Loft

photo credit: mfury   Not that long ago players had only two wedges to choose from, the pitching wedge and the sand wedge.  For more than a few years now, wedges have become available in a variety of lofts.  In today’s game, it’s not uncommon for many PGA Tour players to carry three wedges in their golf bags. 

The typical lofts are:  1)  Pitching wedge > 48 degrees.  2)  Gap wedge > 52 – 56 degrees.  3)  Lob wedge > 60 degrees.  Keep in mind that as the loft of the club increases two things happen:  A)  shot distance will be shorter.  B)  shots will fly higher.  Most full approach shots (approximately 100 yards) can be hit with a pitching wedge.  The gap and lob wedges are used closer than 100 yards.

Longer Shafts?

photo credit: danperry.com   GOLF DIGEST commissioned a test to determine if longer shafts created more distance.  37 players hit 10 shots each with a 44 1/2 ” driver and 10 shots with a 46 1/2 ” club.  The results follow:

1)  The Range – The 44 1/2 ” drivers had more centralized shot patterns.  2)  Club Length – players swung the 46 1/2 ” driver faster with a gain in clubhead speed of 1.7 %.  3)  Ball Speed – increased for more than half the players using  the longer shaft but the advantage was inconsistent.  Those that gained speed showed a 1.7 % increase.  Those who lost speed had an average decrease of 3.2% because of off-center hits.  4)  Accuracy – no difference.  5)  Distance – improved in about 1/2 the players with the longer shaft.  Findings:  Shaft length is not a universal standard.

Golf Cart Seat Covers

photo credit: USACE Europe District   In certain areas of the country, people find it necessary to own their own golf carts, especially in senior communities in parts of Florida, Arizona and Nevada just to name a few.

There are many accessories that are made for carts such as air conditioners, plastic enclosures, heaters, ball washers, ice chests and all sorts of gadgets.  Cart-Cozies are the newest comfort item made of 100% Sueded Cotton which fits snugly on the cart’s seat and back rest.  They come in four exotic fabrics which can include a custom name or company logo.  The retail price on the covers is $49.95-$69.95.

For cold or inclement weather, these seat covers are ideal for maximum comfort.  To learn more go to:  www.cartcozies.com or call them at 813 881-1070.

New Stealth Headcovers

photo credit: andrea.pacelli   If you are looking for a great value in quality headcovers, try the new Stealth Club Covers.  There are 10 matching colors for: Drivers, Fairway Woods, Hybrids, Iron Sets and Putters.

Stealth Headcovers have superior fit and durability.  The patented sleek design of their headcovers incorporates a superior fit which provides 50 percent more space in between golf clubs.  The company has been in business since 1996 and considers itself a leader in innovation.

Every golfer has had problems with headcover design.  Some are so tight fitting they are very difficult to place back on the clubhead.  Others, are so loose they can easily come off the club when least expected, putter’s are especially prone to this problem.  To learn more, go to:  www.stealthclubcovers.com.

Three Important Clubs

photo credit: rioncm   Most great players would agree that the three most important clubs in the bag are 1)  the putter.  2)  the driver.  3)  the wedge.  There are, on average, 14 holes where a driver is used (14 shots).  Typically, there are 23-25 putts outside the gimme range but still makeable.

Keep in mind that a short putt of 4 feet counts just as much as a 250 yard drive, however, the short putt can actually take on more importance in your eventual score.  Most amateurs have a tendency to underestimate the significance of making a short putt.  If that is hard to believe just think how you felt that last time you missed a “gimme.”  Sinking a relatively long putt can also have a devastating effect on your opponent/s.

Outdated Equipment

photo credit: tienvijftien   Your ability to play much better golf may be hampered by old and outdated equipment.  Club design has advanced almost as fast as computer technology, with new and innovative models coming out every year.  Use the following to decide on your next purchase:

A)  Are your clubs more than 5 yrs. old?  If they are, you probably need to consider a new purchase.   B)  Does your set still contain a 2-iron, 3-iron and 4-iron?  These clubs are obsolete, replace them with hybrids.  C)  Are you still using a 3-metal wood?  Replace it with a 4-metal for more control and accuracy.  D)  Are you using a 460-cc driver?  Stop mishitting shots and get a new model..  E)  If you clubs aren’t fitted they should be.

New Irons for 2010

photo credit: andrea.pacelli   Titleist AP1,  Retail - $699 steel ($899 graphite) - thinner face and smaller blade length and less offset than the previous model, featuring a 65-gram tungsten-nickel bar along the sole for a lower COG. 

Cleveland CG7 BP,  Retail – $699 steel ($799 graphite) - same chassis as the present CG7 irons, however, there is a new finish (black pearl).  laser milled clubface and grooves.  Same aggressive “zip” grooves that are found on Cleveland wedges.

TaylorMade R9,  Retail – $799 steel ($999 graphite) – the 3 through 6 irons have hallow heads with a thin unsupported face which creates a “wrap-around” design for increased clubface flexibility.   

Ping G15,  Retail – $699 steel ($899 graphite) – increased perimeter weighting and MOI with a wider sole.  A thinner clubface increases ball speed which means 3 – 6 yards of extra distance.

24 Components of a Swing Machine

photo credit: カストロール１号   Everyone wishes they could swing like Iron Byron, the notorious swing machine.  The criteria below are what’s used in the components.

1)  Grips – hand proximity.  2)  Grips – types.  3)  Strokes – arms and right elbow activity.  4)  Strokes – types and variations.  5)  Plane line.  6)  Plane angle – basic.  7)  Plane angle – variations.  8)  Fix – impact.  9)  Address  10)  Hinge actions.  11)  Pressure point combinations.  12)  Pivot.  13)  Shoulder turn.  14)  Hip turn.  15)  Hip action.  16)  Knee action  17)  Foot action.  18)  Left wrist action.  19)  Lag loading – physics of both hitting and swinging.  20)  Trigger types – the actions that initiate the release.  21)  Power package assembly point – positions best able to supply the impact force.  22)  Power package – loading action.  23)  Power package – delivery path.  24)  Power package – release.

Know Your Equipment Terms

photo credit: Jim Epler   BOUNCE:  The degree to which the sole of the club angles up and away from the ground plane when the club is in a square setup position.  BULGE:  The face curvature from heel to toe that corrects spin or mishits.  CAMBER:  The radius measurement of the sole from front to back or heel to toe.  CENTER OF GRAVITY (CG):  A point that defines the average location of weight in a clubhead and the internal point about which an object rotates.  A low CG launches the ball higher.  CHAMFER:  A beveled or rounded edge connecting two surfaces.  LEADING EDGE:  The forward edge of the sole.  RELIEF:  The angling, or the curve up and back, of the sole to reduce turf contact.  SKIRT:  The perimeter of a clubhead.  MOMENT OF INERTIA (MOI):  A club’s resistance to twisting on off-center hits (forgiveness).

Club Buying Tips:

photo credit: MargaretNapier   1)  Replace your 3 and 4 irons with hybrids.  2)  Have adequate bounce on your sand wedge.  3)  Before adding a lob wedge do plenty of practicing with it first.  4)  A gap wedge is necessary around the greens.  5)  Choose a regular shaft flex.  6)  Do not buy a driver with a slice or hook correcting feature.  Purchase one with extra loft instead.  7)  Hit the ball a little above the sweet spot with your driver to take advantage of the vertical gear effect (less spin, higher launch).  8)  Hitting into a 10 mph. headwind shortens your drive by 30 % more than a 10 mph. tailwind will help.  9)  A 150-yard shot to an elevated green plays out to 175 yards., a two club difference.

Next Page »