Weight Distribution

photo credit: mandj98       Proper weight distribution is one of the key elements in a powerful golf swing.   It is the shift in weight,  created by body movement, that produces good timing and plenty of club-head speed.

In the address position the weight should be  distributed evenly, on the insides of both feet  (this does not apply to short approach shots).   During the back-swing (right handed players)  the weight shifts to  inside of the right foot  (not the outside of the foot),  at impact the weight is as it was at address and on the follow-through the weight should  shift to the outside of the  lead foot and inside of the right foot.

Tip:    In the address position,  try to keep your knees slightly inward  to keep your weight on the inside.

Unpopularity of Slow Play

photo credit: avlxyz     Playing with a slow player is just no fun.   Most slow players don't  even realize they are playing slow and if you  mention it  to them, they  are offended.   The suggestion is not fast play, just don't lag and ruin  the round for everyone else.

There is a certain  playing cadence  that develops during every round.   The idea is to stay within the  momentum of play.   Slow players destroy the tempo of play without even realizing it.

The biggest reason for slow play is not thinking ahead.   Once a shot is taken, concentration on the very  next shot should begin.   Once the ball is reached,  take one practice swing and unload.   Deep rough, uneven lies or bunker shots,  may require several practice swings.    Remember, playing slow does not  mean playing better!

New Courses Are Good For Your Game

photo credit: lrargerich     We all have a “home course,” – sort of.   Even if  we don't actually have a course membership, we are more likely to  frequent a particular course,  our  ”home course.”   Is playing the same course, good for your game, however?

There is nothing like playing a course that you are unfamiliar with.   If you want to see where your game is at  and if your handicap is legitimate,  try playing  strange courses,

Playing different courses  is a real challenge but it is a great way to  renew your interest in the game.    Don't forget that PGA Tour Professionals are confronted with a new layout every single week.   So put on your travel shoes (or turn on your GPS) and start playing some new  links.

Pinehurst Golf Resort

For the third straight year GOLF MAGAZINE chose the Pinehurst Golf Resort as the “Best Golf Resort In America.”   With eight world-class courses and the Pinehurst Golf Academy, the historic resort offers an  unparalleled golf experience.

The course that Bobby Jones once called the “St. Andrews of United States Golf,” has witnessed some of the greatest golf dramas in history; including Ben Hogan's first PGA win.

Overnight rates start at $229.00 with several packages available.   The  ”Buddy Trip of a Lifetime” package  includes 3 days and 2 nights, unlimited golf, breakfast and dinner daily, one steak  & lobster dinner, unlimited spa services, a $50.00 gift card and much more.   The package is $2,300 double  occupancy.   For more information call  800 487-4653 or  visit www.pinehurst.com.

Desert Golf

photo credit: danperry.com     If you are planning a  southwestern golf vacation  and are unfamiliar with playing in the desert, there are certain things to be aware of to make your  golf experience more enjoyable.

Its a good idea to carry at least one “desert club”  (a beater)  in your bag.    Hitting one of your brand new irons off the rocky terrain can be hard on  your wallet.   Be careful not to  brush or bump into cactus plants,  doing so can ruin your day.   In hot weather, watch for rattlesnakes when looking for lost balls.   Drink plenty of water, if its not hot, its still  very  dry in the desert.   Bring rain gear and a sweater for sudden desert showers.   Make sure to  use sunblock, desert sun is very intense.

Group Travel Tips

photo credit: avlxyz     Going on a golf vacation with a group of 8 or more fellow  golfers can be very frustrating unless plans are established in advance.   Every group needs a person that will not only coordinate travel plans but make decisions when on location.   Sometimes, not everyone in the group will agree but it does  prevents  squabbles.

Travel Tips:  (1)  Designate one individual to make all travel arrangements including plane, hotel and tee time reservations.   (2) Form a  committee  (3 people) to settle any controversies that arise.   (3) Collect all wages before the round begins.   (4) Be very selective about  inviting  a new  member to  your  group.     (5) When on location, don't always travel as a group.   (6) Make travel plans for the following year before ending your present vacation.

FBR Open Controversy

photo credit: danperry.com     Tiger Woods still refuses to play in the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Az.   His  abstinence is the result of an orange thrown towards him by a fan.   The roudy and sometimes  undignified  fan  behavior there, is  a matter of controversy.

The FBR Open draws some of the largest crowds of any PGA Tour Event.   Hundreds of thousands of  people pack the TPC Stadium Course over the four day event.    The party atmosphere is unmistakable and in many cases gets out of control.    

The par 3 sixteenth hole  is where  most of  the controversy originates.    Bleachers line both sides of the narrow fairway  and the  crowd noise is intense.    It reminds one of the Gladiator battles in the  Roman Coliseum.   Should the  USGA  or the  PGA impose stronger rules governing crowd behavior?   LET'S HEAR FROM YOU?      

Tension Can Ruin Your Swing

photo credit: B_cool     Tension produces the worst kind of missed shots.   Every golfer should realize and accept,  that every shot during a round is not going to be perfect.   Ben Hogan, one of the greats in the game, said   that even in  his best  rounds, he hit only four or five shots  ”just right.”   The fact is that the better the golfer, the better the miss-hits; they end up closer to the target.  

Many people mistake tension for a feeling of power and control.   True strength and control  is derived from good coordination.    Real  power comes from  good timing and the ability to  create maximum torque with a fluid swing.    Trying to “kill” the ball never, ever works.    Rely on your ability to swing the club smoothly,  rather than  trying to “hit at the ball.”   You'll see immediate results.

Choosing The Right Clubs

photo credit: fredcamino     Choosing a set of clubs can be very difficult for most players.   A person that has been playing for many years, knows instantly whether a set of clubs “feels right.”   Relative beginners have no idea what type of feel they like.   More often than not, an over-anxious salesperson will convince a player that    more expensive clubs will  ”feel” better (totally untrue).  

Generally, when you stand in the  address position and sole a new club you can tell whether it feels good or not.   What  ”feels” right is right.   Some golfers  would rather have more perimeter weighting and others, a thick upper  clubface edge.   Shafts  are  confusing.

For the past many years graphite has become the standard material for metal woods.   Most really good players still use steel shafts, however.   They (Pro's) claim the steel is more accurate.

For Every Inch Of Putt, An Inch Of Stroke

photo credit: makelessnoise     Rather than increasing or decreasing the size of their putting strokes,  most amateurs  change the force or speed of their stroke.   Their priorities are backward, the pace of thier stroke should be the same for all putts regardless of distance.   As long as the size of the stroke is identical on both sides of the ball, its pace shouldn't change.

For a putt of 1 ft. the clubhead is taken back 1 in. and moved 1 in. past the ball after impact.    A 2 ft. putt is taken back 2 in. and proceeds 2 in. past the ball.     Take the clubhead back 1 in. for every foot to the hole, up to about 25 ft.   Try this system for a lower putting average.

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