Golf News, Tips and Tricks

A golf club distance depends on a variety of things such as the type of club you are using, the weather condition, the fairway, your physical fitness, your age, your gender, your swing speed, and how your club head connects with the ball.

Sometimes one person’s 5 iron distance is another golfers 3 iron or 7iron distance. According to golf digest most amateurs usually hit their drives at around 195-205 yards. So don’t compare yourself with the pros, because PGA pros hit theirs at around 280-320 yards, while LPGA pros hit at 230-270 yards. See the disparity even in the pros category?

Long Hitter or Short Hitter

As you play regularly you will slowly see whether you are a short hitter or a long hitter. Of course do not expect to be a long hitter the first time you play golf. But whether you’re a long hitter does not always mean that you’re better than the short hitter. After all, there’s still the issue of your ability to putt.

You have to remember that it’s not just hitting the ball. You have to able to hit the ball, and make it fly straight or reach the target. You know there’s no use for long hitters who frequently get out of bounds.

Men’s and Women’s Golf Clubs

There is a chart of range for golf club distance, and you can find this in your favorite golfing stores, sporting stores or online. But there is big difference on percentage when it comes to the Men’s golf clubs versus the women’s golf clubs.

You know that longer clubs generally hit farther right? Since most women are less in height than men, it simply follows that their golf club distance also has a big difference from that of the men’s.

Golf Club Distance Factors

How far your ball travels is also affected by the temperature, air pressure and air direction. Most golfers tend to under club when they are trying to hit the green, so there shots usually fall short.

Have you ever played on golf courses with elevation? Have you noticed that when hitting your ball from a lower elevation to higher one you golf club distance falls short of expectation? That’s because golf club distance are affected with elevation.

Well hopefully, through this article you have gained some knowledge on how golf club distance work. If you need any other information you can always use your search engine.

Now, this is not to suggest that working on your golf stance is not important. This is quite the contrary, as the pros claim that your swing and stance are at the core of a successful golf game. You may be able to make a great shot with a less-than-perfect stance, but perfecting it allows you to play more consistent golfing each time you are on the course.

First, relax. This may not as easy as you think, especially if you are focusing on the many instructions about what makes a stance good or bad. Your arms should never be rigid, yet should be in a fairly fixed position. Actually, most coaches suggest that your arms should stay relaxed at your side.

The actual stance depends on several factors, including gender according to many who argue that female golfers need a wider stance than men. Keep in mind that your golf stance is the foundation to your golf swing and that balance is very important. When speaking of gender as a factor, remember that the hips and pelvis of women and men are naturally different and, with that, you can get a basic understanding of why women often require a wider stance.

Men tend to have more rigid hip and pelvis areas than that of women and, as such, the male golfer’s body differently to the counterswing and the follow-through. Because a woman’s hips are not so rigid, she has somewhat of an advantage when it comes to the golf stance, as long as she compensates for the difference. Of course, finding a comfortable golf stance takes practice and some trial and error.

Finding your comfort zone is important, but you may have to compromise comfort somewhat to work on your stance since it may take time for a proper golf stance to feel natural. Though you should not maintain a golf stance that makes your body physically hurt, you may feel some discomfort while your body adjusts to the new position.

The stance is only one part of a successful golf game, but a very important one at that. In combination with the club grip and other components of a good swing, the stance helps you with your ability to play a more consistent game. However, remember that golf for most is about having fun. If focusing on the details of your stance is taking away from your enjoyment of the entire game, you may want to stop and take a closer look at how you define a successful golf game.

Ron del Barrio shows you his passive golf swing.

Ron’s Passive Golf Method is about rotating the core of your body and following the eye line through the swing. This is the same swing method Tiger Woods has been talking about converting to due to the stress of his heavy tourquing. This is also the same swing that Ana Sorenstam has been using for the last few years.

Yes, rotating the head with the turn of the right shoulder along with a passive grip as well as a loaded left side (irons and fairway woods) is what Ron del Barrios Passive golf swing is all about.

This is the only time you hang back on your back foot while striking the ball……
Ron’s Passive Golf Method is about rotating the core of your body and following the eye line through the swing. This is the same swing method Tiger Woods has been talking about converting to due to the stress of his heavy tourqing. This is also the same swing that Ana Sorenstam has been using for the last few years.

Yes, rotating the head with the turn of the right shoulder along with a passive grip as well as a loaded left side (irons and fairway woods) is what Ron del Barrios Passive golf swing is all about.

The optical system (like a rifle scope) allows you to select and lock onto the target that you want to determine the distance for (a flag stick on a green for example).

Following is information about laser range finders that will be instrumental in improving your golf game.

1. The rangefinder requires a clear line of sight to the target. Spotting flags is easier with devices that feature higher magnification optics, but they are more difficult to stabilize well enough to get a reliable measurement.

The newest instruments include technologies, like Bushell’s PinSeeker, and this enables it on to lock distant pins very easily.

Realizing the broad use of rangefinders, a number of golf courses currently have started installing mirrors or prism lenses atop their flag poles. They make it much faster to pick up the yardage.

2. Since the flag stick will not be visible, you won’t get any yardage information if you are shooting over a hill.

3. There is a powerful 7x magnification monocular on all of the latest models of Rangefinders. The monocular can be very useful not only for making accurate yardage measurements, but also for assessing potential landing areas for the next golf stroke.

At 175 yards you would not be able to see a small ridge on the green that will interfere with your putting. By using the range finder you will see these features on the green and avoid them, thus having a better chance at that birdie.

4. By using a laser rangefinder at the driving range you can determine how far you are hitting with each of your clubs. While playing a game of golf on the actual course, this information will allow for more precise club selection.

5. The size of the lens in millimeters determines how much light comes through the lens and makes the unit easier to use, especially in low light situations. The best units will have a 27mm lens.

Is It Legal To Use A Rangefinder In Tournament Play?

You will want to check to see if the model you like, either GPS or rangefinder, is handicap and tournament legal.

The short answer is that yes, most GPS and rangefinders can now be used legally in tournaments and for handicap rounds, however rangefinders that go beyond simple distance measurement and calculate compensations for uphill or downhill shots (these are called “slope” rangefinders) are not legal.

Even if the “slope” feature is turned off, they cannot be used for handicap rounds or tournaments, however these are still a useful tool in practice.

The information supplied should at least get you started in selecting the right type of rangefinder to suit your golfing game.

An optimal putt strokes an arc instead of a straight line. A smooth arc is natural and intuitive. Practice setting up to address the golf ball properly until it becomes instinctive and unconscious instead of mechanical, your feel and distance control will then get better and more consistent. You will increase your chances of making more putts and minimize the odds of three-putts.

Like all golf shots, putting begins at the setup position. If you setup to the golf ball properly you’ll be more likely to hit the golf ball squarely and play instinctively, rather than mechanically, on the golf course. Setup is best described by five lines at address. These five lines not only help you achieve a correct setup, they will enable you to fit for the right length shaft as well. A four ball blade putter can help you se when you’ve gotten it right. The five lines at address consist of:

1: The shaft and your forearms are in line. Your forearms and the shaft ought to be on the same plane. This is will allow your arms and the shaft to move in unison when you stroke. Grip the handle of your four ball blade putter through the palms instead of the fingers, that’ll steer you toward proper alignment.

2: Hands directly under shoulder line. Bow forward from your hips. Face the ground with your entire upper body, and your hands will end up under the shoulder line, free and clear of the body. Bend your elbows slightly. Don’t hold tension your arms or hands.

3. Eyes rest over the ball. If you’re in your bowed forward stance, let your eyes settle over the ball. You’re more likely to see the line if your eyes are there or just inside the target line. If you have problems aligning correctly, consider a four ball blade putter. The unique alignment system will make proper setup and takeaway easier.

4. Balance your weight on the middle of your feet. Once your eyes are over the ball, set up your feet at the proper distance from the ball. Can you feel your weight in the middle of your feet? If you’re too close, your weight will settle on your heels, whereas if you’re too far away, your weight will balance on your toes.

5. Align the shaft 90 degrees to the ground. You will be better off if you don’t lean the four ball blade putter shaft forward or backward at address. That would change the built-in loft of the four ball blade putter, whereas if you’re aligned 90 degrees to the ground, the face of your four ball blade putter will have about 4 degrees of loft: exactly what you want for the correct roll. If you just can’t resist leaning the shaft forward at address, you’ll have to add loft to the four ball blade putter face to offset your lean. The alignment balls on a four ball blade putter can help you see if you’ve compensated correctly.

It is worth reiterating that your stroke when putting should trace an arc. If you practice until you can consistently and instinctively align according to these five lines at address, you will find it quite a bit easier to stroke along the correct arc. Even though the arc tends to be small, it is easy to see in some people as a result of the effort to keep the putter head straight back to straight through. Avoid rocking your shoulders or your putter’s path will be suboptimal. Learn to use these five lines by instinct to achieve a proper setup.

By James Hau

One of the great things about golf is the handicap system. This system allows players of all abilities to compete on an equal , or rather , equalized footing. Theoretically.

According to US Golf Association, the average handicap index is about 16.1 for men and 28.9 for women.  This means that on average, an American male golfer goes around the average par-72 course in about 90 strokes.  But the average American male golfer seldom breaks 100.  Why is there a discrepancy ?  Perhaps anecdotal  evidence is not reliable. Perhaps the USGA’s average handicap index is wrong. Maybe the average American male golfer’s is vain and hence deflate his handicap, either by posting low scores or by not reporting the high ones, or they play fast and loose with the rules of golf.

If you are lucky and play with someone whose ego is so out of control he makes the handicap lower (reverse sandbagger) try not to be distracted by your gratitude. Play him as early and as often as possible. 

On the other hand , the golf world is full of sandbagging swine who masquerade as higher handicaps than they are.  In polite circles, it is said these handicaps travel well.  You know the type and they always seem to win in tournaments, they win low net and low gross. How to handle a sandbagger ? Insist that the match be played based on what you deem to be his true handicap or else refuse to play with him.

The lesson is do not pad your handicap. Ensure that it reflects your ability, no more , no less. Keep it accurate by playing the ball “down” and by putting everything out. When you have a bad hole, resist the temptation to give yourself a 7 instead of an 8. Otherwise you will be one of those pathetic creatures about whose handicap it can be said ” He cant play to it , but he can pay to it.”

Maintain an accurate handicap and you will not only able to play to it, you will also be confident you can play to it which will give you a head start on the average American golfer.

The author of The Simple Swing, David Nevogt, wrote this popular book in 2006 and since then golfers in more than 30 different countries have bought a copy. The claims made about the book are certainly enticing - what golfer wouldn’t want to cut between 7 and 12 strokes from their handicap with a pretty much guaranteed success rate?

According to David golfers generally come up against three problems when they play. Not getting enough distance, the dreaded slice and just being pretty inconsistent in the way they connect with the ball. He decided that if he could simplify the swing in a scientific way then he could probably help most people with these problems. The result of his work was The Simple Swing.

I was introduced to The Simple Golf Swing by a golf partner of mine. We both started golf around the same time (in our thirties) and we were always of a similar standard. For a long time we both used to shoot in the low nineties - not brilliant I know and neither of us had ever even broken 90. And then one day, after not having played together for a few weeks, we played a round at our local club and I just could not believe my eyes.

After the first couple of holes I thought that my friend was just having a good day but when he finished up with an 84 he finally spilled the beans and told me about a new book he had bought - The Simple Swing. He told me he’s been following the advice given in the book over the last few weeks while he practised at the driving range and that it was having a remarkable effect on his game. So needless to say I got my own copy.

I practised hard over the next four or five weeks and brought my score down to the mid eighties. I probably knocked about 9 shots off my game through being more consistent and hitting the ball further. Some of the advice given in The Simple Swing will proabably be at odds with what you currently believe. Would you think that, for example, reducing your back swing could make your drives longer? And David has a great way to get you to hit more greens.

The Simple Swing website has loads of rave reviews on it from players who say they have had fantastic improvement in their golf with David’s system. What’s good also, is that he offers a money back guarantee if after 8 weeks you are not totally happy for whatever reason.

The Simple Swing really is an excellent book and really stands out from the crowd. It is written in easy to understand language and rates a perfect 10 as far as I am concerned.

Zen is about being in the moment at all times and enjoying each experience to the fullest. Its not simply living life to the fullest but instead appreciating everything that your senses take in. This may sound a bit out there and unrelated to golf but golf and Zen are related in many ways. Incorporating Zen into your game will improve your experience and should improve your game. Here are some tips to incorporating Zen into your golfing.

Again, you really need to be in the moment which means you take in your senses of smell, touch and sound. You dont dwell on any one thing or let it occupy your thoughts. For example, while taking your stance, feel the breezes direction and force and feel the grass under your feet before picking up your golf club. Dont dwell on these senses but simply be aware of them. Now focus on your shot; dont think about a previous shot or the next shot but the one youre about to take.

Incorporating Zen into your golf game also means avoiding distractions and focusing on the play. Dont let outside things effect your mental process which will cause you to tense up and loose sight of your goal. Instead, you need to trust your body and keep your mind in tune with your body. Leave your troubles off the course and dont think about other things that dont have to do with that moment. This is true whether you’re playing your local course or are on a golf holiday in Spain.

Now, you might be thinking that you play fine without incorporating Zen into your golf practice and it sound too new agey. Well think about all of the gadgets and accessories that you bought to try to improve your game. It has surely put a dent in your wallet. Learning to put some Zen into your golf costs nothing; you only need to put forth a little effort and some practice to incorporate it.

Golf is not the only area that Zen can be beneficial. If you successfully incorporate this age-old teaching into this are of your life, youll surely see application in other areas.

By James Hau

Golf competition is too important to trust to skill alone. Golfmanship is a desirable adjunct to one’s repertoire of golf shots. Golfmanship is the art or practice of using tactical maneuvers to further one’s aims or better one’s position.

1. What is your objective ?   The sine qua non of winning a golf game is intense concentration , the ability to stay focused and positive in the face of vicissitudes of golf games.  If you are able to break your opponent’s concentration then you destroy his game.

2. Execution ?   The harder you try in golf, the worse is the results and the same is true of golfsmanship. Ingrain the time-proven techniques , apply them carefully, then have relax concentration and have trust that it will work.

3.  “Fairness” ?   At the heart of golfmanship is inconsistency and a sense of guided fairness. You must not be cynical about your opponent being banished to a shifting landscape and keeping him there. As long as your value system has a sense of guided fairness, it is alright. Ask yourself , is it better to win because you are a great athlete or because you are an average Jerry who managed to rise above your opponent’s limitations.  Golfmanship is unfair only to the extent that it is done right.

4. Golfman’ Motto    Golf is so difficult a game and many people play golf badly , hence the most effective approach is not to do anything to alleviate an opponent’s distress.  Similar to a doctor, the golfman’s motto should be ” Dont do any harm to other people”.