Maintain a Positive Attitude

photo credit: Philip Larson     Everything in golf starts with a solid  positive attitude.   People with a great attitude emit confidence at every level and can be singled out amongst their peers, for that matter, so can't players with negative, self-defeating attitudes.

Never compare yourself (swing mechanics) with other players for it can lead to resentment.   How you appear to other players is completely irrelevant.   The object is to get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible even if you don't have the most well-oiled swing.   Resentment against fellow players can lead to a negative attitude which is the worst case scenario in golf.

Playing your own game will contribute to a positive mental outlook and attitude which can dramatically lower your score average.

Thinking too Much

photo credit: pasukaru76     Taking too much time prior to your shot can lead to over-analytical and negative thoughts.   Taking too much time can lead to doubt and result in more tension which can be a “swing-killer.”   The resulting sense of self doubt can create conscious over-controlling thoughts during the swing.   The golf swing should be the result of habit  (re: repetition)  developed and learned during hours of practice.   In order to swing naturally, one must release the conscious thoughts and rely on the automatic function of your training and practice.

On the course, your swing should not be controlled by conscious thought.   You must rely on the idea of just playing the game, don't worry about swing mechanics,  and the rest should take care of itself !

Golfing in the Fall

photo credit: SearchNetMedia     Playing golf in the fall affords the opportunity to enjoy crisp breezes, spectacular scenery and courses that are not crowded, however, it does have it's own set of problems.   Golf in the fall means having to deal with leaves, pine needles, chilly temperatures and, at times, soggy conditions.

When playing from an area with thick leaves, play it as you would a sand shot.   If the shot is long play it like a fairway bunker shot (ball in center of stance, slightly open stance, hands angled forward).   For a shorter shot out of leaves, play it like a sand explosion shot.

Hover the club over the ball, if it's pressed down behind the ball and the ball moves, it's a one stroke penalty.

Make Proper Preparations

photo credit: teamstickergiant     Each new season brings the  hope of improvement to every golfer.   For better results and lower scores  in the new season, try the following:   Analyze Your Game >  With pad and pencil write down your weaknesses during last years season.    Was it common to hook,  slice,  hit thin or fat shots?    Were your tee shots accurate etc.?   Know the Course > most  golfers have a “home course.”   Make sure you know the yardages  to and from hazards on every golf hole.   Get in Shape > Swing with a weighted driver, do sit-ups, push-ups and  stretching exercises for several weeks before you take your first swing.   This holds especially true for senior golfers.    Muscle injuries  can keep you off the course for weeks at a time.

Rejuvenate Your Game

photo credit: SimonDoggett     Every golfer goes through a period of self doubt when confidence in your swing and your game is at an all-time low.   Don't feel alone because even the Tour Pros have these types of dry “spells.”   What you should do:

A)   Stop worrying about technicalities such as your swing.   Just advance each shot from point A to point B.   B)   Visit the practice range after your round.   Sometimes, it could be just a minor “glitch” that needs to be worked out.   C)   Take a break and don't play for a week or two.   Going back to the course creates real enthusiasm which is what your game may presently lack.   D)   As a last resort, see your local golf professional for help.

Cold Weather Golf

photo credit: Claus Rebler     Here are some tips for playing in adverse conditions:   1)   Dress Properly >   wear layers; perhaps a light pair of long underwear, turtleneck sweater, windbreaker/rain gear.   Dress for freedom of movement.   2)    Change Balls >   use a ball with a much softer cover and lower compression (90), preferably a two piece ball.    Warm your golf balls in your pocket between holes.   3)   Alter Your Swing  > hard ground will create topped shots.   Try incorporating a flatter swing and play the ball more forward at address.  

Harder ground means more roll,  you may want to hit higher shots (play the ball forward).   Putting can be a problem since courses usually don't  cut the grass as close in colder weather.    Maintain warm hands  for better feel.

How Young is too Young?

photo credit: SearchNetMedia     There is no absolute answer as to when to start a child playing the game of golf.   If your child expresses a desire to swing a golf club (what child doesn't like to swing things) your first step is to accommodate him/her.   There are many manufacturer's that make plastic clubs with over-sized clubfaces to make it easier for the adolescent to strike the ball.

The idea is to generate enthusiasm.   Most of the time when junior sees his parents in the back yard practicing their swing, they will instinctively want to emulate the motion of the golf swing.   It's also a good idea to take your kid golfing.   Riding in the cart is a strong incentive to get involved in what “daddy” is doing;  playing golf.

Play Each Hole Backwards

photo credit: SimonDoggett     Instead of looking forward on each hole, try looking backward.   When playing any golf hole, start by thinking about where you would like to make your approach shot from.   If there is trouble on the left side (bunker, water, deep rough) you will want to make your approach from the right side which will give you a more open and hazard free entry to the green.

On par five's you must think two shots back.   If your second shot requires a three metal, you must consider it's landing area.   When planning your shots, always try to plan for full shots.   Half wedge shots are difficult even for tour players.   Most importantly, know your shot distance for each club in your bag.

Prepare for the Match

photo credit: Philip Larson     To perform your best in a match you must be prepared.   What follows are some helpful tips:

A.) Know the course:   play a practice round where the match will be played.   Get to know the layout (norrow/wide fairways, hard/soft sand, water?).   Make a game plan for the course.   B.)   Practice:   Once your familiar with the course, practice the kinds of shots that will come in handy on that course.   If the fairways are tight, spend a lot of time practicing with the 3-metal.   C.)   Once the match begins, stay with your game plan no matter what your opponent does.   If you are  playing a long-hitter, don't try to compete distance-wise.   D.)   Keep yourself on an even keel.   Winning or losing, don't get emotional.

Downhill in the Sand

photo credit: D.Hilgart     One of the most difficult shots in the game is the downhill sand shot.   The concern of most golfers faced with this shot is to “blade” the ball and have it go flying across the green  landing in  another bunker.   Try the following:

1)   Building firm footing is critical.   Bend your back leg so that your hips and shoulders are parallel with the ground slope.   2)   Twist your feet into the sand but not so much that you are no longer level with the ground.   If your back foot is out of the bunker be sure it is planted firmly.   3)   Choke down on the grip and use a very “wristy” swing.   4) Swing upright to three-quarter height.   5)   Keep your lower body still.

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