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Why Use an Offset Driver?

golfinstock — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:31:41 +0200

An offset driver is a great club for golfers who have a hard time hitting their driver consistently and struggle to get the ball in the air. An offset driver has its head set back from the golf shaft. This makes both the club and the ball easier to control. It is most often used by high- and intermediate handicap golfers.

Offset driver -- the look

An offset drive resembles a normal driver. It is about the same length and the same weight. It features the same large and powerful driving face that at normal driver does. However, just before the shaft joins the club head, it takes a perpendicular turn backwards to form a small "L" shape. The club head is attached at the bottom of that L-shaped joint.

Purpose

Most golfers who go to an offset driver do so because they fail to get the ball high in the air and regularly do not hit the ball straight either. Most often, that failure is caused by a speeding up of the swing. The golfer is anxious to hit the ball, he rushes his swing, and he looks up to see the results. That shot is often off-course. The offset head of the club serves as a reminder not to speed up the swing. The golfer realizes that he will not get his shot off by rushing it. Speeding up your hands will not help you hit the ball sooner with an offset club. The shaft will get to the ball location before the club head.

Results

Golfers realize they have a problem with timing and execution, and that's why they go to an offset club. The results are often quite good. Most teachers and playing partners observe a significant slowing of the swing.

Execution

The execution of a steady and smooth swing with an offset club head generally results in a high and straight shot when the golfer has an offset club. The club face will have an "up" angle when it makes contact with the golf ball. This will assure that the ball gets high in the air. If the timing of the swing is adequate, the ball will also go straight as long as the club head is facing the target at impact.

Expert Insight

Many golfers would never consider using an offset club because they feel it may give them an unfair competitive advantage. The idea that a club head has to be set back in order to help the golfer hit the ball high and straight does not sit well with some golfers who feel they should be able to "earn" that kind of effective golf shot. However, the rules of golf allow an offset driver and it's not wrong to try it out. It helps golfers think about and execute a consistent swing. The club is not doing it for the golfer. The golfer still has to do the work.

Golf Club Sets for Beginners

golfinstock — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:16:26 +0200

As a beginning golfer, you want to make sure that the game is both enjoyable and educational. This all starts with having the right tools for what you are trying to accomplish. Several golf club manufactures have their own spin on how the golf club should look and feel. This guide will help you understand the most important points to consider.

The Beginning

A golf club set, when on the course, can consist of up to 14 clubs. Each player will need his own set of clubs. To begin, you may want to rent clubs from the course--if they are available--in order to see if you enjoy playing the game. Once you have played a few times, you will then be ready for your own set.

Types

There are three types of clubs. There can be many different styles within each type.
The three types of clubs are metal (or wood) woods, irons and putters.

Clubs are categorized by a numeric system. Woods can range from 1 to 11 or even 12. The most common numbers, though, are 1,3 and 5. Irons can range from 1 to 14, with the 10 and higher numbers usually called wedges.

The putter is the only club that is not numbered, but it also is the only club that will have extreme differences in the size and shapes that are available. The other clubs are fairly uniform in their look.

Considerations

You will need to keep a few things in mind as you shop for clubs. First, the clubs are different because of what is called loft. The loft of the club will determine the distance that the golf ball will travel when you hit it. As a beginner you will want clubs that have a higher loft, because this will allow for more back spin on the ball and less side spin so that the ball does not curve as much when hit.

A typical beginner set would include a 1 wood (called a driver), a 3 wood and a 5 wood. The driver should be between 9 and 11 degrees in loft. The 3 and 5 woods probably won't have their lofts listed on the club itself.

You will want a 4 or 5 iron as the longest Iron in your bag. Getting a 1, 2 or 3 iron can happen later, once you get used to the game a little more.

There will be different types of shafts for you to choose from. As a beginner, steel shafts will allow you to control the golf club more during the swing; a composite shaft might have a little too much variance. From there, getting fitted for your proper lie angle and loft will be handled by a club-fitting professional. If you are not able to work with a fitting professional, your local golf store or clubhouse shop will have people on hand who can help you.

Benefits

You do not have to buy a set of golf clubs "off the rack." Buying a stock set of clubs can actually cause you more harm than good. Getting a set of fitted golf clubs is not as expensive as it once was and will allow you to swing the clubs the way you need to--based on your body dimensions--and will be a more enjoyable experience for you.

Going to a golf store or even a course clubhouse will allow you to talk with a pro or person who knows the different types of clubs available and what would be recommended for a beginner based on the latest technology.

Misconceptions

There are always misconceptions about golf clubs. First, you need to know that just because you are a beginner; it does not mean that you should avoid buying the best name brands available. If you feel like you are going to be playing a lot of golf, investing into a better brand will mean a better return on your investment. Plus, as you improve you will already have quality clubs. If you feel like you are not going to be playing very much, buying something a little more affordable might be better choice.

Always stay within a specific budget when shopping for golf clubs because as the technology changes, the prices can change as well. The price of golf clubs is often a source of the misconceptions about the game. A beginner set of golf clubs could cost as little as $100 to $150. As you move into the more advanced technologies, you may spend $300 or $400 just on a driver! On average, however, a typical set of clubs that includes three woods, nine irons and a putter will be priced between $200 and $500. Add in a bag and you can have a set of clubs that will give you many years of enjoyment in the game.

Expert Insight

Purchasing a new set of golf clubs is exciting. You will have the opportunity to look at different brands and different styles, which can be somewhat overwhelming. Take your time when choosing a new set of clubs. Ask to hit the different types of clubs on the driving range or in an indoor facility. Plan on going back at least three or four times to see how they feel on different days and if anything new will change your decision. Being fitted for clubs will help build your game and provide a better experience when playing.

Start Playing "the Real Golf"

golfinstock — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:10:49 +0200

A complete guide for people, who would like to start playing golf

Golf is a sport, which requires physical as well as psychical endurance. To start playing golf, you'll need to buy a few things (golf clubs, "golf clothes", golf shoes...)

The equipment:
- Golf clubs are usually "factory made", so you can pick between hundreds of golf clubs. A beginner should buy "regular" shafted golf clubs; with a bit bigger head (regular clubs are more flexible, so your mistakes won’t be so noticeable).

- "Golf clothes" aren't much different from regular clothes. Male's golf clothes should consist of: A polo shirt and some pants. Females’ golf clothes should consist of: A polo shirt and some pants or a skirt. It's up to you to decide what kind and what color of clothes you want to have.

- Golf shoes are very important. Your foot must "feel comfortable" in them and they must also provide good traction (so you wont slip). Don't worry about the spikes, they are changeable.

- The golf glove. Left handed golfer should get a right handed glove, while the right handed golfers should get a left handed glove. Your hand must fit "tightly" into the glove.

Now that you have your equipment, you can start golfing. I would strongly recommend, that you hire a golf coach at first (he will show you the basics and give you some advice)

To learn the swing, you'll need about 10-15 hours with your golf coach (that's the basic swing).

If you want to improve your game/swing, you must practice a lot (at least 4-5 times a week). To do that, you can hire a golf coach or buy a book/video explaining and showing you the correct swing or you can watch tutorial videos online (they are the best choice).

If you practice a lot, you'll see the improvement in less than a month.

Using Fairway Woods Golf Clubs

golfinstock — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:06:05 +0200

Fairway woods are perhaps the most underutilized clubs in the average golfer's bag. Fairway woods can be used from a variety of lies---in the rough, in the fairway, off the tee---but many golfers feel completely out of place with a fairway wood in hand. Learn to hit your fairway woods and you'll add a valuable variety to your golf game.

Ball Position

The ball should be positioned slightly in front of the center of your stance, but not as far as the inside of your front heel, where you might position a driver. This position allows your torso to make a full turn back and then forward through the ball, making contact with the ball at the nadir of the club head's path. Don't overswing with a fairway wood; make a simple, compact swing and let the extra weight in the club head do its work to provide extra ball speed, carry and distance.

Low Point of Contact

When you're hitting a driver, optimal contact consists of making contact on the upswing (that's one reason why you tee the ball up). Fairway woods are different: perfect contact with a fairway wood means making contact with the ball exactly at the lowest point of your swing. The added loft on a fairway wood provides all the lift and backspin that you need; there is no need to try to scoop the ball into the air. Swing down to the ball to make the crispest contact and impart the backspin that will give your shot extra loft and carry and allow it to land soft, with reduced roll.

Sweeping Motion

While you should not hit your fairway woods the same way you hit your driver, you should also avoid making a swing and contact too similar to a low iron or wedge. With a wedge or low iron, you make contact with the ball by hitting down on it. This action traps the ball against the turf and produces exceptional backspin. But with fairway woods, you don't want to drive the ball into the turf. Instead, practice a sweeping motion, a swing that just brushes the ground at the point of contact, driving the ball neither down (like a wedge) nor up (like a driver), but straight forward.

Buy Cheap Golf Club sets

golfinstock — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:54:38 +0200

Golfing can get expensive. Save money by finding golf clubs for cheap.

One of the best ways to buy a cheap golf club set is to go to a used golf club store. Check Google to find one near you. Here you can find cheap golf club sets that may only be a year or two old and are often in excellent condition. Their previous owner might have just wanted new ones and got rid of his old set of golf clubs.

Another option is eBay and craigslist. You can get good deals on cheap golf club sets when people need to get rid of them fast.

If you want to purchase new golf club sets, try a store called golf in stock. If they do not have one near you, then you can go to their website at golfinstock.com I purchased my current putter from golf in stock a few years ago for $9.99! And I laugh every time I out putt someone who uses a putter they paid several hundred dollars for.

When buying a cheap golf club set try to look for last year’s model. They will usually be discounted and are just as good.

One of the best ways to improve your game is to get your clubs custom fitted and sized for you. Check with your local pro shop to find out more about this easy way to improve your game and lower your scores.

Good luck and shoot low!

Practice Golf Indoors

golfinstock — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:50:43 +0200

Whether it is raining, snowing or you are just having a slow day at the office; there are plenty of ways to practice your putting indoors.

One of the most important parts of putting is ball striking. It doesn't matter how well you lined up the ball or how accurate your line is, if you don't hit the ball right your chances of making the putt decrease significantly.

To practice proper ball striking, take two band aids and place them on either side of the sweet spot of your putter. Now when you practice your putting, if you do not hit the ball correctly you will notice the ball doesn't go as far and feels differently coming off of the putter.

Another easy indoor golf practice drill you can do is work on keeping your head down while you putt. Most people have a tendency to lift their head as soon as they strike the ball. To practice keeping your head down, stand about 6 feet from a wall. Putt the ball and do not lift your head up until you head the ball hit the wall. This will ensure you are focused on the act of hitting the ball and not the result of the putt. It will go in or miss regardless of whether or not you are watching it. Personally I would much rather risk not seeing the ball fall in than look up and see it miss.

Another easy indoor golf practice drill is distance control. set something on the floor about 10-15 feet away from you can try to get your ball to stop at exactly that distance. Do not worry about accuracy just focus on distance. Experiment with moving the marker closer and farther away. This will help you eliminate 3 putts on the course the next time you go out.

One final indoor golf practice drill you can do is putt for accuracy. You can do this drill with one of those auto-ball returner machines or with a cup laying on the ground. (Preferably a plastic non breakable cup) Take 3 golf balls and set them 3 feet from the "hole" once you make all 3 putts in a row. Move back 3 more feet. Make all 3 putts and then move back another 3 feet. Continue this until you can no longer make 3 out of 3 (or you run out of room)

The short game is where most people give up extra strokes. If you can learn to putt better, you can lower your score dramatically.

Good luck and shoot low!

How to Golf Like a Pro...Even if You're...

golfinstock — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:39:37 +0200

So you want to play golf like a pro, when even on your best days on the course, you are reminded (by your own shots or the verbal shots of others) that you're nothing more than a shankin' amateur? Well, if so, then this is the article you want to read because in it, you will soon discover the story of the locks and keys that will serve as your guide to playing one of the greatest games the world has ever known.

The Lock.

You have a mental perception that you cannot drive, nor hit an approach shot, nor hit a chip, pitch, or sand wedge ---let alone hitting two putts or less on the green. The perception is real---Tiger Woods may be the greatest golfer in history, but guess what? Tiger never shot a 59 in competition, which is the lowest round ever shot in professional competition (which was first achieved by Al Geiberger in the 1970's, and has been followed by Chip Beck in the 1980's, David Duval in the 1990's...and maybe one or two others since then). This means that the greatest golfer we've ever seen is just like you: in no tournament has he ever driven, chipped, sand wedged or putting to perfection. So then what is the key to the mental block that we hit the ball like a shankin' amateur? The key is this: PMA.

The Key.

PMA is an acronym for Positive Mental Attitude. Have you ever seen Tiger quit? No, he, like all good golfers, learns from his mistakes, even relishes them as an opportunity to practice better so that he will play better. A good professional, the kind of player you'd like to become, has learned that the art of golf is an art of patience. If you see professional golf on TV or in person you will be startled at how easy and consistent their swings are: in common, they all take their clubs back, swing through the ball, follow through to the target, then chase the result. If you can sweep the floor, you can hit a golf ball like a pro. When you sweep, do you violently jerk the broom back, then stop at impact, hoping the dirt reaches the dustpan? Or do you bring the broom back and sweep through the dirt, then follow through to the dustpan? The laws of physics are immutable: they don't change because you are either hitting a golf ball or sweeping a floor. Sweep consistently and evenly, following through to the intended target (a dustpan or a hole on the green) and soon you'll no longer be playing like a shankin' amateur, playing instead with the measured cadence of a pro.

The Lock & Key.

So now I've told you about the lock (your mental perception) and I've shown you the key to opening the lock (adopting a positive mental attitude ---or PMA), so now what action must you take? I've already shown you: you sweep with your golf clubs, rather than just club the ball like it's a baby seal. Watch the pros sweep--they are all consistent with the ease at which they strike the ball. So, if a pro sweeps easily and effortlessly, yet you struggle with shot after shot, striking the ball violently and with great effort (to often hideous results) what would logic tell you? It would tell you to follow the ease of a pro, a method which will have you striking the ball for distance as well as accuracy.

But never let anyone tell you that you cannot improve.

Not everyone can be Tiger Woods, but anyone can think like the champion he is.

Ways to Take Up Golf

golfinstock — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:32:11 +0200

Golf can be defined as a game in which golf clubs with wooden or metal heads are used to hit a small, white ball into a number of holes, usually 9 or 18, in succession, situated at various distances over a course having natural or artificial obstacles, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.

Golf is becoming an increasingly popular sport, for every age group, men and women alike. It is never to late to pick up golf.

For first timers there are some things you should accomplish before hitting the course.

** Taking lessons from a professional may be a good idea to make sure you are doing everything correctly.

** Buy your own set of clubs. If you plan on planning just a few times a year, it’s better to rent or borrow from a friend.

** Begin with a course of a low degree of difficulty.

** For middle age player’s golf is a great way to stay fit. It is not a strenuous sport but will help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol because of its aerobic activity it involves.

Before playing stretch and do some strength exercises to avoid getting hurt. Also, learn the proper ways to hit the ball to not injury yourself. You may want to begin by going to a golfing range to practice before hitting the green.

How to Puchase Golf Clubs

golfinstock — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:26:41 +0200

Finding the right golf equipment and golf clubs is important. You need to know your skill level before choosing clubs because the common myth is that you buy a better club and you will instantly be a better golfer. A great golfer can play with a cheap set of clubs and do very well because they have the technique down.

First you need to find a local golf shop where you can test the clubs that you are interested in buying. You may eventually decide to purchase online or at a discounter but trying them out is important. You want to see which ones feel right for you and there is no better way to do this then go to a golf store with a hitting facility.

Next you should never let a salesman over sell you. There are so many great clubs and drivers that you do not need to buy the most expensive thing they have. In many cases the salesperson is trying to meet a goal or quota with a certain brand and does not have your best interest in mind.

If you are tight on a budget then you may want to consider buying second hand clubs. Remember that clubs are sturdy and they last a long time so buying in the secondary market can be a great way for you to save money. In many cases you can find a high end set that is one or two years old that will be great for your needs.

Remember that whether you decide to buy new or used you want to get a feel for the different brand names that are out there before making a purchase. Try not to over buy because the club is not going to make you a great golfer, you can only do that.

Gifts for Golf Lovers

golfinstock — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:24:33 +0200

The words "He is impossible to buy for" will never be uttered about someone who plays golf. A variety of gift ideas are available for anyone who plays the game.

Balls
Golf balls disappear like hot dogs at a cookout. A golfer can never have too many, and they last. According to Titleist.com, golf balls can be safely stored for five years or more.

Clubs
Be careful if you're considering buying a set of golf clubs as a gift. Golfers have a very personal relationship with clubs; certain clubs feel right, others don't. More advanced clubs are often sized to fit the individual who will be using them.

Lessons

If Tiger Woods has a golf coach, then everyone should have a golf coach. Or at least a few lessons. No matter the skill level of a player, lessons can always help a golfer improve his game.

Vacations
Imagine how appreciative your favorite golfer will be if you send them on a golf vacation. It's become a big part of the golf industry, with courses offering packages that include travel, lodging and greens fees.

Wardrobe
Shirts, shoes, hats, pants, skirts, rain jackets and sunglasses are part of a golfer's on-course attire.

How to Hit A Golf Ball...Becoming A Golf...

golfinstock — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:21:24 +0200

If you're an athlete or not, but want to learn EASILY how to hit a golf ball with precision and accuracy, then this is a must read!

First, the ball. Put the ball on the ground and casually (just relax in other words) look down at it. Stand as you normally do when you are standing alone. In this position, move the ball so that it is about a foot in front of your feet, roughly in line with your nose. (Imagine a string reaches from the tip of your nose to the middle of the golf ball). I call this the STARTING TRIANGLE; use this starting position with ANY club. That's half the battle right there!

Second, the golf clubs. Take the club in your hands. How? It's easy. Put your hands together (no gaps), with your dominant hand lowest on the club. That is, if you're right-handed, as I am, your left hand is top, and your right hand is directly beneath it. When you shake hands with someone? That is how you want your hands placed on the club. So, shake hands with the club, first your right hand, then your left hand, (if you're right-handed).

Third, the swing. The imaginary string from your nose to the ball? Now take that same string and put it from the middle of the ball to an inch or so behind the ball. That is where you want to put the bottom of the golf club (otherwise known as the face of the club head. If that club head had a real face, the center of it would be the nose...so put the nose an inch behind the ball, centered to the middle of the ball. Now, here's all you have to do: slowly swing the club back, about a yard or so and just SWEEP back through the ball, as if it were a dust ball on your kitchen floor. Sweep it all the way through, as if your were sweeping the dust ball to a specific point across the room. For longer hits, just sweep further back, and further through! That's it...now you can play golf better than the average Joe (or Josephine!) Go forth now and...Play golf!

Golf Trip Ideas

golfinstock — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:18:04 +0200

Golf trips are expensive, but anyone who loves to golf could be willing to pay any price for a great course, beautiful scenery and excellent lodging.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach is probably the most beautiful course in the United States. Placed on the cliffs of California, a bad slice could put the ball in the Pacific Ocean.

Shadow Creek

Shadow Creek is located in Las Vegas and is the world's most expensive golf course. Crystal blue water surrounds you as you embark on the most breathtaking scenery you will see on a course.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Featuring 22 golf courses, this 12-mile-long island is one of the hottest vacation spots for golfers. Less than an hour away is breathtaking Savannah, Georgia.

St. Andrews, Fife, Switzerland

If you're looking to go overseas, the best place to play golf is Fife, Switzerland. A difficult course for advanced golfers, this is great place to golf if you are serious about the game and can afford an overseas vacation.

Annual Trip Ideas

Get a group of your golfing buddies together and take an annual trip to your favorite golf courses. Take group photos and frame them each year.

Buy Custom Golf Clubs

golfinstock — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:16:05 +0200

If you want to use custom golf clubs but don't have the time or desire to make them yourself, consider buying custom golf clubs from a store. They are made to give you the advantages of using a custom-fit golf club without the hassle of building them yourself。

Select a type of custom golf club. Do you want a graphite shaft with a lot of flex or a stiffer club shaft? Deciding on the type of custom golf clubs you want before you buy makes shopping and purchasing much easier.

Become familiar with a few of the popular custom golf club makers and find out what makes their clubs different and unique. One may not be better than the other per se, but their line of custom golf clubs and the versatility they offer might suit you better.

Review the golf shafts and club heads which make up the custom golf clubs that each vendor produces. Many times you can get a feel for the clubs this way.

Shop one or two of the custom golf club makers you are interested in and select a few of the custom golf clubs that match your swing style. Learn everything you can about the custom golf clubs before you buy, and also try and read some reviews to get inside information on how they perform.

If possible, try out a few custom golf clubs from each vendor and get a feel for the quality and function of each one. Some might feel better, but won't help your swing. Choose the golf clubs that make you hit the ball farther.

Ping Rapture Tips

golfinstock — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:03:25 +0200

Golf clubs are produced by the enigmatic, American-made brand Ping, which consistently matches or outpaces its competitors in critical acclaim. The Rapture series embodies the brand: exacting pieces of equipment that require skill and precision both to build and to use. Unlike other brands that go to extremes design measures to correct flaws in golfers' ball-striking abilities, Rapture clubs are designed to get the best result from clean content and a swing that's on line. Rapture clubs can assist players in hitting shots long and straight as long as they fixate on technique.

Destination and Distance
The Ping Rapture series benefits a player whose game is suited to balls that fly low, or where windy playing conditions are the norm. Overall, Rapture clubs produce trajectories that are relatively low. Results may differ slightly depending on the player and the golf shafts employed, but Rapture club heads are made of lightweight Titanium for speed and Tungsten steel for strength and power. Unlike other brands, standard Rapture clubs are designed with a built-in intent to cause shots to arc right or left. The Rapture series features wide and deep club faces meant to add distance to shots hit squarely. Look and Feel

The physical appearance of Ping Rapture golf clubs could not be indicative of their intentions. And it bears reminding that the brand is named after the sound that resonated from the original putter that Ping was founded upon in 1959.

The Rapture V2 driver and fairway woods have elongated bodies that resemble jet engines. The Rapture series irons could be likened to chisels with enamel inlays: the club heads point upward and slightly outward to afford clear sight of the ball during set up and their weight distribution maximizes force at impact. Quality over Quantity

Ping's Rapture clubs may be best suited to golfers who would emulate the pro tournament players who endorse them. Compared to other brands, relatively few tour pros rely on Rapture clubs. Still, they are all victors of Masters,LPGA, Seniors and U.S. Amateur Open events.

Ping Rapture Tips

golfinstock — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:03:09 +0200