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Dirty Clubs = Increased Scores

Too many weekend golfers ignore what seems to them to be a forgotten part of the game: Taking care of their golf clubs.

Dirty Clubs Can Impact Your Score

As often as not they keep their clubs at home and they find it quite easy not to clean them. But this costs strokes. If the grooves of the iron are not clean the clubhead will not put maximum backspin on the ball.

Always Carry A Towel

During every round you should have a towel available so that the clubface can be cleaned after each shot. You should also clean the grooves by running a sharp object through them before every shot.

How To Keep Your Woods In Top Shape

Caring for woods presents a different problem. Woods pick up moisture and are affected by sharp changes from very moist to very dry climates.

To prevent any problems, you should soak your woods periodically in linseed oil. This seals the heads of their irons, presumably to keep them from rusting.

Too many weekend golfers ignore what seems to them to be a forgotten part of the game: Taking care of their golf clubs.

Everytime I ship a club or set of clubs that I custom build for folks, I include some tips on how to take care of them. Keeping them clean is one of the most important ones, but alas - very few golfers seem to care about their clubs

 Dirty Clubs Can Impact Your Score 

As often as not they keep their clubs at home and they find it quite easy not to clean them. But this costs strokes. If the grooves of the iron are not clean the clubhead will not put maximum backspin on the ball.

 Always Carry A Towel 

During every round you should have a towel available so that the clubface can be cleaned after each shot. You should also clean the grooves by running a sharp object through them before every shot.

 How To Keep Your Woods In Top Shape 

Caring for woods presents a different problem. Woods pick up moisture and are affected by  sharp changes from very moist to very dry climates.

 To prevent any problems, you should soak your woods periodically in linseed oil. This seals the heads of their irons, presumably to keep them from rusting.

There are two ways to outfit a youngster who is just starting to play golf. You can either pass down the Parent’s clubs as is, cut them down to fit, or buy junior sized clubs. Either method can work just fine, depending upon how old the child is and his or her size.

Two important points must be kept in mind: First, a child should start with clubs that he can manage easily. Otherwise, he will have trouble learning a basic, rhythmic golf swing. Second, he should start using adult clubs, which are cut down, as soon as he can handle them.

If the child is 10 years or younger, he should definitely be using junior clubs. They are very light, short, and balance to fit a young child this age. These clubs should be the ones he learns the fundamentals of golf with.

As soon as he shows some proficiency with these clubs, the child should start swinging adult clubs that are cut down to fit his height. This will probably happen around age 12. Once he has mastered the cut-down clubs and grows a little bit taller, adult clubs will be the next investment.

One of the basic tenets of golf is to take care of your equipment.
The appearance of a player and his golf accessories can tell a lot about that person.  By taking pride in your golf apparel,
especially your clubs and golf bag, and keeping everything in shape, you will look better and most importantly, your expensive
golf equipment will last a lot longer.

Keeping Your Club Faces Free From Dirt

Whenever you hit a shot, you will see that the grooves of the face on your iron will be cluttered with dirt.  To keep this
area clean and free of grime, simply wipe off the clubhead with a rag or small towel and then use the sharp end of a tee to
scrape each groove.

Cleaning your club face like this is not just for appearances either. By removing encrusted dirt and mud, your shots will
maintain distance. With a dirty club, you can lose control and your ball will not reach the distances desired.

Cleaning Your Golf Balls

When you arrive at each tee box, you will see a small structure on a pole designed to help keep your golf balls clean.  Some of
these contraptions have a round handle on top, and some have a crank-type handle on the side.

These are called ball washers and the purpose is to enable you to clean your golf balls. You simply place the ball in the
designated area and once finished, the ball will come out erfectly clean.

When cleaning your golf balls, keep it courteous. These ball washers can be extremely noisy so be sure not to use the machine
when one of your playing partners is about to make a shot. It’s best to wait until the swing is over before you operate the ball cleaner.

Keeping Your Shoes Clean

If you wear spiked shoes during your golf games, as everybody should, keeping them clean is also standard procedure for the
player who takes care of his or her equipment.  At the end of the day, be sure to scrape off any of the excess dirt and grass
from the spikes before taking off your shoes.

In addition to preventing the trunk of your car from getting dirty from your shoes, you’ll also be able to keep an eye on the
spikes and know when it’s time to get new ones installed in your shoes.

Note: You can purchase a package of spikes to keep your footing fresh at all times.  Each package should come with a small wrench
that has two claws. You will insert these claws into the holes at the base of your cleats in order to remove the spikes.
Replace them with the new spikes but be sure not to tighten them up too hard because it may be extremely difficult to remove the
spikes for future replacements.

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Hit ‘em straight

Ben

Even though golf doesn’t require physical contact between players  like other sports, such as football or basketball, that doesn’t mean that you cannot take a few preventative measures to stay healthy and keep comfortable.

The Most Common Golf Injury: Blisters

Blisters may not sound like a serious problem, but ask any golfer about how uncomfortable and debilitating a blister can be to his or her golf game, and I’ll guarantee you they will all agree to how frustrating and painful it can be.

A good set of gloves can prevent blisters, but if your hands to start to show signs of one, be sure to cover it with a bandage. In fact, a package of bandages should be in important part of your golf accessory items.

Bandages are not the only items that you should carry with you to the course. Below is a list of the few other accessories that can make up a perfect golf first aid bag.

1. Sunscreen can keep you from burning out and experiencing sun poisoning. Hot, sunny weather can cause sunburn that can be extremely painful. You can purchase sunscreen in small tubes so that it is convenient to carry.  Trust me, when you are playing golf in the  middle of July, with the afternoon sun beaming down on you, you’ll be glad you carried sunscreen along.

2. Extra bandages can come in handy anytime a blister pops up.  As mentioned at the beginning, blisters are the most common injury on the golf course. If you do not have gloves and do get a blister, having a bandage will be a godsend.

3. Adhesive tape is known as the golfer’s “duct tape”. In other words, adhesive tape can be a miracle in many situations.  Not only would you use it in order to secure bandages wrapped around the hand or finger which is blistered up, but adhesive tape can also tighten up a club grip that may loosen up for whatever reason.  This is a great temporary solution until you can get the club fixed securely.

4. Pain reliever’s, such as Aspirin can come in handy. I have to admit that I am guilty of not carrying aspirins along with me when golfing, but the ironic thing is that it seems during every game, at least one person will come up to me and ask if I have any Tylenol or Aspirin.

Many men and women have headaches or migraines which are a daily part of their lives.  Unfortunately, some of them forget to bring along a pain reliever.  I could not imagine trying to play a peaceful game of golf with a pounding headache. So be courteous and carry along a few small packets of aspirin for anyone that may need it.

5. Bug spray can also be a miracle product on the course, especially during mosquitoes season.  Of course this problem depends on where you are located, but if you are playing in an area that is loaded with insects ready to bite your skin, a decent bug repellent can do wonders.

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Hit ‘em straight (and stay safe out there…)

Ben

Since you are probably thinking about your wish list for Christmas, I thought I’d put up a post about the golf gift that keeps on giving - a new golf bag… 

 A high quality golf bag is an invaluable investment for the regular golfer. This is especially true if you enjoying walking the course and prefer not to use a cart.  Besides, it is highly recommended to walk as often as possible when playing golf.  And during your game, you want a golf bag that will be comfortable, yet durable.

Tour Bags

When shopping for a quality golf bag, there are several sizes for you to choose from. If you have ever watched a professional golf game on TV or in person, you will notice that the pros typically use giant leather tour bags. They are waterproof and equipped with large pockets that are able to carry most anything a caddie may need during the game.

Needless to say, these bags are extremely heavy, some weighing over 50 pounds.  Luckily for these players, they pay someone to carry their golf bags for them. Many Caddies get paid very well, with some even earning a percentage of their player’s tournament wins.

Cart Bags

The average golfer like yourself will probably never need a 50 pound tour bag just to carry your clubs around the golf course on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  So the next size down that is more ideal for normal, everyday players is called a cart bag.

Cart bags are typically made of leather and nylon. They are also made to fit on a golf cart. On the other hand, cart bags are still a bit bulky and are best suited if you plan on driving the golf cart around all day. Personally, my favorite is the carry bag, as described below.

Carry Bags

Although cart bags are ideal, an even better solution for recreational golfers are called carry bags. These golf bags are much smaller and weigh far less than a full-size bag such as the tour bag and cart bag. You will find that cart bags are able to carry all of your clubs, a few  accessories, and of course your golf balls. However, there is little room for anything else.

Carry bags are available in a wide range of sizes, designs, and price. For children you can find these bags in smaller ¾ sizes. For adults who would like a little “extra”, you can pick up a deluxe model carry bag that has more pockets and a backpack strap which enables you to hold onto your bag using both shoulders – quite comfortable.

As far as prices are concerned, with carry bags, you get what you pay for (like any product for that matter). Low-quality bags can sell for $40-$50. However, cart bags in this price range do not have the most aesthetic appeal and are not very comfortable. Cheap carry bags such as this are fine if you only plan on playing golf once or twice per year. It would be a better choice to invest at least $100 into a high-quality carry bag.

Of course, it’s even better if you get wrapped up with a bow under (or beside) the Christmas tree.
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Hit ‘em straight

Ben

OK my great golf buddies, here’s another “What Do You Think” post for you to respond to.

This time, it’s more like “what do you play”?

The question is - do you think those $40 a dozen golf balls actually help your game?

I mean, do you try to play with expensive balls, medium cost balls, or just your everyday range ball like I use?

Tell us what balls you use, and why - do you think they are helping your game, or did you just get them on sale?

In case you’re wondering - there are the price ranges of some of the more popular balls on the course (cost per dozen):

 - Callaway HX Hot Bite - $30

 - Titleist DT Carry/Roll - $22

 - Top Flight Gamer - $20

 - TaylorMade Burner - $25

Hit ‘em straight (whatever ball you chose…)

Ben

For those of you golfers out there who like to play according to the official rulebook…

(which should be ALL of you, right? )

…there is are specific regulations devoted to using a putter on the course.

So what is the rule when you damage your putter?

Well, the rule states that if a putter is damaged during normal game play, it can be replaced.

OK, to be honest, I’m not sure how a normal game of golf can damage a club, but I do know that a bad temper and an angry swing at the ground can certainly ruin a perfectly good putter! :-0

That brings me to the next part of the rule concerning damaged putters. If you do happen to damage your putter out of anger, which is not considered to be the result of normal game play then you cannot replace it.

Sorry!!!

According to the regulations, you have to stop using the putter without finding a replacement. So I guess that means you have to putt with your 3 iron

The best practice is to calm yourself and avoid getting angry on the course. However, it is not uncommon to have a bad day. Even the professionals are known to blow their tops. Woody Austin, who won the 2004 Buick Championship, actually bent his putter’s shaft when he missed an important putt.

So it can happen to the best of us. Just try so stay calm, OK?

Hit ‘em straight

Ben

Once beginner golfers have spent plenty of time learning the fundamentals of the game and sticking to the basics for a least one year or more, getting their short game skills
down pat, and seeing their scores start to dip down into the 80s, the next step is to consider changing up your golf clubs.

Up until this point you should have been playing with the same set of golf clubs since the beginning stages of your game.

The reason behind this advice is so that your time has been spent figuring out your personal and unique style, of which would be hard to learn by changing golf clubs too often.

Investing In A New Driver

Now that you are a bit more advanced, you should be moving on to new clubs so as not to hold back your progress. Investing into a new driver should be your first consideration. In fact, if you have only been playing for the last 12 months or so, you
may not even have a driver. Many new golfers do just fine by teeing off with a fairway wood because the wood tends to be easier and provide the best accuracy for the beginner.

Whether or not you have gone this entire time without a driver, or are simply upgrading from your old one, expect to pay a good chunk of change. Drivers are not cheap.  In fact, reliable brand-name drivers can cost you $500 or more!

(unless you let me make one for you, of course )

Titanium Clubs

Spending over $500 for a driver may sound ridiculous at this point in time, especially since most of us consider that all our clubs combined should cost $500 or less. But in reality, a good driver is nornally worth the price tag because it is made out of high quality, first-rate material.  Most top-dollar drivers, and other clubs, have heads that are made almost totally from titanium.

Titanium is an amazing metal that is actually stronger than steel, but weighs far less. Titanium is extremely expensive and so is the technology needed to break it down and build it as the head of a driver.

These types of clubs are used by professionals all over the world. Titanium club heads are not only lighter to handle than wood or steel, they are also built larger, which offers a bigger sweet spot on the club face, which as you know gives you a better chance
for the ball to make contact as efficiently as possible.

Again, PLEASE don’t go out and spend $500 for a driver! You can get a great driver with the same top rate materials made for half that amount or less.

Make sure you check out my website at Triangle Custom Clubs to see the type of drivers I can custom make for you.

But to be honest, if you want to stay local and have club maker you trust build a driver for you that’s fine with me - just don’t go out and spend a fortune, OK?

My goal is to help you improve your game without spending a ton of money. No matter where you get your driver, make sure it’s of the best material, custom made to fit your game. Just don’t spend your hard earned money on the name brand clubs. Name brand clubs have to recoup their endorsements to pro golfers and the like but you don’t have to foot that bill. Just fine a local club maker in your area (or check out our website) and save money!
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Hit ‘em straight

Ben

Between have the right set of golf clubs,
a high quality golf bag, the right shoes,
proper clothing, golf balls, and numerous other
 golf accessories, one of the most important
items to never forget is your golf glove.

The best way to protect your hands from forming
blisters is to have a good quality glove, and one
that fits properly.

The perfect golf glove should be one that is
comfortable and fits perfectly on your hand.

Wearing a solid-fitting golf glove benefits your
play in two ways:

1. Keeping your hands from getting blisters.

2. Helping you maintain a firm, steady grip on the club.

Choosing The Right Golf Glove Is Easy

You don’t have to be a professional golf player
or an expert on gloves to know which one to buy.

Just keep in mind that the most important element
to consider when buying a glove is getting one that
fits well and is comfortable. 

Never buy a glove without trying it on first. And if
the store does not let you try it on, shop somewhere else!

A good golf glove should be worn on the top hand,
which has the greatest distance from the clubhead.
If you are right-handed, you need a glove on your left hand,
while lefties need a glove for their right.

The glove should have a comfortable stretch across the
palm of your hand, and the fingers should not be
too long, nor too short.

Find one that fits snugly across your palm and fingers
and that you can easily fasten it with the Velcro strap
on the back of your hand. If the Velcro strap goes too
far across or doesn’t reach the back of your hand,
try on another one.

If you notice loose material in either your palm or where
your fingers are holding the club, then this can result in
a blister, since the fold can rub between the skin and your club.

Also keep in mind that not all gloves fit the same.
Different companies make golf gloves that vary in how they fit.
For instance, a regular women-sized Nike glove will probably fit
differently from a regular women-sized Callaway glove.

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Hit ‘em straight

Ben