why they have difficulty hitting straight shots, and this could be one of the reasons why.

Late Release

This is a good players problem. Where they retain the angle in the wrists too long, and then have to flip/roll it through impact to compensate for the late, wide open clubface at impact.

I tell most of the golfers I work with this is not something they need to worry about, but it may be something to actually do to train your body the other extreme of releasing too early.

Perfect Release

This happens once in a great while for high handicap golfers, and a bit more often per round for the better golfers. For the 90′s golfer, it will almost feel like you’re coming in with your hands way deep (past the ball at impact). But as you turn them over, and drive your right shoulder through the shot, you’ll watch that ball explode off your clubface.

The right wrist stays bent longer, and then through impact turns over, and the left hand turns down. This squares the face, and compresses the golf ball. This is the perfect hit onto the ball. It will even have a different sound.

Watch It On Video

One of the best ways to get a visual understand of this is to watch it on video. If you watch professional golf on the television, at least once per round, they’ll do a slow motion of the hands, and it’s eye opening. When you see this you’ll start to comprehend what you need to do to have a near perfect release in your golf swing.

We hear the phrase “become mentally tougher” or similar a lot of times don’t we? In fact I read and hear about it so much I’m almost tired of it. Heck I probably use it myself too often, it’s become really clichéd hasn’t it?

The thing is, it may not be true.

What happens when someone says you need to become mentally tougher? Well for starters the first thing it implies is that you are mentally too weak to compete at that particular level. After all, if you are told you must become tougher to win on tour then it means you are currently too weak to win on tour, right?

Do you like being called mentally weak? I know I don’t! Perhaps we Sports Psychologists should think about that?

I really don’t like the inference that a person’s mind is weak. I doubt very much that the problem is a weak mind. The reason the golfer (or anyone) is underperforming in a certain area is probably just a matter of mind control.

Let’s rule out experience first and presume that’s not the issue. After all if you have no experience of being in a certain situation then you may well fail to achieve your best. That’s not mentally weak it’s just a lack of experiential knowledge.

Take Rory who blew the Masters. Was he mentally weak? No, he wasn’t ready, but he learned from that experience and came right back to claim his first major. Strength from experience.

So if we presume a player has experience but keeps blowing it, then it’s a matter of mind control. NOT WEAKNESS!

The mind and body are one system, they work together not as separate units. If your body is experiencing a problem, like poor nutrition or dehydration, then the mind will suffer and be unable to perform at peak levels. Severe enough nutritional deficiencies or dehydration will lead to a real breakdown in thinking.

If the body posture is one of defeat, anger, frustration or any other negative, this WILL HAVE AN IMPACT on your thinking and emotions.

If the mind is not controlled and allowed to think poorly, then it has a direct effect on emotions, mood and most certainly on physical performance.

You are not mentally weak. You must learn to control what you can, both body and mind. Feed your mind and body properly with good nutrition and hydration, control your body postures and keep them HEAD UP POSITIVE.

Be aware of what thoughts are running through your mind and if you know they are negative and unhelpful, CHANGE THEM! Distract yourself, and then think of things that get you balanced again.

As you learn and become more proficient at Mind and Body Control, people will begin to call you Mentally Tough, but that’s OK, we’ll excuse them as we practice Mind Control Golf.

Find out more by the mental game of golf now and how to easily apply principals such as visualisation, focus of attention, targeting and many others that will dramatically improve your golf results and enjoyment of the game now go to http://www.golfmindshop.com

Improve By “Every Golfers Guide To The Development And Mastery Of The Inner Game” has extensive guides both written and on MP3 to achieve your best performance by discovering the surprising power of great Sports Thinking The Mental Game.

If you consider yourself an avid golfer, you better review this list. Over my many mishaps I have compiled a list of the 10 “must haves” for any golf bag. They are readily available but certainly much more expensive at the course than out of your bag.

First of all, we will not be covering the basics like clubs, balls, tees, ball markers and money to pay off your bets. I am simply going to assume you know enough to bring this stuff and if you don’t – tough luck!! I also do not plan on covering the hardcore one off items like a rain suit. Keep this in your trunk or pack it if the weather report calls for rain. I know most of you do not use rain gear much but you should still invest in a nice Gore Tex rain suit – it pays for itself the first time you wear it. Have you ever tried to golf in a poncho? I thought you said you were a serious golfer?

This list will not only help you through the woes of your day but could actually help you to become a better golfer or at least not handicap you any further. And here we go:

1. First Aid Kit: This does not need to be fancy or even official. A nice Ziploc bag with some band-aids (the sports or flex fit work best), ibuprofen, chapstick, adhesive tape, sunblock and any emergency drugs you might need. My dad for example carries a couple aspirin and a “quick” relief drug his doctor prescribed. Some extras you might want to include is some antibacterial lotion, sting relief pads and a pair of nail clippers.

2. Cell Phone: The phone is not to play angry birds or take calls from the office or wife. I can not stand hearing someones phone ring on the course. We actually added a penalty to our league that if your phone rings and someone hears it (your group or not) you occur at 1 stroke penalty and a $10 fine that days betting pool. If you for some strange reason win that days pool – it gets added to next weeks pool. You are not eligible to win our own fines. That being said, put your phone on vibrate but it is great to have for:

Medical Emergency: Like I mentioned earlier, my dad has had a heart attack and carries pills just in case. While I carry the phone just in case as well. That call could make the difference and certainly could help save someones life.

Rules Dispute: during regular or tournament play if you have a dispute or question it is often easier to call the pro then try and look up the rule and interpret the call. Since the pro has likely heard the question before they will give the answer or come out to make a ruling.

3. Snacks: There is something about the golf course that even if you ate before you got there or even had breakfast or lunch at the club, you will get hungry during the round. It is great to have something quick and easy that you can grab and go with. Leave the ham sandwich or turkey leg for the turn. Stick with trail mix, granola bars, cliff bars, raisins or something similar that you can grab a handful and go. This way you do not slow up play trying to eat a 4 course meal. Avoid the high sugar snacks if possible. That candy bar might taste great now but you will likely crash before the round is over and is never fun. I always try to carry a bottle or two of water. Most courses will have water on the course but sometimes they are out and you want to stay hydrated.

4. Extra Glove(s). I personally do not wear a glove buy my dad swears he can not play without one. From looking around I am one of the few that does not wear a glove. But I do know that you do not want to wear your glove until it is falling apart. Before your glove is ready for the graveyard, pack it up and break out a new one. This way you will always have an extra that is ready for that day you get some rain and need to keep switching out gloves to stay dry.

5. Microfiber Towel: The days of the golf bag towel that clipped to your bag are long gone. Since many places do not allow you to carry it is easier to have a loose towel to wipe down clubs, dry off your clubs or even yourself. They are super versatile and can serve many different purposes through the round.

6. Extra Socks: I always have an extra pair of socks. There is nothing more uncomfortable then wet feet. Weather you are fighting the elements or sweating your opponent a fresh pair of socks can make you feel a whole lot better. Not to mention they take up very little bag real estate and will be a life saver when you really need them.

7. Toilet Paper: Go ahead, laugh all you want. But the next time that burrito sneaks up on you and you swing by the bathroom out on the course and they are out of TP, you will thank me. Sure you could also yell at the pro once you get back in to the clubhouse with brown stains down your golf pants. Not to mention they come in really handy if you have allergies and the trees are blooming. Blowing into your towels will work but it will be hell on your nose. You can either buy the travel rolls, grab a wad of tissues or a small roll of TP and put it into a plastic bag.

8. Business Cards: There are always opportunities to network. Whether it be for a new company or bring business into your existing company. You never know who you might run into or what that might be able to do for you. This is probably the high ROI in baggage real estate to potential.

9. Hat: Whether it is your lucky golf hat or a sombrero it never hurts to have a hat. It can shade your eyes from glare, protect you from the sun or just make you look that much better than you already did (if that is even possible). I live in Florida and have played in Arizona and had my head (scalp) burnt a couple times and quickly learned my lesson. I promise you, the first time your head peels from a burn, you to will never forget a hat again.

10. Shoe Laces: I know another odd sounding one but if you ever decide to re-tighten your shoe laces mid-round and one of them breaks, you are screwed. Breaking a lace and trying to tie it back together is like having a Frankenstein foot. I guarantee it will bug you for the rest of the round and likely cost you strokes in the process. This is a lot like the socks and business card suggestion. Small real estate and maximum return when you need them.

Odds and ends that are mentionable but might be user specific or just too odd for the average golfer:

Glasses or extra set of contacts: If you are a contact wearer then you will want an extra pair or your glasses as a back up. If you pop a lens on the course, you will want to get a new pair in as playing one-eyed is not suggested. If you do not want to carry an extra set than throw your glasses there for good measure.

Range Finder: I do not carry one but my golf whore dad does. I have more equipment than you can shake a stick at. You can also look into golf app or watches that will serve the same purpose.

Extra Card: Never hurts to have one for reference especially when there is no starter and the box at the tee is out.

I would love feedback if you think something is missing or I am crazy for including on the list. This is simply my take on what you need to be a serious golfer. Leave me a comment or shot me an email if you have anything or would like to make a suggestion for a future post.

Many people who have an ambition in golfing drop the ambition along the way, after they get tired of practicing something that cannot work out. Before embarking on the quest of becoming a great golfer, people have a very positive mind towards the sport. They believe that a few months or days of training and practice are enough to make them who they have always wanted to be. This is not always the case. After a few days or weeks of training, many give up on the sport. The main reason why they give up is the failure to learn the most basic trick of golfing, the simple golf swing. In golfing, the swing is everything. You could spend your whole life practicing the sport and still do not perfect if you do not grasp this basic tactic.

Are These Tips Necessary?

These are tips that will help you perfect your golf swing. A perfect golf swing is one that allows you hit the ball further and straighter. A perfect one also means a consistent swing; consistent in that it becomes a part of you that you systematically hit the ball without thinking of what you are doing and still deliver quality shots. Golfing is not only about hitting a ball with a golf club; it is an art that you perfect by practicing the right things. Swing is the most basic thing in golfing, which many take ages to learn.

Golf Swing Tips

For you to perfect in your golf swings, you need to learn from the best. It is common knowledge that one cannot teach what he does not know. Therefore, the first step towards perfecting your swing should be to look for the best golf school you can join. Once you enroll in a good school, have a learning attitude and you will be good to go. A golf swing involves systematically moving your body; all your body parts are involved in a swing starting from your head, to your feet through the other body parts. The trick is being able to combine the movements of the body parts to produce one controlled hit on the ball. Lack of coordination among the body parts will result into an uncontrolled and poor shot.

Nothing Should Stand In Your Way of Becoming A Great Golfer

After learning and practicing the simple golf swing, nothing else should stand in your way of becoming that great golfer you have always wanted to be. The swing in golfing is everything and by mastering it, you have your gate pass to your dreams. Golf swing tips cannot be imparted by anyone; you need an expert in this field. Remember, playing for many years does not make one an expert; he could be doing the wrong thing all along. Looking for a reputable golf school should be the first step. Having played the game for long should not stop you from joining a golf school; you could get tips that will help you improve on your golfing skills.

Everyone has an innate golf swing. The key to playing your best golf is unlocking your innate swing.

Despite quantum advances in equipment technology and a plethora of free information via the internet, the average handicap of the once-a-week golfer has remained virtually the same for the past fifty years!

After teaching golf for over thirty years, and given over ten-thousand lessons, I am convinced that our obsession with proper technique is the greatest obstacle to improvement.

Traditional golf instruction is based on the presupposition that our natural instincts are all wrong.

While inherent talent varies considerably, everyone has some degree of ability to hit a ball with a stick. Relying solely on instinct, most of us can throw a ball or swing a bat with a reasonable amount of success.

Learning to swing a golf club properly, however, now that’s a different story.

The search for technical perfection leads to instruction systems based on an endless loop of correcting one flaw only to have it supplanted by another.

Do you recall the story of the boy and the hole in the dam?

Have you ever seen a youngster whacking balls at a practice range when a well-meaning parent starts to explain the proper technique,by showing the child everything the he/she is doing wrong?

Am I suggesting that we would all play better without professional instruction. Of course not; but the fundamental goal should be augmenting a student’s natural ability rather than automatically trying to suppress it.

Golf instruction was not a childhood dream; my chosen vocation was Psychiatry.

Playing my first game of golf when I was eighteen, without any formal instruction, I scored seventy-nine. It seemed so easy. The Club Pro commented on my natural ability. Following his advice, I registered for a series of ten lessons.

After practicing assiduously for five months, I couldn’t break one-hundred. The Pro assured me that sooner or later, with more practice, the new swing improvements would “stick”.

They never did.

Frustrated with the experience, I sought the advice of six professional instructors. Each one offered different advice; some of which was completely contradictory.

Twenty-five years later, I have met hundreds of golfers who have endured a similar experience.

Continuous improvement is a habit. Once you master the fundamentals (which is much easier than you are led to believe), then reinforcing key concepts and actions will help you jump off the roller-coaster of inconsistency.

In the next issue, we will discuss the three most common misconceptions that set up roadblocks to improvement.

Learn to abandon technical perfection and trust your innate swing. You will be amazed at the results!

Everyone has an innate swing. Unfortunately for many golfers, the longer they play, the farther they stray from their natural motion. Please check out the website for simple drills that will help ingrain the movements that are the foundation for your natural swing.

Golf alignment is a crucial issue for successful golf. Golfers who align correctly are setting themselves up for success. Their golf swing paths have a much better chance of being correct and in order. Golfers who don’t have good alignment on the other hand, will struggle with their swing paths and their golf shot direction control. It’s pretty tough to hit the golf ball close to your target when you are misaligned. You have to make compensations in your golf swing to offset this and it’s much harder to be consistent. Here I will go over a few simple keys you can use and apply to help your alignment on the golf course so you can start playing better golf.

First of all, it’s tough to know how to align correctly if you haven’t had much practice doing this. The first thing I recommend is spending some time at the driving range working on your alignment. All you need to do is place a club down on the ground that is in between your feet and the golf ball and parallel with your target line. You can hit balls to different targets but make sure you move your club so that it is always parallel with your target line. Doing this for a little while will actually make your body and mind learn how to align correctly so that when you go out to the course, it becomes almost automatic. That’s right, people say well you can’t have a club down when you are on the course, but this doesn’t matter. Your subconscious has had practice and feedback from correctly aligning at the driving range and it will carry over to the golf course.

The next thing that will help your alignment is to pick out an intermediate target on the golf course. This can be anything from a leaf or a discolored patch of grass a couple to a few feet in front of your golf ball and in line with your target. The biggest key with your intermediate target is to use it to line up your clubface. I always recommend that golfers first align their clubface as they walk into the golf ball and take their setup. The order that is best when getting setup to the ball is to first set your clubface down, then take and adjust your stance, and finally adjust your hips, shoulders, and body so that you feel comfortable and square to your target line.

It’s really important to be aware of your alignment in regards to your feet, but it’s almost equally important to be aware of your shoulder and hip alignment as well. You can get into your setup and simply take your club and put it across your shoulders. It should point parallel to your target line. This is helpful to do on the driving range but you can also do it on the course as well. However, it’s best to go through your normal routine afterwards so that you don’t distract yourself. Practicing with alignment drills will really help you to get comfortable and consistent with aiming correctly on the course. This will improve your swing path and you’ll lower your scores.

Golf is a wonderful outdoor sport that can be played in many different types of weather conditions. A complete round of golf, including 18 holes, will typically take about 5 to 6 hours to play, depending on the course. The weather can change greatly during the course of play. Before beginning your day of play, it is important to learn about the daily weather forecast for your location.

Even in cold areas, golf courses are often open most of the year. You will need to learn how to play in all types of weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, and wet circumstances. You’ll also need to learn how to compensate for windy conditions. It is very common to play golf in the rain. Before getting onto the golf course it is important to bring the right type of equipment with you in case of rain. You will need to bring the following equipment with you:

• Golf umbrella
• Rain cover for golf clubs
• Rain jacket
• Extra golf glove
• Golf towel Remember that you should never play golf in a thunderstorm.

Lightning can strike quickly and can travel through the ground. Do not stand under trees during a storm as the lightning is attracted to tall objects. Always pay attention to the course rules. Most courses will sound an alarm when lighting is nearby. All golfers will need to head to the clubhouse. If the storm passes quickly you may be able to get back out to the course. The course manager will usually let you know if it is okay to go back to the hole where you last played.

Many people like to begin their golf game early in the morning. In the early morning you’ll deal with dew, and with cooler temperatures. You also may have fog in some areas. If you can’t see where you’ve hit the ball always yell “fore” to warn other players of the ball. Playing on a dewy surface is similar to playing in rain. The grass will be wet and slippery. Make sure that you are wearing the proper spikes to help you keep your balance during shots.

The sun can be a hindrance when playing golf. This is especially true when you’re playing towards the sun. It can create a blind spot and make it difficult to see your shot. When playing in the sun it is helpful to wear sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that protect against UV rays. Pick a pair of sunglasses that fit well and are made for sports. They should not fall off when you turn your head quickly. You can keep them in place by using a special sports band.

Playing when it’s windy can be difficult. You will need to change your normal club based on the wind conditions. If the wind is coming from behind you choose a club that hits a shorter distance. If the wind is blowing towards you, choose a club that hits a further distance. You’ll also want to keep the ball lower to the ground when it’s windy. This will help keep the ball from being carried by the wind.

Playing is hot conditions can be difficult because of the possibility of dehydration. Always carry some water with you so you will stay hydrated throughout play. Check the course rules to make sure that you are allowed to bring on your own beverages. If not, you’ll be able to buy them from the traveling vendor on the course. Wear a cap to keep your head from overheating. If you get extremely hot, wet your golf towel and put it on your neck to help you cool down. Rest between holes if you need to and stay in the shade as much as possible.

Before heading out for the day of golf, check the local weather forecast for the area. Dress according to the weather so that you’ll be comfortable during play. It is best to dress in layers so that you can remove excess clothing as the day heats up.

Surfing the web is a great task and very time-consuming when trying to locate specific items. Locating one location which houses education, solutions, and answers for your golfing concerns is very helpful. Become a golf member utilizing the talents of a PGA pro and tour golf coach.

Golf member

There is much information on golf on the internet highway. There are not enough hours in a day to canvas for specific information which you need. Your searching time is taking you away from the golf course.

Become a golf member with one website because it works to your advantage and level of understanding. You are able to focus. Working a shotgun approach with many websites is too messy, unorganized, and disconnected.

One website can provide techniques, tips, and more:

Drive the ball farther
Sink more putts
Shave strokes off your game
Lower your handicap
Become the best that you can be

What are we not doing?

I think it is safe to say that most of us want to be better than an average player. Worse, there is always one player in the group who has the ability to drive the ball for longer distances, shoot straighter, and sink those putts which are farther out. That person gets the recognition and attention for their drive and putting abilities.

It makes us feel bad because we are not living up to our abilities and expectations of our golfing skills.

Real-world practical advice

It is time to get professional instruction which is realistic and doable. We need to learn real-world, practical advice. Take another look at your golfing buddies. If the majority of the players are playing poorly you have no mentors. Your results will be poor because of the low expectations or skills of your fellow players. To be better, you need to surround yourself with better players.

I know it hurts when you see your fellow players seemingly holding you back from playing a better game of golf. But I feel and you feel that you can do better. We can break away from our group in a pleasant way or persuade the group to improve and do it as a team.

If my buddies are not able to improve and I want to, then I need to move on to better players who are able to educate me and find those instructors which have helped them to become their best. It will also save my searching time for those good instructors.

Affordable instruction

Golf coaches paid by the hour are available; however, if you are the average income person, like me, this expense is not affordable. I have found electronic books to be more affordable as well as convenient.

Another affordable opportunity when downloading golfing instruction is to belong to a monthly program. This type of information is always current.

Become the top dog in your group

It is important to learn correct golfing techniques, professional tricks, and professional secrets which will help you and me to become better golfers and bring the lime light of attention and respect our way.

Researching golf grip tips to fix your golf swing is a very wise decision. Since your hands are your only contact with the club, it definitely affects the flight of your ball. Whether you hit a slice or a hook, you can change your grip and immediately correct you fault.

Types Of Golf Grips

Strong: A strong grip is one in which your left hand (for a right-handed golfers) is turned to the right if you are looking straight down at it. In fact, you should be able to see 2-3 knuckles of your left hand when you look down at it.

Your right hand is turned under just a bit, to mold with that strong left hand on the club. Having your hands on the club in this fashion encourages your clubface to rotate rapidly through impact, without any extra manipulation from your hands.

This grip produces a draw, and if abused, can result in a snap hook that gets you in a lot of trouble.

Weak: A weak grip is one where you left hand is turned more to your left (counter-clockwise), to the point where you mind only see one knuckle when you look down at it at address. In combination to that, your right hand is also more on top of the club, where you might have up to three knuckles showing.

Having your hands on the club like this promotes a fade, but can quickly result in a big slice if you’re not careful. This grip will allow you to release your club fully, without holding back at all.

Neutral: This is the best of both worlds and should be the grip of choice for golfers just starting out. When you look down at your hands you’ll see 2 knuckles of your left hand at the most, and 1-11/2 knuckles showing in your right hand.

This will allow you to release the club naturally. You don’t have to go at it hard with this grip.

Fixing A Slice

To fix a slice, you’ll want to bring your left hand over more, very much a stronger grip. This will make it easier to square your clubface and get draw spin on the ball.

Fix A Hook

This is the exact opposite to the slice. You’ll want to bring your left hand more to your left, or counter-clockwise, so your clubface doesn’t close too fast through impact.

Not long ago I was asked my opinion of what have been the most significant advances in golf club technology over the past century. Such a list has to include improvements such as steel shafts replacing hickory, perimeter weighted irons and metal woods replacing blades and wooden heads, titanium driver heads with their higher COR, and graphite shafts to lighten the total weight of golf clubs, just to name a few.

I also believe the latest entry on such a list should include hybrid clubs, but only if the hybrids are correctly fit to golfers for the purpose of truly taking their place as a part of each golfer’s iron set, rather than to simply be an alternative to a fairway wood or a club which still leaves distances on the course for which the golfer has no easy to hit club.

What do I mean?

The golf industry’s practice of ever decreasing the loft of irons over the past thirty years has gotten to the point that the vast majority of golfers do not possess the ability to hit the 3-, 4- and even the 5-iron consistently enough to even merit having the clubs in their bag.

Evolution of Iron Lofts

Head – Pre-1970s – PresentAverage

2-iron – 20* – N/A

3-iron – 24* – 20.5*

4-iron – 28* – 23.5*

5-iron – 32* – 26*

6-iron – 36* – 30*

7-iron – 40* – 34*

8-iron – 44* – 38*

9-iron – 48* – 42.5*

PW – 52* – 47*

AW – N/A – 51*

SW – 56* – 56*

Note: Present lofts represent an average among standard made irons today.

This condition of “shrinking loft disease” in the irons most certainly is what has opened the door to allow hybrid clubs to step in to offer a truly positive solution for golfers who find the modern #3, 4 and 5 irons more difficult to hit consistently well. Unfortunately, because hybrid clubs sold off the shelf run the gauntlet in terms of lengths and lofts, simply buying hybrid clubs off the shelf will not bring about the best possible results for all golfers. Some hybrids are built the same length as fairway woods. Most are made to lengths in between those of the longer irons and fairway woods, while few are offered in the same lengths as the low loft conventional irons that need to be replaced.

The most effective way to custom fit every golfer for hybrid clubs is to start by fitting the golfer for hybrids with the same length and the same loft as the irons the golfer finds difficult to hit consistently well. Most golfers will find it very helpful to replace the 5-iron with a hybrid as well.

By custom fitting the hybrids to the same length and loft as the irons being replaced, not only will the golfer have a club for each shot distance they may encounter, they will also have clubs that truly will eliminate the problems caused by “shrinking loft disease” in the irons. For more insights and great deals on hybrids, you can visit Tom Wishon Golf Technology.