Table of Contents
Just A Little Golf History
The origin of golf is hard to place exactly. Several countries are claiming that they started the now popular game, but the most believed is the Netherlands.
According to history, the Netherlands had the ideas of hitting balls into holes with a golf club in the 17th century.
In addition to this, it is said that the word golf comes from the Dutch was golf which means stick, Top Golf club and bat.
It does NOT come from the acronym “gentlemen only, ladies forbidden.” Despite this early introduction of golf, it did not come around in the United States until the 1880s.
The oldest course in the world dates back to St. Andrews Trails, located in the Royal Burgh of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. This course is known as the “home of golf”.
Even though it is commonly known that golf courses have eighteen holes, according to history, this has not always been so. Golfers at St. Andrews played on a route that was determined by the topography of the area.
An eleven-hole course came about and players would play all eleven, turn around and play them again – twenty-two holes.
Some thought that the holes were to short in 1764, so were combined with other holes. The number was reduced from eleven to nine, leaving a total of eighteen holes.
The size of top golf hole even goes back in history. The standard golf hole size is 4.25 inches in diameter.
It was the St. Andrews Trails that were the founders of this standard size, with some assistance from the links at Musselburgh.
This size was decided upon because the folks at Musselburgh had invented the first known hole cutter in 1829.
This cutter utilized a tool that was 4.25 inches in diameter. St. Andrews simply liked that size and adopted it for the games standard hole size.
The common used phrases in the game of top golf are birdie, eagle and par.
The word bird was a slang term in the 19th century that referred to anything considered remotely cool. So the term was used then for a great shot in a game of golf – one that led to a score under par – and was eventually turned into birdie.
The word eagle followed along those lines in keeping with the bird mentality.
Par was used long before it became associated with the game of golf and basically meant something that was acceptable or average.
The word simply became associated over time with the game of top golf to indicate an ideal score among golfers.
Where did these rules come from? Well, you honestly cannot play a game, any game, without rules.
So from the very beginning there had to have been understood rules to play along with.
No one knows what those rules were as the rules were never officially written until they were specifically written in 1744 for the Annual Challenge for the Edinburgh Silver Club.
Golf didn’t just come around yesterday. It has a history. And to fully enjoy and understand the game, you need to know where it came from. Learn a little!
Basic Knowledge In Golfing
If you know people, who conduct business in the golf course, then may be you want the experience as well.
This guide on how to play golf will help you in understanding the intricacies of this game.
I may need to mention that this game is unlike any other game; in here, what you need is strategy rather than power.
Why do I say this? This is because the common mistake of top golf beginners is by giving all their might in trying to hit the ball.
This is not the proper way to play golf and I am hoping that this article will help you learn how to get started and hopefully learn the tricks to make sure that you will not only enjoy this game but rather be successful in your business while playing.
Of course, you know that you will need a golf club. However, you will need many types of top golf clubs. What are they?
Putter
Wood
Iron
Wedge
Driver
All these golf clubs differ in characteristics and while playing a single game, you may need all of them.
Additionally, you will need to be comfortable with your golf club; this is to ensure that you will be able to swing the ball easily.
One important thing however, you do not need to spend hugely on a new and branded top golf club. The reason is that each golf club has its own weight, function and if you buy a golf club that does not fit your competency, you may play poorly and your money spent on the golf club will be useless.
My advice for you is to try renting golf club for your first few visits to the golf course, when you finally found the right golf club for you, then you may venture into buying your golf club.
I may say again that the price of the golf club will not speak for your game play, thus, choose your golf club wisely.
By the way, the subject of our article is how to play golf, so let us move on.
We have discussed the golf club already, so the next steps now.
- Learn the swing
- Find a mentor
- Enjoy the game
Learn the swing
The common mistake of beginners is to give their swing all the power they can muster. This may bring your ball forward but the direction may be the problem.
The recommendation is for you to learn how to comfortably swing your golf club that it will give your ball direction and distance.
There is only one way to do this and that is practice. Also, try to learn from other players around you.
Find a Mentor
This is important. Even professional have mentors that gave them the guidance on how to play the golf well. Especially for beginner like you, your mentor will guide you on the tricks of how to play golf.
Enjoy the game
This is the most important trick of all. You will find it hard to learn the swing, you may bring your ball north, south, east or west, and you surely will become frustrated.
However, all of the above are part of beginning a certain endeavor, thus learn to laugh at your mistakes and bring home the enjoyment of playing golf.
Basic Ideas in Golfing
Whatever we want to do , we have to understand well of the subject and that include Golf.
Feel like to play Golf? There are things that you need to know about the game so that you can enjoy playing it and be a better golf player.
Keep Fit
Although golf does not as aggressive as basketball or football which is not really requires rapid physical movements, fitness is still a must and is important for golf player.
Your challengor is the course itself. You must be at your best both mental and physical. It si not about increasing strength , it is about how your body and mind work together to tackle the challenge at the golf course.
Exhibit Good Etiquette
Many says that golf is for gentleman because the players act professionally. They observe what the do’s and don’ts during the game.
Among the good etiquette such as don’t delay the game, don’t make noise ( a little joke will do) or don’t do anything that will distract other players.
Look what and where you swing so that you won’t hurt others. Golf need focus mind and body.
Get To Know The Golf Clubs
There will always be 3 types in a golf set ie the woods, irons and putter. Start with woods for tee-off and long distances hit as woods are good in such distances. Irons are proper for middle-distances and putter is made for green finishing.
Other than putter, the other two types have numbers which represent its own function. For example wood no 1 is used to make the ball go for a distance like 150 yards and above.
Iron no 5 is used for a mid-distance between 80 to 100 yards whilst iron 9 is good for short distance of about 50 yards.
Try all other sizes of clubs and keep to those that fits you. There are times that the best club may fit for a particular golf course but may not suitable for other course.
Practice Your Swing
Golf is about swing. Just like football is about kicking and tennis is about hitting. Your game rely on how good your swing is. To get the ball in the hole with minimum swing is the peak of the golf game. If you get the right swings , then you can control the ball.
Learn The Rule
Get to know the rules as it will determine who will wins. In golf games ,it is not only about getting the ball into the hole but also to adhere to its rule. For instance you should know what does Par 4 or Par 5 means.
There are many more things that you need to know so that you can enjoy the game and become a better player. But the above is a good start in learning about golf.
There is nothing more important in any game but enjoying it. Golf is no difference, so hit the green and go for it.
How Can I Improve My Skills In Golfing
If you ask me the question, the answer is simple, learn the basic and make it perfect . Those basic things are the swing, the clubs and the course. In golf game , the three related components are You, the clubs and the course.
In golf, learning the basic is very important. It is just like a building, without proper foundation , no matter how elegant the building is , eventually it will come down.
Without learning and perfecting , you will loose the desire to play the game.Many great golfers start during their young age, they learn and perfecting the basic and now they get the benefit.
Let us see what are the basics that you need to learn and perfect them :-
The Swing
This is the core of the game, your swing. The swing that differentiates great players from ordinary players.
Every players must know how to swing, there is no exception. Without perfecting it, eventually you will be out of course.
Golf is about swing the club, hit the ball and to make sure it is entered into the hole. It is the swing that determine the winner. The less number of swing for the ball to enter into the hole, the better it is.
You have to learn how to control the ball with your swing . Your swing will determine the rolling and direction of the ball.
The other basic related to swing is how to hold the club correctly, how to stand and how to drive the ball which all these can be learnt. But the swing require more than learning, you have to cultivate the swing perfection.
The Clubs
The other important basic component in golf is the clubs. You must be familiar with your clubs and knows what clubs to use.
The distance, the condition and the purpose are the criteria in choosing the suitable club for swinging. Improper use of clubs for different purpose will make you a looser player.
The Course
Know the course as it can help you to control the game. Although all golf courses have similar regulations but for those expert can tell you that courses differ from one to the other.
It is important to know and master the course. By knowing the course, you will be able to decide how to hit the ball, where to hit it and where to avoid.
All professional players will examine the course before any tournament begin. This will give them some clue on the type of course that they will play on.
Again, your success rely on the basics. You have to learn it and make it perfect to ensure that you can success in golfing.
How To Buy Golf Clubs for Beginners
For those new golfers who are ready to kick off on the golf course , the first thing that they need to do is to get a set of golf club but they are not sure what to buy.
There are too many choices ranges from the cheap to expensive ones, the popular brands and those use by the pros. But not to worry much as I can guide you on how to purchase your first set of golf clubs.
Firstly, get a professional to evaluate your swing as by doing this he will advise you what is the appropriate clubs suitable for your level.
Clubs are made by people with goals ie golf clubs that give maximum performance while allowing little swing error to provide an accurate, yet forgiving shot. The better your swing, the less forgiving club you require.
There are altogether fourteen clubs in a bag of which one must be a putter, you can’t finish your game without it. So , what is the rest thirteen clubs.
Woods
Woods are used for tee-off (where you start your first hit) but is used when hitting a ball for a distance more than 175 yards to the green.
These woods come in 3 type ie 1-driver , 3 and 5 and this wood design is a hollow-bodied large headed club.
Irons
Irons are used for second hit and can be used for tee-off for a distance less than 175-yards to the green.
A standard set of irons are numbered as 3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9. The closer you are to the green , the higher number of iron you are going to use.
Wedges
This club is used for controlling your shot when your distance are almost nearing the green where it is used to loop the ball so that it drop on the green .
These wedges commonly known as pitching wedge, sand wedge , approach wedge, sand wedge , lob wedge and high lob wedge. This club is extremely important and useful for golfers when approaching green.
Putters
The must have club for golfers where it gets the ball into the hole. It is used only on the green. Putters come in a wide variety for you to choose from.
Although there fourteen clubs in a bag, it is not necessary to have a complete set to start golfing. Normally, for those beginner , it is recommended to have a 3-wood, 3-iron, 7-iron and a putter.
Once you are getting better in your swing and learn your yardage more and have better understanding of the clubs, you can always increase the number in your bag. My opinion is get a short set second hand and later trade it for a full set .
How To Get Good Golf Lesson For Beginners
Golf for Begineers
Taking lessons will helps golf beginners to learn faster . In golf, beginners will learn how to play the proper way and those who are already mastered the game need a lesson to become better player.
Whether the need to learn playing golf is for business or recreational or professional, good golf lessons will come in handy.
From learning golf, you can get the basics and perfecting the game. You will be taught how to master the swing . You will be guided what is the best club for you and also teach you how to read the course.
Private Golf Lessons
If you feel shy and want to get a one on one coaching then go for a private golf lessons.
This is a really great way to learn golf as the instructor will have full time with you and he will be more concern in making you to becoming the best player and achieve the best in your game but suit to your convenience.
If happen that you got a great golf instructor, they may share with you some secrets that you may not get somewhere.
However, the only setback in this type of lesson is the fees which is quite expensive since the instructor need to focus only on your needs during your lessons. For those golf beginners with enough budget, you may opt for this package.
Group Golf Lessons
If the cost is of your concern, then go for group golf lessons. You can still learn without hurting your pocket. With this type of lessons, you get the chance of learning in a group.
The advantage of this lessons is apart of the low cost, you can interact with others and practice with them thus giving you the necessary competitive edge that could sharpen your skill in golfing.
The only setback is you got less chance to tailor the lesson to your needs. Still you can tailor it by practicing it yourself after getting the lessons from the group. Practice make perfect.
Self- Taught Golf Lessons
If you can’t afford at all be it either the private or group lessons, you can still learn it by yourself. This is call self-taught golf lessons. You need to go all the way to research it yourself.
Internet is the best resources that you can garner much information such as from the webs, blogs or videos. Read and look at them and try to put it into practice and make it work into the game.
Taking this type of lessons need a lot of trial and error to get your game right and it is impossible to do it.
The major difference between the champions and the average players is their willingness to learn and improve their swings etc.
You have to work extra hard to put your game into excellent and become a better player and mastering the game.
Enjoy yourself golf beginners!
Amazing Golf Tips That Can Improve Your Game
Golf is a common sport played by many people around the world. Golf is different from many sports, due to the fact that instead of the highest score resulting in a winner, the lowest score does.
Anyone can play golf as long as they can stand and have a set of clubs. The tips in this article will help you play golf.
When you are on the green and have to remove the flag stick be sure to not throw it down. The act of throwing it down can damage the surface of the green.
When you take out the flag stick put it down gently and make sure that it is near the edge of the green and not the cup.
When in doubt, always play it safe in golf. You won’t have to be Superman and get over that water hazard.
There’s nothing wrong with laying it up and then taking your second shot to get closer to the green. Golf is a game of precision, not of brute strength. You would do well to remember that.
Since you golf as if there was a pendulum around your shoulders, you will feel some pain and discomfort in your shoulders and in your back.
Be in tune to your body, you do not want to pull anything. Consider using a back brace so that you keep your back in alignment.
If there is any chance that your shot could come close or hit another player, always yell ‘fore.’
By shouting this common warning, those around you can protect themselves from possible injury while also letting them know that you are concerned for them.
If you do not yell and a ball comes near another player you may be on the receiving end of a lecture or worse.
If you’re just starting out in golf, like to pick up a game on impulse occasionally, or want to be prepared to catch a quick game if it comes up while traveling, you might want to invest in an adjustable golf club!
This handy-dandy device can adjust in length and the angle of the head to suit any shot. It’s a fun thing to have for new golfers and impulse golfers!
Invest in good golf balls. Cheap, hard balls ricochet off of your club fiercely, making them more difficult to control.
These balls are rigid and solid, and never get as good of a bite and spin as the more expensive soft balls, especially when on the putting green. You will quickly find your lowered scores are well worth the small increase in cost.
Honor and integrity are paramount on the golf course. There aren’t any umpires or referees in golf to call out a player who is cheating or acting badly.
Golfers must police themselves. Make sure that you are always on your best behavior when you are on the course.
As stated before in this article, golf is a common sport played worldwide by many people.
Because golf requires winners to have a lower score instead of a higher one, it is different than other sports.
Anyone with a set of clubs can stand and if you remember the tips from this article, then you can play golf.
3 Tips for Improving Your Golf Swing
Golf is enjoyed by many. It can be played by people of any age. Golf can be a great family activity for those that want to get child sized clubs for the younger members of the family.
It’s possible to grow to love the game even if at first you think it is boring.
But it can take awhile to get good at it. Working on improving your golf swing is one of the keys to becoming a better golfer.
Working on your swing will help you improve your game. Here are some tips to help you improve your swing.
Golfing is not like fishing, you don’t want to flip your wrist when the ball makes contact with the club. Your instinct might be to quickly flip your wrist but you want to avoid this.
When you make contact with the ball, your watch wrist should be pointed toward the ground so that, when you follow through, your wrist is pointed straight forward.
This reduces your slice and helps your ball stay on target. Your ball will travel farther with this extra strength at the point of contact.
Make sure to put your left knew out toward your target during the back-swing motion. Your sense of stability in both knees as well as some muscle tension should be felt this way.
This aides in proper stance and ensures that you are not turning your body during follow through on the stroke.
The best way to practice this is to try holding a basketball between your knees when you swing (or at least imagine that you need to keep one there).
You will need this stance to show you how to draw from the strength you have in your leg muscles.
Your right hand needs to now be in the hitchhiker position for back-swings. What this means is that your thumb should be pointed up toward the sky when your club is at waist height and you are looking down upon it.
The left hand needs to be in a handshake position during back-swing. Straight out as if to be shaking another and to the right.
Doing these things will improve your swing and again your overall game clear through the follow through.
Golf is enjoyed by many. It is fun for all ages. Golfing can even be fun for small children. At first, nobody’s golf swing is perfect. When you put forth the effort, you will improve the quality of your golf swing.
Improvement to your golf swing can be achieved in a number of ways and as your swing improves so will your overall game. The right clubs, stance, and swing will all help you as you work to improve your golf swing.
How To Succeed In Golf
The game of golf is a beautiful game and like in any other game succeeding at golf demands certain things of the golfer.
Determination
Any successful golfer will tell you that one of the secrets of success is to be fiercely determined. Determination is crucial to success in any endeavor in life and golf is no exception.
For the first time golfer or the beginner who has a dream of being of the best in the game, there are so many obstacles to over come. The obstacles of learning the basics, improving his game and mastering the game etc.
He or she will be able to overcome these obstacles easily if he or she is strongly determined.
Determination helps you not to accept initial failure as an excuse to stop doing what you are doing but rather determination pushes you to go on and keep working at it until you get it right.
Do you think Tiger Woods got to where he is right now without a strong or fierce determination?
Practice
It has been said that, Practice makes perfect. It will be impossible for you to perfect your game if you don’t have a strong practice regime. The world top golfers all agree on one thing, there is no substitute for practice.
The more you practice how to improve your game, the more your game actually improves.
So if you are really interested in succeeding at golf you must have a very strong and disciplined practice regime.
Don’t you know that those beautiful shots the masters of the game make during the game were perfected during their personal practice time?
Discipline
All great golfers are disciplined? Golf is a game for patient and disciplined people. If you don’t really understand the game, watching a golf game may appear boring to you but when you really understand the game you realize that it’s a really very interesting game.
It’s a game that really requires a lot of discipline and patience. What great golfers do during the major competitions are a result of the discipline they had cultivated during their seemingly minor practice time.
Being disciplined helps you to build a strong practice regime and keep to it. Being disciplined helps you to stay focused and succeed at golf.
Learning From Better Players
To really succeed at golf you can’t afford to just practice alone or just play with players you are better than so that you can always feel good about yourself. This won’t improve your game.
To really be a great player you must learn from and play with those better than you. This helps you to realize what necessary improvements you need to make on your game.
Learning from better players will undoubtedly make you a better player. So learn to ask people who you know are good at the game for tips about how to improve your game, you will be surprised at how eager they will be to help you.
To be a success at golf you need to know what the game is about, improve on your game, be determined ,disciplined , practice well and learn from others.
If you get these things right you will really be amazed at how much success you will have in the game of golf.
SUMMARY
Golf is a beautiful game and success in it depends on how determined and disciplined you are, how much practice you put into the game and your willingness to learn from better players.
How To Learn The Fast And Easy Way To Improve Your Golf
Countless business deals have taken place over a round of golf. Whether you seek to be at ease on the course when you’re playing with your boss, or just want to play for your own pleasure, this article will provide you with the tips to help you do just that!
When playing from a stance where your ball is elevated above or below your feet, make sure you aim more in the uphill direction from your ball.
The hill will naturally cause your swing to push the ball in the more downhill direction, so this pre-shot correction will increase your chance to hit a straight ball from even the most slanted green.
A helpful tip when it comes to golf, is to make sure you always relax yourself before each shot, by taking in a deep breath of four counts and exhaling slowly,
Over the course of counting to four. This is one of the best ways you can calm yourself before addressing the ball.
If you are faced with a bunker shot from wet, packed sand, and you are close to the green, consider forgoing your sand wedge for one with a higher loft.
Using a lob wedge or other aggressively angled club will allow you a better chance to slice through the wet bunker and land your shot safely on the green.
Balance is essential when it comes to the sport of golf. To begin, no matter what your swing is or what you are trying to do,
Maintain your balance as you make your attempts. Balance is a huge part of golf and goes hand in hand with the patience that is required.
One key to every swing, from driving to putting, is maintaining balance. By giving yourself a good center and keeping balanced through your swing, you ensure that you have the greatest chance to hit the ball both cleanly and accurately.
Balance also gives you the best chance for getting that extra distance that every golfer seeks.
Do your best to hook your wedges. You want to try to have more consistent shots. A great way to get some consistency with your wedge shots is to learn a medium-height draw that goes forward as it lands onto the green and rolls about ten feet forward.
Don’t keep holding on to those old, scratched up golf balls. Balls that show visible wear with cuts, scratches, or cracks will not perform off the tee the way they were intended.
While most golfers like to find a great ball and stick with it, don’t be afraid to chuck that old ball away in order to keep up maximum accuracy and performance.
A tip on striking the ball when it is below your feet is to aim left. The ball will move from left to right when the ball is below your feet so the aim must be adjusted accordingly.
If you pick a target to the left of your anticipated landing area, you should hit dead on. Also understand that this type of shot will not travel as far as a shot from level ground.
Hopefully, the tips provided above will help you impress your colleagues and close that next deal! Or, perhaps you just wanted to make the most of your beautiful day on the golf course for pleasure. Remember to apply the advice and enjoy you
Guide In Buying Golf Carts
Playing golf is beautiful but having golf carts other than golf sets will add to it. Golf carts are rented at golf course for players but you can also own it if you can afford it .
How players move from one hole to the other until they finish the whole course ? Professionals and some players love walking while the other will be more comfortable using turf mate or golf carts.
Using golf carts, you as player will have a stress free game. It will make your golf game more simple and easy as with golf carts you don’t have to travel up and down through the whole course.
Golf carts is not only used for the golf course but can also use as a light transport to carry you from your local community to the golf course if the distance is not too long.
The golf carts is quite popular for players who live in a retirement community especially those that are near golf course.
These players will drive their golf carts from their home to the club house and straight to the golf course, and thus save them time and labor.
In this situation, golfers will equip their golf carts with necessary accessories such as lights, brake lights, safety belts etc , thus making their transport more worthy.
More clubs are allowing their members to buy and customize their golf carts and allow them to drive in the golf course. So getting a golf carts is not a problem but you must consider whether is it worth buying it as you can rent it at the club each time you want to play.
Several factors such as affordability, how much you love the game, how often you are going to use it and etc will affect your decision in buying a golf cart.
If you think that buying a golf cart is worth the time and labor cost, then start to look for a good golf carts. There are many brands out there that you can choose from .
Those many brands may look similar basically but , still they differ from one to the other.
Their way of drive and controls are part of the things that you need to be familiar with before making the purchase. Take a test drive as the dealers will allow you to do so.
Get a golf cart that suit to your needs and if you have find one , make your decision wisely.
Go Golfing And Win With These Tips
How one handles a golf club can say a lot about how they handle other situations. A sport that focuses on precise movements and leaves no room for error is what makes golf such a popular sport.
That can sound intimidating to a new golfer, which is why they should read the list of tips below.
Golf gloves can help prevent blisters on your hands from playing golf. They also help you get a good, firm grip on the club. You would wear a golf glove on your non-dominant hand.
To improve your game and protect your hands, be sure to get properly fitting golf gloves made of flexible, breathable material.
Your golf game could depend on the comfort of your golf shoes. When you purchase a new pair of golf shoes, remember to wear them inside for a while to be sure that they are comfortable.
If not, you can still return them. Once you wear them outdoors, you will not be able to return them.
In order to get maximum tee accuracy, line up with something in the distance as part of your pre-shot routine.
Whether choosing a mountaintop, garage, or interesting looking tree, have a reference point for your aim. This will give added focus to your alignment and a better chance for a straight drive.
To be at the best of your golf game, keep your swing in one fluid motion, and follow through after hitting the ball!
This seems simple and easy, but it is something that golfers practice years to achieve and beginners often miss.
One of the easiest ways to make sure that you are following through is to keep your eye on where the ball was after you hit it. This will ensure a smooth and even swing!
Do not fall into the common trap of thinking that a par-3 hole is somehow an easier hole. It’s not. A hole giving you 3 shots to make your ball is only dealing with the distance,
Not necessarily the difficulty level. You still need to play your best golf if you want to make par.
When it comes to golf clubs, the longest clubs in your golf bag are used for longer-range shots, while the shortest clubs are used for shorter shots (less than 150 yards from the green).
This is easy to remember when you go to select the club you wish to use for your next shot.
A helpful tip when it comes to golf, is to always replace your divots. This is important, because it is a widely accepted action that helps to maintain a good functioning course and also maintains the aesthetics of it.
All it takes is for you to pick up the divot, return it to the spot that it came from and finally, push down firmly with your foot.
Golf really is a precision-based sport that can become easily competitive, but that does not mean it is only for professional or serious golfers.
This sport can be enjoyed by anyone of any skill level. These tips were constructed to help those of all levels find their way into the sport.
How To Make Your Golf Game More Interesting
Golf is a great sport for anyone to play. Golf takes great athleticism and strategic thought to play.
This may make golf seem hard to some people, but golf is easy, so easy that anyone can learn to play it. If you want to learn how to play golf, then read the advice in this article.
If you want to keep the most accuracy with your golf shots, it’s important that you keep your hands low on the follow-through.
While it is important that you do follow through on all your golf shots, following through too much will throw your shot off and cause the ball to drift.
If you have a moment or two to spare while on the golf green, try looking around for divots left by previous golfers and repair them.
If they’re not in the path of your putt today, that hole could be in your way next time, so taking the time to fix them will ensure a smooth-rolling putt in the future.
Understand that, in order to get a good fit in a set of golf clubs, you must be measured – very much as you would for a well-fitted suit.
Your clubs should be custom chosen to suit your physique and abilities. A good set of golf clubs, made to order for your particular idiosyncrasies can make a big difference in your game.
When striking a ball in the sand, avoid the tendency to take a full back-swing. An ideal sand shot swing, goes only about half-way,
Giving you more opportunity to strike your shot square, while avoiding the dreaded over-swing that could end up landing you in the bunker on the other side of the green.
In order to keep a focused swing that will allow you the maximum power and control, avoid letting your dominant side’s elbow to bend beyond 90 degrees during your back-swing.
By over-bending your arm on the way back, you body then has to do that much more work to get it back in proper alignment for impact.
As with so many skills, your golf performance is enhanced by a cheerful, positive outlook. Stay happy, enjoy yourself and resist the temptation to dwell on any errors you may make.
You should laugh off your bad shots rather than fume over them. Remembering to enjoy your golf game can often lead to improved overall performance.
When you choose golf shoes, pay attention to detail. For example, have a good look at the laces and the holes they go through.
Are they little skinny laces with very small holes to lace through? If so, you may have trouble with them coming untied when you walk, and you may not be able to replace them with something more substantial because of the small lace holes.
Be sure to choose golf shoes with laces that will tie well, stay tied, and have holes that will accommodate sturdy, thick laces.
As stated before, golf is a great sport for anyone. In order to play golf, players must use great strategy and athleticism.
Though golf may seem hard, it is pretty easy to learn to play. If you remember the advice from this article, you can learn the game of golf.
Great Golf Tips That Can Make Golfing Is Easy
Better Golfing
Whether you are a pro on the driving range or a novice at the local miniature golf course, the advice in this article is sure to help improve your score.
The sport of golf is becoming more and more accessible to all types of athletes and age groups, and you are sure to find it both exciting and challenging.
How to get an almost perfect swing ? Make sure that you are connecting with the bottom part of the golf ball. If you swing too high, you will deny your shots any loft and end up “topping” the ball.
To fix this, you can place some sort of coin beneath the golf ball and practice connecting with it. Overall, be sure to swing for the bottom of the ball.
When you are aiming to drive your golf ball onto the green, aim for the hole, not the green.
If you aim for the green, you are giving yourself too large a target, and you are likely to miss!
If you aim for the hole, who knows, you might just make it, but even if you don’t you will probably get pretty close!
Always keep an extra ball in your pocket. This way, if you hit a poor shot into the water or out of bounds,
You can take the ball from your pocket and hit your penalty shot quickly without holding up your playing partners by having to go back to your bag or cart to get a new ball.
When playing a round of golf, did you know that approximately 70% of your hits are from 120 yards or closer? If you are looking to improve you golf score,
It is important to work on your short game. One place to start is with your pitching and chipping. Many golfers believe pitching and chipping are the same thing, but they are not.
There is more air time than ground time with pitching. Chipping has less air time than ground time.
You should use a chip when your ball is close to the green but cannot be putted. Pitching should be used to loft your ball over an obstruction.
For a solid sand shot that gives you the best traction and control of your swing, dig your feet into the bunker as much as you can.
By gently swiveling your feet into the sand, you can work your shoes to the firmer sand beneath the surface, creating a stance that is less prone to slipping or sliding during the swing.
To inspect your foot placement when preparing for a golf swing, let your club fall naturally to touch your toes.
The alignment of the club when it drops will show you where the ball is going to go if your swing has good form. Keep both feet in line with the ball, to make your feet work towards accurate hitting.
With golf becoming more appealing to people in all age groups and skill levels, the information in these tips and tricks is sure to leave you more informed and better prepared to try your hand at golfing.
This article, combined with dedication and practice, will produce noticeable improvements in your putting and driving.
Looking To Lower Your Golf Score? Try These Tips
Sports don’t have to be rough, rugged, and animalistic. They can be very relaxing, silent and observant. The perfect example of this kind of sport is the one known as golf.
Golf‘s main goal is swinging a ball into a hole a long distance away. You can relax with this sport too if you follow the tips below.
When purchasing golf clubs, you should decide from the start whether you want new clubs or used.
Actually, if you are just starting out, you may be surprised to know that it’s better to buy used clubs until you get used to the game,
Become familiar with all the types of clubs available, and decide if you want to commit yourself to golf.
There’s no point making a big investment until you really know what you are getting yourself into.
When chipping the golf ball out of a sand trap, it is important to know that you actually have to hit the sand behind the ball.
Chip the sand as much as two inches behind the ball. This will help launch the ball upward in the air and out of the sand trap.
One of the first things to get down while learning how to golf is the grip. By far and large the way you grip your golf club is the single most important way to alter your golf game.
A good grip ensures stability and consistency with your swing, which will help you improve your game.
If you are learning to golf do not neglect your other clubs. Try top take practice shots at the range with each club because swinging each club with effectiveness will be different based on each club.
You don’t want to be in a game situation and swinging your seven iron for the first time.
To focus on powering your swing, quadriceps exercises such a squats and lunges are the way to go. These exercises, as well as seated leg extensions, result in more powerful golf swings.
Your stroke begins in your legs but travels up your body as you follow through after contact with the ball.
You should keep your eye on the ball when you are taking a shot when golfing. Many new golfers tend to want to see where their ball is going and will actually miss the ball because they take their eyes off of it.
You will be able to hit the ball further if you keep your eye on it when hitting it.
It’s easy to hurt yourself playing golf. Most people hurt themselves by twisting too much or hyper-extending the elbow during the swing.
You can also hurt yourself by hitting the ground instead of the ball. The keys to avoiding injuries are: proper warm up, lots of practice and focus on body mechanics, and maintaining a good overall fitness level.
There are different kinds of sports for different kinds of people. As you have read, they don’t all involve physical altercations or being incredibly muscular.
There are sports that everyone can relax with and enjoy, like the sport known as golf. With the above tips in mind, you can reap its benefits too.
Pointers For Adding A Little Extra Distance On Your Golf Swing
The power of your swing is an important part of playing a great game of golf. There are many ways to increase power and make the ball fly further.
Using a few simple tips and tricks you can increase the power of your swing and get lower scores on the course consistently.
To correct topping off of the ball, keep your eyes down until impact. The primary cause of topping the ball (grazing the top of the ball or hitting it too high) is looking up too soon.
Once you set up your shot and take aim, keep your head down until after you hit the ball. Your head should not rise until you are into your follow-through.
It is important to be especially aware when you are golfing. There is a lot of activity happening on a golf course. Balls are flying through the air,
Golf carts are driving from here to there and clubs are swinging. It is important to be aware of your surroundings so that you do not get injured while golfing.
When teaching your child golf, don’t make the mistake of starting right out investing in an expensive set of children’s clubs.
Your child may lose interest in golf, and then you would likely be upset. Your child will surely outgrow the clubs, and then you will have to purchase more. When first starting out,
just pick up a used set of women’s or children’s clubs that your child can knock around with. You can always upgrade later.
Avoid the feeling that you always get more accuracy off the tee with a three wood than a driver.
Odds are that you have spent much more time practicing and playing with your driver off the tee,
So don’t over-think things and pull out a club that you are not as familiar with in hopes of gaining more accuracy, because this is rarely the end result.
If you are trying to get more distance out of your shot you should point your toes out and widen your stance.
Complete the back swing to put your club in the right position. Practicing these techniques will ensure that you will get more distance out of your golf shot.
A helpful tip when it comes to golf is to not always play with a full set of clubs. Most often this is unnecessary and will only result in a heavier bag for you or your caddie to lug around.
Use the clubs that you perform strongest with and leave out the ones that might be overkill for a particular course.
Find time to practice your game, even in the worst weather, with just your putter, a ball, and a cup from your kitchen.
By setting up a short putting area indoors, you can hone your stroke and work on the consistency that is so important in making your putter a legitimate scoring weapon for you out on the course.
As noted above, there are many different ways that making some adjustments can lead to a more powerful game.
When used and practiced in a consistent manner, you can get the ball to not only fly off the tee further, but from the fairways, bunkers, and rough in a consistent manner.
Read This If Your Golf Game Is Stuck In A Sand Trap
With all the video games and various golf simulators available on the market today, more people are being drawn to golfing as its presence expands.
If you’ve wanted to learn how to golf in general or if you’re looking to make some improvements, make sure you read and use the tips provided below.
If you want to improve your golf game, it is crucial that you hold your club in the correct way. First of all, you should place the club handle onto your palms.
Then, you should grab the club with thumbs going down. Your hands should be touching.
If you want the ball to go to its maximum distance, one technique is to move your hands up on the handle a little. For a shorter distance, you should move your hands down a little.
Avoid cramming your head with too many things to think about before your swing. By concentrating on too many possible swing problems while taking your shot, you are only asking for trouble.
Pick three key points to remember, take your practice swing, then approach your shot with an cluttered mind.
One easy suggestion for trying to hit a fade is to add a little more squeeze to your grip. While you may not have the full distance you would gain from your normal grip,
Using a little more strength, especially in the non-dominant hand, will give you that extra movement on the ball when you need it. Practice this on the driving range.
Make sure your body is relaxed and prepared to take a shot before you actually swing. Step back and take a deep breath before approaching the ball.
It may seem like a small thing, but getting relaxed and calmed down prior to beginning your swing will help you focus on hitting a better shot.
Don’t go out and buy every possible type of wedge without truly understanding the difference between them. Unless you are a very skilled golfer,
It is unlikely that you will recognize the difference in loft between a gap wedge and a lob wedge.
Save yourself both time and money and stick with a pitching wedge and sand wedge until you truly start to get a feel for your wedges.
When you hit the ball, be sure to follow through. Don’t rock your weight back onto your dominant side.
Instead, let your weight follow the ball and allow the shaft of your golf club to be ahead of the ball. If you want the ball to go forward, you have to go forward, too.
If you have trouble slicing the ball off the tee, avoid the common mistake of compensating for this by aiming to the left.
By aiming further left of your target, you actually put yourself in position to hit an even larger slice, as your club head is more likely to swipe across the ball instead of hitting it squarely.
Golf is a game that takes a lot of concentration. You cannot luck into being a good golfer either. You need to have the skill. refer to golf digest latest edition for new tgriks and tips.
That’s why you need to make sure you read, absorb and implement these golfing tips the next time you’re out on the course or wedges. A few simple tips will go a long way.
Importance of Fitness Training for Golf
Most people go to the golf course hoping to play a great round of golf, while doing very little to prepare themselves physically.
One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of improved golf performance is being physically fit.
This will lead to better stamina on the golf course and ultimately a more enjoyable round of golf. Other benefits will be seen in driving distance, iron play and in your ability to practise for a longer period of time.
If you look at successful athletes in other professional sports, most are in excellent physical condition. This allows the participant to perform at a high level and lower his/her risk of injury.
What makes golf different is that, for many years, the professional golfer was not the most physically fit individual.
However, as we have seen professional golfers attain more success, many golfers realize that fitness training for golf is a key aspect in today’s game. There is another important issue that is often overlooked by most players.
Golf fitness training will add to longevity. There are, in my opinion, two aspects to look at regarding loss of longevity in golf: the first is limited play or the end of one’s ability to play the game as a result of injury; and the other is the inability of older people to play as a result of poor conditioning.
Many individuals are limited or unable to play because of pain. In many instances, this is a result of injuries caused by a lack of physical conditioning. These injuries might have been avoided had the participant been involved in a well-designed golf fitness program.
The second aspect, that of being unable to continue playing as a result of poor conditioning, is usually seen in people over the age of 65 who have problems walking for more than three minutes at a time. Hard to believe – but true. Their lack of conditioning does not allow them to continue playing.
Most of us will never become professional golfers. Our love of the game is what keeps us playing. If we look at the situation, longevity and playing pain-free should be our main objectives.
As we age, our bodies become less flexible and more susceptible to injury. Being involved in a proper golf fitness program will help you avoid injuries, play better and – most important – allow for longevity.
Stretching For Golf
Stretching is an important part of any golf fitness program as it increases range of motion and decreases the risk of injury. There are many different types of stretching exercises.
Some are more effective and safer than others. Stretching must be done in a proper manner to achieve results.
If the wrong stretches are chosen or the right stretches are performed incorrectly, injury can occur. Most people believe that all stretches are good. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, I rarely see people stretch in a correct manner.
The first mistake is that people tend to stretch cold muscles. This can cause injury to the areas that are being stretched. Always do a cardiovascular warm-up of five to 10 minutes before stretching.
This will allow muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints a chance to warm up. The second mistake is related to dangerous stretches that can lead to permanent injury. Many flexibility exercises put stress on areas of the body. These include the lower back, knees and neck.
Third, you do not want to overstretch. The goal is to stretch the area without getting to the point where you feel pain. If you feel pain, ease off, as you may be injuring yourself.
There are many different types of stretching techniques available. What we are looking for are stretches that will help with golf performance.
The two types of stretches that I am recommending as part of your golf fitness program are static and active. Static stretches are those that are done by slowly stretching the muscle, while active stretches involve more active movements.
As a simple rule, static stretching should be performed before your workout (after the warm up), during the workout (when strength training), after the workout and after your round of golf.
Active stretching should be performed before your round of golf. The amount of time spent stretching before your round of golf should be limited to a short period and, as mentioned, should only include active stretches.
Spending more than a couple of moments stretching will have a negative impact on performance. I recommend a short amount of cardiovascular exercise and/or hitting a few golf balls, followed by a few arm circles (active stretching) in each direction before teeing off. A few extra golf swings and you are ready to play.
Swing Faults
Swing faults are a common issue found in most golfers. A swing fault is defined as a problem in the movement of the body during the golf swing that results in decreased performance.
There are a number of different swing faults and for the purpose of this article we will be dealing with the 12 most common faults.
The 12 most common swing faults are the s-posture, c-posture, loss of posture, flat shoulder plane, early extension, over-the-top, sway, slide, reverse spine angle, hanging back, casting and the chicken wing. Swing faults will affect your golf swing and limit your ability to hit the golf ball properly on a consistent basis.
The sway is a common swing fault. It involves movement of the lower body during the back swing, resulting in a loss of power.
It is the inability to stabilize the rear leg as a result of weakness in that area that causes you to have a sway during your golf swing.
Early extension is another common swing fault that occurs as a result of the hips and spine going into extension during the golf swing, resulting in the pelvis area moving closer to the golf ball.
This will ultimately have an effect on your ability to make contact with the golf ball on a consistent basis. If you look at Tiger Woods’ golf swing, you will see that during his back swing, his glute (behind) area moves slightly away from the golf ball.
If you look closely at many amateur golfers, this area is moving toward the ball. Tiger’s golf fitness program has allowed him to strengthen his glute muscles. This allows him to maintain proper positioning throughout his golf swing.
The flat shoulder plane is another common swing fault. It is caused by a straightening of the legs as the golfer starts his/her golf swing, resulting in the shoulders being horizontal at impact. This will lead to a loss of power.
Now that we understand the resulting effects that swing faults have on our golf swing, the question is, how do we correct them?
Most postural faults are caused by either a weakness or a lack of flexibility in an area or areas of the body. In many instances, these issues can be resolved by being involved in a proper golf fitness program that address these particular issues.
Nutrition and Hydration
When looking at your golf fitness program, one should not overlook the importance of good nutrition and proper hydration. A healthy diet can have numerous positive effects on your health and your golf game.
It is difficult to play great golf when you are overweight. Proper hydration (the consumption of fluids) is one of the most important aspects of your golf fitness program.
A lack of fluids can have a negative impact on your ability to perform at a high level on the golf course and during your golf fitness workouts. Hydration is a key element in sports performance and should not be overlooked.
It is recommended that you drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water per day in order to stay properly hydrated, increasing to 10 glasses of water if you are working out at a high level.
Sports drinks are advised when working out for more than an hour and can be used on the golf course when needed.
Those with kidney problems should avoid drinking large amounts of water. If the goal is to lose weight, good nutrition, proper hydration and exercise are necessary in order to reach this goal.
The nice thing about being involved in a weight loss exercise program is that you are able to incorporate your golf fitness program at the same time.
Good nutrition includes eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting your calorie intake and avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar.
I recommend eating three meals per day, with two snacks that should be consumed between meals.
While you are reducing, it is advisable to leave the last bite of food on your plate. This is applicable to your three major meals of the day. You will be surprised at how many calories you can eliminate from your diet in just one week (Rothbart 2003).
Good nutrition and proper hydration, combined with a good quality golf fitness program, will allow you to lose weight, feel better and play better golf.
References: Rothbart, G. Weight Loss, Fitness and Health Made Easy, 2003.
Pro Golfer Training
I recently read an interesting article that was written about a well-known 50-year-old golf professional who recently started a golf fitness program.
His goal is to be able to drive the ball farther as he feels that he is at a great disadvantage compared to other players on the PGA tour.
He still plays on the regular tour and participates in a few events on the Champions Tour. This gentleman is a very successful professional golfer.
The program he is participating in includes light weight-training, core training and flexibility exercises typical of most golf fitness programs that are being offered.
The player has been on the program for a number of months and mentioned that, although he felt better, he was not driving the ball farther. Am I surprised? Not at all.
As a matter of fact, I am shocked that a successful professional golfer of his calibre is unable to find accurate and proper information that will allow him to improve his driving distance. All my clients hit the ball farther and they are not professional athletes.
So what is the problem? This golf fitness program is not designed to improve strength and power.
If you want to hit the golf ball farther, you must increase strength and then convert it into power.
It is that simple. Light weight-training is not going to do the trick, especially for a player who is playing on the PGA tour.
As most of you know, golf is a difficult game. It involves many different movements that are not similar to other sports.
As a result, this makes fitness training for golf more difficult than for any other sport. If the goal is to hit the golf ball farther, you must be involved in a proper golf fitness program – one that improves strength and power.
Strength Training Equipment for Golf
There are a number of ways to strength train for golf. The use of free weights, machines, tubing/elastic cords and one’s own body weight are the most popular forms of resistance training.
I use all these methods in my golf fitness program. The beneficial aspect of using free weights, as compared to machines and tubing, is that it allows for resistance in both directions when performing an exercise.
This is referred to as concentric and eccentric contraction. Concentric contractions are the upward movements of an exercise while eccentric contractions are the downward movements of the exercise.
While free weights provide both types of contractions, most machines only allow for the concentric portion of the contraction. Having resistance in both directions allows for greater gains in strength.
There are a number of machines that are useful, especially for golf fitness training. Unfortunately, there are other machines that put people in an anatomically poor position.
This can lead to injury. The problem is that every person is built a little different. Therefore, it stands to reason that certain pieces of equipment will not work for every individual.
There are certain machines that are excellent and, if used properly, do not cause injury. The seated row machine, cable pulley and seated forward chest press machines are safe and effective.
I personally believe that for golfers, the pulley machine is one of the most important pieces of equipment for increasing strength and rotational speed.
If you are working out and do not have a pulley machine, rubber tubing can be used and should be limited to the exercises that would normally be performed on the seated pull and pulley machines. The problem with tubing is that it can lead to injury.
The first problem with the use of elastic bands and cords is the risk of injury. As the elastic cord is stretched, resistance increases. As resistance increases, the speed of contraction decreases and the strain in the joint increases.
The strain may overstretch the ligaments, resulting in a joint injury over time (Bompa, Carrera 2005). I use tubing with my clients when we do not have access to machines. When using this piece of equipment, perform the movement slowly.
This will significantly reduce the risk of injury. I also suggest that you use tubing/elastic cords only when the corresponding machines are not available.
Swing Fault S – Posture
Classified as a swing fault, the s-posture is actually a postural fault common in many individuals. It is identified as an inward curvature of the lower back and known medically as lordosis.
Having this postural fault will put your lower back in a poor position during the golf swing and can lead to lower back problems.
The test that identifies lordosis is simple to perform. Stand with your back facing a wall in your regular posture.
Have someone look at your lower back and determine whether or not there is a large curve in your lower back. If one exists, you probably have a lordodic posture. This is a common problem and in many instances can be corrected.
Before we look at the ways to correct this problem, let us address what causes this issue. Lordosis is caused by the following physical issues: short and strong,
Neck extensors and hip flexors (the low back is strong and may or may not develop shortness); elongated and weak, neck flexors, upper back, erector spinae, external obliques; hamstrings are slightly elongated but may or may not be weak (Kendall 1993); the rectus abdominus may be elongated.
What does this mean? Lordosis is caused by shortened hip flexors and possible tightness in the lower back and by weakness in the back, abdominal area and the back of the upper part of the legs.
This problem can often be corrected by strengthening the weak areas and by stretching the shortened/tight areas. The main area of concern is the shortening/tightness of the hip flexors.
The hip flexors must be lengthened in order to solve this problem. This can be accomplished by stretching this area of the body.
You can also stretch your lower back, as there might be tightness in this area. Strengthening your back, including the erector spinae, abdominal and hamstrings (back of the upper legs), is also advised.
Because the abdominal and hamstring areas are already elongated/overstretched, it is important that you do not stretch these areas as this will interfere with your ability to fix this problem.
I have been rather technical in this article because this is an issue that needs to be addressed if the goal is to improve your golf swing and avoid the risk of lower back injury while playing golf.
If you do have a lordodic posture, I advise that you speak with a doctor before entering into a golf fitness or corrective program.
References: Kendall, F.P., Muscle Testing And Function Fourth Edition, 1993. References: TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor Manual Level 1, 2007.
Swing Fault C – Posture
The c-posture is a postural fault that can negatively impact your golf swing. It is a common problem found in many people. The c-posture is identified by shoulders that are slumped forward as you address the golf ball.
This can be easily identified as there will be a rounding of the thoracic spine (the upper back) rather than a flat back at address. Some individuals are able to fix this postural fault by being involved in a golf or general fitness program.
The c-posture is caused by muscle imbalances in the upper body. These imbalances are caused by shortened/tight pectorals major and minor, upper trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapula and by weak lower trapezius muscles.
This means that you have tight chest, back and rear neck muscles, as well as weak lower back muscles. Tight chest and back muscles tend to pull your shoulders forward.
This forward shoulder position seen in the c-posture creates the rounded look that you see in your upper back. Having weak lower back muscles adds to the problem as you are not able to maintain a flat back position at address.
This postural fault is difficult to overcome. I have had a lot more success with my clients rectifying the s-posture than the c-posture. There are numerous chest and back stretches that can be performed to help with this issue.
A simple chest stretch would be performed by interlocking your fingers behind your back. Then press your hands down and slightly away from your body. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and release.
You can stretch your back by interlocking your fingers in front of your body. Next, you should invert your hands and raise them directly in front of yourself and then push your hands away from your body.
Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and then release. Another good back stretch would be performed by standing in front of something stable that you can hold on to with both hands.
With your arms extended and slightly bent and with your knees slightly bent, lean back slightly so that you feel a stretch in your upper back and shoulders. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and release.
To achieve the best result, these stretches should be performed throughout the day and during your golf fitness workouts.
These stretches can help with correcting this postural fault. If you do not have this problem, I still suggest incorporating these stretches into your golf fitness program. Tight chest and back muscles will have an impact on your ability to extend your arms, especially during your back swing.
References: TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor Manual Level 1, 2007.
Swing Faulty Sway
The sway swing fault is a noticeable lower body movement that occurs during the golfer’s back swing.
The sway can be seen in a golfer if the rear leg and hip are moving away from the target during the back swing.
This swing fault will have an impact on your ability to generate power during your golf swing. To increase distance, the golfer must be able to stabilize and then rotate around the rear leg.
The main problem associated with a sway is the inability to stabilize the rear leg during the golf swing.
This can be attributed to a weak gluteus medius muscle. This muscle must be strengthened in order to stabilize the rear leg. This can be accomplished by doing the following exercises.
The first is the side standing leg raise. Face and hold onto a stable object with your arms extended and slightly bent. Standing erect, stand on one leg while moving the other leg away from your body.
You want to move your leg far enough away so that you receive some benefit but not too far away that your body position changes. Now return to the starting position and do not let your foot hit the floor.
Repeat this 10 times and switch sides. You can progress to two or three sets and increase the number of repetitions to a maximum of 12 per set over time.
The next exercise that will help strengthen the gluteus medius muscle is the side lying leg raise. To perform this exercise, lie on your side with your body completely straight with one leg on top of the other.
Put your upper hand on the floor in front of you for support. Bend your lower leg slightly and lift your upper leg straight up in the air approximately halfway up.
Return to the starting position but do not let your upper leg come in contact with your lower leg. Repeat eight times on each side.
You can increase the number of repetitions to 12 per set and increase the number of sets to two or three over time.
These two exercises will enable you to stabilize your rear leg, resulting in more power during your golf swing. I suggest that all golfers add one or both of these exercises to their golf fitness program.
Rotation Exercise
One of the major components of the golf swing is trunk rotation. It makes sense that, in order to hit the golf ball farther, the ability to rotate through the ball at an increased rate of speed will help to achieve this result.
This can be accomplished by performing rotation exercises that are designed to improve strength and speed in this area.
There are many rotation exercises that can be performed. Some are more effective and safer than others.
What we are trying to accomplish is a gain in strength and speed, while reducing the risk of injury. I have had tremendous success using rotation exercises with my clients. In my opinion, they should be a part of any well-rounded golf fitness program.
It is easy to get into trouble if the wrong exercises are chosen. I constantly see people in the gym performing rotation exercises that put their back at risk for injury.
One of the most common mistakes that I see is people doing exercises where they twist their torso from side to side numerous times (washing machine).
This puts a tremendous strain on the lower back. Very ballistic torsional training such as the “washing machine” and rapid twists with a ball in a sac bouncing on a wall to either side of the body can produce symptoms in some otherwise well-performing backs.
The torsional and associated compressive loads on the spine are extremely high-again highly dependant upon the effort and vigor of the athlete (McGill 2006).
Rotation exercises can be performed by using a cable machine, medicine balls and tubing. My preference is to use a cable machine rather than tubing when possible.
Rotation exercises are an important part of any golf fitness program. To achieve the best possible result while avoiding the risk of injury, it is imperative that the proper exercises and correct form are chosen.