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The Annoying Tree Branch

A common predicament on the golf course places you about 100 yards from the green but an annoying, low hanging tree branch is right in front of you some 10 to 15 yards away, keeping you from hitting your normal 9-iron approach.

Instead of grabbing a saw and shopping the branch down, as we would all like to do, the solution is a shot that will carry no farther than a 9-iron, but start off with the trajectory of a 7-iron.

Either one of these clubs can be used.

The 7-iron can be used so long as you’re choking down on the grip and then hitting the ball as normal as possible. The 9-iron will work just fine as well, which I prefer to use in such a circumstance, so long as swing adjustments are made, as follows:

You have to shut the face of the club, move the ball back toward the middle of the stance, and keep your hands ahead of the ball. The effect is a reduced loft of the iron.

And finally, place all of your weight on the left side and keep it that way throughout the entire swing. The result should be a solid 9-iron shot that takes off low to the ground and shoots right under the tree branch.

Fun Warm-up Game: First Player To Make Six

Sometimes life gets in the way of getting yourself to the golf course. And with limited time to warm up on the practice green due to arriving late, it’s best to just have some fun and roll out as many putts as possible with another partner.

Try this fun warm-up game:

1) Both you and your partner grab a golf ball.

2) Select 2 holes on the practice green that are cut about ten to fifteen feet apart.

3) Position yourself to the side of one hole while your partner stands at the other. Keep your ball between your feet and the hole closest to you.

4) At the same time (or quickly alternating shots with your partner), putt to the opposite hole.

5) When the ball arrives at or in your hole, grab it up and putt it into the other hole.

6) The first one to sink six putts wins the warm-up game. Switch sides and continue the game until it is time for your round.

Stretching For Golf: “Back” To Basics

There is no greater stress handled by the body during golf than the muscles of your back. With all of the twisting that a proper golf swing requires, you must spend just a few minutes to warm up the area with the following routine:

1) Grab a short club and put it behind your back and across your body. Thread it through the crooks of your bent elbows.

2) Assume your golf stance as if you’re standing over the ball. Keep some flex in your knees, with a straight spine and your butt stuck a bit out.

3) Now mimic your backswing with your upper body by making a level turn back, and hold it. Feel that motion and that weight on your back hip. Your belt buckle should point directly to your right (for right handed golfers). Hold that position for approximately ten seconds.

4) Turn back the other way, up off your back side and onto your front, into your follow-through as you normally finish your swing. Hold that position for ten seconds as well.

5) Repeat the exercise several times, moving slowly and holding at both ends.

Stretching For Golf: Loosening Up The Legs

Before you hit the driving range, practice green, or the golf course for a round, you need to stretch your leg muscles. You use these muscles all throughout your practice sessions and real golf games.

Getting The Legs Ready

Your legs, which include the ankles and feet, are very important to a good golf swing. Your legs are the base which provides foundation, balance, and power. When you step out of your cart or before you stroll over to the practice tee or the green, stretch those hamstrings!

The hamstrings are the most powerful muscles in the legs when it comes to playing golf. They are the muscles most featured in the swing. Simply put your heel on the back of the cart, and slowly lean forward to grab your toe with the opposite hand.

WARNING: Do not hurt yourself! If you cannot reach your toe then stretch as far as you can go without pain.

You should feel your hamstring on the back of the stretched leg. Hold still and count to ten, then repeat the stretch with your other leg. Go back and forth several times until both legs feel loose and limber.

Stretching For Golf: Warming Up The Chest, Back & Arms

There are many ways to improve your golf game, but one of the most overlooked strategies that can have an immediate positive effect are quick stretching routines.

A great way to warm up the muscles of your chest and back before playing golf, with a little extra work for the arms, is the following simple routine:

1) Hold the shortest club in your bag (putter or sand wedge) between your palms at arms’ length in front of your body, applying pressure on the ends of the grip and blade.

2) Keeping your left arm firm and straight, with a little resistance, push the club with your right hand toward the left side of your body, rotating the back of your shoulder blades.

Note: This stretches out your biceps and shoulders. Hold this position for at least ten seconds.

3) Do this pushing exercise at least two to three times in each direction for maximum results.