Be Clear About Your Golf Goals
If you identify realistic goals before you set out to buy, it will make the process of buying clubs much easier. If you’re deeply committed to golf and plan to play every day, then obviously you’ll want to spend more time, money and effort on a set of clubs than if you only intend to play twice a year with your brother-in-law.

Assessing Your Levels of Dedication and Interest
By honestly assessing your dedication to golf, you can more easily determine how much to spend, and on what quality of clubs. How much will you be practicing? Will you be willing to take lessons? If you aren’t willing to go that far, then you’re probably better off going with a cheaper pair of clubs. If you plan to practice regularly, and take lessons, then you may want something more expensive.

New or Used Clubs?
Used clubs are probably a good choice if you aren’t sure about your commitment or have a history of taking up hobbies and losing interest in them after a short time. Because they’ll be cheaper than new clubs, they can be replaced more easily later.

Budgeting
A set of clubs can be extremely expensive. If you have enough money and you’re willing to spend on top-quality equipment, then by all means do so. However, for most people the amount of money spent will correlate to how dedicated they are. A good idea for if you’re just setting out, though, is to look for an inexpensive first set - that way, you won’t have wasted as much money if you don’t continue playing.

Shaft Options - The Basics
The two differences in golf shafts that beginners should keep in mind are shaft composition (graphite or steel) and shaft flex (the amount of bend in the shaft during your swing). Steel is sturdier and cheaper, but graphite is lighter, so it will generate more swing speed. Women and older players will benefit most from graphite shafts that have a softer flex. Stronger, younger men may go with regular or stiffer shafts, but remember that many teaching say too many golfers use shafts with too much stiffness. If you’d like to get more details about proper shaft selection consider getting the Senior Golfers Guide, a 210 page ebook created especially for the Senior Golfer.

Getting a Clubfitting
If you’re getting a new set of clubs, a clubfitting is an option. A clubfitting, lasting about half an hour, is an option offered by many teaching pros. If you don’t want that, at least getting a measurement in a pro shop will ensure that the clubs you choose are well-suited to your body. If you are a 5-foot-10 male, then the standard clubs straight off the rack will fit you. However, if that description doesn’t fit you very well, you might want to get fitted.

Easier Golf with the Right Clubs
Of course, nothing will take the place of a good swing, but as a novice golfer you can make it easier on yourself by choosing clubs that are designed specifically for higher-handicappers - known as “game improvement clubs”. You should choose irons that are cavity-backed and perimeter-weighted. Investigate “hybrid” sets, in which utility clubs replace the long irons - that is, the 3-, 4- and occasionally 5-irons. Go for more loft (i.e. 12 degrees), not less, when choosing a driver. Don’t pay attention to what kind of clubs the Tour players use.

Ask Questions, Seek Advice

If you have friends who play, ask them for advice. Ask at a pro shop or golf pro for recommendations. Get some idea of what you’re really looking for. When you’ve done all this, and you’re ready to buy, remember to shop around. Range and price will always differ from one outlet to another, whether you’re shopping at pro shops, department stores, or garage sales. Just keep in mind your price range and only buy clubs within that range. If you would like more detailed advice we recommend getting the Senior Golfers Guide, a great resource for older golfers. It’s just $29.50, and we think this is money well spent.

Weight of the ball
A golf ball’s weight must not exceed 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g according to the “Rules of Golf”. The heavier the ball, the greater its momentum, and the less it would be slowed down by air resistance. Hence it would tend to fly further. For this reason most manufacturers produce golf balls with the heaviest sanctioned weight of 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g.

Compression Rates
In the manufacturing process, some two-piece, and all three-piece balls are rated by their compression measurements. This is done by pressuring them with a standard weight
Balls that don’t deform at all are rated Compression 200, while balls that deform by 0.2″ or above are rated Compression 0. These are the two extremes, and between them balls are rated in intervals of 0.001 inches. The Standard Compression rate is usually 90 or 100. the higher the compression rate the harder the feel, and vice versa. Almost every ball is subject to a compression rating. Compression rates of 80 and 100 are also found.

However, manufacturers are not bound by an official standard. Hence one manufacturer’s compression rate of 100 can be different to another manufacturer’s compression rate of 100. This can mount up to a 3.5 point difference in either direction. In addition, some balls don’t even have the compression rate printed on them.

According to a host of surveys, low speed swing players are better off using balls with a Compression rate of 80. Players with an average speed swing should choose Compression 100, and Compression 110 is best for high swing speed players.

The weather should always be taken into consideration when deciding on compression rates to use. Low compression balls are best for colder weather, while high compression balls perform better in hot weather.

Tips for choosing the right balls for you:

Considerations for Driving
Distance balls are designed to fly further and with more accuracy. This means you will be less likely to land in the rough, in a hazard, or out of bounds. Distance balls have their drawbacks, however, as they will be harder to stop on the green. Mid to high handicappers should favor a distance ball. If you would like more detailed advice we recommend getting the Senior Golfers Guide, a great resource for older Golfers. On 210 pages it covers every aspect of golf from a senior’s perspective, and for just $29.50 we think this is money well spent.

Optimum Performance in Your Approach
Spin balls are made with outer layers that take on more spin when you strike them with angled club faces. Drawing or fading around obstacles and hazards therefore becomes easier, as they will bend more to the left or right. They also take on more backspin when struck with a lofted club - this is important, as the balls will therefore stop more quickly on the green.
Whilst spin balls used to be made with fragile outer layers that were prone to damage, this problem has now been largely averted with the introduction of solid multilayer construction, replacing the old flimsy balata covers.

Getting More Control
Distance balls designed to stop quickly when on the green, but with minimum risk of slicing or hooking are known as control balls. The Nike One and Titleist Pro V1 are members of the new generation of balls that are so versatile they will perform in any situation.

Balls for Slow Swingers
Known variously as Ladies or Senior balls, these balls increase driving distance to improve the scores of players with slower, less powerful swings.

Choosing the Right Putting Ball
Differently designed balls will roll for different distances on the green. As a rule of thumb, harder balls role further. The difference is more than you would think. Teaching professionals recommend that you putt with the same kind of ball all the time, as this will help you to calibrate, feel, learn and reproduce the connection between stroke strength and distance. As most balls aren’t perfectly balanced, they won’t roll absolutely true, but higher quality balls will be generally more likely to stay on course, due to higher standards of quality control during manufacture.

Affordability
Try to always play with the same balls that you practice with. So if you can’t afford to practice with a high quality ball, don’t switch when playing competitions. A ball that has been overused will no longer be spherical, and so is no good to you. Play balls that you can afford to replace regularly.
Source: The above information is just a small morsel taken from the Senior Golfers Guide. This 210 page ebook is full of golf tips and advice like the above, and for just $29.50 we think every Senior Golfer should have it.

If you want to hit the ball solidly on a consistent basis, the only way is through practice and more practice.

Though you may not think so, the best time to practice is right after a round. Everything that didn’t work for you during the round is fresh in your mind, and your body and mind are ready to go. Failure to work consistently on the shots that regularly give you the most trouble means your game won’t soon improve.

The key to maximizing your efficiency in practice is creating ‘real’ situations. Ideally, you would mirror what happened in your round and employ your best swings. Also work on hitting balls from every bad lie you can think of. Obviously, it’s extra important to practice if you haven’t played for a while.

Boost your game further by visualizing a round of golf during lunch or breaks, on your way to or home from work, etc. Imagine taking many good swings and hitting a great shot each time. See your entire body flowing in unison through each shot, completely tension-free. This isn’t useless preparation. You are increasing your muscle memory and preparing them for the next round.

If you enjoy other sports, you can transfer movements in these sports to help your golf game. For instance, the way you shift your weight on a tennis backhand shot is very similar to the bodyweight transfer on a golf shot. Use the tennis experience to remember what you need to do on the links. For detailed steps on how to swing properly we suggest you pick up a copy of the Senior Golfers Guide - it’s a 210 page ebook dedicated to Senior Golfers; full of great advice, tips and lessons in golf.

When you’re hitting a lot of balls in one session, remember to take a break between swings. You will avoid mental and physical exhaustion and can use the time to process what you’ve learned or accomplished. Remember, you’re not out there to hit a thousand shots, rather a few beautiful ones. Hitting 20-30 balls at a time is sufficient practice, especially if the majority of these are struck on the sweet spot of the clubface.

To hit a more accurate shot and promote better contact, pull out your favorite iron and try this exercise: take two tees and stick them in the ground a couple of inches apart. (You can also use two balls.) Try (air)swinging your iron through the tees without hitting them. Start with partial swings and work your way up to full swings as you get better at avoiding the tees. Soon you will be hitting the ball more solidly.

It may sound corny, but don’t forget the feeling of a good shot. Memorize it and internalize it, then practice it and you will soon be able to produce it consistently. It’s very easy to lose the feeling of a great shot because there are so many variables that went into hit, from hand position, proper grip and good pre-swing body alignment to the right ball position, clubface impact and follow-through.

Source: The above information is just a small morsel taken from the Senior Golfers Guide. This 200+ page ebook is full of golf tips and advice like the above, and for just $29.50 we think this every Senior Golfer should have it.

How many of you actually warm-up before starting a round of golf?Recommendations are to always do some stretching exercises before starting a round of golf. Proper warm-up and stretching are essential prior to starting a round of golf or a session on the range.

Golf Warm ups

When starting a round of golf you can choose to start a game (with a wager) for up to 4 players. Along a similar line, something you might also find funny is that I personally sometimes feel more anxious starting a round of golf with not so good players than top professionals because i feel like i have to live up to their expectations of me playing well.

Golf instruction made simple- warming up prior to starting a round of golf, it is important that you remember to warm up beforehand. Chipping and putting greens are likewise available for practice or  warm-up before starting a round of golf. Golf tip: warm up swinging two long irons prior to practicing, or starting a round of golf. Starting a round of golf well and ending strongly.Before starting a round of golf or spending time on the driving range, take a few minutes to warm up.

A well-designed golf fitness program can add yards to your game and improve swing consistency. These golf training programs and articles cover everything from golf strength training to flexibility  …   Golf Fitness Section…[3] If you want to improve your scores, you’ve got to put the time in at the range and the gym.  …   What can the average golfer learn about fitness from Tour players? First, you need to make a commitment to get more fit and flexible overall. Second, you need an evaluation from a top golf or fitness instructor.[4]

Reference URL
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_4802037_fit-golf.html
2. http://www.golfonabudget.com/golf-fitness.html
3. http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/golffitness.html
4. http://www.golf.com/golf/instruction/article/0%2C28136%2C1871571%2C00.html

Brush tees are relatively new in the history of golf.  It’s a type of tee that mimics the effect of a ball lying atop a nice grassy area in the fairway.  If you’re a golfer, then you know how good it feels when you approach your tee shot and see it perfectly lifted off of the ground by blades of grass that allow you to make a smooth stroke as you approach the green.

A brush tee lets you swing with the same confidence you have when your golf ball has the perfect lie. There’s no resistance (no matter how slight) as there is when you hit a wooden or plastic tee.

Research has shown that golfers are adding yards to their shots by using brush tees instead of wooden or plastic versions.  The bristles art the top are synthetic creations that bend when they’re struck, so there’s nothing standing in the way between you and the perfect tee shot.

As every golfer understands, even a slight variation in the ground can impede accuracy and sometimes just result in a subconscious effort to control the outcome by making you swing differently.

You can buy brush tees to suit your club selection, such as tees for your driver, tees for your other woods, and some other sizes you might want to use on a par-3 if you’re teeing up for an iron shot.

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Why You Can’t Use Only One Club

Unlike most games using variations of the bat and ball, golf isn’t a game you can play with only one golf club. Though it may be possible, it is highly impractical because then the golfer would need to change the direction and speed for each stroke he plays. Invariably different golf clubs are used for diverse types of strokes, because their weight, size and manufacturing materials are different.

Various golf clubs have assorted names because they’re made of different materials and are also dissimilar in weight. For instance a wedge looks like a normal golf iron but is used for particular strokes in certain conditions. When you go to buy a golf club set, you will find a wide variety to select from. The top brands are Spalding and Callaway, but you can get a whole lot of options at different price points.

When you are buying your first golf club set, you must be very particular about which one you select. It is a good idea to check out reviews on the internet so that you can narrow down your choices and find out what exactly you’re looking for in your golf club set. Different brands offer many variations in golf clubs and when you see what people have to say about various brands, your research will help you buy something will be more than satisfactory for your requirements

These reviews, usually written by professional golfers, will be able to superior guide you as to the choices available, depending on your need and capability, whether you are a starter or an accomplished golfer. Golf club reviews might be found on many world wide web sites and forums, particularly those specializing in golfing equipment. You may also find it interesting to go through reviews written by individual users apart from the professionals.

The different materials which go into the manufacture of golf clubs define the usage of the golf clubs. Here again a golf club review will help you decide which set you should select to buy. There are people who are so much in love with the game that they don’t mind paying extra for a customized golf club set so that they can play a superior game.

If you want to play golf at your best possible level, you will need to purchase a good set of golf clubs and it is worth investing the time and money involved for your love of the game.

Find more golf tips and info about golf equipment here.

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Source: golf

Your golf swing is everything to having a good golf game. Your swing involves the coordination of many different muscle groups in tandem. If any of them are off, then so is your swing and the ball will be off the mark. Proper warm up before playing a round helps get your muscles groups working together. This may include stretching, calisthenics and massage therapy. It is vital to get your body prepared properly for the physical activity of swinging your clubs. Massage therapy delivered with a massage chair is an effective way to get your body and muscles loosened up for your next round of golf.

When you swing your club, stress is put on the shoulders, elbows, wrists, lower back, hips and knees. If you have pain or discomfort in one of these areas, then it can really throw off your swing. When we have an ache, we tend to try to not put stress on that area to make it worse. This means we may unintentionally cause our swing to deviate from its desired course. A thorough warm up helps to loosen these tight areas and help to enhance your swing.

The regions that need proper stretching are your shoulders, arms, back, hips and legs. Develop and sustain a stretching routine prior to playing. Make sure you hit all the above listed areas. Calisthenics are another important element to add to your routine. Walking also helps you get your body ready. Using a massage chair to loosen up tight muscles and tendons helps your muscles in addition to stretching.

Massage chairs can provide targeted Swedish and deep tissue massage to these areas. Also the application of heat helps with blood circulation and muscle relaxation. Massage also increases alertness helping concentration during the game. Massage should be performed prior to action, because if inflammation occurs, then there are limited therapies that can reverse it. When getting a pre-game massage remember to obtain adequate hydration.

An area of particular importance is the lower back. Most golfers complain about lower back pain. The lower back or lumbar area is the fulcrum of your swing. The leverage in your swing is a function of this pivot point. This is used repetitively throughout the day on every swing. It is vitally important that the major muscle groups used in this area are effectively warmed up. This includes the low back, hips and legs. These areas need to be warmed up and stretched. A good warm up includes the application of heat to enhance blood flow and a penetrating deep tissue massage.

Injury prevention is important for your long term golf game. Many injuries can be prevented and totally avoided. Some of the common causes of injuries are from poor swing mechanics, hitting the ground, too little warm up, over-swinging and twisting during the swing. Most injuries are related to the golf swing. This is where people can throw out their backs or swing too hard hurting their elbow. Most of these causes can be substantially reduced by performing a proper warm up. Know your body and keep in tune with it, so you do not over-exert and injure yourself.

You should seriously consider adding massage therapy as part of your warm up like professional athletes do. Sports massage is part and parcel of the proper warm up to help achieve peak performance. You want to make sure all the major muscle groups that constitute your golf swing are included. This also helps reduce the chance of injury and increases your longevity. Do not wait until you are injured. Once injuries start to occur, then it is difficult to fully recover. Your golf swing is very sensitive to problems such as injuries which can affect your game permanently. Get a great sports massage with a massage chair recliner and get your swing the best it can be.

Source: warm up

Why is it that less than 5% of all the golfers in the World can break 70? Do those golfers have something that we don’t? According to golf manufacturers and their advertising claims, we need the same costly golf equipment that the pros use to play to their level.

That obviously is marketing hype, as you can now pick up the same driver that a PGA star used last year for under $200. So, many of us do have technologically advanced clubs and golf balls that the pros use; why are we still unable to break 70 or even 80?

For some reason the average golf score has barely changed during the last 30 years. Billions of dollars have been invested in developing new technologically advanced golf balls and clubs. Also, millions have been spent by advertisers trying to push these products on the unsuspecting golfer.

Today, we can buy clubs that are easier to play, are more forgiving, cavity back and wide sole irons, plus golf balls that can fly a mile in a straight line. Yet the vast majority of golfers are still struggling to break 90! It seams that a great golf game can not be bought; not even with all the golf swing guides, hundreds of new golf training aids, or up to date instruction methods.

What is the thing that the top 5% of golfers know that we don’t. It appears that that “thing” that they possess is mastery of the Mental Game of Golf. That’s the missing ingredient that can promote the quickest and most lasting change in any golfer’s game. This is the only area of golf that doesn’t cost a penny to use, so it is interesting that barely anyone uses it.

The mental golf game: Using your mind in a calculated, methodical and focused way is the surest method of improving your game and lowering your scores. Mastering the Inner Game of Golf can do wonders for your game. But you have to comprehend how to implement the methods.

After you do, you’ll have confidence in yourself and your game, be able to control your attention, cure your golf nerves and anxiety, have clear focus and mental toughness, and eliminate anger from your game – plus many more benefits.

Knowledge of the mental game of golf is what separates the top 5% of golfers from the rest of us. You can see it in action on the PGA Tour because all those guys have access to the same equipment, golf swing gurus, and putting teachers. The difference between them comes down to how well they master their mental game of golf during each tournament.

Clearly, at their level and with all the demands and media coverage, it is difficult for them to sustain high levels of concentration and focus week after week, month after month. That is why even the likes of Tiger Woods can not win each major in a year or even dominate the majority of events in a season, every season.

But for recreational golfers like us, understanding and using the inner game of golf techniques can have an immediate and long lasting positive affect on our game of golf. It is the quickest way to lower your scores and take your game to the next level. If you would like more information on how to begin, then read How to Learn the Mental Game of Golf. You will also find a couple of free reports, Mental Game Tips and Mental Game Self Assessment, that you can download to get you started.

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If you have elbow pain, take time out and read this to help you get fitter and reduce the pain