After making the decision that putters should be exempt from the Obsolete List, we quickly received confirmation that we had made the right call. All it took was listening to Scott Verplank.
"I really don't know much about the technology that went into this club," says Verplank, describing the Ping Anser (circa 1984) putter he has used almost exclusively since swiping it from his college coach at Oklahoma State. "It just works. I've tried a few others, but I always come back to this one. It has a lot of good memories in it."
Five PGA Tour wins for Verplank, and his two times as a member of the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams, serve as evidence. They also support our premise that any putter that gives you confidence on the greens is OK to keep in the bag. Even if the grip is wrapped in gauze tape, like Verplank's.
Nevertheless, Verplank is open to change, just as you should be. "If I find a putter I like better, I'll switch," he says. That statement makes Verplank, who has used a modern putter in competition on occasion, sound more like someone who plays for fun on the weekend than a man who has made almost $25 million playing golf. But it doesn't make him obsolete.
Think of BillyBerue from Caddy Shack!
Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2010-05/obsolete-list#ixzz0nkm8lHgC
Showing posts with label online golf store. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online golf store. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Irons: Breaking Up is Hard to do!
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a great car, but you've probably traded it in by now. You've also chucked the cassette tapes. Why? Because better-performing options came along, making them obsolete. It's time to apply that thinking to your irons.
The main reason golfers hold on to irons past their prime is that the technology is often hidden in a plain shape and presented in a quiet way. Such visual understatement leads consumers to believe irons are short on science and engineering, making their clubs as good as new ones. That is shortchanging the upgraded benefits of today's models.
The creative use of technology and materials has never been more prevalent in irons. Some of it you see (better-designed soles to improve turf interaction) and some you don't (optimal center-of-gravity positions).
Additionally, driver technologies, such as trampoline faces and high moment of inertia, have trickled down to irons. That wasn't the case five years ago.
You might consider your old irons to be trusted allies, but new ones will give you a better chance to get reacquainted with someone you might not have seen in a while: Mr. Green In Regulation.
Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2010-05/obsolete-list-irons#ixzz0mW95mT4m
The main reason golfers hold on to irons past their prime is that the technology is often hidden in a plain shape and presented in a quiet way. Such visual understatement leads consumers to believe irons are short on science and engineering, making their clubs as good as new ones. That is shortchanging the upgraded benefits of today's models.
The creative use of technology and materials has never been more prevalent in irons. Some of it you see (better-designed soles to improve turf interaction) and some you don't (optimal center-of-gravity positions).
Additionally, driver technologies, such as trampoline faces and high moment of inertia, have trickled down to irons. That wasn't the case five years ago.
You might consider your old irons to be trusted allies, but new ones will give you a better chance to get reacquainted with someone you might not have seen in a while: Mr. Green In Regulation.
Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2010-05/obsolete-list-irons#ixzz0mW95mT4m
Hybrids: Make the big Leap!
The evolution of the hybrid is similar to that of snowboards: an offbeat, intriguing, even necessary idea with early shortcomings that eventually changed the sport. In 2004, the Darrell Survey Company polled golfers and found that fewer than 1 in 12 carried a hybrid club; but today 1 in 2 golfers carry a hybrid.
Although the first hybrids were admirable as a solution to hard-to-hit long irons, the latest versions have made fundamental advancements in playability. Designers are now able to create a large face and still save weight (about double that of five years ago), which can help position the center of gravity lower and deeper to optimize ball flight. Freeing weight leads to design ideas that couldn't be implemented previously. For example, the soles on early hybrids often were flat and ineffective, but today's leading edges and sole-bounce angles allow the clubs to move through the turf more easily. Another advancement is the ability to individually adjust head shape and size as lofts change. That makes high-lofted hybrids easier to maneuver and low-lofted ones more forgiving.
These improvements have made the hybrid golf's must-have club.
HOW MUCH LIFE IS LEFT?
There are grades of obsolescence. Our four judges, after consulting with members of our academic and retail panel to help determine what keeps a club relevant, assigned a level of "life remaining" to each club. None of the battery icons is completely full. Only current products might achieve that. Three-quarters full, and you're still OK. Half full means it's time to at least start looking. One-quarter full, and you'd better be buying. The red light on? Don't play with these again. Ever.
By Mike Stachura, Golf Digest April, 2010
Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2010-05/obsolete-list-hybrids#ixzz0mW5tE000
Although the first hybrids were admirable as a solution to hard-to-hit long irons, the latest versions have made fundamental advancements in playability. Designers are now able to create a large face and still save weight (about double that of five years ago), which can help position the center of gravity lower and deeper to optimize ball flight. Freeing weight leads to design ideas that couldn't be implemented previously. For example, the soles on early hybrids often were flat and ineffective, but today's leading edges and sole-bounce angles allow the clubs to move through the turf more easily. Another advancement is the ability to individually adjust head shape and size as lofts change. That makes high-lofted hybrids easier to maneuver and low-lofted ones more forgiving.
These improvements have made the hybrid golf's must-have club.
HOW MUCH LIFE IS LEFT?
There are grades of obsolescence. Our four judges, after consulting with members of our academic and retail panel to help determine what keeps a club relevant, assigned a level of "life remaining" to each club. None of the battery icons is completely full. Only current products might achieve that. Three-quarters full, and you're still OK. Half full means it's time to at least start looking. One-quarter full, and you'd better be buying. The red light on? Don't play with these again. Ever.
By Mike Stachura, Golf Digest April, 2010
Read More http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-equipment/2010-05/obsolete-list-hybrids#ixzz0mW5tE000
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Golf Swing Drill: Learn Power and Consistency from the Stack and Tilt
Symptom: Can't seem to hit long irons, knockdown shots, or get yourself to deliver a descending blow to the ball. Or, maybe you can do these things sometimes but not always, and you are not sure how to improve your consistency.
Description: The central tenet of the Stack and Tilt swing is that you "tilt" your spine TOWARDS the target on the backswing, such that you feel almost as if your head is moving AHEAD of the ball. From this position at the top, your downswing will naturally come on an inside path, with a descending blow. Your head will also stay more still, giving you more consistency.
Why it Works: The Stack and Tilt golf swing has been described many times, with much hype, on TV, magazines, with DVDs and training programs you can buy, and so on. The Stack and Tilt Swing doesn't look too different from a regular golf swing, at first glance. There is one key philosophical difference, though, that does distinguish the "Stack and Tilt" philosophy from a more conventional or traditional golf swing.
In the Stack and Tilt is that you try to tilt your spine TOWARD the target on the backswing. This keeps more weight on your front foot than you would otherwise have, prevents you from swaying to the left on the backswing, and perhaps most importantly, ensures that your head stays VERY STILL on the backswing and the downswing.
From this position at the top, you will need to clear your hips very fast, allowing for an inside path on the downswing, giving you that coveted descending blow, and good lag that are mandatory for power and consistency.
Whether you adopt the Stack and Tilt swing for all your shots is up to you. I have found it to be a useful swing thought and practice drill for longer clubs, because it does tend to shorten the backswing and thus prevent over-swinging. This swing thought is also very useful for hitting knockdown or three-quarter shots (as in the five-iron backoff drill). Perhaps most importantly, I have found that the "spine angle towards target" swing was very easy to do -- a couple practice swings and a few shots was all it took for me to start hitting good quality shots in this style.
So give it a try next time you are on the range. You might just find something new and exciting for your game in the Stack and Tilt philosophy.
Posted by GolfTipEditor
Description: The central tenet of the Stack and Tilt swing is that you "tilt" your spine TOWARDS the target on the backswing, such that you feel almost as if your head is moving AHEAD of the ball. From this position at the top, your downswing will naturally come on an inside path, with a descending blow. Your head will also stay more still, giving you more consistency.
Why it Works: The Stack and Tilt golf swing has been described many times, with much hype, on TV, magazines, with DVDs and training programs you can buy, and so on. The Stack and Tilt Swing doesn't look too different from a regular golf swing, at first glance. There is one key philosophical difference, though, that does distinguish the "Stack and Tilt" philosophy from a more conventional or traditional golf swing.
In the Stack and Tilt is that you try to tilt your spine TOWARD the target on the backswing. This keeps more weight on your front foot than you would otherwise have, prevents you from swaying to the left on the backswing, and perhaps most importantly, ensures that your head stays VERY STILL on the backswing and the downswing.
From this position at the top, you will need to clear your hips very fast, allowing for an inside path on the downswing, giving you that coveted descending blow, and good lag that are mandatory for power and consistency.
Whether you adopt the Stack and Tilt swing for all your shots is up to you. I have found it to be a useful swing thought and practice drill for longer clubs, because it does tend to shorten the backswing and thus prevent over-swinging. This swing thought is also very useful for hitting knockdown or three-quarter shots (as in the five-iron backoff drill). Perhaps most importantly, I have found that the "spine angle towards target" swing was very easy to do -- a couple practice swings and a few shots was all it took for me to start hitting good quality shots in this style.
So give it a try next time you are on the range. You might just find something new and exciting for your game in the Stack and Tilt philosophy.
Posted by GolfTipEditor
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Product Review: TaylorMade Super Drivers .
The TaylorMade R9 driver featured a 420cc head, three movable weights and a system that allowed golfers to unscrew the clubhead and re-attach it to the shaft in one of eight different positions. Next came the bigger and more powerful R9 460, which also featured the adjustable head but lacked the movable weights.
Players who wanted a TaylorMade driver that combined a 460cc head with three movable weights and an adjustable face were out of luck ... until now. TaylorMade is set to release the R9 SuperTri and R9 SuperTri TP drivers on Feb. 19.
The all-black head of the SuperTri is reminiscent of the r7 SuperQuad, which TaylorMade says was one of its most-popular clubs.
From a performance standpoint, the 460cc head of the SuperTri is more forgiving that the original R9. Because the center of gravity has been moved lower and 2 millimeters back in the head, drives should launch higher with slightly more spin for greater carry distance. In fact, the center of gravity in the SuperTri is even slightly lower and farther back than the R9 460's. The face is also the deepest TaylorMade has ever produced.
According to TaylorMade, the eight different face-angle settings combine with the three adjustable weights (two 1-gram weights and one 16-gram weight) to give the SuperTri up to 75 yards of left-or-right adjustability. In addition, as golfers adjust the face to be more closed, effective loft is added, which increases the launch angle. Adjusting the face to be more open decreases effective loft for a lower trajectory.
The R9 SuperTri will be available in four lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°) and come standard with a Fujikura Motore 60-gram shaft in one of five flexes (L, M, R, S, X) for $399. The R9 SuperTri TP features the same head with a choice of 10 premium shafts, including the Aldila Voodoo and Matrix Ozik, for $499.
Article by David Dusek
Golf.com
Players who wanted a TaylorMade driver that combined a 460cc head with three movable weights and an adjustable face were out of luck ... until now. TaylorMade is set to release the R9 SuperTri and R9 SuperTri TP drivers on Feb. 19.
The all-black head of the SuperTri is reminiscent of the r7 SuperQuad, which TaylorMade says was one of its most-popular clubs.
From a performance standpoint, the 460cc head of the SuperTri is more forgiving that the original R9. Because the center of gravity has been moved lower and 2 millimeters back in the head, drives should launch higher with slightly more spin for greater carry distance. In fact, the center of gravity in the SuperTri is even slightly lower and farther back than the R9 460's. The face is also the deepest TaylorMade has ever produced.
The R9 SuperTri will be available in four lofts (8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°) and come standard with a Fujikura Motore 60-gram shaft in one of five flexes (L, M, R, S, X) for $399. The R9 SuperTri TP features the same head with a choice of 10 premium shafts, including the Aldila Voodoo and Matrix Ozik, for $499.
Article by David Dusek
Golf.com
How to Beat the Breaks.
This story is for you if...
1. You always read your putts from behind the ball...
2. ...even on severely sloping greens
The Fault
You're missing badly on breaking putts, which leads to fewer birdies and pars and more bogeys. The simple reason for your struggle is poor green-reading technique and alignment.
The Fix
If you want to get a proper read, you need to look at the putt from behind the line you plan to start the ball on, rather than the one that runs directly from the ball to the hole. To do so, pick a spot where you think the apex of the putt (maximum break) will be and examine the putt by looking from behind your ball to that spot. Set the putterhead square to the chosen target line and then walk into your setup, always keeping in mind that your actual target is the apex of the break, not the hole. Stroke the putt to this spot without being distracted by the actual hole. Use this technique consistently, and your green-reading — as well as your results on breaking putts — will improve dramatically.
Align Design
Finding your ball-to-apex line is only half the battle — you must also be able to align your putterface square to it. Any good putter will feature effective aiming lines. If yours doesn't, consider purchasing a new model. I designed a line of Coutour putters with a large arrow on the back end to help you point your putter easily and consistently. For more info, visit coutourgolf.com.
Post by Todd Sones
GolfMagazine.com
1. You always read your putts from behind the ball...
2. ...even on severely sloping greens
The Fault
You're missing badly on breaking putts, which leads to fewer birdies and pars and more bogeys. The simple reason for your struggle is poor green-reading technique and alignment.
The Fix
If you want to get a proper read, you need to look at the putt from behind the line you plan to start the ball on, rather than the one that runs directly from the ball to the hole. To do so, pick a spot where you think the apex of the putt (maximum break) will be and examine the putt by looking from behind your ball to that spot. Set the putterhead square to the chosen target line and then walk into your setup, always keeping in mind that your actual target is the apex of the break, not the hole. Stroke the putt to this spot without being distracted by the actual hole. Use this technique consistently, and your green-reading — as well as your results on breaking putts — will improve dramatically.
Align Design
Finding your ball-to-apex line is only half the battle — you must also be able to align your putterface square to it. Any good putter will feature effective aiming lines. If yours doesn't, consider purchasing a new model. I designed a line of Coutour putters with a large arrow on the back end to help you point your putter easily and consistently. For more info, visit coutourgolf.com.
Post by Todd Sones
GolfMagazine.com
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Golf Training Aids -- How to Choose the Right Ones.
Deciding which golf instruction book to buy can be very challenging. All seem pricey and you start to see the same material over and over. Some have many pictures, some are all words, some even have diagrams and formulas that you have to figure out. The goal in buying a golf instruction book is to help your game. You must find one that fits your personal needs and reflects directly on your own problems.
I have been around the game of golf for nearly 20 years. Being that I am only 24 this seems like a lifetime of knowledge for me. I have read many instruction books and visited many teachers. I want to help people locate the right books for their needs. Your first step will be to identify the need your golf game has. For example, if you tend to blow up on one or two holes a round maybe you need a mental game book. Or if you seem to three putt every hole maybe you need a book with tips on putting. Trust me whatever your need is, there has been a book written on it.
Your next step, after you have determined which section of books to look in, will be to find one that you understand. If you learn best by seeing then find some that have instructional videos or maybe you learn better by mimicking. If you learn better by mimicking try to find one with lots of pictures. If you have pictures you can use a mirror to copy their moves and feel what it is like to be in the right positions. If you learn by hearing then find some that have audio tapes. These come in handy if you travel a distance to the course, you can pop in the tape on the way to play. I have had great success with these. Whatever the case is for your personal learning experience make sure you get what will work for you!
Finally, do not be fooled by great advertising. Make sure what you buy meets the qualifications you need. If your left handed make sure it has a section dedicated to lefty's. Always make sure what you buy addresses your needs. This way no money spent will be wasted.
These are a few rules that I go by when purchasing a new instructional book. As stated before the market is full of books, videos, and gadgets to help your golf game. Everyone needs help every now and then so make sure when you are in a time of need that you purchase a product that will really help you and your golf game.
Pure Point Golf Book $47.00
I have been around the game of golf for nearly 20 years. Being that I am only 24 this seems like a lifetime of knowledge for me. I have read many instruction books and visited many teachers. I want to help people locate the right books for their needs. Your first step will be to identify the need your golf game has. For example, if you tend to blow up on one or two holes a round maybe you need a mental game book. Or if you seem to three putt every hole maybe you need a book with tips on putting. Trust me whatever your need is, there has been a book written on it.
Your next step, after you have determined which section of books to look in, will be to find one that you understand. If you learn best by seeing then find some that have instructional videos or maybe you learn better by mimicking. If you learn better by mimicking try to find one with lots of pictures. If you have pictures you can use a mirror to copy their moves and feel what it is like to be in the right positions. If you learn by hearing then find some that have audio tapes. These come in handy if you travel a distance to the course, you can pop in the tape on the way to play. I have had great success with these. Whatever the case is for your personal learning experience make sure you get what will work for you!
Finally, do not be fooled by great advertising. Make sure what you buy meets the qualifications you need. If your left handed make sure it has a section dedicated to lefty's. Always make sure what you buy addresses your needs. This way no money spent will be wasted.
These are a few rules that I go by when purchasing a new instructional book. As stated before the market is full of books, videos, and gadgets to help your golf game. Everyone needs help every now and then so make sure when you are in a time of need that you purchase a product that will really help you and your golf game.
Pure Point Golf Book $47.00
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Perfecting the Pitch and Run Or Bump and Run Golf Shot in Your Golf Game.
One technique which you need to include in your short game arsenal is the 'pitch and run' or 'bump and run' which is designed to keep your ball low and run in onto the green in windy conditions.
As with all shots the first thing you need to do is to select the right club and most golfers will tell you that the ideal club for the 'pitch and run' is a 7 iron or, if you need a little less loft and more distance because you are still a long way from the green (say more than 150 feet), a 5 iron.
Now the choice of clubs is always something of a thorny subject so here is my advice. Do not worry about what the experts say and, whatever shot you are trying to make, take the club which you are most comfortable with and in which you have the most confidence. Practice with all of the clubs in your bag in a wide variety of different situations and then choose whichever club works best for you in each case.
Once you have chosen your club position yourself to take your shot just as you would for any normal pitch shot. Remember that you want to address the ball so that your front foot is at a 45 degree angle to the target line and your shoulders and body are open and almost facing the target. The ball should also be positioned in the middle of your stance.
When it comes to taking your swing imagine that you are looking at a large clock face straight in front of you. Now the arc of your swing will depend upon the distance you want your ball to fly, remembering that you want your ball to land in front of the green so that it can then run up onto the putting surface.
To begin practicing this shot you should aim to take your club back to no farther than 4 o'clock on your imaginary clock face and then follow through to no more than 7 o'clock. You can then adjust this arc to suit your own style of play and will find that the farther back you take the club the farther your ball will fly. The secret however is to keep the arc as small as possible.
Two other things to remember. First, you must ensure that the arc of your swing, on the back swing, down swing and follow through, remains on your target line throughout. Second, your swing must be relaxed and fluid and you must not slow the club head as it strikes through the ball.
As with all golf shots the 'pitch and run' is something which you must practice over a range of distances and in differing wind conditions. The secret however is to choose the right club for you, stick to the simple rules of the shot and, above all, relax, swing naturally and let your club do the work.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Saunders
Now the choice of clubs is always something of a thorny subject so here is my advice. Do not worry about what the experts say and, whatever shot you are trying to make, take the club which you are most comfortable with and in which you have the most confidence. Practice with all of the clubs in your bag in a wide variety of different situations and then choose whichever club works best for you in each case.
Once you have chosen your club position yourself to take your shot just as you would for any normal pitch shot. Remember that you want to address the ball so that your front foot is at a 45 degree angle to the target line and your shoulders and body are open and almost facing the target. The ball should also be positioned in the middle of your stance.
When it comes to taking your swing imagine that you are looking at a large clock face straight in front of you. Now the arc of your swing will depend upon the distance you want your ball to fly, remembering that you want your ball to land in front of the green so that it can then run up onto the putting surface.
To begin practicing this shot you should aim to take your club back to no farther than 4 o'clock on your imaginary clock face and then follow through to no more than 7 o'clock. You can then adjust this arc to suit your own style of play and will find that the farther back you take the club the farther your ball will fly. The secret however is to keep the arc as small as possible.
Two other things to remember. First, you must ensure that the arc of your swing, on the back swing, down swing and follow through, remains on your target line throughout. Second, your swing must be relaxed and fluid and you must not slow the club head as it strikes through the ball.
As with all golf shots the 'pitch and run' is something which you must practice over a range of distances and in differing wind conditions. The secret however is to choose the right club for you, stick to the simple rules of the shot and, above all, relax, swing naturally and let your club do the work.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Saunders
Friday, November 6, 2009
How to Correct a Golf Slice -- Golf Training Aid
The golfers slice has more than one cause, and if you want to know how to cure a slice in golf you need to identify what is causing you to slice. In general terms, the problem could be an incorrect grip, the body alignment could be wrong, the ball position in the setup might be wrong as well, so might the angle of the club face.
In view of these many factors coming in to play, your job is to find what is making you slice, by eliminating each one of these causes.
The golfers slice is a common fault among handicap golfers, and can be very destructive if left uncorrected. When you play holes with an out of bounds on the right, or a selection of hazards down the right fairway, you will soon see what I mean. It is not only the trouble the shot puts you in, but it takes a lot of length off your shots as well.
Bear in mind that the slice in golf can be caused when the swing is in progress, rather than have its cause in the setup. This cure for the golf slice deals with the address position only.
1. Do not grip the club too tightly as this can prevent you from pivoting fully. What happens next is the hands and arms pull the club across the ball from an outside to in swing plane. The result is a sliced golf shot.
2. Make sure the club head is square to the ball at the address. It is easy for the novice golfer to inadvertently open the club face at the setup, and from there it is likely to stay open through the rest of the swing.
If you do not know what a square position for the club face looks like, stand opposite someone who does, then go grip the club from them , without moving the club. You might be in for a surprise when you try this.
3. Your body must be aligned square to the intended target. That means you shoulders, hips and feet must be square to the chosen line of flight. If the stance is open or closed, your body will try to compensate for this during the swing, and the shot will be sliced.
4. Ball position. You must know the correct ball position for each of the clubs in your bag. If the ball position with the driver, for instance, is too far forward, the impact is delayed and the swing path is to the inside track. The club face is no longer square to the line of flight, rather it is travelling to the left as the club face passes from the outside to in, causing a slice.
I hope this article helps you in some way to cure your golf slice.
For more golf swing tips and advice on how to improve your golf game, visit: How To Be Better At Golf, or see http://i-golfswingtips.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Woodrow
In view of these many factors coming in to play, your job is to find what is making you slice, by eliminating each one of these causes.
The golfers slice is a common fault among handicap golfers, and can be very destructive if left uncorrected. When you play holes with an out of bounds on the right, or a selection of hazards down the right fairway, you will soon see what I mean. It is not only the trouble the shot puts you in, but it takes a lot of length off your shots as well.
Bear in mind that the slice in golf can be caused when the swing is in progress, rather than have its cause in the setup. This cure for the golf slice deals with the address position only.
1. Do not grip the club too tightly as this can prevent you from pivoting fully. What happens next is the hands and arms pull the club across the ball from an outside to in swing plane. The result is a sliced golf shot.
2. Make sure the club head is square to the ball at the address. It is easy for the novice golfer to inadvertently open the club face at the setup, and from there it is likely to stay open through the rest of the swing.
If you do not know what a square position for the club face looks like, stand opposite someone who does, then go grip the club from them , without moving the club. You might be in for a surprise when you try this.
3. Your body must be aligned square to the intended target. That means you shoulders, hips and feet must be square to the chosen line of flight. If the stance is open or closed, your body will try to compensate for this during the swing, and the shot will be sliced.
4. Ball position. You must know the correct ball position for each of the clubs in your bag. If the ball position with the driver, for instance, is too far forward, the impact is delayed and the swing path is to the inside track. The club face is no longer square to the line of flight, rather it is travelling to the left as the club face passes from the outside to in, causing a slice.
I hope this article helps you in some way to cure your golf slice.
For more golf swing tips and advice on how to improve your golf game, visit: How To Be Better At Golf, or see http://i-golfswingtips.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Woodrow
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Golf Equipment: Selecting The Right Golf Putter For Your Golf Game.
Buying a golf putter that’s right for you isn’t easy. You need to do your homework to find one that fits both your golf budget and your golf game, which means learning the different types of golf putters and golf clubheads available and their advantages. But doing your homework is worth it because having a good golf putter, as I often say in my golf lessons, shaves strokes off your golf handicap.
The key considerations when looking for a golf putter are price, quality, type, golf clubhead, and alignment system. Face insert, loft, and hosel are additional considerations. I’ve talked about these considerations in my golf tips, but here’s some additional information about them.
Price/Quality
Prices for golf putters range from $30 to $250 or more. Usually, the higher the price, the better the quality. While buying quality is nice, you don’t have to overspend to find the right golf putter. Consider putters from all price ranges before investing, but look for one that feels right to you and fits your budget. That can take time, but if you look hard enough, you just might find a good but inexpensive golf putter that will work as well as an expensive one.
Type
Golf putter types include traditional, belly, and long. Most players use a traditional golf putter, which allows for the best blend of feel and mechanical precision. Traditional putters demand “quiet” wrists, a big hurdle for some. They also affect golfers with bad backs. Hence, the increased use of the belly and the long putters. Nevertheless, they’re easier to master than the belly or long putters, which is why I cover them in my golf lessons.
The belly golf putter provides a third point of contact - the abdomen— between the putter and the player, the other two being your hands. This golf putter adds stability and balance to your golf stroke. The belly putter enables a golfer to control his wrist action and assume a near perfect position for golf putting, but the club’s longer shaft and generally thicker grip inhibits feel and feed back. Distance control is also a problem.
Long golf putters provide a stroke with a true pendulum arc, are great for players with bad backs, and completely eliminate wrist action, but they inhibit feel, feed back, and distance control even more than belly putters. Many players consider them the “last refuge” for players with highly active wrists, but you’ll often see them used by pros on the tour who are having trouble with their golf putting.
Clubhead
Golf putters come with blade, cavity back, and mallet clubheads. A blade has the clubhead’s weight distributed to the heel or bottom of the putter, leaving a thin top line to view when addressing the ball. It is harder to control than a cavity back or a mallet. A cavity back features a hollow area in the middle of the club- the golf clubhead’s back, creating a larger sweet spot. A golf mallet putter is bigger than traditional putter’s clubhead but its shape varies widely. Also check out the face-balanced and the heel-toe-weighted mallets, which promote a straight stroke and minimize mishits.
Alignment System
Aligning the golf putter to the hole is critical to sinking the putt, as I emphasize in my golf lessons. If the putter isn’t lined up properly, the ball won’t go in regardless of how well it’s hit. Try finding a golf putter with a visual aid to help you line up the club with the hole, one that you feel comfortable and confident with. There’s no research showing that one alignment system is better than another, so choose one that feels right to you. But make sure you buy a golf putter that has one.
Additional Considerations
Face inserts are available in a variety of materials including metal, rubber, ceramic, plastic, glass, and wood. They provide more feel and feedback, better define a club’s sweet spot, and increase heel-toe weighting. They are nice but not necessary, which I’ve often mentioned in my golf tips.
Believe it or not, golf putters come with about 4 degrees of loft, which keeps the golf ball from bouncing when struck. Most golfers use a putter with standard loft because their hands are vertical to the ball at impact. Loft can be added or taken away depending on where your hands are when you hit the ball.
A golf putter with an offset shaft or hosel appeals to many recreational golfers. The offset helps them address the ball with their forward eye over the ball and a good line of sight to the hole. More importantly, the offset helps them keep their hands ahead of the ball when putting, increasing accuracy.
Golf instruction aside, a good golf putter is critical to improving your golf handicap. But choosing a putter is mostly a matter of feel, so look for one that feels comfortable. If you find a golf putter you think fits your game, try it before purchasing it. Some golf stores have small putting greens that allow you to test a putter. Others will let you take the putter home to test. By all means, do so. It’s the only way to really know.
Putting Secrets Revealed $37.00
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Article Source: Adapted from http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Moorehouse
The key considerations when looking for a golf putter are price, quality, type, golf clubhead, and alignment system. Face insert, loft, and hosel are additional considerations. I’ve talked about these considerations in my golf tips, but here’s some additional information about them.
Price/Quality
Prices for golf putters range from $30 to $250 or more. Usually, the higher the price, the better the quality. While buying quality is nice, you don’t have to overspend to find the right golf putter. Consider putters from all price ranges before investing, but look for one that feels right to you and fits your budget. That can take time, but if you look hard enough, you just might find a good but inexpensive golf putter that will work as well as an expensive one.
Type
Golf putter types include traditional, belly, and long. Most players use a traditional golf putter, which allows for the best blend of feel and mechanical precision. Traditional putters demand “quiet” wrists, a big hurdle for some. They also affect golfers with bad backs. Hence, the increased use of the belly and the long putters. Nevertheless, they’re easier to master than the belly or long putters, which is why I cover them in my golf lessons.
The belly golf putter provides a third point of contact - the abdomen— between the putter and the player, the other two being your hands. This golf putter adds stability and balance to your golf stroke. The belly putter enables a golfer to control his wrist action and assume a near perfect position for golf putting, but the club’s longer shaft and generally thicker grip inhibits feel and feed back. Distance control is also a problem.
Long golf putters provide a stroke with a true pendulum arc, are great for players with bad backs, and completely eliminate wrist action, but they inhibit feel, feed back, and distance control even more than belly putters. Many players consider them the “last refuge” for players with highly active wrists, but you’ll often see them used by pros on the tour who are having trouble with their golf putting.
Clubhead
Golf putters come with blade, cavity back, and mallet clubheads. A blade has the clubhead’s weight distributed to the heel or bottom of the putter, leaving a thin top line to view when addressing the ball. It is harder to control than a cavity back or a mallet. A cavity back features a hollow area in the middle of the club- the golf clubhead’s back, creating a larger sweet spot. A golf mallet putter is bigger than traditional putter’s clubhead but its shape varies widely. Also check out the face-balanced and the heel-toe-weighted mallets, which promote a straight stroke and minimize mishits.
Alignment System
Aligning the golf putter to the hole is critical to sinking the putt, as I emphasize in my golf lessons. If the putter isn’t lined up properly, the ball won’t go in regardless of how well it’s hit. Try finding a golf putter with a visual aid to help you line up the club with the hole, one that you feel comfortable and confident with. There’s no research showing that one alignment system is better than another, so choose one that feels right to you. But make sure you buy a golf putter that has one.
Additional Considerations
Face inserts are available in a variety of materials including metal, rubber, ceramic, plastic, glass, and wood. They provide more feel and feedback, better define a club’s sweet spot, and increase heel-toe weighting. They are nice but not necessary, which I’ve often mentioned in my golf tips.
Believe it or not, golf putters come with about 4 degrees of loft, which keeps the golf ball from bouncing when struck. Most golfers use a putter with standard loft because their hands are vertical to the ball at impact. Loft can be added or taken away depending on where your hands are when you hit the ball.
A golf putter with an offset shaft or hosel appeals to many recreational golfers. The offset helps them address the ball with their forward eye over the ball and a good line of sight to the hole. More importantly, the offset helps them keep their hands ahead of the ball when putting, increasing accuracy.
Golf instruction aside, a good golf putter is critical to improving your golf handicap. But choosing a putter is mostly a matter of feel, so look for one that feels comfortable. If you find a golf putter you think fits your game, try it before purchasing it. Some golf stores have small putting greens that allow you to test a putter. Others will let you take the putter home to test. By all means, do so. It’s the only way to really know.
Putting Secrets Revealed $37.00
Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book “How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros.” He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
Article Source: Adapted from http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Moorehouse
Golf Apparel: How to Choose Golf Apparel and Golf Shoes
Wearing the right golf apparel can have a large impact on how much you enjoy the game. Really, you should consider the golf clothing that you wear for each round as part of your golf equipment. It's just that important!
Acceptable golf apparel has changed radically over the years since golf's birth, as early golfers used to wear jackets and ties as they went around the course. In fact, many modern-day observers of the golf game feel that the kind of restrictive clothing that the early golfers wore had an adverse impact on their scores, simply because the apparel did not allow for much freedom of movement.
As golf continue to make progress and become more popular, the styles began to change and knickers became very popular golf apparel for a long time. In the 1960s and and 1970s a shift to more comfortable golf clothing was made by many of the top players, although some of the styles would be considered loud by today's standards.
Since that time, a lot of progress has been made in developing fabrics and materials for golf apparel that make the golf game more comfortable to play under most conditions. And so today, there is a wide range of style that is acceptable on most golf courses, as the emphasis has shifted more to comfort instead.
Many of the newer, more modern fabrics are very good at wicking moisture away from the skin as we perspire. This has a tendency to make the golfer feel much more comfortable as they complete their round. So when looking for golf apparel, try to look for some of these newer fabrics as they will most likely have a positive effect on your enjoyment of the game. And make sure to buy golf apparel that will allow for easy, freedom of movement throughout your swing.
Golf shoes are an important part of your ensemble, as they not only contribute toward your appearance but also can substantially help improve your game. The golf swing calls for a lot of torque and motion in your body as it rotates to build that the energy needed for the golf shot. And because of that rotation, it's very easy for your footing to slip out of place. Having a good set of golf shoes helps solve that problem by anchoring your feet to the ground instead.
These days, golf shoes come in all kinds of styles and designs so it's easy to find something that fits your personality. But the most important part of the golf shoe is what is underneath that holds you to the ground. In the past you could expect to see metal spikes on the bottom of almost every golf shoe made, but more modern golf shoes employ dimpled plastic spikes instead that still do a good job of giving you a solid foundation for your swing, and yet are easier on the golf course itself.
Another piece of golf apparel that should not be overlooked is a golf rain suit, as it's very easy to encounter rain in most parts of the country while you are playing a round of golf. If you happen to be far away from the clubhouse when the rain begins, having a good golf rain suit to put on can be really handy.
If you use the practical considerations that are listed above for golf apparel and golf shoes you should be able to make a good choice on the golf eqipment that you buy.
Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including golf. You can find ladies golf apparel and mens golf apparel by visiting our Golf Tips website.
Article Source: adapted from http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steadman_Issenburg
Acceptable golf apparel has changed radically over the years since golf's birth, as early golfers used to wear jackets and ties as they went around the course. In fact, many modern-day observers of the golf game feel that the kind of restrictive clothing that the early golfers wore had an adverse impact on their scores, simply because the apparel did not allow for much freedom of movement.
As golf continue to make progress and become more popular, the styles began to change and knickers became very popular golf apparel for a long time. In the 1960s and and 1970s a shift to more comfortable golf clothing was made by many of the top players, although some of the styles would be considered loud by today's standards.
Since that time, a lot of progress has been made in developing fabrics and materials for golf apparel that make the golf game more comfortable to play under most conditions. And so today, there is a wide range of style that is acceptable on most golf courses, as the emphasis has shifted more to comfort instead.
Many of the newer, more modern fabrics are very good at wicking moisture away from the skin as we perspire. This has a tendency to make the golfer feel much more comfortable as they complete their round. So when looking for golf apparel, try to look for some of these newer fabrics as they will most likely have a positive effect on your enjoyment of the game. And make sure to buy golf apparel that will allow for easy, freedom of movement throughout your swing.
Golf shoes are an important part of your ensemble, as they not only contribute toward your appearance but also can substantially help improve your game. The golf swing calls for a lot of torque and motion in your body as it rotates to build that the energy needed for the golf shot. And because of that rotation, it's very easy for your footing to slip out of place. Having a good set of golf shoes helps solve that problem by anchoring your feet to the ground instead.
These days, golf shoes come in all kinds of styles and designs so it's easy to find something that fits your personality. But the most important part of the golf shoe is what is underneath that holds you to the ground. In the past you could expect to see metal spikes on the bottom of almost every golf shoe made, but more modern golf shoes employ dimpled plastic spikes instead that still do a good job of giving you a solid foundation for your swing, and yet are easier on the golf course itself.
Another piece of golf apparel that should not be overlooked is a golf rain suit, as it's very easy to encounter rain in most parts of the country while you are playing a round of golf. If you happen to be far away from the clubhouse when the rain begins, having a good golf rain suit to put on can be really handy.
If you use the practical considerations that are listed above for golf apparel and golf shoes you should be able to make a good choice on the golf eqipment that you buy.
Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including golf. You can find ladies golf apparel and mens golf apparel by visiting our Golf Tips website.
Article Source: adapted from http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steadman_Issenburg
Golf Tips: Put Your Best Foot Forward To Improve Your Golf Game.
Golf shoes are an important part of golf for both the golf game and the golf player. On a Game Level, different golf shoes and their respective golf spikes cause daily damage to the course. The traditional metal golf spike was the major offender and has been banned from most golf courses. The introduction of golf softspikes in the early 1980s has helped reduce wear and tear on the fairways and greens. The most promising shoe is the new generation spikeless golf shoe which minimizes damage to all playing surfaces.
For the average player, golf course damage is key for a couple of reasons. First, the resulting maintenance adds to the golfers playing fees. Second, it affects the playing quality of the turf and respectively the golfer’s score for the money paid to play. Neither is a good thing.
USGA.COM reports that golf is one of the few games, perhaps the only one, where the player's own golf equipment [specifically] spiked shoes -- directly, undeniably, and significantly affects the most critical playing surface of the game - the putting green.
The growing market trend is to promote spikeless golf shoes and there are some very good reasons why. From a Player Level there is no residual maintenance fees for spikeless golf shoes. Additionally, the golf shoes offer the same if not better technology related to comfort and play. Finally, they are kind to the golf course.
GolfIllustrated.com reports that there are a few primary players that make up the market for spikeless golf shoes. That is good news [since} they are focused on bringing golfers the best golf equioment possible, including incredible technology, fantastic fashions, comfort never imagined possible just 10 years ago and [with ]game-enhancing designs.
While each golf manufacturer has done special research and testing to enhance their respective golf products all have tried to improve golf shoes in a number of key areas: outsoles durability and traction; insole comfort related to fit and feel AKA athletic last; and, materials related to endurance and flexibility. GolfDigest.com and the websites of the manufacturers highlight the following:
Adidas Golf Shoes: Adidas spikeless golf shoes are known for their unconventional coloring, styles and technologies. One of Adidas main features is the Clima Cool system that keeps the foot cool and dry through their waterproof technologies. They also feature Z-Traxion technology with lateral and linear design to maximize grip on surface areas. And, the manufacturer’s patented torsion system helps to control excess movement and maintain stability for the golfer through play.
Etonic Golf Shoes: Etonic offers a durable spikeless mens golf shoe that is innovative in providing comfort and traction. Its new G-SOK features a wide-platform outsole made from a high-abrasion Goodyear rubber that's 20 times more durable than conventional rubber. This makes the gripping nubs super strong, and since they don't require receptacles, the shoe is even more lightweight and flexible. Etonic also offers a spikeless womens golf shoe with the same quality features.
Footjoy Golf Shoes: The FootJoy offers spikeless mens golf shoes in a variety of styles and colors. Most are of leather construction with a durable rubber outsole. They feature of the EVA Fit-Bed®, a lightweight removable insole that does not set, so the cushioning will remain the same for the life of the shoe. FootJoy spikeless shoes also feature Slip Last Construction. a technique often used in running shoes. This technique offers more contour and flexibility for comfort in the shoe. FootJoy also offers spikeless womens golf shoes with the same quality features.
Nike Golf Shoes: Nike goes From Air to Zoom. Nike spikeless mens golf shoes combines a deep heel Air-Sole unit together with cushioned forefront Air unit to provide lightweight comfort with enhanced feel and performance through your weight shift. Their ultra-flexibleT@C4 (Traction at Contact) Spikeless outsole technology provides maximum traction, stability and flexibility. The Nike spikeless shoe has an athletic last built for well-rounded toe and fuller forefoot area for room to waggle and a standard instep. Nike also offers a spikeless womens golf shoe with the same quality features.
Whatever you choose to wear golf shoes are the most basic part of your golf equipment. Old or new, spiked or spikeless, expensive or inexpensive golf shoes will make the difference in how you play. If you are in pain, slipping, sliding and swearing through eighteen holes what good does it do? Visit HOT LINKS. to put your best foot forward to improve your golf game.
For the average player, golf course damage is key for a couple of reasons. First, the resulting maintenance adds to the golfers playing fees. Second, it affects the playing quality of the turf and respectively the golfer’s score for the money paid to play. Neither is a good thing.
USGA.COM reports that golf is one of the few games, perhaps the only one, where the player's own golf equipment [specifically] spiked shoes -- directly, undeniably, and significantly affects the most critical playing surface of the game - the putting green.
The growing market trend is to promote spikeless golf shoes and there are some very good reasons why. From a Player Level there is no residual maintenance fees for spikeless golf shoes. Additionally, the golf shoes offer the same if not better technology related to comfort and play. Finally, they are kind to the golf course.
GolfIllustrated.com reports that there are a few primary players that make up the market for spikeless golf shoes. That is good news [since} they are focused on bringing golfers the best golf equioment possible, including incredible technology, fantastic fashions, comfort never imagined possible just 10 years ago and [with ]game-enhancing designs.
While each golf manufacturer has done special research and testing to enhance their respective golf products all have tried to improve golf shoes in a number of key areas: outsoles durability and traction; insole comfort related to fit and feel AKA athletic last; and, materials related to endurance and flexibility. GolfDigest.com and the websites of the manufacturers highlight the following:
Adidas Golf Shoes: Adidas spikeless golf shoes are known for their unconventional coloring, styles and technologies. One of Adidas main features is the Clima Cool system that keeps the foot cool and dry through their waterproof technologies. They also feature Z-Traxion technology with lateral and linear design to maximize grip on surface areas. And, the manufacturer’s patented torsion system helps to control excess movement and maintain stability for the golfer through play.
Etonic Golf Shoes: Etonic offers a durable spikeless mens golf shoe that is innovative in providing comfort and traction. Its new G-SOK features a wide-platform outsole made from a high-abrasion Goodyear rubber that's 20 times more durable than conventional rubber. This makes the gripping nubs super strong, and since they don't require receptacles, the shoe is even more lightweight and flexible. Etonic also offers a spikeless womens golf shoe with the same quality features.
Footjoy Golf Shoes: The FootJoy offers spikeless mens golf shoes in a variety of styles and colors. Most are of leather construction with a durable rubber outsole. They feature of the EVA Fit-Bed®, a lightweight removable insole that does not set, so the cushioning will remain the same for the life of the shoe. FootJoy spikeless shoes also feature Slip Last Construction. a technique often used in running shoes. This technique offers more contour and flexibility for comfort in the shoe. FootJoy also offers spikeless womens golf shoes with the same quality features.
Nike Golf Shoes: Nike goes From Air to Zoom. Nike spikeless mens golf shoes combines a deep heel Air-Sole unit together with cushioned forefront Air unit to provide lightweight comfort with enhanced feel and performance through your weight shift. Their ultra-flexibleT@C4 (Traction at Contact) Spikeless outsole technology provides maximum traction, stability and flexibility. The Nike spikeless shoe has an athletic last built for well-rounded toe and fuller forefoot area for room to waggle and a standard instep. Nike also offers a spikeless womens golf shoe with the same quality features.
Whatever you choose to wear golf shoes are the most basic part of your golf equipment. Old or new, spiked or spikeless, expensive or inexpensive golf shoes will make the difference in how you play. If you are in pain, slipping, sliding and swearing through eighteen holes what good does it do? Visit HOT LINKS. to put your best foot forward to improve your golf game.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
