Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
very consistent ball striking
Thomas Golf Newsletter
One of the biggest struggles among golfers is their inability to consistently make good contact with the golf ball. Despite his loss in this year's British Open playoff, it was very interesting to observe Tom Watson, who even at the age of 59 had great sucess due to very consistent ball striking. Practice is key – but there are also some particular things to keep in mind while on the course, or tuning your game on the range.
• One of the most common mistakes golfers make is swaying or “moving-off” the ball during the swing. Moving the body sideways or up-and-down is detrimental to hitting the ball consistently. Often you don't realize you're doing it until you ask someone to watch your head position during the swing.
-If you have a swaying problem (moving your body laterally), you need to make sure you keep your back knee flexed, and stationary. This knee should not straighten-up or move sideways on the backswing. It needs to remain stable and flexed. Keep the lower body movement to a minimum.
-If you are moving-off the ball vertically, remind yourself to keep your upper body at one level (always the same distance from the ground). Moving up and down off the ball causes numerous negative actions and counter-actions in the golf swing. A great mental tool to help with this is to imagine a pole running through your spine and into the ground, fixing your position in place. You'll need to maintain that position so the pole doesn't move or pop out of the ground until after you've made contact with the ball. Eliminating excessive body movement will greatly assist you in becoming a consistent ball striker.
• In addition to not moving or swaying off the ball, practicing your fundamentals (grip, stance and ball position) will give you the proper base for creating a consistent and repeatable golf swing which will produce consistent golf shots. Everything starts with good fundamentals. How is your grip? Are the “V's” formed between your thumb and index fingers parallel and aligned to your right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer – and vice versa for a left-handed golfer). Is the ball in the right position of your stance (not too far forward or too far back)? Are your hands slightly ahead of the ball at address (particularly when setting-up for iron shots)?
One of the biggest struggles among golfers is their inability to consistently make good contact with the golf ball. Despite his loss in this year's British Open playoff, it was very interesting to observe Tom Watson, who even at the age of 59 had great sucess due to very consistent ball striking. Practice is key – but there are also some particular things to keep in mind while on the course, or tuning your game on the range.
• One of the most common mistakes golfers make is swaying or “moving-off” the ball during the swing. Moving the body sideways or up-and-down is detrimental to hitting the ball consistently. Often you don't realize you're doing it until you ask someone to watch your head position during the swing.
-If you have a swaying problem (moving your body laterally), you need to make sure you keep your back knee flexed, and stationary. This knee should not straighten-up or move sideways on the backswing. It needs to remain stable and flexed. Keep the lower body movement to a minimum.
-If you are moving-off the ball vertically, remind yourself to keep your upper body at one level (always the same distance from the ground). Moving up and down off the ball causes numerous negative actions and counter-actions in the golf swing. A great mental tool to help with this is to imagine a pole running through your spine and into the ground, fixing your position in place. You'll need to maintain that position so the pole doesn't move or pop out of the ground until after you've made contact with the ball. Eliminating excessive body movement will greatly assist you in becoming a consistent ball striker.
• In addition to not moving or swaying off the ball, practicing your fundamentals (grip, stance and ball position) will give you the proper base for creating a consistent and repeatable golf swing which will produce consistent golf shots. Everything starts with good fundamentals. How is your grip? Are the “V's” formed between your thumb and index fingers parallel and aligned to your right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer – and vice versa for a left-handed golfer). Is the ball in the right position of your stance (not too far forward or too far back)? Are your hands slightly ahead of the ball at address (particularly when setting-up for iron shots)?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Position Your Back Foot for Better Golf Shots
Subject: Golf Pro Tip: How to Position Your Back Foot
Golf Pro Tips >> Improving Your Game
Thomas Golf Newsletter
Position Your Back Foot for Better Golf Shots
Back foot position is a frequently overlooked part of the golf setup, but this important fundamental can have a surprisingly huge impact on your swing and performance. Here is how to do it right and how it can benefit your golf game:
Your back foot should be perpendicular to your target line and not flared out like your front foot. If your back foot is not squared with the target line, it can create a number of problems:
A back foot that is flared open will promote over rotation of the hips and excessive weight shift. When your weight is over-shifted on your back swing, (outside the back foot), it becomes much more difficult to recover and swing back to the ball without hitting the shot fat or thin.
Instead, set up with your back foot square to the target-line, and keep your weight on the inside of the back leg as you turn and rotate on the back-swing. This will prevent the hips from over turning and will lead to a more consistent and controlled swing.
When your back foot is not perpendicular to the target line, your back leg will have less bracing strength. This will cause you to over-swing, and your leading arm to bend, resulting in a shorter swing arc with less club-head speed and less power.
Instead, set up with your back foot square to the target-line. This will give your back leg more bracing strength to deliver power into your swing.
Setting your back foot perpendicular to your target line will:
- Strengthen back leg bracing and increase stored up power in the backswing.
- Discourage over rotation of the hips and excess weight shifting.
- Lengthen your swing arc and increase club head speed.
- Generate a more repeatable back swing that will help increase shot consistency.
- Become part of your reliable routine to ensure you and your club are in proper alignment with the target line.
View another Golf Pro Tip
Thomas Golf has designed full sets of high-performance Square-Head and Traditional-Head Hybrid Irons in Left/Right hand, with shot accuracy technology for easy visual alignment of the club to your target.
These Hybrids combine the best characteristics of Irons and Woods into one club, with a flattened top crown adding more power and widening the effective hitting area for greater forgiveness on off-center hits.
Thomas Golf ships product fast and backs it up with excellent customer service.
Quick Links: Irons Woods Putters Hybrids
Thomas Golf is a unique company dedicated to designing high-performance custom golf equipment, paired with patented shot accuracy technology, and selling directly to individual golfers without the extra markups.
Thomas Golf | 9716-B Rea Rd. | Charlotte | NC | 28277
Golf Pro Tips >> Improving Your Game
Thomas Golf Newsletter
Position Your Back Foot for Better Golf Shots
Back foot position is a frequently overlooked part of the golf setup, but this important fundamental can have a surprisingly huge impact on your swing and performance. Here is how to do it right and how it can benefit your golf game:
Your back foot should be perpendicular to your target line and not flared out like your front foot. If your back foot is not squared with the target line, it can create a number of problems:
A back foot that is flared open will promote over rotation of the hips and excessive weight shift. When your weight is over-shifted on your back swing, (outside the back foot), it becomes much more difficult to recover and swing back to the ball without hitting the shot fat or thin.
Instead, set up with your back foot square to the target-line, and keep your weight on the inside of the back leg as you turn and rotate on the back-swing. This will prevent the hips from over turning and will lead to a more consistent and controlled swing.
When your back foot is not perpendicular to the target line, your back leg will have less bracing strength. This will cause you to over-swing, and your leading arm to bend, resulting in a shorter swing arc with less club-head speed and less power.
Instead, set up with your back foot square to the target-line. This will give your back leg more bracing strength to deliver power into your swing.
Setting your back foot perpendicular to your target line will:
- Strengthen back leg bracing and increase stored up power in the backswing.
- Discourage over rotation of the hips and excess weight shifting.
- Lengthen your swing arc and increase club head speed.
- Generate a more repeatable back swing that will help increase shot consistency.
- Become part of your reliable routine to ensure you and your club are in proper alignment with the target line.
View another Golf Pro Tip
Thomas Golf has designed full sets of high-performance Square-Head and Traditional-Head Hybrid Irons in Left/Right hand, with shot accuracy technology for easy visual alignment of the club to your target.
These Hybrids combine the best characteristics of Irons and Woods into one club, with a flattened top crown adding more power and widening the effective hitting area for greater forgiveness on off-center hits.
Thomas Golf ships product fast and backs it up with excellent customer service.
Quick Links: Irons Woods Putters Hybrids
Thomas Golf is a unique company dedicated to designing high-performance custom golf equipment, paired with patented shot accuracy technology, and selling directly to individual golfers without the extra markups.
Thomas Golf | 9716-B Rea Rd. | Charlotte | NC | 28277
Friday, June 26, 2009
Hitting with a Hybrid Iron
ith a quick glance, you can hardly tell the difference between the photos, right? True, both shots look close to identical, but in actuality, they’re anything but. The photo on the left is at impact with a 6-iron, and the photo on the far left is the same impact position, only this time with my hybrid.
How is it that these two impact positions can look so similar? The answer has to do with how hybrids are designed to perform. Hybrids, unlike their fairway wood counterparts, are designed to strike the ball with a downward blow. The relatively shallow sole, higher loft and deep perimeter weighting ensure the ball will spin and rise with plenty of pop, making it unnecessary to try to sweep or scoop the ball upward. I see this a lot with amateurs, who feel they ought to try to lift the ball into the air with a hybrid, or at the very least, sweep the grass as they do with a long iron or fairway wood. The correct way to hit a hybrid is to attack with a descending blow like you would with a middle iron, where the clubhead makes contact with the ball first, then the grass. The ball position is roughly the same—stance, swing length and rhythm—they’re all virtually the same as your middle irons! The divot should be shallower than that of a short iron, but with a hybrid, there ought to be a slim divot reminiscent of a 5- or 6-iron.
So, if you find yourself making all sorts of swing adjustments in order to hit a hybrid, forget them and start hitting your hybrid like a 6-iron. Better yet, the next time you’re on the range, alternate between hitting a 6-iron and a hybrid for each shot until you ingrain a similar motion for both. And by the way, get the shaft on your hybrid checked so that it, too, flexes and performs uniformly with your iron set. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll see why hybrids are the friendliest clubs in your golf bag.
How is it that these two impact positions can look so similar? The answer has to do with how hybrids are designed to perform. Hybrids, unlike their fairway wood counterparts, are designed to strike the ball with a downward blow. The relatively shallow sole, higher loft and deep perimeter weighting ensure the ball will spin and rise with plenty of pop, making it unnecessary to try to sweep or scoop the ball upward. I see this a lot with amateurs, who feel they ought to try to lift the ball into the air with a hybrid, or at the very least, sweep the grass as they do with a long iron or fairway wood. The correct way to hit a hybrid is to attack with a descending blow like you would with a middle iron, where the clubhead makes contact with the ball first, then the grass. The ball position is roughly the same—stance, swing length and rhythm—they’re all virtually the same as your middle irons! The divot should be shallower than that of a short iron, but with a hybrid, there ought to be a slim divot reminiscent of a 5- or 6-iron.
So, if you find yourself making all sorts of swing adjustments in order to hit a hybrid, forget them and start hitting your hybrid like a 6-iron. Better yet, the next time you’re on the range, alternate between hitting a 6-iron and a hybrid for each shot until you ingrain a similar motion for both. And by the way, get the shaft on your hybrid checked so that it, too, flexes and performs uniformly with your iron set. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll see why hybrids are the friendliest clubs in your golf bag.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
How to Get Out of Bunkers
This lesson is entitled, "How to Get Out of Bunkers." Everyone knows how frustrating they can be if you don't know the proper mechanics to get out of them. But the bottom line is, for the pros, bunker shots are some of the easiest shots on the course.
These steps will ensure that you have the right mechanics for getting out of bunkers. Once you've read these steps, practice them and get used to hitting out of bunkers, and they will become just as natural as a regular short game shot. These steps will give you the solid foundation that you need for bunker success.
Here are the steps: (note: These steps apply to a normal sand bunker. Not wet or hard sand.)
1. Choke down on the golf club (Have your right index finger about an inch from the bottom of the grip). Choking down gives you the control with the club and also allows you to "feel" the shot rather than hitting it.
2. Narrow your stance a little and play the ball a few inches forward in your stance. This will also aid in controlling the shot, and it will contribute to higher ball flight.
3. Dig into the sand with your feet a little and get comfortable.
4. Keep your body completely still throughout (no twisting hips).
5. Start your swing with your arms and keep your swing vertical. The end of the grip butt should be pointed at the ball at the top of your backswing. (Don't bring the club straight back, remember steep is better here!)
6. Your left arm should be parallel to the ground and fully extended at the top of your swing.
7. Then start your downswing at the sand focusing to hit 1 inch behind the ball. Don't focus on hitting the ball, hit the sand an inch behind and the ball will get out every time!
8. Your arms and body follow the ball as it leaves the sand.
9. Remember steep angle into the sand is key here, however you don't have to swing too hard, we are not blasting the ball out we are advancing it.
Drill:
Go into a bunker and take 3 clubs your pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge(if you have one). Remember that you can get creative with shots; just because it's a sand wedge doesn't mean that you'll "feel" the most comfortable or give you the best results. But I want you to notice the difference in design and performance.
Regardless, hit a few shots with each club and really notice the difference in how the ball comes out of the sand. Then choose the club that bests suits you. But remember on all these clubs swing steep and hit 1 inch behind the ball. You can even draw a line 1-2 inches behind the ball and aim for that line.
At home, office, or at the course take practice swings and focus on bringing the club up at a steep angle. Watch as your grip end points to the ground. And stop there - this is the position that you want to be in. A great way to see if the grip is pointed over the ball is sticking a tee in the grip handle. Do that a few times to ensure that you know where to stop the golf club and start your steep downswing. Then the downswing is easy! Just hit an inch behind the ball. Practice this for a few days then go have fun in a bunker!
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then.
Bobby Eldridge - Head Professional, PurePoint Golf
& Scottsdale Country Club
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bobby Eldridge is the head professional at http://www.purepointgolf.com, and he teaches "The PurePoint Golf Swing". Bobby writes golf instruction material, has given over 70,000 private lessons, and is the Director of "The PurePoint Golf Swing Academy" which operates in Chicago and Scottsdale.
These steps will ensure that you have the right mechanics for getting out of bunkers. Once you've read these steps, practice them and get used to hitting out of bunkers, and they will become just as natural as a regular short game shot. These steps will give you the solid foundation that you need for bunker success.
Here are the steps: (note: These steps apply to a normal sand bunker. Not wet or hard sand.)
1. Choke down on the golf club (Have your right index finger about an inch from the bottom of the grip). Choking down gives you the control with the club and also allows you to "feel" the shot rather than hitting it.
2. Narrow your stance a little and play the ball a few inches forward in your stance. This will also aid in controlling the shot, and it will contribute to higher ball flight.
3. Dig into the sand with your feet a little and get comfortable.
4. Keep your body completely still throughout (no twisting hips).
5. Start your swing with your arms and keep your swing vertical. The end of the grip butt should be pointed at the ball at the top of your backswing. (Don't bring the club straight back, remember steep is better here!)
6. Your left arm should be parallel to the ground and fully extended at the top of your swing.
7. Then start your downswing at the sand focusing to hit 1 inch behind the ball. Don't focus on hitting the ball, hit the sand an inch behind and the ball will get out every time!
8. Your arms and body follow the ball as it leaves the sand.
9. Remember steep angle into the sand is key here, however you don't have to swing too hard, we are not blasting the ball out we are advancing it.
Drill:
Go into a bunker and take 3 clubs your pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge(if you have one). Remember that you can get creative with shots; just because it's a sand wedge doesn't mean that you'll "feel" the most comfortable or give you the best results. But I want you to notice the difference in design and performance.
Regardless, hit a few shots with each club and really notice the difference in how the ball comes out of the sand. Then choose the club that bests suits you. But remember on all these clubs swing steep and hit 1 inch behind the ball. You can even draw a line 1-2 inches behind the ball and aim for that line.
At home, office, or at the course take practice swings and focus on bringing the club up at a steep angle. Watch as your grip end points to the ground. And stop there - this is the position that you want to be in. A great way to see if the grip is pointed over the ball is sticking a tee in the grip handle. Do that a few times to ensure that you know where to stop the golf club and start your steep downswing. Then the downswing is easy! Just hit an inch behind the ball. Practice this for a few days then go have fun in a bunker!
Next week, we'll discuss buried lies, and then it's on to chipping and putting. Good golfing, until then.
Bobby Eldridge - Head Professional, PurePoint Golf
& Scottsdale Country Club
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bobby Eldridge is the head professional at http://www.purepointgolf.com, and he teaches "The PurePoint Golf Swing". Bobby writes golf instruction material, has given over 70,000 private lessons, and is the Director of "The PurePoint Golf Swing Academy" which operates in Chicago and Scottsdale.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
How Better Course Management Can Lower Your Golf Score
How Better Course Management Can Lower Your Golf Score
Whether you are just starting to learn golf, or you have been golfing
for many years and you're just looking to refine your game, this will
provide a good direction of focus for this season.
If you want your score to drop by any significant amount, you should
learn to hit your 150 yard club, and learn to hit it very well.
By "hitting your 150 yard club very well," I mean being able to step up
to the ball, and KNOW that you can hit any green that is 150 yards away.
Every time, any condition, with no pressure.
You need to get to the point in your game where you can hit those 8
or 9 irons very consistently and accurately. Anyone can do this. Believe
it or not, 150 yards is not very far away, and most greens these days
are very big targets. The short irons should be the easiest club in your
bag to hit. And if they aren't the easiest clubs to hit, you should work on
them until they are.
Once you master that shot, everything else is a simple adjustment. Your
swing will be on, and you can simply add or take away a little club to
adjust for varying distances.
That's step 1.
Step 2 is designing your game to work around your "guaranteed
150 yard shot."
Let's say you are on the average 400 yard par 4. If you have that 150
yard shot in your bag, then it should be very easy for you to get onto the
green in 3 shots.
Think about this...(I know you wouldn't really do this) but if you have the
150 yard shot, you can hit it off the tee, and again for your second shot,
and end up 100 yards out hitting 3 from the fairway.
Now you've put yourself in a good position, which is what course
management is all about. And better yet, if you have the 150 yard shot
down, your 100 yard shots are likely to be working a lot better as well.
Even if you get yourself into trouble off the tee, just lay up to 150 yards
out, and use your 150 shot to get on the green. This will do a ton of good
for your golf game. You're on in 3, and you can still save par or make
bogey with a 2 putt.
Start small, and master the 150 yard shot. Then build your game
around it. If you do this, you won't have to worry about so many bunker
shots, chip shots, and all the other specialty shots that make this
game so frustrating.
If you can get this shot down, you've taken the first step to breaking
down your game and lowering your scores. Then you work on your
putting, and then you work on your driver.
Now, I realize golf isn't as easy as I've made it out to be above, but it
really can be if you have the 150 yard shot. I can guarantee that you'll
be playing the best golf of your life this season, if you keep focus on
improving that 150 yard shot. It is essential!
That's it for this newsletter. I'll be in touch in the next few weeks with
some putting tips that should really have you stroking the ball.
Until next time,
Bobby Eldridge - Head Professional, PurePoint Golf & Scottsdale Country Club
For more Short Game instruction, check out the Short Game DVD
Whether you are just starting to learn golf, or you have been golfing
for many years and you're just looking to refine your game, this will
provide a good direction of focus for this season.
If you want your score to drop by any significant amount, you should
learn to hit your 150 yard club, and learn to hit it very well.
By "hitting your 150 yard club very well," I mean being able to step up
to the ball, and KNOW that you can hit any green that is 150 yards away.
Every time, any condition, with no pressure.
You need to get to the point in your game where you can hit those 8
or 9 irons very consistently and accurately. Anyone can do this. Believe
it or not, 150 yards is not very far away, and most greens these days
are very big targets. The short irons should be the easiest club in your
bag to hit. And if they aren't the easiest clubs to hit, you should work on
them until they are.
Once you master that shot, everything else is a simple adjustment. Your
swing will be on, and you can simply add or take away a little club to
adjust for varying distances.
That's step 1.
Step 2 is designing your game to work around your "guaranteed
150 yard shot."
Let's say you are on the average 400 yard par 4. If you have that 150
yard shot in your bag, then it should be very easy for you to get onto the
green in 3 shots.
Think about this...(I know you wouldn't really do this) but if you have the
150 yard shot, you can hit it off the tee, and again for your second shot,
and end up 100 yards out hitting 3 from the fairway.
Now you've put yourself in a good position, which is what course
management is all about. And better yet, if you have the 150 yard shot
down, your 100 yard shots are likely to be working a lot better as well.
Even if you get yourself into trouble off the tee, just lay up to 150 yards
out, and use your 150 shot to get on the green. This will do a ton of good
for your golf game. You're on in 3, and you can still save par or make
bogey with a 2 putt.
Start small, and master the 150 yard shot. Then build your game
around it. If you do this, you won't have to worry about so many bunker
shots, chip shots, and all the other specialty shots that make this
game so frustrating.
If you can get this shot down, you've taken the first step to breaking
down your game and lowering your scores. Then you work on your
putting, and then you work on your driver.
Now, I realize golf isn't as easy as I've made it out to be above, but it
really can be if you have the 150 yard shot. I can guarantee that you'll
be playing the best golf of your life this season, if you keep focus on
improving that 150 yard shot. It is essential!
That's it for this newsletter. I'll be in touch in the next few weeks with
some putting tips that should really have you stroking the ball.
Until next time,
Bobby Eldridge - Head Professional, PurePoint Golf & Scottsdale Country Club
For more Short Game instruction, check out the Short Game DVD
Thursday, June 4, 2009
fundraiser tournament
Tournaments:
1. THIS SATURDAY, June 6th: There are only 9 teams signed up for this Saturday's fundraiser tournament hosted by Calvary Church to benefit a Mission Trip to South Africa. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate...all are welcome! Contact Rick Paschal @ 634-4331 ASAP to sign-up!! Shotgun start at 9:00 am, $30/golfer, includes green fees, BBQ meal and awards!!! Last year was a blast...great cause, great golf, great food!!! Don't miss this one!!!
2. NEXT SATURDAY, June 13th: Iron Play June Qualifier Tourney. The top three teams qualify for the Championship Tournament in October. Shotgun start at 9:00 am, $30/golfer, includes green fees, lunch and cash prizes!!!
3. There will be 3 more chances to qualify for the championship tourney after next Saturday...mark the dates on your calendar (subject to change due to weather). Good luck!!
July 11th
August 15th
September 12th
October 9th - Iron Play Championship Tournament!!!
Hope to see you this Saturday and next!
IRON PLAY
6261 Lake Brandt Rd.
Summerfield, NC 27358
(336) 644-7991
1. THIS SATURDAY, June 6th: There are only 9 teams signed up for this Saturday's fundraiser tournament hosted by Calvary Church to benefit a Mission Trip to South Africa. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate...all are welcome! Contact Rick Paschal @ 634-4331 ASAP to sign-up!! Shotgun start at 9:00 am, $30/golfer, includes green fees, BBQ meal and awards!!! Last year was a blast...great cause, great golf, great food!!! Don't miss this one!!!
2. NEXT SATURDAY, June 13th: Iron Play June Qualifier Tourney. The top three teams qualify for the Championship Tournament in October. Shotgun start at 9:00 am, $30/golfer, includes green fees, lunch and cash prizes!!!
3. There will be 3 more chances to qualify for the championship tourney after next Saturday...mark the dates on your calendar (subject to change due to weather). Good luck!!
July 11th
August 15th
September 12th
October 9th - Iron Play Championship Tournament!!!
Hope to see you this Saturday and next!
IRON PLAY
6261 Lake Brandt Rd.
Summerfield, NC 27358
(336) 644-7991
Monday, June 1, 2009
Geens in Regulation
Pro golfers love statistics. One stat they pay particular attention to is abbreviated G.I.R., which stands for greens in regulation. Pros know the game is much, much easier when you land your ball on the green in regulation or one shot on a par three, two shots on a par four and three shots on a par five.
If most weekend golfers kept track of this statistic, it would be woefully low.
While missing greens and scrambling to get up and down is certainly part of the game, hitting more quality approach shots onto the green will help lower your golf scores considerably.
More Articles of Interest
* The stat of all stats: greens in regulation
* What it takes to break 80: a statistical road map for giving yourself a putt...
* Chris Dimarco: hit more greens and get it close
* Start with your stats
* Charting your goals : To reach a higher level of play, here's what you need...
A common mistake the casual golfer makes when he's sizing up his approach shot is not picking a specific enough target. He simply glances at the green and fires away. When considering where to aim on this type of shot, pick the smallest target possible, be it a tree trunk in back of the green or a distant building. I've always found that choosing a target higher off the ground and aiming for it is better than focusing on something at ground level.
When choosing a target, take into account where the fattest or safest part of the green is located. It is also important to factor in the path of your natural ball flight.
For instance, let's say you are facing an approach shot to a green with a large trap guarding the right edge of the green with the flagstick placed on the right side of the putting surface, next to the trap. A creek runs in front of the green waiting to gobble up any shots that come up short. If you naturally have a left-to-right ball flight (as most golfers do), you'll want to choose a target on the far left side of the green.
If you hit a good shot, it will start out toward the left side of the green and drift back toward the center of the green near the pin. If you aim for the center of the green or, foolishly, right at the pin, your ball could end up in the bunker.
Another contributing factor to low G.I.R. for casual golfers is under-clubbing themselves. In other words, they simply overestimate how far they can hit a club and end up short of the green. Golfers have to be realistic and recognize they are not going to hit their five iron perfectly every time and may need to take one more club. In addition, if a pin is set in the back part of the green or you have an uphill shot to the green, you may need to take one more club.
Many pros will say that if they were to give one piece of advice to their pro-am playing partners, it would be to take one more club on approach shots.
Take these tips into account next time you are practicing your iron shots or are faced with approach shots during the round. Keep track of how many greens you hit in regulation from round to round and work to improve your stats. As your G.I.R. increases, it's a sure bet your scores will decrease.
Joe Rahnis is general manager of The Woodlands and Diamond Ridge golf courses, two of the Baltimore County Revenue Authority's six courses along with Greystone, Rocky Point, Gunpowder Falls and Longview. For tee times or more information on these outstanding public golf facilities, call (410) 887-GOLF or check out the Web site www.baltimoregolfing.com.
If most weekend golfers kept track of this statistic, it would be woefully low.
While missing greens and scrambling to get up and down is certainly part of the game, hitting more quality approach shots onto the green will help lower your golf scores considerably.
More Articles of Interest
* The stat of all stats: greens in regulation
* What it takes to break 80: a statistical road map for giving yourself a putt...
* Chris Dimarco: hit more greens and get it close
* Start with your stats
* Charting your goals : To reach a higher level of play, here's what you need...
A common mistake the casual golfer makes when he's sizing up his approach shot is not picking a specific enough target. He simply glances at the green and fires away. When considering where to aim on this type of shot, pick the smallest target possible, be it a tree trunk in back of the green or a distant building. I've always found that choosing a target higher off the ground and aiming for it is better than focusing on something at ground level.
When choosing a target, take into account where the fattest or safest part of the green is located. It is also important to factor in the path of your natural ball flight.
For instance, let's say you are facing an approach shot to a green with a large trap guarding the right edge of the green with the flagstick placed on the right side of the putting surface, next to the trap. A creek runs in front of the green waiting to gobble up any shots that come up short. If you naturally have a left-to-right ball flight (as most golfers do), you'll want to choose a target on the far left side of the green.
If you hit a good shot, it will start out toward the left side of the green and drift back toward the center of the green near the pin. If you aim for the center of the green or, foolishly, right at the pin, your ball could end up in the bunker.
Another contributing factor to low G.I.R. for casual golfers is under-clubbing themselves. In other words, they simply overestimate how far they can hit a club and end up short of the green. Golfers have to be realistic and recognize they are not going to hit their five iron perfectly every time and may need to take one more club. In addition, if a pin is set in the back part of the green or you have an uphill shot to the green, you may need to take one more club.
Many pros will say that if they were to give one piece of advice to their pro-am playing partners, it would be to take one more club on approach shots.
Take these tips into account next time you are practicing your iron shots or are faced with approach shots during the round. Keep track of how many greens you hit in regulation from round to round and work to improve your stats. As your G.I.R. increases, it's a sure bet your scores will decrease.
Joe Rahnis is general manager of The Woodlands and Diamond Ridge golf courses, two of the Baltimore County Revenue Authority's six courses along with Greystone, Rocky Point, Gunpowder Falls and Longview. For tee times or more information on these outstanding public golf facilities, call (410) 887-GOLF or check out the Web site www.baltimoregolfing.com.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May tournament
Thank you to all the golfers who played in our April tourney! We had awesome attendance with 23 teams and gave out cash prizes to the top 2 teams AND the top 3 teams qualified for the 1st annual Iron Play Championship Tournament in October!!! Remember, the top 3 teams qualify from each tourney and the first time you qualify is the team that is invited, so we would suggest that you don't play with someone who has already qualified!
Sign up for the May tourney THIS Saturday, the 16th! Shotgun start at 9:00 am with green fees, lunch and cash prizes included in the $30 entry fee/person.
There will be 4 more chances to qualify for the championship tourney after Saturday...mark the dates on your calendar (subject to change due to weather). Good luck!!
a href="http://www.zipwise.com/geomap/">
June 13th
July 11th
August 15th
September 12th
October 9th - Iron Play Championship Tournament!!!
Hope to see you on Saturday!
IRON PLAY
6261 Lake Brandt Rd.
Summerfield, NC 27358
(336) 644-7991
Sign up for the May tourney THIS Saturday, the 16th! Shotgun start at 9:00 am with green fees, lunch and cash prizes included in the $30 entry fee/person.
There will be 4 more chances to qualify for the championship tourney after Saturday...mark the dates on your calendar (subject to change due to weather). Good luck!!
a href="http://www.zipwise.com/geomap/">
June 13th
July 11th
August 15th
September 12th
October 9th - Iron Play Championship Tournament!!!
Hope to see you on Saturday!
IRON PLAY
6261 Lake Brandt Rd.
Summerfield, NC 27358
(336) 644-7991
Monday, April 13, 2009
IronPlay Tournament
NEW Iron Play Championship Tournament Information!!!
1. Upcoming IP tournaments:
Date: Saturday, April 18th and Saturday, May 16th
Format: 2-person Captain's Choice
Shotgun start: 9:00 am
Cost: $30 (includes green fees, lunch and cash prizes)
2. Qualify for the Iron Play Championship tournament:
You have 6 chances to qualify for the Championship tournament! The top 3 teams from each tournament will be invited to play in the tournament at the end of the season.
Call the clubhouse at (336) 644-7991 or email for more information and to sign up!!!
We hope everyone had a blessed Easter!
Your friends at Iron Play
1. Upcoming IP tournaments:
Date: Saturday, April 18th and Saturday, May 16th
Format: 2-person Captain's Choice
Shotgun start: 9:00 am
Cost: $30 (includes green fees, lunch and cash prizes)
2. Qualify for the Iron Play Championship tournament:
You have 6 chances to qualify for the Championship tournament! The top 3 teams from each tournament will be invited to play in the tournament at the end of the season.
Call the clubhouse at (336) 644-7991 or email for more information and to sign up!!!
We hope everyone had a blessed Easter!
Your friends at Iron Play
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
1st Tournament--2009
Hey golfers!
We wanted to let you know about our first Iron Play tournament of 2009!
Date: Saturday, March 21st
Format: 2-person Captain's Choice
We wanted to let you know about our first Iron Play tournament of 2009!
Date: Saturday, March 21st
Format: 2-person Captain's Choice
Tee time: 9:30 am
Cost: $30/person (Green fees, lunch and cash prizes included)
Also, mark your calendars for upcoming tourneys on April 18th and May 16th! AND...at the end of the season, we will have a championship tournament that you have to qualify for...more details to come!
Also, mark your calendars for upcoming tourneys on April 18th and May 16th! AND...at the end of the season, we will have a championship tournament that you have to qualify for...more details to come!
Please contact the clubhouse @ 644-7991 or respond to this email if you would like to sign up for the tournament!
Thanks!
Your friends at IP
Monday, March 2, 2009
Golf Humor
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"In God We Trust, All Others We Monitor"'
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Bulge Face & Gear Affect: How It Helps Your Game
source: Thomas Golf newsletter
Golf Pro Tips >> Improving Your Game
Most modern drivers, fairway woods and hybrid irons have a “bulge” designed into the face of the club. The bulge is a convex curvature spanning across the face of the club, from the heel to the toe.  The reason manufacturers design golf heads with this bulge curvature is to produce what's called "the gear affect". This puts a corrective spin on the ball whenever impact occurs off-center, for example, in the toe or heel area. This special side-spin acts to curve the ball back towards the target line, even though the ball started out off-line.  When you hit the ball out on the toe area, the shot will start out off-target, but the face curvature of this bulge design will put a correcting spin on the ball to bring it back toward your target. Likewise, if you hit the ball in the heel area, the curved face will put an opposite spin on the ball to help it curve back toward your target. As you can see, face bulge can have a very positive impact on shot correction, but there is a down side. Looking at a curved face makes it much more difficult to accurately aim the golf club at your target. Additionally, if you tend to look at the heel area of the face when setting up your club, the club's face will actually end up open. Similarly, if you tend to focus your attention in the toe area, the club's face will actually end up closed.  The solution to this problem of difficult shot alignment due to the curvature of the bulge style face, is to use a golf club with a prominent and accurate shot aiming indicator designed into the top of the club head. Focusing on this alignment aid (instead of the face) will provide very accurate club alignment because you are able to set the indicator directly in line with your target line. |
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Improving Your Game
source:
Thomas Golf newsletter
Back foot position is a frequently overlooked part of the golf setup, but this important fundamental can have a surprisingly huge impact on your swing and performance. Here is how to do it right and how it can benefit your golf game:
Your back foot should be perpendicular to your target line and not flared out like your front foot. If your back foot is not squared with the target line, it can create a number of problems:
A back foot that is flared open will promote over rotation of the hips and excessive weight shift. When your weight is over-shifted on your back swing, (outside the back foot), it becomes much more difficult to recover and swing back to the ball without hitting the shot fat or thin.
| - Instead, set up with your back foot square to the target-line, and keep your weight on the inside of the back leg as you turn and rotate on the back-swing. This will prevent the hips from over turning and will lead to a more consistent and controled swing. |
When your back foot is not perpendicular to the target line, your back leg will have less bracing strength. This will cause you to over-swing, where your leading arm will bend, resulting in a shorter swing arc with less club speed and power.
| - Instead, set up with your back foot square to the target-line. This will give your back leg more bracing strength to deliver power into your swing. |
Setting your back foot perpendicular to your target line will:
· Strengthen back leg bracing and increase stored up power in the backswing.
· Discourage over rotation of the hips and excess weight shifting.
· Lengthen your swing arc and increase club head speed.
· Generate a more repeatable back swing that will help increase shot consistency.
· Become part of your reliable routine to ensure you and your club are in proper alignment with the target line.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Blonde Golf
A father, son and grandson went to the country club for their weekly round of golf.
Just as they reached the first tee, a beautiful young blonde woman carrying her bag of clubs approached them. She explained that the member who brought her to the club for a round of golf had an emergency that called him away and asked the trio whether she could join them. Naturally, the guys all agreed.
Smiling, the blonde thanked them and said, 'Look, fellows, I work in a topless bar as a dancer, so nothing shocks me anymore. If any of you want to smoke cigars, have a beer, bet, swear, tell off-color stories or do anything that you normally do when playing a round together, go ahead. But, I enjoy playing golf, consider myself pretty good at it, so don't try to coach me on how to play my shots.'
With that the guys agreed to relax and invited her to drive first. All eyes were fastened on her shapely behind as she bent to place her ball on the tee. She then took her driver and hit the ball 270 yards down the middle, right in front of the green. The father's mouth was agape. 'That was beautiful,' he said. The blonde put her driver away and said, 'I really didn't get into it, and I faded it a little.'
After the three guys hit their drives and their second shots, the blonde took out an eight iron and lofted the ball within five feet of the hole. (She was closest to the pin.) The son said, 'Damn, lady, you played that perfectly.' The blonde frowned and said, 'It was a little weak, but even an easy seven would have been too much club. I've left a tricky little putt.' She then tapped in the five-footer for a birdie.
Having the honors, she drove first on the second hole, knocked the heck out of the ball, and it landed nearly 300 yards away smack in the middle of the fairway. For the rest of the round the statuesque blonde continued to amaze the guys, quietly and methodically shooting for par or less on every hole.
When they arrived at the 18th green, the blonde was three under par, and had a very nasty 12-foot putt on an undulating green for a par. She turned to the three guys and said, 'I really want to thank you all for not acting like a bunch of chauvinists and telling me what club to use or how to play a shot, but I need this putt for a 69 and I'd really like to break 70 on this course.
If any one of you can tell me how to make par on this hole I'll take him back to my apartment, pour some 35-year-old Single Malt Strath Mill Scotch in him, fix him a steak dinner and then show him a very good time the rest of the night.'
The yuppie son jumped at the thought! He strolled across the green, carefully eyeing the line of the putt and finally said, 'Honey, aim about 6 inches to the right of the hole and hit it firm. It will get over that little hump and break right into the cup.'
The father knelt down and sighted the putt using his putter as a plumb. 'Don't listen to the kid, darlin', you want to hit it softly 10 inches to the right and let it run left down that little hogback, so it falls into the cup.'
The old gray-haired grandfather walked over to the blonde's ball, picked it up and handed it to her and said, 'That's a gimme, sweetheart.' The blonde smiled and said, 'Your car or mine?'
Improving your Game
source: Thomas Golf Newsletter
Although fairly simplistic, the “Toe Up” practice swing is one of the best swing tips in golf. We'll show you how it's done, and how to take it to the next level for shot accuracy. Classic “Toe Up” Drill: 1. Using your standard setup, initiate your back-swing but stop about half way back when the shaft is parallel to the ground. At this point in the swing, the toe of the club should be pointing up to the sky. If it's not, this indicates your body, arms and hands are not turning away from the ball correctly. 2. Next, instead of continuing the back-swing, start your down-swing and continue through until the shaft is again parallel to the ground. Check the toe of the club; it should again be pointing up to the sky. 3. Repeat this mini-swing between the two check points until muscle memory is achieved. Once you're able to reliably produce these mini-swings with correct positions at both check points, you can progress the training drill to hitting golf balls. This will demonstrate the drill's effectiveness in producing a straighter ball flight.
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Friday, January 9, 2009
Summerfield's 18-hole gem
Summerfield's 18-hole gem
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2008 ( updated 9:27 am)
By ROBERT BELL
Staff Writer
Kevin Lowrance (top left) and Adam Team (top right) help Brad Dalton (bottom left) and Alex Turner search for a ball.
Credit: Neslon Kepley / News & Record
GREENSBORO - With each acclaimed design, each course he rescues from time, Greensboro golf architect Kris Spence's stature grows among golf's connoisseurs.
The list of courses Spence has worked on reeks of exclusivity: Cape Fear Country Club. Charlotte Country Club. Grove Park Inn. And, of course, Sedgefield County Club, where a certain PGA Tour event is being played this week.
Indeed, to the fans on the other side of the ropes at Sedgefield this week the perception is that a weekend golfer has little chance of playing a Spence-designed golf course in Greensboro.
Actually, there are two ways: Stroke a $12,000 check to Sedgefield Country Club and wait for members to decide your fate - or throw the sticks in the trunk and head over to Iron Play, a par-3 gem carved out of the Summerfield countryside.
Even now, Steve Carter, Iron Play's owner, wonders how he was able to get Spence to design his par-3, or executive, course.
"Maybe he felt sorry for us," says Carter, only half-jokingly.
Five years ago, Carter bought a 32-acre horse farm on Lake Brandt Road after developers failed to get the land rezoned for a housing development.
Carter didn't choose Spence by his reputation. Spence's design work was just taking off. He had yet to make a name for himself in the industry. Instead, the two hooked up the old-fashioned way.
"I got his name out of the yellow pages," Carter said.
Initially, Spence tried to talk Carter out of his dream.
"I told him over the phone that running a golf course is hard work," Spence recalled. "You basically have 18 infants that never grow up and need your constant attention."
Carter wasn't deterred. Spence picked up on Carter's passion when they met in person.
"He really loves golf - that's the first thing that comes across when you talk to him," Spence said.
Spence not only agreed to help, he donated his design and arranged for the Carters to buy a used pump station and other irrigation supplies within their budget.
It also helped that Spence loved the land at first site. Iron Play is a confused jumble of 32 acres whose fairways and greens are shaped much the same as the land was a century ago. Very little earth was moved in the design of the course.
"In the morning, when the sun casts shadows low and you can see that ripple effect on the land, it looks a lot like The Old Course at St. Andrews, Spence said.
The architect took that inspiration to heart at No. 17, where he created a mini-version of The Road Hole, St. Andrews' diabolical 17th. Just like its big brother, No. 17 at Iron Play sports a pot bunker running along the front of the green.
Each hole requires a different angle, a different approach no matter the skill level.
"I didn't want it to be another chip-and-putt," Spence said. "It's a great course where if you leave the driver at home, you'll think you're playing any big course."
The 105-yard No. 4, which requires the golfer to carry a ravine to an elevated green resting atop a natural outcrop of rock, is the course's signature hole.
"It's a beautiful hole," Spence said. "It's as good as any par-3 in town."
Spence, who specializes in updating Donald Ross-designed courses that have lost their Ross features through the years, said he had more fun designing Iron Play than any of the other bigger courses he's touched.
"You're creating something original," he said. "There's no preconceived notion of what goes where. Everything's fresh."
The course continues to attract golfers who don't have the time, money or skill for 18 holes on a traditional course. Spence hopes more children and teenagers will take up the game at his course. And adults, too.
As Spence's reputation grows, Carter hopes more people will check out one of his original designs.
"I used to tell people who designed the course," Carter said, "and they'd look at me funny and say, 'Who's he?' "
These days, when Carter tells them the course's pedigree, he gets the same confused look. Only now a different question.
"They're shocked," Carter said. "They ask me how I managed to get Kris Spence?"
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| custom website design |
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Contact Robert Bell at 373-7055 or robert.b
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Etiquette
his section provides guidelines on the manner in which the game of golf should be played. If they are followed, all players will gain maximum enjoyment from the game. The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times.
The Spirit of the Game
Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.
View Honesty & Integrity Animation
Safety
Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.
Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.
If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such a situation is "fore."
View Safety Animation
Consideration for Other Players
No Disturbance or Distraction
Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise.
Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.
On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play.
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.
View Avoiding Distraction Animation
On the Putting Green
On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.
Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.
View Putting Green Animation
Scoring
In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it.
View Scoring Etiquette Animation
Pace of Play
Play at Good Pace and Keep Up
Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.
It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.
View Playing at a Good Pace Animation
Be Ready to Play
Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
Viewing Being Ready to Play Animation
Lost Ball
If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball.
Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found.
They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.
View Saving Time with a Lost Ball Animation
Priority on the Course
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round.
View Priority on the Course Animation
Care of the Course
Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.
View Bunker Etiquette Animation
Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes
Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.
Preventing Unnecessary Damage
Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.
Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick.
In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.
Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.
The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before players leave the putting green.
Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.
View Preventing Unnecessary Damage Animation
Conclusion; Penalties for Breach
If players follow the guidelines in this Section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.
In the case of a serious breach of Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7.
The Spirit of the Game
Unlike many sports, golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.
View Honesty & Integrity Animation
Safety
Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing.
Players should not play until the players in front are out of range.
Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them.
If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such a situation is "fore."
View Safety Animation
Consideration for Other Players
No Disturbance or Distraction
Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making any unnecessary noise.
Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.
On the teeing ground, a player should not tee his ball until it is his turn to play.
Players should not stand close to or directly behind the ball, or directly behind the hole, when a player is about to play.
View Avoiding Distraction Animation
On the Putting Green
On the putting green, players should not stand on another player's line of putt or when he is making a stroke, cast a shadow over his line of putt.
Players should remain on or close to the putting green until all other players in the group have holed out.
View Putting Green Animation
Scoring
In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it.
View Scoring Etiquette Animation
Pace of Play
Play at Good Pace and Keep Up
Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.
It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.
View Playing at a Good Pace Animation
Be Ready to Play
Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.
Viewing Being Ready to Play Animation
Lost Ball
If a player believes his ball may be lost outside a water hazard or is out of bounds, to save time, he should play a provisional ball.
Players searching for a ball should signal the players in the group behind them to play through as soon as it becomes apparent that the ball will not easily be found.
They should not search for five minutes before doing so. Having allowed the group behind to play through, they should not continue play until that group has passed and is out of range.
View Saving Time with a Lost Ball Animation
Priority on the Course
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, priority on the course is determined by a group's pace of play. Any group playing a whole round is entitled to pass a group playing a shorter round.
View Priority on the Course Animation
Care of the Course
Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, players should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them and any nearby made by others. If a rake is within reasonable proximity of the bunker, the rake should be used for this purpose.
View Bunker Etiquette Animation
Repair of Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Shoes
Players should carefully repair any divot holes made by them and any damage to the putting green made by the impact of a ball (whether or not made by the player himself). On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoes should be repaired.
Preventing Unnecessary Damage
Players should avoid causing damage to the course by removing divots when taking practice swings or by hitting the head of a club into the ground, whether in anger or for any other reason.
Players should ensure that no damage is done to the putting green when putting down bags or the flagstick.
In order to avoid damaging the hole, players and caddies should not stand too close to the hole and should take care during the handling of the flagstick and the removal of a ball from the hole. The head of a club should not be used to remove a ball from the hole.
Players should not lean on their clubs when on the putting green, particularly when removing the ball from the hole.
The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before players leave the putting green.
Local notices regulating the movement of golf carts should be strictly observed.
View Preventing Unnecessary Damage Animation
Conclusion; Penalties for Breach
If players follow the guidelines in this Section, it will make the game more enjoyable for everyone.
If a player consistently disregards these guidelines during a round or over a period of time to the detriment of others, it is recommended that the Committee consider taking appropriate disciplinary action against the offending player. Such action may, for example, include prohibiting play for a limited time on the course or in a certain number of competitions. This is considered to be justifiable in terms of protecting the interest of the majority of golfers who wish to play in accordance with these guidelines.
In the case of a serious breach of Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
You can improve your putting by proper use of your eyes during each stage of the putt; here’s how...
Eyes during setup:
Eyes during setup:
| • When you set up to stroke a putt, one of the first things you must do is position your eyes over the golf ball and over your target line. Doing this will give you the best chance to start the ball headed on the target line. |  |
Eyes during the stroke:
• Keep your eyes on the ball and over the target line during the stroke.
Eyes after contact:
• Keep your eyes over the target line during the stroke. If you have to peek toward the hole, try your best to only swivel your head down the target line rather then lifting your head, as this will change your spine angle and move your head off the target line.
• Try your best to keep your eyes over the target line by holding your focus on the grass that was under the ball, even long after contact. You’re not going to improve the putt by watching it roll, so don’t be in a rush to look up.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Good Golf Etiquette
The General Concepts of Good Golf Etiquette
By Jim Corbett
(Copyright 1999)
How to Repair Ball Marks
How To Repair a Ball Mark
By Brent Kelley, About.com
Filed In:
Repairing a ball mark on a green takes seconds, but can save weeks of healing to the turf. It's an important thing to do for the course, and for the golfers who follow you.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15-30 seconds
Here's How:
1. Use a ballmark repair tool (also called a divot repair tool or greens repair tool) whenever possible. They cost a couple bucks - buy one.
2. Insert the repair tool at the edge of the ball mark. Do NOT insert the tool within the depression itself.
3. Push the tool forward from the edge of the ball mark toward the center. Do this around the edges of the indentation.
4. Do NOT insert the tool under the indented area and push up - a common mistake. Think of it as pushing turf in from the edges toward the center.
5. Tamp down the repaired area with your putter so that the surface is even.
Tips:
1. If your ball mark has actually displaced a piece of turf, do not replace it. Just work around the edges with your repair tool as normal. The replaced turf will simply die, delaying the healing process.
2. Pushing the tines of your repair tool under the indented area and pushing up simply damages the root system.
3. You not only should always repair your ball marks, but, time permitting, you should repair any other ball marks you see, too.
What You Need:
* Ballmark Repair Tool
* Divot Repair Tool
* Putter
Golf etiquette is an extremely important part of the game of golf. The etiquette golfers show to one another out on the course is one of the things that distinguishes golf from all other sports. But what is etiquette?
Etiquette has to do with manners. Whether you are talking about etiquette at the dinner table, in school, in your family or out at the movies with your friends, etiquette is important. It is through the courtesy we show to other people that we communicate our respect for them and that we show them how important we think they are.
Golf is a game that requires a lot of concentration. If you are trying to make a putt, or hit your tee shot into a narrow Fairway, it will be much more difficult if someone is laughing, rattling their clubs, or running around the tee or green.
There are a few rules of etiquette that apply in all situations on the golf course and the practice area and there are other rules of etiquette that are particular to certain circumstances, especially on the green. Here, we will review the general applications of golf etiquette.
Safety
The first and foremost rule of golf and golf etiquette is safety. This rule applies to young and old alike. Without some good common sense and a notion of how hard golf balls and clubs are, a golf course can be a very dangerous place. So here are some safety rules to always follow on the golf course:
Don't take practice swings toward another person (rocks and sticks and grass can fly up and hit them in the eye. Besides, it's rude!)
Don't swing your clubs when someone is walking around -- and don't walk around when someone is swinging golf clubs.
Quiet
Quiet is required on the golf course. Golf requires lots of concentration, and even if the people in your immediate group don't seem to be bothered, there are other groups all around you. So keep you voice down.
Walk, don't run. Running around is annoying, distracting and causes damage to the course. Walk quickly, but lightly.
Pace of Play
As much as people enjoy playing golf, they don't want their round to take all day. If golfers have to wait too long in between shots they get impatient and they lose their momentum. So here are some things you can do to maintain a good pace of play:
Take only one practice swing for each shot, then hit the ball. (Remember: if you take 120 shots in a game and you take an extra 30 seconds for each one you will add an hour to the length of your golf game.)
Plan your shot before it's your turn (don't wait until your turn to start thinking about what club you will hit, or whether to go over the water or lay up to it -- be ready in advance).
As you approach the green determine in which direction the next tee is located and leave your clubs (or park your cart) on that side of the green.
When playing from a motorized cart, if one player is on one side of the fairway and the other player on the opposite side, drop one player off at his or her ball with a choice of a few clubs, then drive to the next player's ball and meet farther down the fairway, after both have hit their shots.
Keep up with the group ahead of you. As they leave the green you should be ready to hit up to the green. Don't worry about how far ahead you are of the group behind you, focus on staying a reasonable distance from the group ahead.
Hitting Into the Group Ahead of You
Minding your "Pace of Play" will help you stay with the group ahead and you will be sure not to delay any groups playing behind you. At the same time you are being careful to stay with the group ahead, you must also be careful not to be so close that you hit your ball into that group. If your ball was to hit one of the players in that group it could be very tragic, so be careful that all golfers are out of range before you hit.
Sometimes there are golfers who get very impatient if a group is playing slowly ahead of them; that is understandable. However, it is never acceptable to try to speed up that group by hitting a ball at them to send them a message that you are getting tired of waiting. If you are tired of waiting, walk ahead to their group and ask them to speed up play, but never hit into them.
"Playing Through"
Playing Through another group is one of the most difficult and contentious parts of golf. It is difficult because, often, there is an implication that the group who is "being played through" is guilty of slow play and they typically resent that implication -- even if it's true. So if you are going to ask another group to allow you to play through them, do so in a courteous manner and at a convenient time in the round.
Here are some tips regarding Playing Through:
Be sure there is room for you to properly play through before you ask permission. (If there is another group immediately ahead of the group you are asking, they will naturally decline to let you through and they will be annoyed that you bothered them.)
Be courteous and quick as you hit your shots in playing through. If you hit bad shots (which often happens because there is extra pressure when you are playing through), don't take any Mulligans, just drop a ball near where yours was last seen and play on.
If you are playing slowly (more than a hole between you and the group ahead of you) and you think the group behind might want to play through, invite them to do so. It might be convenient when you are on a green. Wave them up, stand aside and let them hit up to the green. As they are walking up to the green you can putt out. Then allow them to tee off before you on the next tee.
Play Ready Golf Whenever It's Appropriate
If you are not playing golf in an actual tournament, or other sanctioned event, it is okay to play "ready golf." Ready golf means the golfer who is ready to hit can do so even though he or she may not be farthest away from the hole. Just agree ahead with the others in your group that you will play ready golf when it makes sense. That way they won't think you are just unaware of the rules. It is good courtesy to acknowledge that you are playing ready golf to move things along.
Ready golf can really help to speed things along, but before you hit be sure that everyone in your group knows that you are going to hit and that you are aware of where everyone in your group is. You certainly do not want to hit someone who is not paying attention, nor do you want several people hitting at one time.
Golf Carts
You don't need a driver's license to drive a golf cart on the course, but you do need some common sense and a great deal of respect for the course and the players around you.
If you are driving a motorized cart, drive at a moderate speed and keep your eyes open for other golfers.
Depending on weather conditions and other variables courses will post different rules relating to the use of carts. Be sure to obey the course rules regarding carts such as:
Keep carts on paths at all times -- this is a rule that courses use if the ground is very wet and they don't want the tires of the motorized carts to damage the fairway grass.
90 Degree Rule -- this rule requires you to stay on the cart path until you are even (at a 90 degree angle) with your ball. Then you may drive your cart straight out to your ball. When you've taken your shot, drive straight back to the cart path. Adhering to this rule minimizes damage to fairway grass as well, but still allows golfers to drive right up to their ball.
Always, under all circumstances, keep all carts, motorized or pull-carts away from the greens and off the teeing ground. Often the course will post signs giving directions as to where they want you to park your cart; follow the directions.
By Jim Corbett
(Copyright 1999)
How to Repair Ball Marks
How To Repair a Ball Mark
By Brent Kelley, About.com
Filed In:
Repairing a ball mark on a green takes seconds, but can save weeks of healing to the turf. It's an important thing to do for the course, and for the golfers who follow you.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15-30 seconds
Here's How:
1. Use a ballmark repair tool (also called a divot repair tool or greens repair tool) whenever possible. They cost a couple bucks - buy one.
2. Insert the repair tool at the edge of the ball mark. Do NOT insert the tool within the depression itself.
3. Push the tool forward from the edge of the ball mark toward the center. Do this around the edges of the indentation.
4. Do NOT insert the tool under the indented area and push up - a common mistake. Think of it as pushing turf in from the edges toward the center.
5. Tamp down the repaired area with your putter so that the surface is even.
Tips:
1. If your ball mark has actually displaced a piece of turf, do not replace it. Just work around the edges with your repair tool as normal. The replaced turf will simply die, delaying the healing process.
2. Pushing the tines of your repair tool under the indented area and pushing up simply damages the root system.
3. You not only should always repair your ball marks, but, time permitting, you should repair any other ball marks you see, too.
What You Need:
* Ballmark Repair Tool
* Divot Repair Tool
* Putter
Golf etiquette is an extremely important part of the game of golf. The etiquette golfers show to one another out on the course is one of the things that distinguishes golf from all other sports. But what is etiquette?
Etiquette has to do with manners. Whether you are talking about etiquette at the dinner table, in school, in your family or out at the movies with your friends, etiquette is important. It is through the courtesy we show to other people that we communicate our respect for them and that we show them how important we think they are.
Golf is a game that requires a lot of concentration. If you are trying to make a putt, or hit your tee shot into a narrow Fairway, it will be much more difficult if someone is laughing, rattling their clubs, or running around the tee or green.
There are a few rules of etiquette that apply in all situations on the golf course and the practice area and there are other rules of etiquette that are particular to certain circumstances, especially on the green. Here, we will review the general applications of golf etiquette.
Safety
The first and foremost rule of golf and golf etiquette is safety. This rule applies to young and old alike. Without some good common sense and a notion of how hard golf balls and clubs are, a golf course can be a very dangerous place. So here are some safety rules to always follow on the golf course:
Don't take practice swings toward another person (rocks and sticks and grass can fly up and hit them in the eye. Besides, it's rude!)
Don't swing your clubs when someone is walking around -- and don't walk around when someone is swinging golf clubs.
Quiet
Quiet is required on the golf course. Golf requires lots of concentration, and even if the people in your immediate group don't seem to be bothered, there are other groups all around you. So keep you voice down.
Walk, don't run. Running around is annoying, distracting and causes damage to the course. Walk quickly, but lightly.
Pace of Play
As much as people enjoy playing golf, they don't want their round to take all day. If golfers have to wait too long in between shots they get impatient and they lose their momentum. So here are some things you can do to maintain a good pace of play:
Take only one practice swing for each shot, then hit the ball. (Remember: if you take 120 shots in a game and you take an extra 30 seconds for each one you will add an hour to the length of your golf game.)
Plan your shot before it's your turn (don't wait until your turn to start thinking about what club you will hit, or whether to go over the water or lay up to it -- be ready in advance).
As you approach the green determine in which direction the next tee is located and leave your clubs (or park your cart) on that side of the green.
When playing from a motorized cart, if one player is on one side of the fairway and the other player on the opposite side, drop one player off at his or her ball with a choice of a few clubs, then drive to the next player's ball and meet farther down the fairway, after both have hit their shots.
Keep up with the group ahead of you. As they leave the green you should be ready to hit up to the green. Don't worry about how far ahead you are of the group behind you, focus on staying a reasonable distance from the group ahead.
Hitting Into the Group Ahead of You
Minding your "Pace of Play" will help you stay with the group ahead and you will be sure not to delay any groups playing behind you. At the same time you are being careful to stay with the group ahead, you must also be careful not to be so close that you hit your ball into that group. If your ball was to hit one of the players in that group it could be very tragic, so be careful that all golfers are out of range before you hit.
Sometimes there are golfers who get very impatient if a group is playing slowly ahead of them; that is understandable. However, it is never acceptable to try to speed up that group by hitting a ball at them to send them a message that you are getting tired of waiting. If you are tired of waiting, walk ahead to their group and ask them to speed up play, but never hit into them.
"Playing Through"
Playing Through another group is one of the most difficult and contentious parts of golf. It is difficult because, often, there is an implication that the group who is "being played through" is guilty of slow play and they typically resent that implication -- even if it's true. So if you are going to ask another group to allow you to play through them, do so in a courteous manner and at a convenient time in the round.
Here are some tips regarding Playing Through:
Be sure there is room for you to properly play through before you ask permission. (If there is another group immediately ahead of the group you are asking, they will naturally decline to let you through and they will be annoyed that you bothered them.)
Be courteous and quick as you hit your shots in playing through. If you hit bad shots (which often happens because there is extra pressure when you are playing through), don't take any Mulligans, just drop a ball near where yours was last seen and play on.
If you are playing slowly (more than a hole between you and the group ahead of you) and you think the group behind might want to play through, invite them to do so. It might be convenient when you are on a green. Wave them up, stand aside and let them hit up to the green. As they are walking up to the green you can putt out. Then allow them to tee off before you on the next tee.
Play Ready Golf Whenever It's Appropriate
If you are not playing golf in an actual tournament, or other sanctioned event, it is okay to play "ready golf." Ready golf means the golfer who is ready to hit can do so even though he or she may not be farthest away from the hole. Just agree ahead with the others in your group that you will play ready golf when it makes sense. That way they won't think you are just unaware of the rules. It is good courtesy to acknowledge that you are playing ready golf to move things along.
Ready golf can really help to speed things along, but before you hit be sure that everyone in your group knows that you are going to hit and that you are aware of where everyone in your group is. You certainly do not want to hit someone who is not paying attention, nor do you want several people hitting at one time.
Golf Carts
You don't need a driver's license to drive a golf cart on the course, but you do need some common sense and a great deal of respect for the course and the players around you.
If you are driving a motorized cart, drive at a moderate speed and keep your eyes open for other golfers.
Depending on weather conditions and other variables courses will post different rules relating to the use of carts. Be sure to obey the course rules regarding carts such as:
Keep carts on paths at all times -- this is a rule that courses use if the ground is very wet and they don't want the tires of the motorized carts to damage the fairway grass.
90 Degree Rule -- this rule requires you to stay on the cart path until you are even (at a 90 degree angle) with your ball. Then you may drive your cart straight out to your ball. When you've taken your shot, drive straight back to the cart path. Adhering to this rule minimizes damage to fairway grass as well, but still allows golfers to drive right up to their ball.
Always, under all circumstances, keep all carts, motorized or pull-carts away from the greens and off the teeing ground. Often the course will post signs giving directions as to where they want you to park your cart; follow the directions.
How to Repair Ball Marks
How To Repair a Ball Mark
By Brent Kelley, About.com
Filed In:
Repairing a ball mark on a green takes seconds, but can save weeks of healing to the turf. It's an important thing to do for the course, and for the golfers who follow you.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15-30 seconds
Here's How:
1. Use a ballmark repair tool (also called a divot repair tool or greens repair tool) whenever possible. They cost a couple bucks - buy one.
2. Insert the repair tool at the edge of the ball mark. Do NOT insert the tool within the depression itself.
3. Push the tool forward from the edge of the ball mark toward the center. Do this around the edges of the indentation.
4. Do NOT insert the tool under the indented area and push up - a common mistake. Think of it as pushing turf in from the edges toward the center.
5. Tamp down the repaired area with your putter so that the surface is even.
Tips:
1. If your ball mark has actually displaced a piece of turf, do not replace it. Just work around the edges with your repair tool as normal. The replaced turf will simply die, delaying the healing process.
2. Pushing the tines of your repair tool under the indented area and pushing up simply damages the root system.
3. You not only should always repair your ball marks, but, time permitting, you should repair any other ball marks you see, too.
What You Need:
* Ballmark Repair Tool
* Divot Repair Tool
* Putter
Mo
By Brent Kelley, About.com
Filed In:
Repairing a ball mark on a green takes seconds, but can save weeks of healing to the turf. It's an important thing to do for the course, and for the golfers who follow you.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15-30 seconds
Here's How:
1. Use a ballmark repair tool (also called a divot repair tool or greens repair tool) whenever possible. They cost a couple bucks - buy one.
2. Insert the repair tool at the edge of the ball mark. Do NOT insert the tool within the depression itself.
3. Push the tool forward from the edge of the ball mark toward the center. Do this around the edges of the indentation.
4. Do NOT insert the tool under the indented area and push up - a common mistake. Think of it as pushing turf in from the edges toward the center.
5. Tamp down the repaired area with your putter so that the surface is even.
Tips:
1. If your ball mark has actually displaced a piece of turf, do not replace it. Just work around the edges with your repair tool as normal. The replaced turf will simply die, delaying the healing process.
2. Pushing the tines of your repair tool under the indented area and pushing up simply damages the root system.
3. You not only should always repair your ball marks, but, time permitting, you should repair any other ball marks you see, too.
What You Need:
* Ballmark Repair Tool
* Divot Repair Tool
* Putter
Mo
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A Proper Shoulder Turn Could Be The Key to Eliminating Your Slice
source: Thomas Golf Newsletter
Making a proper “full shoulder turn” is one of the most important fundamentals of the golf swing, yet it's one of the most common mistakes made by golfers; and why so many have slice problems. A proper shoulder turn is when you rotate the shoulders so the leading shoulder comes under your chin, without letting your hips turn much at all. Below we explain the ways this eliminates the slice:
• If your shoulder rotation is stopped too early, your arms will tend to continue by fling across the target line and causing an outside-to-inside swing path, resulting in the dreaded banana-ball. A full shoulder turn will help the club fall “on plane”, which greatly reduces the chance of cutting across the target line and slicing the golf ball.
• A full shoulder turn will promote proper weight shift. Remember too keep your lower body from moving laterally. Do not confuse the full shoulder turn as meaning you must get the club back to parallel at the top of the swing. Many great golfers have a compact swing that comes up far short of parallel at the top, but all great golfers take a full shoulder turn when executing a full shot.
• A full shoulder turn will bring you to the top of the swing and assist in getting the hands and arms into proper position.
• Keep your chin up and off your chest so the leading shoulder can rotate and pass under the chin. If the shoulder hits your chin, it will cut the shoulder rotation short and encourage a slice.
• When a golfer does not utilize a full shoulder turn, they tend to rely more on the small muscles (hands and arms) to swing the golf club. This leads to inconsistent ball striking and shots prone to slicing. With a full shoulder turn, you will use more of your big muscles, which are much more consistent, and help you square the club face and avoid a slice. Don’t be in a rush; taking the club back slow will help you to finish the back swing with a full shoulder turn. More body, less arms.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Making a proper “full shoulder turn” is one of the most important fundamentals of the golf swing, yet it's one of the most common mistakes made by golfers; and why so many have slice problems. A proper shoulder turn is when you rotate the shoulders so the leading shoulder comes under your chin, without letting your hips turn much at all. Below we explain the ways this eliminates the slice:
• If your shoulder rotation is stopped too early, your arms will tend to continue by fling across the target line and causing an outside-to-inside swing path, resulting in the dreaded banana-ball. A full shoulder turn will help the club fall “on plane”, which greatly reduces the chance of cutting across the target line and slicing the golf ball.
• A full shoulder turn will promote proper weight shift. Remember too keep your lower body from moving laterally. Do not confuse the full shoulder turn as meaning you must get the club back to parallel at the top of the swing. Many great golfers have a compact swing that comes up far short of parallel at the top, but all great golfers take a full shoulder turn when executing a full shot.
• A full shoulder turn will bring you to the top of the swing and assist in getting the hands and arms into proper position.
• Keep your chin up and off your chest so the leading shoulder can rotate and pass under the chin. If the shoulder hits your chin, it will cut the shoulder rotation short and encourage a slice.
• When a golfer does not utilize a full shoulder turn, they tend to rely more on the small muscles (hands and arms) to swing the golf club. This leads to inconsistent ball striking and shots prone to slicing. With a full shoulder turn, you will use more of your big muscles, which are much more consistent, and help you square the club face and avoid a slice. Don’t be in a rush; taking the club back slow will help you to finish the back swing with a full shoulder turn. More body, less arms.
**************************************************************************
**************************************************************************
Monday, December 8, 2008
Hit down to make the golf ball go up... Here’s Why:
source: Thomas Golf Newsletter
Unlike some other sports, golf is often a game of opposites. One particular case that gives golfers trouble is the fact that you must hit down on the ball to make it go up.
Many golfers fall prey to the natural perception; that in order to get the ball off the ground and up into the air you need to swing in an upward motion. In actuality, the laws of physics dictate the opposite; a golfer should hit downward on the ball.
Ignore this tendency to swing under the ball (or to lift/scoop) to get it into the air. The lofted face is an important part of the club’s mechanics; put trust in it and it will do most of the work for you. When you swing down with a descending blow, the club face will contact the outer surface of the golf ball and the friction will cause the ball to spin backwards up the face and into the air.
Ball distance is a factor of your swing speed and compression on the golf ball, so coming down with a descending blow can also give you the benefit of more distance. Trajectory relies on the loft of your club. If you try to force ball height with a harder upward swing, it will not produce the results you’re looking for and can create a slew of problems with shot consistency. Give yourself mental reminders to avoid this tendency, and try building the right muscle memory by practicing an easier descending swing path.
Unlike some other sports, golf is often a game of opposites. One particular case that gives golfers trouble is the fact that you must hit down on the ball to make it go up.
Many golfers fall prey to the natural perception; that in order to get the ball off the ground and up into the air you need to swing in an upward motion. In actuality, the laws of physics dictate the opposite; a golfer should hit downward on the ball.
Ignore this tendency to swing under the ball (or to lift/scoop) to get it into the air. The lofted face is an important part of the club’s mechanics; put trust in it and it will do most of the work for you. When you swing down with a descending blow, the club face will contact the outer surface of the golf ball and the friction will cause the ball to spin backwards up the face and into the air.
Ball distance is a factor of your swing speed and compression on the golf ball, so coming down with a descending blow can also give you the benefit of more distance. Trajectory relies on the loft of your club. If you try to force ball height with a harder upward swing, it will not produce the results you’re looking for and can create a slew of problems with shot consistency. Give yourself mental reminders to avoid this tendency, and try building the right muscle memory by practicing an easier descending swing path.
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