Archive for July, 2009

David Feherty is back at it again with his much-awaited second collection of hilarious columns from Golf Magazine and golfonline.com. As an added bonus, readers will be treated to DavidA?s newest writing endeavor, FehertyA?s Mailbag, where he answers questions sent in by readers in typical Feherty style. This new collection promises not to disappoint longtime fans, and any virgin Feherty reader is sure to become immediately addicted to his cockeyed, yet refreshingly honest outlook towards golf and its relation to life as we thought we knew it.

Golf is one of the world’s most established sports. With many people playing the game all over the world, whether you’re old or young, pro or just starting out there are courses around the UK and abroad for you to learn and enjoy playing.

Films and TV shows sometimes depict golf courses as homes for the super rich and this can put people off the idea of playing golf fearing that course regulars may be waiting on the tee for you to eventually work your way to the green.

It’s advisable for new players to stick to the shorter courses at first. There are many par 3 nine hole courses dotted around the country ideal for beginners and younger players to learn on. These courses are a great starting point for children and adults as they tend to only require a smaller range of clubs focussed on your short game, without needing to worry about trying to drive the ball like John Daly or Tiger Woods.

Once you’ve built up your confidence and developed a comfortable technique and swing, you may then try stepping it up by taking on your first 18 hole course. These will normally have fewer shorter par 3 holes and have much more variety to test and develop your skills.

There are essentially four types of course you can try out in the UK including links, heath land, down land and parkland. Each of these course types can provide different challenges such as weather conditions, different vegetation and other factors such as water hazards.

Links golf courses are sea front courses with a heavy presence of sand. They are also often very exposed to the elements so high winds will test your shots considerably.

Heath land courses are open, uncultivated land (prevalent in the British Isles) having sandy soil and dominated by small shrubs with small hard leaves.

Down land courses are built on open chalky or limestone hills or cliffs, as such they are often associated with links courses due to their location, some courses can even be a mix of down land and links.

Parkland courses tend to be grassy courses with less treacherous rough than a links course.

All course types can have bunkers, trees, some level of roughage to add variety to each hole and of course the dreaded water hazard. To many spectators beautiful additions such as a stream or a pond may look good but for golfers it is an intimidating obstacle that could mean they lose their ball if their next shot goes wrong.

To play on any professionally cared for golf course you will normally have to pay green fees; this is so that whenever you play you are paying towards the upkeep of the course. The price of each course can vary, depending on what time of year, even what time of day you arrive to play but savings can be made through 2 for 1 golf deals that are now available. You may even want to consider golf insurance cover or even hole in one insurance, so you won’t lose all your savings on buying drinks if you strike gold from the tee!

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How many times accept you heard the word, "Getting back to basics"? Opportunities are you affiliate that phrase with how you spend your money or with superior conclusions you make about your life, but in average it's good advice to succeed for many places. Even on the course, remembering simple golf swing basics can improve not just your swing but your game and your score overall. And of course if your score is improved you'll probably love the game that much more as well! So what are these golf swing basic principles you require to remember and how can they assist you improve? One of the most important aspects of golf swing basics has to do with from where the swing originates. Too many golfers pull their arms across their body and back again when a golf swing should actually rise from the shoulders. If the shoulders are not moving right then the body will create drag for the arms and create a block, which will mean a bad swing on a poor arc. The golf swing basics that affect your arms and shoulders are often overlooked by golfers as they get used to smacking the ball with a direct shot rather than one that arcs gently. If you discover that you're reaching the ball very tight and it does feel as if you're smacking it on impact, you may need to be careful of using your shoulders with your swing. Different golf swing basics to remember admit the angle or arc of your swing. It's not unusual for amateurs to pull their club up at too much of a standing angle, which means they then draw it back down vertically as well. This means that the club is not getting underneath the ball so there is very little arc or trajectory and the club cannot create the whip effect that gives the ball distance. Understanding how the club's striking the ball affects it is part of mastering those golf swing basics; if you can understand why a club should land a particular way then you better understand how to hold it and how to swing. Learning golf swing basics is not typically as difficult as many golfers think. Often they overwhelm themselves with different points that truly don't help their swing as much as they believe, and they also get very nervous and tense as they try to remember everything. Usually a simple swing is the greatest; trying to take each element "perfect" is normally counterproductive for almost. You can easily review your own golf swing basics every time you practice or are on the course; mentally review your stance, the arc of your swing, and your body’s position during the swing as well. Most mistakes are caused in one of those aspects of the swing. This means that if you correct and apply these simple golf swing basics you'll no doubt have a much better swing and a much better game overall!

There are some people who would like to learn how to play golf for different reasons. One person wants to play this game because for him, it would be a nice exercise and just by walking in the middle of a very nice landscape of dunes and grasses and tall tree. But before you can get to enjoy the scenery and the actual round of golf, you need to stay at home first and learn some kind of theories in playing golf so that you will have a bird’s-eye view of what you can expect when you’re already out there about to give the first swing. You can actually learn some golf putting drills right in your own home.

Golf putting is one of the most important things you need to learn when you play golf. But because some golfers out there think that this kind of technique doesn’t need any specialized training, they would often ignore this. But the fact of the matter is, golf putting is just as important as your swing. That’s why, it’s really very important for a serious golf player to get some golf putting help and one of the best help for this is a book guide or any other learning tools that they can find from websites that cater to golf players and golf enthusiasts.

As a matter of fact, because golf putting is also very important, a lot of book guides like golf putting aids are now being promoted on the Net and all you need to do is to get to some reviews first to find out which of the best guides is really best for you. Some of these reviews will help you familiarize yourself with different golf putting guides so it would be easy for you to choose which one you think is best for you and the one that you can easily understand.

The aim of this article is to provide golfers with the neccessary assistance and to enable them to get off to the best possible start and to ultimately get the best imaginable benefits from golf coaching sessions. When you read through this entire article you will be better placed to take full advantage of the expert tution that you receive.
 
You are passionate about golf, am I right? You would really like to become a better golfer, correct? Do you feel that you are not progressing as well as you think you should be? Then why not seek assistance with some expert golf tuition?

Employing the services of a golf trainer for a few extremely vital golf lessons may easily be one of the most beneficial decisions you are able to make and turn out to be so very advantageous.

It is widely recognised that some form of golf lessons or coaching is important in order that your golf skills are developed and that your improvement is quicker than if you were left on your own.

That being the case, it is also reasonable to assume that undertaking golf lessons from a golf professional may well be quite costly. If you can afford it anyway then taking golf lessons will not be a problem financially. However, if you are working on a strict budget then why not explore the internet and seek out those golf sites that provide free advice and information. One such site that should be of interest to you is the Golf Beginners Guide. You will be able to access it here.

On the basis that you go down the road of engaging the services of a golf trainer for your golf tuition then it is advisable that you consider these viewpoints.

It is broadly acknowledged that it is not easy to ask for assistance, but in golf, it is virtually an essential requirement. Unfortunately, we often ask ourbuddies and partners, when in truth we should take a lesson or two.

You may think that a golf professional may be unjustly critical but in fact they are honest, positive and very helpful.

Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you might think and they are well worth it because your game will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration, making the game much more enjoyable for you. And as we all should keep in mind that should be our ultimate aim - to enjoy the game of golf that we all love.

Of utmost importance, you will need to be honest about your game. The golf professional will ask you what you want to start with; your swing, driving, chipping, putting or whatever you
feel that assistance is required.

It goes without saying that you should listen carefully and follow any instructions you are given. At the outset you may well have reservations if your golf trainer changes certain aspoects of your game - such as your stance, your swing or even your grip. But stick with it though because your golf trainer knows best.

Needless to say you will be paying a good fee for your golf coaching so feel free to ask as many questions that you feel necessary. Don’t worry if the question or problem you have may appear stupid - they have heard it all before and they will not make you feel awkward for asking the question. If you don’t understand anything then tell your golf trainer that you are not following their advice. Your session should never end with you still having questions that are left unanswered.

You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or several. You could begin with a driving lesson; or you could get tuition for the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the right follow-through in one lesson, but then you will need to practice it (always be reminded that practice makes perfect!!).

As your game comes along and you feel that you have controlled the areas of your game thus far addressed, the following training sessions may have you working at your short game, or your putting.

Golf can be a really costly game to play and it is reasonable to assume that you have invested a fair amount of money in your equipment - golf clubs, golf bag, golf balls, golf clothing, golf cart etc; - therefore doesn’t it make common sense for you to learn how to use them to their advantage and improve your skills and capabilities?

Hopefully, now that you have read this article, you will now see the virtues of taking golf lessons. That being said, like many things in this life, any information gathered will be of no significance if the necessary action is not taken. So don’t simply read this article and concur with what has been written, take the required action and book those coaching lessons. As remarked on earlier, even if this means surfing the internet and looking for the golf websites that offer free tips and advice.

It is safe to say that taking the lessons is not the end of the matter. Practice and keep practicing the areas of coaching that you have been provided with and your game will invariably improve. Therefore, consequently and quite significantly, you will get more enjoyment from playing golf. Enjoy your golf everyone!!

Overview/Technology-

Taken straight from Fujikura, the Fujikura E100 Series which consists of the Fujikura E150 and Fujikura E160, “Proven Technology for the Player Looking to Get Better,” these are words that probably hit home for the majority of golfers out there.  The E100 Series is designed for the good player that wants to take that next step, but just not quite ready for prime time, tour type player that is - this is likely to hit home for a great number of you reading this review.  So let’s take a look at this nice shaft by Fujikura.

Fujikura E150 - this model is fairly light coming in at only 55-58 grams with a with a high spin rate.  The Bend profile is also low making this a shaft that will probably produce more distance given it’s weight and bend profile.

Fujikura E160 - this model is a slightly heavier model than the E150 coming in at 64-66 grams.  The Bend profile is Low to Medium.  This will produce a more piercing ball flight than the E150 but still is considered a high launcher.  Both models are in fact, considered to be a High Launch shaft.

Pros/Positives-

This is a good fit for a low to mid handicapper, probably with a smooth swing.  The higher spin rate combined with a Bend profile lends itself well to a higher ball launch and will be well suited for a good player looking to get better with distance.

Cons/Negatives-

Probably not well-suited for a low handicapper with a strong or fast swing speed.  Again, given the profile of the shaft, it may start ballooning on this type of player.

This shaft may be an “in between-er” for some golfers.  Designed for the better player but some of its characteristics still lean toward the recreational player looking to get better.  The only way you can truly determine if its a good fit for you is to try it out, preferably on a launch monitor.

Overall Rating-

The Fujikura E150 and E160 are very good golf shafts, made by one of the best shaft makers in the business.  Definitely worth giving it a test drive.  Again, we recommend getting trying before buying, preferably on a launch monitor.

Overview/Technology-

The Harrison Saga is a new shaft, introduced in 2008, and is known for one of the more stable golf shafts available today.  The low Torque coupled with a mid flex point, makes this shaft tough to beat, especially with its tight dispersion results.

Harrison uses a low twist geometry that allows this shaft to have one of the best shot dispersion in its category (stable, low launch, shafts) appealing to the better golfer.

The Saga definitely is one of a dynamic profile. For example, as the overall shaft stiffness increases, the tip section stiffens up and its resistance to torque drops - by allowing the tip stiffness to correspond to the shaft flex, this allows for better players and average golfers to use the same shaft.  Additionally Harrison tweaked the flex profile of the shaft so that the softer flexes have higher launch angle to appeal to a larger audience.

Actual Player Feedback-

“The Saga turned out the longest with the best dispersion”

Pros/Positives-

The Saga is a very and dynamic shaft that will appeal to the many, better golfers.  It’s low Torque combined with a mid flex point provides all the stability you need in most cases.  In addition, this shaft is most golfer’s price range, a medium priced shaft with great features.  And price is always a big sticking point in this economy.

Cons/Negatives-

Even though the shaft profile is dynamic, the mid bend point and lower Torque will probably scare some away, mostly big hitters.

Overall Rating-

Great addition to Harrison’s high quality shaft line.  When you have Padraig Harrington, K.J. Choi and Rory Sabbatini touting your products, you bound to have some followers.  The Harrison Saga should be no exception - it provides great stability and tight dispersion rates.

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