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Archive for March, 2009

You know, the golf swing is nothing more than a series of unnatural turns and twists that, when properly executed, produces a fluid-like athletic movement that sends to ball into the desired location.

 

Ahhh…it sounds so easy, doesn’t it?

 

But seriously, you should know that to get better at your golf swing you should be making every attempt to make it more natural.

 Let’s discuss what I like to call the “stiff arm” problem. 

It seems that most golfers come in one of two groups: Either you position your elbows at address so they are pressed towards one another tightly, or you twist your arms so much that they are coiled and the elbows are both pointed at your belt buckle.

 

Either positioning is rigid placement, which may work for a professional golfer, but most players that attempt this will just waste time with a poor shot due to having too much tension.

 

Now what I like to do is to let me arms remain loose when at address. This helps them feel as natural as possible. It may be a bit awkward for you to start your swing off like this in the beginning, but a regular practice routine will eventually make it a habit:

 

1. Start by relaxing the shoulders.

 

2. Drop the arms to your sides so that they are “hanging” naturally.

 

3. Now just simply reach out and grab your club.

 

 (…oh, and then hit the ball… )

 

Hit ‘em straight (and “natural”)

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Comments from the Clubshop - March 29 2009: 

Tiger’s back - with back to back at Bay Hill

Man, what a great Sunday at Bay Hill
Tiger makes his comeback by coming back to win at Bay Hill

And won the same way he’s won before at Arnold’s house…

…with a great final putt on the final hole.

Now let’s see if he’s interested in a fifth green jacket…

================================

More of Your emails…

Looks like I struck a chord with my comments a few weeks ago
about how Tiger is getting 3 million to appear at the Australian
Masters in November. Here is another comment from your fellow readers:
——————
Hi Ben,
In regards to your blog regarding tournament appearance money.
I have been following golf for the better part of 45 years and have
seen many greats as Nicklaus, Palmer,Trevino,Norman and the list
goes on and on. I remember watching and you got a chance to see
all of these players in the tournament. Today it is all about Tiger.
Though no fault of his own the TV crews hone on him more often than
any other player there are some great up and coming young guys on
the tour and the veterans who have paid their dues. Sure would like
to see more of the other golfers and not always tiger. Sure he is
one of the best that has come around in a long time but if the game
is to grow spread the view around so that at least we get to know
who else is in the field. As for appearance money, this should not
be permitted. In today’s business I guess you have to shell out the
cash if you want a particular player to show up at your event but
honestly with the purses that are up for grabs now you figure they
would go to a tournament and win their money. What incentive really
does a guy have who is getting more money just to appear than the
winner of the tournament will make. This is not right at all.
Anyway these are my thoughts and feel free to use them if you want to.
Keith - Canada

——————

So do you agree with our friend from the North? Send me an email or
post a comment:
===================================

The  Blog Comment Contest

By the way, you have only a couple more days to put some comments on
the golf blog and enter the contest.

Here’s all you have to do…

Just enter a comment of at least 25 words. It can be a comment about the golf tip, or your own golf tip. It can even be a golf joke - as long as it’s clean

That’s it…

Having trouble finding where to enter your comments?

It’s easy, just click on the “comments” link under each
blog post, enter your name and email and your comment.

At the end of March everyone who enters a comment will
be entered in a drawing for a great golf mystery gift.

If you enter your own golf tip, you’ll even get an additional
entry for each golf tip you give!

So add a comment to the blog right now…

================================
Where do you hide a bulldozer?

Back in 1996 a bulldozer used to build the Canyon West GC in
Weatherford Texas was reported stolen. It took a while, but detectives
finally found it - buried under the 13th fairway.

It was right where they left it…

…think insurance fraud…

================================
Did you ever wonder…

I always wondered how pro golfers got paid after a tournament.
(I mean, I was pretty sure the winner would have a hard time
cashing a check that was taller than he was…)

Anyway - here’s the inside scoop - direct from the PGA.

The Tour sets up a direct deposit process that places a player’s
winnings directly in to their bank account. The money is tranferred
on Monday morning following the end of the tournament.

…so Tiger’s gonna see a little increase in his account pretty soon.

================================
Need some good used golf clubs?

Here’s where you can get golf clubs at some the
lowest amounts possible…

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

I’ve found that a lot of folks want to  buy
used brand name clubs, rather than have them custom made
So I decided to give you a way to do just that…

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

I plan to add much more to this family of websites, such as balls, bags,
videos, etc so it can be a one-stop-shop for golfers.

Take a look and let me know what you think…

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

…and don’t forget about my website dedicated to golf carts…

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfcarts

Hit ‘em straight

Ben

More Golf Tips:
http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golf-tips

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/putting-tips

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/greatgolftips

Golf Products:
http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfcarts.html

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

One of the most important aspects of a good golf swing is the positioning of your shoulders when at address. When they are set up correctly, this can be all the steam you need for the perfect golf swing.

 

Positioned improperly, however, they can be the trigger to an entire series of bad moves.

 

Let’s take a common example here: Should you happen to start your address with the shoulders level (parallel to the ground), then the hands begin the swing too far behind the ball.

 

The results of this will cause you to make unnatural adjustments during the swing in order to get your hands more forward so that you will be in the right hitting position.

 

But if your shoulders are correctly positioned at the right angle, your hands will naturally flow into the proper position during your swing.

 How To Set Up The Shoulders Correctly 

To get your shoulders set up in the proper position, start by placing your feet first, grab your club, and stand up perfectly straight.

 Now, as you take your normal grip, relax the shoulders. As you place the golf club behind the ball you will notice  how the right shoulder lowers until it is slightly lower than the left shoulder. This is the right position. Just try not to exaggerate it by dropping the shoulder too low.

If you enjoy playing your golf by the official rules (as outlined by the United States Golf Association) then you are aware what the rules state about hitting the flagstick when playing from the green.

 

For those of you who do not know, any ball played from the green that hits the flagstick is a two-stoke penalty (or a loss of the hole during match play).

 

The key is to remove the flagstick when your ball is on the green, so long as you can see the hole. Have your partner, or caddie(if you’re lucky enough to have one), watch over the flagstick by standing next to the hole to remove it once your putt has been made (before the ball reaches the hole).

 

Train Your Caddies (and Your Partners)

 

Attentive caddies, and partners alike, should know that when overlooking the flagstick during a long putt, they should twist the pin and pull it from the hole before you stroke the putt. There are times when the bottom of the hole is cluttered and sticky from dirt, so you don’t want the pin to get stuck while the ball is in motion. The pin may not be pulled in time and you will suffer a two-stroke penalty.

 

We have also heard stories about times when someone tending the pin yanked it out, along with the entire cup lining from the hole, which of course impeded the golf ball from rolling into the hole and caused the putter to earn a two-stroke penalty.

 

(…I hate it when that happens… )

 

Hit ‘em straight (and get that flag out of the way)

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Golf is the type of sport where you must grab every advantage on the golf course that you can find. By paying attention to the many seemingly unimportant details, you can really make a positive difference in your score.

 

For example, consider something that you probably have never thought about before – where you should place the tee.

 

Seems simple enough, right? I mean, it’s so simple you’re probably thinking how can I be writing a post about it…

 

Well, it may appear unimportant, but small details like can make or break your game.

 

The first thing to do is find the flattest spot on the ground possible. A well maintained course should provide plenty of flat areas to tee off, which gives you the choice as to which side to use.

 

If there is trouble waiting on the left side of the fairway then you should hit the ball from the left side of the tee. This way you can aim to the right side of the fairway and avoid trouble. If you see hazards to your right, then tee up on the right.

 

Consider any crosswinds. This is important. If the wind is coming in left to right, tee on the left side and attempt to fade the ball slightly into the wind. If the wind is heading left, use the right side of the tee and try to pull the shot.

 

See? Simple

 

Hit ‘em straight (and from the right place…)

 

When it comes to the mastering your golf grip there is one important factor involved that I do not see too many golf enthusiasts talking about: How the thumb should be planted on the shaft.

 

Tournament players, instructors, golf professionals, and weekend golfers alike all share a different view on the matter. Should your thumb be loose? Should it be pressed down tightly? Should the thumb just lie down flat against the top of the shaft?

 

The Answer To These Questions Are Important

 

Now if you are the type of golfer who only gets out on the weekends then you probably have a tendency to just grab the club with your left hand, wrap your right hand around it and then be on your way swinging. Unfortunately you are preventing a better grip which can help your game tremendously.

 

The way you should place your thumb should have it touching as much of the shaft as possible, thus creating a more firm grip. This is especially true if you have small hands.

 

What I like to do is push my thumb as far down the club shaft as it can go, so long as the grip remains comfortable. By working on your thumb placement in this same manner your grip will give you more control of the club while providing a little extra feel in your swing. Try it and you will notice a difference immediately.

 

Hit ‘em straight (and “thumbs up” when you do! )

 

“Pause at the top of the backswing” is something you hear golfers
speak about.

However, this is a bit misleading, especially to beginner players.

If you start every swing thinking that there is actually a real
pause needed at the top of your swing, and you actually take that
pause, your game is destined to be terrible, because at no single
point in your swing should there be any pause, at all.

The Pause Really Is Not A Pause

Most diagrams showing a proper golf swing may appear as if there
is a pause, and in a sense there is a pause-like moment.

To explain this: The moment that your hips have shifted as far
back as they should be, they must immediately move forward.

Once you have reached the top of your backswing and your weight is
on the right side, and the hips turned well into the right, you
then start the downswing.

At this point the club seems like it will stop, but like a coil,
it is simply shifting directions and your arms must wait for the
body to start turning and generate power.

However, in no way is there an actual pause/stop.

If you do, then your swipe will end up without any power and you
will only be using your arms instead of your entire body.

The result - a terrible shot.

Hit ‘em straight (and with good tempo!)

Phil is hot…

Mickelson won for the second time in three starts as he got his
first ever WGC victory.

Phil is now No. 2 in the world ranking, and he’s as close
to Tiger Woods as he has been.

…and the Masters awaits…

================================

Meanwhile, Michael Bradley got his first PGA Tour in more than a decade
Sunday at the Puerto Rico Open. Bradley shot -2 (70) for a one-shot
victory over Jason Day and Brett Quigley.
================================

Tiger’s Stimulus Plan for Australia

Tiger Woods has announced that he will play at the Australian
Masters in November, which will be his first tournament
Down Under since 1998.

The tournament will be at Kingston Heath, in Victoria state Nov. 12-15.

They predict that Tiger’s visit would earn Victoria state $12.54 million
in economic benefits.

That’s pretty good, considering that Tiger will get $3 million just
to show up…

Oh, and Woods announced today he will make his third appearance of
the season next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill where he will
be defending his title. Woods has won at Bay Hill five times,
including last year, when he sunk a 24-foot putt on the 72nd hole to
beat Bart Bryant by a stroke.

I think Tiger is hoping for a win to get him in good form for
The Masters. His “respectable T-9 showing at Doral last week came after
the final two rounds of 68.

…and the Masters awaits…
=====================================

Speaking of Stimulus Plans…

Several of my subscribers have taken advantage of my
“Golf Stimulus Plan”

With 10% off custom built golf clubs, you should too!

I’ve teamed up with Hireko Golf to offer you
a 10% discount on every custom golf club or set of clubs
that you buy from them.

Here’s all you need to do:
1. Go to the Hireko Golf website:
http://www.hirekogolf.com

2. Chose from their wide selection of great custom-built
golf clubs, each one 75% less than brand names.

3. When you checkout, use this coupon code to for your
10% discount:

bposton10

If you have any questions, or need any help, just send me an
email.
===================================

Annika is “with child”

Annika Sorenstam and husband Mike McGee announced today that
they are expecting their first child in the fall.

Mike and Annika were married Jan 10.

As usual, when Annika sets her mind to something, she gets it.

===================================

The  Blog Comment Contest

Hey! have you taken the time to enter the Blog Comment
Contest yet???

Here’s all you have to do…

Then enter a comment here on the blog of at least 25 words.
It can be a comment about the golf tip, or your own golf tip,
or your last hole in one

It can even be a golf joke - as long as it’s clean

Having trouble finding where to enter your comments?

It’s easy, just click on the “comments” link under each
blog post, enter your name and email and your comment.

That’s it…

At the end of March everyone who enters a comment will
be entered in a drawing for a great golf mystery gift.

If you enter your own golf tip, you’ll even get an additional
entry for each golf tip you give!

So add a comment to the blog…

================================

Economy claims another Golf victim…

American Express Publishing’s Travel + Leisure Golf has become the latest
victim of the poor economy. The company said yesterday that the 11-year-old
magazine will shut down after seeing ad pages decline nearly 14
percent in 2008…

================================

Just a reminder…

…that I’ve added yet another website to the Triangle Custom Clubs
family of sites.

And it’s all about were you can get golf clubs at some the
lowest amounts possible.

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

Yes, that’s right - I’m talking new and used golf clubs.

Now if you want custom made golf clubs, feel free to email me
and let me know what you’re looking for…

…but I’ve found that a lot of folks still would rather buy
new and used brand name clubs. So I decided to give you a way to
do that too…

…just because I’m such a nice guy…

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

I plan to add much more to this family of websites, such as balls, bags,
videos, etc so it can be a one-stop-shop for golfers.

Take a look and let me know what you think…

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

…and don’t forget about my website dedicated to golf carts…

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfcarts

===================================

Hit ‘em straight

Ben

More Golf Tips:

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golf-tips

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/putting-tips

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/greatgolftips

Golf Products:
http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfcarts.html

http://www.trianglecustomclubs.com/golfclubs

Get Free Weekly Golf Tips!
Twice every week you'll get great golf tips to help improve your game, along with the latest golf news and insights. Fill in the form below to get free golf tips:
Name:
Email:
Powered by Optin Form Adder

Many golfers think that over-swinging automatically creates more power, that there is a direct ratio between the size of the swing and the power it generates. But this thinking is wrong.  You get maximum power only by swinging within the confines of your feet. There are two basic rules governing this:

 

1. You do not want to let your weight to be on the outside of your right foot during the backswing.

 

2. You do not want your weight on the outside of your left foot until after you make contact with the ball.

 

Here is how you should work with your knees, ankles, and feet during a swing:

 

Start with your weight evenly distributed on the balls of your feet. As you shift your weight to the inside of your right foot on the backswing, roll the left foot in. The knee turns in naturally, but the right knee remains fairly stationary.

 

Now, as you come into the ball, your right knee should turn and your weight should move off the ball of the right foot and onto your left. Meanwhile, the right knee is moving straight at the hole. After impact the weight moves farther, until it is on the outside of the left foot. Eventually your weight will be far off to the left and your right heel off the ground.

 

Most tall golfers think that they must go through a series of contortions with their body to get themselves into the proper position to hit a golf ball. They do a deep knee bend or they curve their backs or slouch their shoulders, all in an unnecessary attempt to get themselves into what they think is the same position that a shorter man appears to manage with such ease.

 

What tall golfers often do not realize is that their hands fall at almost the same position as a shorter man’s. For example, I am 6 feet 1 inches tall and I have short arms but if you compare me to my shorter friend whom I golf with regularly, both our hands come to practically the same length when standing next to one another. And he is 4 inches shorter than me.

 

Height is actually an advantage in golf, because a tall person can achieve a symmetrical arc in his swing much more easily than a short person. The tall golfer should forget his height. It is the thinking about it and trying to compensate for it that ruins his swing.