Hard-packed Sand

photo credit: bradleypjohnson     The bounce on your sand wedge makes it possible to slide the club under the ball from the sand.   After a rain when the sand is tightly packed, the last thing you want is for the  club to bounce  into the ball from the firmly packed sand.    

1)    Try using   a pitching wedge; having a sharper leading edge  it will  help cut into the  sand.   2)   Stand a little squarer to the target and have the clubface only slightly open.   3)   Hinge your wrists earlier  in the backswing to create a slightly steeper angle of attack.   Aim to hit a spot about 1 inch behind the ball.   Be sure to accelerate through the shot.   Take a little less sand than  normal.

The 10 Pace Rule

photo credit: Tom Purves     There are far too many golfers that are way too aggressive when their ball is in the rough.   The 10 pace rule should be applied every time you find your ball in deep grass.  

As a general rule, if you cannot see the ball from 10 paces, you should think about pitching the ball safely on to the fairway, where you can regain complete control of your game.   The purpose of the 10 pace rule is to reduce your chances of making a high score on the hole.   The real problem occurs when the decision is made to go with a longer club which vastly increases the chance of a mis-hit.   Doing so means you might end up in a worse lie than where you started.

Lessons of a Lifetime DVD

photo credit: Bill Spruce     Tom Watson, one of the most well liked and respected golfers in the world has introduced a new DVD lesson program called “Lessons of a Lifetime” ($49.95).  

The DVD lesson series takes you through the swing and the shots that will make your game more consistent.   There is a section on course management and the secrets to success in competition.  

Tom Watson's career spans 40 years and  included 68 PGA Tour victories (8 Majors), 5 on the Champions Tour.   He is one of the most knowledgeable Professionals on the mechanics of the golf swing and considered a master teacher.   In 2009 at age 59, Watson came in 2nd at The Open Tournament at Turnberry.   To learn more go to www.TomWatson.com.

Golf Pride Tour Wrap Grips

photo credit: jwillier2     Golf Pride has introduced  it's new Tour Wrap  2G golf  grip.   The  2G grip has the look and feel of patent leather  and the durability  of high-tack rubber.    Golf Pride  engineered the new grips  for comfort and control with a softer and more secure feel.   The company  maintains that  the  2G is revolutionary in that it promotes smooth, tension-free golf shots.

Improper grip size is a problem that can  easily be corrected with the purchase of new grips AFTER being measured for the proper fit (grip size) by a person fully qualified to do so.

The Tour Wrap  2g grips  have the feel of leather and durability of rubber.   The  Tour Wrap grips  come in three colors:   red, white and black  .   To learn more, go to to www.golfpride.com.

Slow Your Backswing

photo credit: petersbar     As your round progresses, the flow of your adrenaline increases .   This occurs even if you are having a poor round.   The outcome of any adrenaline rush is a tempo that speeds up .   Speeding up your tempo will ruin your timing.   When  your adrenaline starts to flow  and your tempo increases, try slowing your backswing.

Taking the club back quickly means that you will have to use more gripping power to stop the club at the top before the downswing begins.   This tightening  at the top means that you will automatically tighten your grip which will create a slower clubhead speed on the way down.  

Take the club back slowly until you reach the top.   Maintain very light grip pressure at all times during the swing.

The Callaway iQ Rangefinder

photo credit: jasleen_kaur     Callaway has joined forces with Nikon  to  introduce the new iQ Rangefinder.   The new iQ Rangefinder is what Callaway  calls “their most advanced laser rangefinder ever.”   The  new rangefinder has an  Active  Brightness Control Viewfinder which  illuminates the field of view for enhanced visibility.   Weighing less than 1/2 lb., the unit has a range of 1/2 mile   and can  easily fit into a golfer's pocket.

The new  laser  rangefinder makes it easy for the golfer to  judge distances in an accurate and speedy manner.   It is waterproof and shock-resistant and  capable of withstanding many, many years of use.   Nikon is known  the world over for  it's  research and development in the field of optics.   For more information go to www.callawaygolf.com.

Eyewear for Golfers

photo credit: SD Dirk     Sunglasses are more than a fad, they are a way to protect your eyes from the dangerous rays of the sun.   Here are some popular brands:   Adidas Retego ($140) light and durable flex-frame and distortion-free lenses > www.shopAdidas.com.   Callaway Chev Air ($130) ergonomically wrapped frames designed to help sharpen vision > www.callawaygolf.com.   Kaenon Sequence ($339) lightweight frames, air-bag nose pads, spring hinges, polarized lenses >  www.kaenon.com.   Oakley Split Jacket ($260) transition lenses that darken or lighten, contour frames > www.oakley.com.   Peakvision XR4.01 ($160) grey top lens, amber bottom lens to help the golfer read greens > www.peakvisionsports.com.   Maui Jim Breakwall ($149) scratch-resistant polarized lenses.   Switch Vision ($169) comes with three sets of magnetized lenses for changing conditions.   Nike Victory's ($269) lightweight magnesium frame and customized lenses > www.nikestore.com.

Ecco Footwear

photo credit: nsaplayer     Ecco Footwear is quite the rage after Freddie Couples was seen wearing a pair at a recent Champions Tour event.   The pair Couples had on were a sneaker-like design with bright orange soles.   Couples had on the very popular Golf Street Premier shoes ($140).   After Couples was seen wearing these unique shoes, demand soared.   It escalated to the point where golfers had to put their names on a waiting list.

The shoes can be worn casually or on the golf course.   They have a thermoplastic urethane rubber-like sole that has pre-molded angled knobs that improve traction and distribute weight more evenly across the foot.   They come in various upper/sole color combos for both men and women.   There is a removable antibacterial insole.   To learn more go to www.EccoUsa.com.

Putting Gone Wild

photo credit: James Chutter     Hale Irwin blew a two-inch tap-in at the 1983 British Open at Royal Birkdale.   Irwin's tee shot, on the par 3 – 14th hole came to rest 25  ft.  from the cup and a chance for a birdie and a win.    After missing the  putt, his ball came to rest 2-inches from the cup.   Unbelievably, he whiffed the two inch putt and finished tied for second.

Mark Calcavecchia faced an extremely long putt over a mound at St. Andrews, Scotland during the 1990 Dunhill Cup competition.   Rather than putt, he  used his wedge to pitch  the ball to  within a few feet of the cup.   The gallery was horrified at the size of the divot Calcavecchia took.   He  proceeded to  sink his 2 footer for his par.

Bubba Watson on Longer Drives

photo credit: Hawaiiwave19     Every golfer has a desire for more distance.   PGA Professional Bubba Watson, one of the longest drivers on Tour has some ideas:   1)   Use a shorter shaft.   Longer shafts actually decrease distance.   2)   Learn to hit a draw;  it will allow more roll and bore better into the wind.   3)   Accept the days when you are just not on the mark, off days are more common than not.   4)   Use emotion when hitting a tee shot, get a little mad and go for it.   5)   Practice hitting more balls especially if your a senior.   6)   Flare your front foot, it allows you to clear your left side for more power.   7)   Play more than once per week.   8)   Don't restrict your backswing by not fully turning your hips.

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