How 10 Minutes in Front of a Mirror Can Improve Your Golf Fundamentals
Mirror, mirror on the wall, what do I really see after all? The truth is in what you see, not in what you feel.
It might be raining or snowing outside where you're at, or maybe you've been unable to play for a while for other reasons. But that doesn't mean you can't still work on your game. So here's what you do: get your clubs re-gripped and your loft and lies checked. When you get your clubs back with fresh new grips, get off to a fresh start with some basic fundamentals. You can work on them using nothing more than a mirror and a club.
Set up a mirror in a high-ceilinged room in your home (or the garage, or wherever). Bring or sneak, depending on your situation, a 6-iron into the room. The mirror will give you an observer's perspective on your swing and set-up. Practice the fundamentals outlined below in the mirror for 10 minutes a day.
Go slowly and observe what you are doing in the mirror. And every time you see something in the mirror you do not like, say, "Thank you, mirror, for showing me what I'm really doing." It's a kick! Especially for those of us easily entertained.
Grip
Find a good book and try to match your grip to the pictures in the book, based on what you see in the mirror.
Club Face
Take your grip and face the mirror. Look at the clubface in the mirror. Is it square, open or closed?
Stance
As you sole your 6-iron on the ground, your feet should be slightly wider than shoulder width and the left foot (for right-handed players) flared open about 20 degrees. Your right foot might also be flared depending on your flexibility. The less flexible you are, the more open your right foot should be. Your balance is 50-percent on each foot.
Ball Position
Place your club in the middle of your stance with the ball slightly forward. With your ball position slightly forward, your head should appear behind the ball.
Posture
Place your club behind you and along your spine. Touch your rear end and your upper back to the club. Keeping the club on your back, stick your butt out, and bend from the knees and hips until your belt buckle points at the ball. Balance on the middle of your feet (front to back, and right to left). Then, without moving your spine, hold the club in front of you and let your arms hang relaxed. Take your right hand off the club and let it hang to reinforce this concept.
Take Some Swings
Facing the mirror, take five swings (careful not to hit anything), starting with about 30-percent of your normal effort. Before each swing, go through your pre-shot routine and check your set-up in the mirror.
Then switch to a down-the-line view (swinging toward the mirror). Take five more swings at about 30-percent effort. Go through your routine and check your posture before each swing.
After five swings with each view, increase swing speed for several more swings. Make sure that as you swing, you maintain the same tension on the grip from start to finish. Are you able to swing without adjusting your grip each time, or is the club moving in your hands? Close your eyes: How's your balance? Do you feel in sequence? Can you tell where the clubhead is and whether it is open or closed through impact? Is your swing path on the correct swing plane or outside-in (a k a, over the top)?
Swing Path
Let's say you can't feel if your swing path is correct or incorrect ... hmmm. Maybe, just maybe, if you could see your path you could learn to feel it. And if you could feel it, you would be able to correct it.
Here's a great swing-path drill for those of you who swing outside-in: Set-up as if you are going to hit the ball through the mirror. Make a very, very slow swing and stop halfway through the follow-through. The clubhead should appear to cover your nose in the mirror (as in the photo). Try to accomplish this position with several slow swings, gently stopping your follow-through halfway through. Then, take swings watching the blur of the club pass through your eyes (in the mirror) on the follow-through. Note: If your head is down, you will have no chance of seeing the path of your swing.
Ten minutes a day in front of the mirror is time you'll be glad you spent. You'll be able to hit the ground running when you're ready to play golf again.
Written by, Perry Andrisen
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Taking A Golf Lesson Isn’t Always The Answer
Golfers will do anything they can in hopes to play better golf and hit the LONG ball. Am I right? Are you in this category? If so, I’m quite confident to say you’ve taken a golf lesson or two. Golf lessons can be very effective in getting you back on track, if your swing has gone south. But, not always.
How many times have you taken a golf lesson, only to be more frustrated and hitting the ball worse than before that golf lesson? Do you know why this happens? It can be many different reasons, such as too many swing thoughts; making drastic changes that require hours at the range and hitting thousands of balls; or lastly, your body just can’t effectively move in the way it needs to, to make a mechanically correct golf swing.
I’m inclined to say that for the majority of golfers, especially the older golfer, it’s the last reason above. Your body just can’t move the way it needs to. The question now is, why?
Why can’t your body do what you know it needs to do to swing the club correctly? It can drive you to the point of quitting the game. But there is hope. There is an approach that will almost 100% of the time correct this problem. Do you want to know what it is? It’s addressing your “physical limitations”. That’s what’s keeping you from a great game of golf.
Do you ever get on the course and just feel like you can’t make a full backswing? Or, it just feels impossible to maintain your golf posture and “stay in your swing”? No amount of golf lessons or hitting balls will correct this. This is a “physical” issue with your body, and until you work on it, it will never get better. I’ve seen it time and time again. Golfers walking off the course in pure disgust. They’ve taken golf lessons, hit balls at the range, and even bought the latest, greatest titanium drive; and yet still can’t play like they think they are capable of.
Finding out your “physical limitations” is the first step to a lifelong better game of golf. Once you find out what’s keeping you from making that perfect swing, you can set up a game plan to improve it. It may be a flexibility issue, or it may be a strength issue. But either way, you’ve got to find out what it is.
The most common issue (especially for the older golfer) is flexibility. Not being able to rotate your body fully on the backswing, creating that power and torque for maximum clubhead speed. If your back swing is cut short, you will LOSE yards on your drives! And I say again; no amount of lessons or hitting balls will make that any better. You’ve got to do specific golf stretches to improve this limitation.
Now on the other side of these limiting factors is strength, specific to golf. And one of the most common limitations is weak hamstrings (the back of the upper leg). The role of the hamstring is critical. It allows you to maintain your golf posture throughout the swing and for 18 holes. It prevents undo strain on your lower back. And can give you a steady, comfortable position while putting.
If your hamstrings are weak, I can almost say with certainty, you’ve got some low-back pain or injury. This is prevalent in older golfers and even the younger ones too. Back pain is the number reason to keep a golfer from playing his/her best. Have you ever walked off the course with your back in pain? I’m sure at one time or another you have. Now do you think hitting more balls or taking more lessons will improve this? I think you know the answer.
If you have a difficult time, “staying in your swing”, it most definitely could be the above scenario. In order to maintain the forward flex in your upper body (golf posture), your hamstrings need to have optimal strength (and flexibility). If not, your hamstring will send a message to your brain saying, “get out of this position, I can’t hold it any longer”. Do you think his has ever happened to you?
So working on the physical side of your game improvement may be the missing link. I can assuredly tell you with this approach, your game WILL improve. There is no doubt. Getting your body to move just a little better will make a huge difference in your ability to make an optimal swing for 18 holes. So before you take that next golf lesson, take a look at your BODY first!
Written by, Mike Pedersen
How many times have you taken a golf lesson, only to be more frustrated and hitting the ball worse than before that golf lesson? Do you know why this happens? It can be many different reasons, such as too many swing thoughts; making drastic changes that require hours at the range and hitting thousands of balls; or lastly, your body just can’t effectively move in the way it needs to, to make a mechanically correct golf swing.
I’m inclined to say that for the majority of golfers, especially the older golfer, it’s the last reason above. Your body just can’t move the way it needs to. The question now is, why?
Why can’t your body do what you know it needs to do to swing the club correctly? It can drive you to the point of quitting the game. But there is hope. There is an approach that will almost 100% of the time correct this problem. Do you want to know what it is? It’s addressing your “physical limitations”. That’s what’s keeping you from a great game of golf.
Do you ever get on the course and just feel like you can’t make a full backswing? Or, it just feels impossible to maintain your golf posture and “stay in your swing”? No amount of golf lessons or hitting balls will correct this. This is a “physical” issue with your body, and until you work on it, it will never get better. I’ve seen it time and time again. Golfers walking off the course in pure disgust. They’ve taken golf lessons, hit balls at the range, and even bought the latest, greatest titanium drive; and yet still can’t play like they think they are capable of.
Finding out your “physical limitations” is the first step to a lifelong better game of golf. Once you find out what’s keeping you from making that perfect swing, you can set up a game plan to improve it. It may be a flexibility issue, or it may be a strength issue. But either way, you’ve got to find out what it is.
The most common issue (especially for the older golfer) is flexibility. Not being able to rotate your body fully on the backswing, creating that power and torque for maximum clubhead speed. If your back swing is cut short, you will LOSE yards on your drives! And I say again; no amount of lessons or hitting balls will make that any better. You’ve got to do specific golf stretches to improve this limitation.
Now on the other side of these limiting factors is strength, specific to golf. And one of the most common limitations is weak hamstrings (the back of the upper leg). The role of the hamstring is critical. It allows you to maintain your golf posture throughout the swing and for 18 holes. It prevents undo strain on your lower back. And can give you a steady, comfortable position while putting.
If your hamstrings are weak, I can almost say with certainty, you’ve got some low-back pain or injury. This is prevalent in older golfers and even the younger ones too. Back pain is the number reason to keep a golfer from playing his/her best. Have you ever walked off the course with your back in pain? I’m sure at one time or another you have. Now do you think hitting more balls or taking more lessons will improve this? I think you know the answer.
If you have a difficult time, “staying in your swing”, it most definitely could be the above scenario. In order to maintain the forward flex in your upper body (golf posture), your hamstrings need to have optimal strength (and flexibility). If not, your hamstring will send a message to your brain saying, “get out of this position, I can’t hold it any longer”. Do you think his has ever happened to you?
So working on the physical side of your game improvement may be the missing link. I can assuredly tell you with this approach, your game WILL improve. There is no doubt. Getting your body to move just a little better will make a huge difference in your ability to make an optimal swing for 18 holes. So before you take that next golf lesson, take a look at your BODY first!
Written by, Mike Pedersen
5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Golf On The Course
When you go out to golf you’re hoping for a good round. I know I do. How often does your outcome match what you hoped for? Do you usually shoot the scores you had envisioned before you teed off? If not, do you ever evaluate where and how you could have saved strokes and avoided those blow up holes?I’ve got 5 easy tips for you to implement immediately that will shave 4-6 or even more strokes off your score the next time you play. Give them a try and see what happens. Here they are:
1. First off you’ve got to put the proper fuel in your body before you leave home. Most golfers don’t give it a second thought. They either don’t eat at all before they leave home or they eat something that is not going to give them the long-term energy they’re hoping for. So whether it’s lunch or breakfast before you leave you need to consume a complex carbohydrate and a good protein source. This combination will warrant the best use of your energy for the long haul.
An example for breakfast would be a bowl of oatmeal and a couple of eggs with a piece of fruit or a juice. For lunch you could have a turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a piece of fruit. Lot’s of lettuce on the sandwich and try to avoid mayonnaise or butter.
2. The second tip is to properly warm up your body before you even hit your first ball. I see so many golfers show up 5 minutes before tee time, hack a few balls and head to the first tee. Those golfers are headed for a double bogey right off the bat - but hey they’re just getting “warmed up” right?
A better approach is to give yourself at least 30 minutes before your tee time. First do some dynamic (movement oriented) stretches to prepare your body to perform. Things like arm circles, partial squats, toe touches, etc. Then take some half swings with a 7 iron. Now after that you’re ready to hit some wedges. You’ll find with this approach your hits on the range will be much better, which will build your confidence.
3. Drink lots of water even before you leave your house. Try to consume up to a gallon of Water before you get to the course. This will help you absorb and digest your pre-game meal and hydrate your muscles for optimal performance. Don’t take this lightly. Dehydration causes energy loss, lack of focus and concentration and fatigue later in the round. And remember, that’s before you even come to the course. Once you get there, you should be drinking water every hole.
4. Don’t wait ‘til you get tight to stretch on the course. You should be constantly moving your body and stretching your joints while you play. I see and hear too many golfers complaining of tight lower backs or shoulders during the round. What amazes me is that with all that complaining they do nothing about it. Why? Think of your body as a machine. If the machine starts to break down – fix it. I mean stretch those areas while you’re playing. You’ll see a big difference in your swing mechanics late in the round.
5. Snack while you play. No I don’t mean the full meal at the turn with a beer. I mean bringing fruit and nutrition bars to eat every 4-6 holes. When you supplyyour body with the proper nutrients your energy levels stay balanced and youwill avoid those mental lapses late in the round. How many times have you had a good score only to blow up late in the round? I’ll bet more than a couple of times. I know I have. Treat your body like a Ferrari not a Ford Pinto.
Written by, Mike Pedersen
5 Easy Steps To Replacing Your Golf Grips
Replacing your golf grips is like servicing your car; you must do it on a very routine basis to keep them in top working order. We suggest changing your grips at least once a season, maybe even twice depending on where you live and how much you play.
People think that you must have your grips replaced professionally. This is incorrect because it can get costly. Actually replacing your own golf club grips is a really simple job. You will learn a lot about your clubs and save you some money.
Below we will walk you through the quick simple steps to doing the job yourself. But first there are a few things you will need:
New golf grips
Exacto or sharp knife
Double sided tape
Cleaning solvent
Work bench vice
Follow these quick easy steps:
Place the club in the work bench vice and tighten with the grip being fully exposed. Take the exacto or sharp knife and cut the grip from the shaft up to the end of club, cutting away from your body.
Remove the old grip and clean the shaft of the club with the cleaning solvent using an old rag or brush. Then dry the club off completely.
Wrap the double sided tape down the shaft the length of the grip. Make sure that portion of the shaft is completely covered and remove the backing on the other side of the tape.
Pour some solvent over the tape. Line the grip up with the club and slip it towards the head of the club. Remove the club from the vice and place the head on the floor and make the minor alignment adjustments.
Let grips dry for a few hours (3). Give this a try; it is a very easy process and simple task to do. It can be a great learning experience and a lot of fun. It will help you learn a little more about your golf clubs and save you some money. So get the things you need and get busy.
Written by, John Bolt
People think that you must have your grips replaced professionally. This is incorrect because it can get costly. Actually replacing your own golf club grips is a really simple job. You will learn a lot about your clubs and save you some money.
Below we will walk you through the quick simple steps to doing the job yourself. But first there are a few things you will need:
New golf grips
Exacto or sharp knife
Double sided tape
Cleaning solvent
Work bench vice
Follow these quick easy steps:
Place the club in the work bench vice and tighten with the grip being fully exposed. Take the exacto or sharp knife and cut the grip from the shaft up to the end of club, cutting away from your body.
Remove the old grip and clean the shaft of the club with the cleaning solvent using an old rag or brush. Then dry the club off completely.
Wrap the double sided tape down the shaft the length of the grip. Make sure that portion of the shaft is completely covered and remove the backing on the other side of the tape.
Pour some solvent over the tape. Line the grip up with the club and slip it towards the head of the club. Remove the club from the vice and place the head on the floor and make the minor alignment adjustments.
Let grips dry for a few hours (3). Give this a try; it is a very easy process and simple task to do. It can be a great learning experience and a lot of fun. It will help you learn a little more about your golf clubs and save you some money. So get the things you need and get busy.
Written by, John Bolt
Beginner or Novice Golfers: Start with a "Pre-Owned" set of Golf Clubs
As a beginner or novice golfer, you want to avoid the expense of purchasing a "New" set of golf clubs, and concentrate your efforts on finding a good set of "Used" golf clubs (also know as "Pre-Owned".)
Major golf club manufacturers introduce new lines of clubs almost every year. With the yearly advances in golf club technology, many golfers regularly upgrade their existing golf sets in pursuit of improving their game and lowering their handicap. This leaves the golf club market flooded with high quality, bargain sets of golf clubs. The trade-in market has become so huge, that a few major golf club manufacturers have launched their own sites to meet the demand, like "Callaway Golf" (www.callawaygolfpreowned.com.) The question is where, and how, do you find the best set of clubs for you?
Online is a great place to start. You want to get a feel for the market by comparing the prices of the "Pre-Owned" clubs offered by the thousands of sites advertising the sale of used clubs (Searching "Google" alone will bring up about 700,000 sites.) Surf a few sites and compare the quality and prices of numerous club sets. While you are on the internet, E-bay may also prove to be beneficial in searching for your set of used golf clubs. The selection and variety of clubs available changes daily, so you will have to keep a close watch to find the best deal for your golf clubs.
Also, you may want to look for a "Beginner" golf set, which usually consist of the #3, #5, #7, and #9 irons. Beginner sets of clubs normally include a "Wood" or two, and a "Putter" as well. At this point in your golf career, you really don't need to purchase a "full" set of clubs. Mainly, because you may not be playing golf very long or very often. The best choice may even be a "Pre-Owned" beginner set of clubs. Don't confuse a set of "Beginner" golf clubs with "Kids" golf clubs, which come in smaller sizes and/or lengths for kids. If you feel like you are bending over too far to swing the clubs, they are probably too short. You should be able to stand fairly straight, with your knees slightly bent, and your arms should hang freely as you grasp the club.
Your local newspaper is also a great place to look for a set of clubs. All year-round you will find bargains on some quality sets of golf clubs. This also gives you the opportunity to see and swing the clubs. It helps to get a feel for the clubs before you buy the set. Check out the condition of the grips, shafts (steel or graphite), and the club heads. Compare them to other clubs you have seen for the same price. Many people are selling some very nice clubs because they have either updated their own set of clubs, or have given up the game of golf.
Local golf stores and sporting goods stores are a good place to shop for a "Pre-Owned" set of golf clubs. Many are now accepting trade-ins, toward the purchase of a new sets of clubs, and re-sale the use golf clubs at good prices. Many have an in-store practice tee or net for you to try the clubs before you buy them. Your nearest driving range or pro shop may also carry "Pre-Owned" sets. They might even give you a free bucket of balls while you try the clubs. They can also advise you on how the clubs fit your body type and swing.
Last, but not least, check with friends, relatives, co-workers, or any contact of yours (and your spouse if you have one.) Golf popularity is at an all time high, you might be surprised who you know that plays golf. Odds are, if they have been playing for awhile, they have an extra set or two in the garage that they might be willing to sale. They might even let you try them out for free, to see if you like the game. And wouldn't that be the best bargain of all!
Written by, Ernie Horning
Major golf club manufacturers introduce new lines of clubs almost every year. With the yearly advances in golf club technology, many golfers regularly upgrade their existing golf sets in pursuit of improving their game and lowering their handicap. This leaves the golf club market flooded with high quality, bargain sets of golf clubs. The trade-in market has become so huge, that a few major golf club manufacturers have launched their own sites to meet the demand, like "Callaway Golf" (www.callawaygolfpreowned.com.) The question is where, and how, do you find the best set of clubs for you?
Online is a great place to start. You want to get a feel for the market by comparing the prices of the "Pre-Owned" clubs offered by the thousands of sites advertising the sale of used clubs (Searching "Google" alone will bring up about 700,000 sites.) Surf a few sites and compare the quality and prices of numerous club sets. While you are on the internet, E-bay may also prove to be beneficial in searching for your set of used golf clubs. The selection and variety of clubs available changes daily, so you will have to keep a close watch to find the best deal for your golf clubs.
Also, you may want to look for a "Beginner" golf set, which usually consist of the #3, #5, #7, and #9 irons. Beginner sets of clubs normally include a "Wood" or two, and a "Putter" as well. At this point in your golf career, you really don't need to purchase a "full" set of clubs. Mainly, because you may not be playing golf very long or very often. The best choice may even be a "Pre-Owned" beginner set of clubs. Don't confuse a set of "Beginner" golf clubs with "Kids" golf clubs, which come in smaller sizes and/or lengths for kids. If you feel like you are bending over too far to swing the clubs, they are probably too short. You should be able to stand fairly straight, with your knees slightly bent, and your arms should hang freely as you grasp the club.
Your local newspaper is also a great place to look for a set of clubs. All year-round you will find bargains on some quality sets of golf clubs. This also gives you the opportunity to see and swing the clubs. It helps to get a feel for the clubs before you buy the set. Check out the condition of the grips, shafts (steel or graphite), and the club heads. Compare them to other clubs you have seen for the same price. Many people are selling some very nice clubs because they have either updated their own set of clubs, or have given up the game of golf.
Local golf stores and sporting goods stores are a good place to shop for a "Pre-Owned" set of golf clubs. Many are now accepting trade-ins, toward the purchase of a new sets of clubs, and re-sale the use golf clubs at good prices. Many have an in-store practice tee or net for you to try the clubs before you buy them. Your nearest driving range or pro shop may also carry "Pre-Owned" sets. They might even give you a free bucket of balls while you try the clubs. They can also advise you on how the clubs fit your body type and swing.
Last, but not least, check with friends, relatives, co-workers, or any contact of yours (and your spouse if you have one.) Golf popularity is at an all time high, you might be surprised who you know that plays golf. Odds are, if they have been playing for awhile, they have an extra set or two in the garage that they might be willing to sale. They might even let you try them out for free, to see if you like the game. And wouldn't that be the best bargain of all!
Written by, Ernie Horning
How to Know What Defines the Best Golf Drivers
Why is it considered the most electrifying club in your golf bag? Why is it the first club anyone talks about when equipment is brought up? Why is it what everyone wants?The answers are simple - POWER. It’s all about the power of the long ball. The golfer who drives the ball the furthest is considered the man of the moment, and everyone wants to be that man. I guess it’s an ego thing.
This mind game is played among all golfers form beginner to professional. It is on of the main driving forces behind the design of today’s best golf drivers. The manufacturers are continually coming up with newer and better drivers that go further and straighter than the competition. They come in all shapes and sizes with the bigger is better attitude coming out on top.
A lot of the big oversized drivers are built to the largest legal size specifications under PGA rules and regulations. Combine that with the ultra thin super springy club faces. What you get is a kind of loaded canon. These clubs launch the golf balls high in the air and really long. We must emphasize really LONG.
A lot of the club makers have even taken the grooves off the clubfaces around the sweet spot areas. This is to reduce spin and allow the ball more distance with less resistance. What this also causes is less accuracy off the tee. But most golfers are willing to give up a little accuracy for more distance.
Now if you throw in the new technology in today’s golf shafts it gets a little crazy. With all the different types of graphite, the raised and lowered flex and kick points, and now even tipping it almost seems out of control.
Written by, John Bolt
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Junior Golf Instruction - How To Start Your Child
Your kids are getting to the age that they would like to start to play golf and you are wondering when to start a junior golf instruction program. Knowing when to start and how to find the right junior golf lessons for a child are crucial components to building an environment for your child to enjoy and succeed in the game of golf.Begin by asking yourself, not your junior, some questions about what your motivation might be for getting their junior golf lessons. Four reasons that parents want junior golf lessons for their young child (under eleven) typically are the following: Because of golf's reputation for rules, fair play and self-policing, the parents have a genuine interest in seeing their children attempt to play the game. A babysitting service, parents get a time out from their kids for a while.
Parents want to spend more time with their child and have decided that golf will be the vehicle to do this. As so many do, parents feel that their children must be in as many activities as possible.
Whatever your reasons are for wanting your child to begin to play the game of golf, the important thing is to ensure the kids have fun and enjoy themselves. Golf is a great game that can teach your child many life skills and is a game they can play the rest of their life.
The most important thing to do is ask your child if playing golf is something that they would like to do. If the answer is no, do not push them to play. You do need to make sure that they understand the option is always open for them to play. It make take you asking multiple times and giving them the information they need to feel comfortable to begin playing the game.
Once your child decides that they do want to play golf here are some steps to take to get them started and to keep the game fun for them:Begin with a real junior set of clubs. Many people think that by making a club shorter it will fit a junior golfer. This is NOT true. You need to find a company that specially and properly weights their junior golf clubs depending on the size of your child. In addition, you do not need to buy a whole set. Most companies will allow you to purchase junior clubs one at a time.
Find a qualified junior golf instructor. You can contact your local PGA Section or a local club or golf course either by phone or online. If a Certified PGA Professional is available in your area, he or she would be a good place to start.
Make sure that your series of junior golf lessons include sessions on the rules of golf as well as golf etiquette. Depending on their age, the rules and etiquette situations do not need to be deep in the heart of the rule book. It has always amazed me on what a child at any age can retain when they want to learn.
Your junior does not have to play a "real golf hole" to have fun. Make the putting green the goal. This is a good way for the younger junior golfers to get started and as it reads only count the shots that it takes to get to the green to determine a score. The hole does not need to be the end of the hole. What does this mean? Some smaller juniors find it more fun to hit it into a bunker than onto a green.
This may seem counter-intuitive to many golf purists however, once you think about it, typically the bunkers are smaller than the putting greens. This can only make them better later. In addition, they LOVE to climb into the bunkers and this gives us a chance to teach bunker etiquette.
written By: Max Johnson
Golf Mastery - What Is The Key?
The key to golf mastery is simplicity.Golf is actually really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
You can increase your understanding of any complex subject by progressing from the simple to the complex.
Take the fundamentals of a sound golf game and divide it into the following five parts and focus on these ONLY.
1.The grip.
2.The setup.
3.The back swing.
4.The down swing.
5.The short game (chipping, sand play, and putting)
Master each one of these parts, and becoming a scratch golfer will not be too difficult.
By understanding the simple, you can understand the complex.
Becoming a scratch golfer is simple after you have arrived at it.
But it is simple only when you know what IT is.
Nothing is simpler than greatness: for to be simple is to be great.
Divide your golf game into simple parts, master each part, and you will become a great golfer!
The hardest thing for golfers who have been playing for a long time is to change a bad habit.
If your bad habit is you sway off the ball and you are working on swinging around a stable spine, this move will feel very different to you.
You may even think it is wrong because it feels so different... In fact, there is a good chance that your golf game will suffer the next time you hit the course.
Most golfers revert back to their old bad habit because of ego, embarrassment, or whatever...
Don’t fall into this trap... "There is no room for God in him who is full of himself." -- Hasidic saying
These golfers will never get any better and will always stay on the same plateau they have been on for years.
Some golfers have been on the same plateau as far as golf skill level for 30 or even 40 years.
If you are happy with the plateau you are on...
Fine.
However, if you truly are committed to reaching that next level in your golf game you need to go through the pain of learning the proper moves which will eventually eliminate the bad habits you have acquired over the years.
You will have to practice any new move in golf for 21 consecutive days before it becomes habit.
This biological fact has already been proven by kinesthetic scientists... So accept it for crying out loud!!
If this new golf move causes a major change in your golf swing, I recommend only working on the new swing move and nothing else during this 21 day period.
Divide the complex into simple parts...
Master the simple and you will achieve greatness in your golf game!
Don’t work on too many things at the same time, this will lead to paralysis by analysis.
If you decide you want to play golf during the period you are learning a new move...
Play golf!
Don’t work on this new move on the course, dance with which you brought to the course...
You should only be thinking about getting the ball in the cup in the least amount of strokes...
Play golf...
Don’t play swing!
Practice on the range or at home, not on the course.
If your scores and ball striking suffer while you are learning a new move in your swing, tell your self this simply means you are working toward the next level in your game and this is normal.
Just have fun on the course.
Hit 'em Long & Straight!
written by, John Lynch
How To Find A Golf Instructor
You want to learn how to play the game of golf. Now the questions come flooding through your mind. Do I need to take golf lessons & instruction? How do I find a qualified golf instructor? How long should the lessons be and how often should I take them? What should we be working on in my golf lessons and instruction sessions and how long until I improve? Eventually you will discuss all aspects of the game with your instructor including the full swing, putting, short game, golf fitness, mental game and golf club fitting.
Let's discuss the above questions.
Do I need to take golf lessons & instruction? Technically no you do not have to take golf lessons & instruction. With this being said, it will take you longer to learn the game and could bring un-needed frustration to you. Especially as you begin to learn the game it is a good idea to take golf lessons & instruction.
Would you try to sky dive or ski without first having lessons or would you just try to figure it out? You will be able to learn the proper golf swing fundamentals from your golf instructor and this will give you a good foundation to build on as you learn to play the game.
How do I find a qualified golf instructor?There are many ways to find a qualified golf instructor. It is a lot like finding a new doctor or accountant after re-locating to a new city. Ask your co-workers, friends and fellow golfing buddies for the experiences that they have had. You can locate a local golf instructor through PGA.com that is close to you. The PGA offers certifications in teaching and these instructors are few and far between. If you are close proximity to one you are lucky and should take that opportunity.
How long should the golf lessons & instruction session take and how often should I take them?As you are starting with a new instructor, I would advise a 30 minute lesson. You will be receiving what will seem like a lot of information and will need to understand it all and digest it. This will take some time. How often you take them will depend on several factors such as: how much time you have to practice, how much you have to spend to learn the game and how much time you actually do practice.
I always suggest that if you go out and practice and it is horrible than go back. The information is clearly not understood by you or was not clearly explained by the instructor. I suggest taking a golf lesson & instruction session after you have been able to practice on your own twice.
What should we be working on in my golf lessons & instruction sessions and how long until I improve?If you are an accomplished player you should have an idea of the weakest part of your game and start there. As a beginner, I would want my golf instructor to start with teaching me a putting stroke then a chip shot then a pitch shot and finally a full swing. Why this order? This order starts you closest to the hole and with a small stroke. As you become better you would go to the next step and learn a swing that is a little longer than the one before. This allows you to keep building on what you have learned.
The amount of time that it will take you to learn the game is the $64,000 question. The good news is that it mainly rests on your shoulders. You must consistently go to your golf lessons & instruction sessions as well as practicing in between sessions. In addition, it depends on if your goals are to just enjoy the game or to play the game at a high level.
written by, Max Johnson
Let's discuss the above questions.
Do I need to take golf lessons & instruction? Technically no you do not have to take golf lessons & instruction. With this being said, it will take you longer to learn the game and could bring un-needed frustration to you. Especially as you begin to learn the game it is a good idea to take golf lessons & instruction.
Would you try to sky dive or ski without first having lessons or would you just try to figure it out? You will be able to learn the proper golf swing fundamentals from your golf instructor and this will give you a good foundation to build on as you learn to play the game.
How do I find a qualified golf instructor?There are many ways to find a qualified golf instructor. It is a lot like finding a new doctor or accountant after re-locating to a new city. Ask your co-workers, friends and fellow golfing buddies for the experiences that they have had. You can locate a local golf instructor through PGA.com that is close to you. The PGA offers certifications in teaching and these instructors are few and far between. If you are close proximity to one you are lucky and should take that opportunity.
How long should the golf lessons & instruction session take and how often should I take them?As you are starting with a new instructor, I would advise a 30 minute lesson. You will be receiving what will seem like a lot of information and will need to understand it all and digest it. This will take some time. How often you take them will depend on several factors such as: how much time you have to practice, how much you have to spend to learn the game and how much time you actually do practice.
I always suggest that if you go out and practice and it is horrible than go back. The information is clearly not understood by you or was not clearly explained by the instructor. I suggest taking a golf lesson & instruction session after you have been able to practice on your own twice.
What should we be working on in my golf lessons & instruction sessions and how long until I improve?If you are an accomplished player you should have an idea of the weakest part of your game and start there. As a beginner, I would want my golf instructor to start with teaching me a putting stroke then a chip shot then a pitch shot and finally a full swing. Why this order? This order starts you closest to the hole and with a small stroke. As you become better you would go to the next step and learn a swing that is a little longer than the one before. This allows you to keep building on what you have learned.
The amount of time that it will take you to learn the game is the $64,000 question. The good news is that it mainly rests on your shoulders. You must consistently go to your golf lessons & instruction sessions as well as practicing in between sessions. In addition, it depends on if your goals are to just enjoy the game or to play the game at a high level.
written by, Max Johnson
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Play of the game
Every round of golf is based on playing a number of holes in a given order. A round typically consists of 18 holes that are played in the order determined by the course layout. On a nine-hole course, a standard round consists of two successive nine-hole rounds. Playing a hole on the golf course consists of hitting a ball from a tee on the teeing box (a marked area designated for the first shot of a hole, a tee shot), and once the ball comes to rest, striking it again. This process is repeated until the ball is in the cup. Once the ball is on the green (an area of finely cut grass) the ball is usually putted (hit along the ground) into the hole. The goal of resting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible may be impeded by hazards, such as bunkers and water hazards. In most typical forms of gameplay, each player plays his or her ball from the tee until it is holed.
Players can walk or drive in motorised carts over the course, either singly or in groups of two, three, or four, sometimes accompanied by caddies who carry and manage the players' equipment and give them advice.
Each player often acts as scorer for one other player in the group, that is, he or she records the score on a score card. In stroke play (see below), the score consists of the number of strokes played plus any penalty strokes incurred. Penalty strokes are not actually strokes but penalty points that are added to the score for violations of rules or utilizing relief procedures.
Par
A hole is classified by its par, the number of strokes a skilled golfer should require to complete play of the hole. For example, a skilled golfer expects to reach the green on a par-four hole in two strokes (This would be considered a Green in Regulation): one from the tee (the "drive") and another, second, stroke to the green (the "approach"); and then roll the ball into the hole in two putts for par. Traditionally, a golf hole is either a par-three, -four or -five; some par-six holes exist, but are not usually found on traditional golf courses.
Primarily, but not exclusively, the par of a hole is determined by the tee-to-green distance. A typical length for a par-three hole ranges between 91 and 224 metres (100–250 yd), for a par-four hole, between 225 and 434 metres (251–475 yd). Typically, par-five holes are at between 435 and 630 metres (476–690 yd), and nontraditional par-six holes are any longer distance. These distances are not absolute rules; for example, it is possible that a 450 metre (492 yd) hole could be classed as a par-four hole, since the par for a hole is determined by its 'effective playing length'. If the tee-to-green distance on a hole is predominantly downhill, it will play shorter than its physical length and may be given a lower par rating. Par ratings are also affected by factors affecting difficulty; the placement of hazards or the shape of the hole for example can sometimes affect the play of a hole such that it requires an extra stroke to avoid playing into the hazard or out-of-bounds.
Eighteen hole courses may have four par-three, ten par-four, and four par-five holes, though other combinations exist and are not less worthy than courses of par 72. Many major championships are contested on courses playing to a par of 70, 71 or 72. In some countries, courses are classified, in addition to the course's par, with a course classification describing the play difficulty of a course and may be used to calculate a golfer's playing handicap for that given course.
Penalties
A bunker is a type of hazard on a golf course and while it doesn't incur any penalty strokes, the club may not be grounded prior to making a shot from a bunker. This, along with other restrictions makes bunker shots difficult.
Penalty strokes are incurred in certain situations. Most often a penalty stroke is assessed because a player has hit into a situation from which they cannot or choose not to play the ball as it lies (e.g. in a water hazard), or because they have lost their ball (out of bounds (OB)) and must play a substitute. Penalty strokes are counted towards a player's score as if they were an extra swing at the ball. Penalty strokes can be added on for many different reasons. It could be a wrongful move that results in a penalty (moving an object that effects the ball to move.) Or a penalty could be because of a lost ball. Most rule infractions lead to a stroke penalty but also can lead to disqualification. Disqualification could be from cheating, signing for a lower score, or from rule infractions that lead to improper play.
Scoring
In every form of play, the goal is to play as few strokes per round as possible. Scores for each hole can be described as follows:
Term on ascoreboard Specific term Definition
-4 Condor (or triple-eagle) four strokes under par
-3 Albatross (or double-eagle) three strokes under par
-2 Eagle two strokes under par
-1 Birdie one stroke under par
0 Par strokes equal to par
+1 Bogey one stroke more than par
+2 Double bogey two strokes over par
+3 Triple bogey three strokes over par
The two basic forms of playing golf are match play and stroke play/Stableford Points scoring.
Team play
A foursome (defined in Rule 29) is played between two teams of two players each, in which each team has only one ball and players alternate playing it. For example, if players A and B form a team, A tees off on the first hole, B will play the second shot, A the third, and so on until the hole is finished. On the second hole, B will tee off (regardless who played the last putt on the first hole), then A plays the second shot, and so on. Foursomes can be played as match play or stroke play.
A four-ball (Rules 30 and 31) is also played between two teams of two players each, but every player plays his own ball and for each team, the lower score on each hole is counted. Four-balls can be played as match play or stroke play.
There are also popular unofficial variations on team play:
Players can walk or drive in motorised carts over the course, either singly or in groups of two, three, or four, sometimes accompanied by caddies who carry and manage the players' equipment and give them advice.
Each player often acts as scorer for one other player in the group, that is, he or she records the score on a score card. In stroke play (see below), the score consists of the number of strokes played plus any penalty strokes incurred. Penalty strokes are not actually strokes but penalty points that are added to the score for violations of rules or utilizing relief procedures.
Par
A hole is classified by its par, the number of strokes a skilled golfer should require to complete play of the hole. For example, a skilled golfer expects to reach the green on a par-four hole in two strokes (This would be considered a Green in Regulation): one from the tee (the "drive") and another, second, stroke to the green (the "approach"); and then roll the ball into the hole in two putts for par. Traditionally, a golf hole is either a par-three, -four or -five; some par-six holes exist, but are not usually found on traditional golf courses.
Primarily, but not exclusively, the par of a hole is determined by the tee-to-green distance. A typical length for a par-three hole ranges between 91 and 224 metres (100–250 yd), for a par-four hole, between 225 and 434 metres (251–475 yd). Typically, par-five holes are at between 435 and 630 metres (476–690 yd), and nontraditional par-six holes are any longer distance. These distances are not absolute rules; for example, it is possible that a 450 metre (492 yd) hole could be classed as a par-four hole, since the par for a hole is determined by its 'effective playing length'. If the tee-to-green distance on a hole is predominantly downhill, it will play shorter than its physical length and may be given a lower par rating. Par ratings are also affected by factors affecting difficulty; the placement of hazards or the shape of the hole for example can sometimes affect the play of a hole such that it requires an extra stroke to avoid playing into the hazard or out-of-bounds.
Eighteen hole courses may have four par-three, ten par-four, and four par-five holes, though other combinations exist and are not less worthy than courses of par 72. Many major championships are contested on courses playing to a par of 70, 71 or 72. In some countries, courses are classified, in addition to the course's par, with a course classification describing the play difficulty of a course and may be used to calculate a golfer's playing handicap for that given course.
Penalties
A bunker is a type of hazard on a golf course and while it doesn't incur any penalty strokes, the club may not be grounded prior to making a shot from a bunker. This, along with other restrictions makes bunker shots difficult.
Penalty strokes are incurred in certain situations. Most often a penalty stroke is assessed because a player has hit into a situation from which they cannot or choose not to play the ball as it lies (e.g. in a water hazard), or because they have lost their ball (out of bounds (OB)) and must play a substitute. Penalty strokes are counted towards a player's score as if they were an extra swing at the ball. Penalty strokes can be added on for many different reasons. It could be a wrongful move that results in a penalty (moving an object that effects the ball to move.) Or a penalty could be because of a lost ball. Most rule infractions lead to a stroke penalty but also can lead to disqualification. Disqualification could be from cheating, signing for a lower score, or from rule infractions that lead to improper play.
Scoring
In every form of play, the goal is to play as few strokes per round as possible. Scores for each hole can be described as follows:
Term on ascoreboard Specific term Definition
-4 Condor (or triple-eagle) four strokes under par
-3 Albatross (or double-eagle) three strokes under par
-2 Eagle two strokes under par
-1 Birdie one stroke under par
0 Par strokes equal to par
+1 Bogey one stroke more than par
+2 Double bogey two strokes over par
+3 Triple bogey three strokes over par
The two basic forms of playing golf are match play and stroke play/Stableford Points scoring.
- In match play, two players (or two teams) play each hole as a separate contest against each other. The party with the lower score wins that hole, or if the scores of both players or teams are equal the hole is "halved" (drawn). The game is won by the party that wins more holes than the other. In the case that one team or player has taken a lead that cannot be overcome in the number of holes remaining to be played, the match is deemed to be won by the party in the lead, and the remainder of the holes are not played. For example, if one party already has a lead of six holes, and only five holes remain to be played on the course, the match is over. At any given point, if the lead is equal to the number of holes remaining, the match is said to be "dormie", and is continued until the leader increases the lead by one hole, thereby winning the match, or until the match ends in a tie. When the game is tied after the predetermined number of holes have been played, it may be continued until one side takes a one-hole lead.
- In Stroke or Stableford Points play every player (or team) counts the number of shots taken for each hole. In Stroke Play the score achieved for each and every hole of the round or tournament is added to produce the total score, and the player with the lowest score wins (Stroke play is the game most usually played by professional golfers). In Stableford Points Play (originated by Dr Frank Stableford, 1870-1959, was first used on 16 May 1932 at Wallasey Golf Club, Cheshire, England) the player gains points for the score achieved on each hole of the round or tournament (1 point for a bogey, 2 points for a par, 3 points for a birdie, 4 points for an eagle). The points achieved for each hole of the round or tournament is added to produce the total points score, and the player with the highest score wins (Stableford Points scoring is favoured by higher handicap golfers because it does not force completion of a hole no matter the score).
There are variations of these basic principles, some of which are explicitly described in the "Rules of Golf" and are therefore regarded "official." "Official" forms of play are, among others, foursome and four-ball games.
Team play
A foursome (defined in Rule 29) is played between two teams of two players each, in which each team has only one ball and players alternate playing it. For example, if players A and B form a team, A tees off on the first hole, B will play the second shot, A the third, and so on until the hole is finished. On the second hole, B will tee off (regardless who played the last putt on the first hole), then A plays the second shot, and so on. Foursomes can be played as match play or stroke play.
A four-ball (Rules 30 and 31) is also played between two teams of two players each, but every player plays his own ball and for each team, the lower score on each hole is counted. Four-balls can be played as match play or stroke play.
There are also popular unofficial variations on team play:
- In a scramble (also known as Ambrose), each player in a team tees off on each hole, and the players decide which shot was best. Every player then plays his second shot from within a clublength of where the best ball has come to rest, and the procedure is repeated until the hole is finished. In best ball, each player plays the hole as normal, but the lowest score of all the players on the team counts as the team's score.
- In a greensome, also called modified alternate shot, both players tee off, and then pick the best shot as in a scramble. The player who did not shoot the best first shot plays the second shot. The play then alternates as in a foursome.
- A variant of greensome is sometimes played where the opposing team chooses which of their opponent's tee shots the opponents should use. The player who did not shoot the chosen first shot plays the second shot. Play then continues as a greensome. Such a format is known as either gruesomes, bloodsomes or gruesome greensomes.
There is also a form of starting called "shotgun," which is mainly used for tournament play. A "shotgun start" consists of groups starting at different tees, allowing for all players to start and end their round at the same time.
Article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
History
Golf is a very old game of which the exact origins are unclear. The origin of golf is open to debate as to being Chinese, Dutch or Scottish. However, the most accepted golf history theory is that this sport originated from Scotland in the 1100s.
A game somewhat similar to golf was first mentioned in Dōngxuān Records (Chinese: 東軒錄), a Chinese book of 11th Century. It was also mentioned on February 26, 1297 in the Netherlands in a city called Loenen aan de Vecht. Here the Dutch played a game with a stick and leather ball. Whoever hit the ball into a target several hundreds of meters away the most number of times, won.
Modern golf is considered to be a Scottish invention, as the game was mentioned in two 15th century laws prohibiting the playing of the game of gowf. Some scholars have suggested that this refers to another game which is more akin to modern shinty, hurling or field hockey than golf. A game of putting a small ball into a hole in the ground using clubs was played in 17th century Netherlands. Flourishing trade over the North Sea during the Middle Ages and early Modern Period led to much language interaction between Scots, Dutch, Flemish and other languages. There are also reports of even earlier accounts of a golf like game from continental Europe.[
However, these earlier games are more accurately viewed as ancestors of the game we call golf, as the fact remains that the modern game of golf we understand today originated and developed in Scotland: The first golf club memberships were formed in Scotland. The earliest permanent golf course originated there too, as did the very first written rules, as did the establishment of the 18-hole course. The first fomalized tournament structures also emerged there and competitions were arranged between different Scottish cities. Over time, the modern game spread to England and from there to the rest of the world. The oldest playing golf course in the world is The Musselburgh Old Links Golf Course. Evidence has shown that golf was played here in 1672 although Mary, Queen of Scots reputedly played there in 1567.
As stated, golf courses have not always had eighteen holes. The St Andrews Links occupy a narrow strip of land along the sea. As early as the 15th century, golfers at St Andrews, in Fife, established a customary route through the undulating terrain, playing to holes whose locations were dictated by topography. The course that emerged featured eleven holes, laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the far end of the property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes. Due to the status of St Andrews as the golfing capital, all other courses chose to follow suit and the 18-hole course remains the standard today.
The major changes in equipment since the 19th century have been better mowers, especially for the greens, better golf ball designs, using rubber and man-made materials since about 1900, and the introduction of the metal shaft beginning in the 1930s. Also in the 1930s the wooden golf tee was invented. In the 1970s the use of steel and then titanium to replace wood heads began, and shafts made of "graphite" (also known as carbon fiber) were introduced in the 1980s. Though wooden tees are still most popular, various designs of plastic tees have been developed in recent years, and the synthetic materials composing the modern ball continue to be developed.
Golf balls are famous for "dimples". These small dips in the surface of the golf ball decrease aerodynamic drag which allows the ball to fly further. Golf is also famous for the use of flags. These show the position of the hole to players when they make their first drive and are too far away from the hole to aim accurately. When all players in a group are within putting distance, the flag is removed by a "caddy" or a fellow player to allow for easier access to the hole.
article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A game somewhat similar to golf was first mentioned in Dōngxuān Records (Chinese: 東軒錄), a Chinese book of 11th Century. It was also mentioned on February 26, 1297 in the Netherlands in a city called Loenen aan de Vecht. Here the Dutch played a game with a stick and leather ball. Whoever hit the ball into a target several hundreds of meters away the most number of times, won.
Modern golf is considered to be a Scottish invention, as the game was mentioned in two 15th century laws prohibiting the playing of the game of gowf. Some scholars have suggested that this refers to another game which is more akin to modern shinty, hurling or field hockey than golf. A game of putting a small ball into a hole in the ground using clubs was played in 17th century Netherlands. Flourishing trade over the North Sea during the Middle Ages and early Modern Period led to much language interaction between Scots, Dutch, Flemish and other languages. There are also reports of even earlier accounts of a golf like game from continental Europe.[
However, these earlier games are more accurately viewed as ancestors of the game we call golf, as the fact remains that the modern game of golf we understand today originated and developed in Scotland: The first golf club memberships were formed in Scotland. The earliest permanent golf course originated there too, as did the very first written rules, as did the establishment of the 18-hole course. The first fomalized tournament structures also emerged there and competitions were arranged between different Scottish cities. Over time, the modern game spread to England and from there to the rest of the world. The oldest playing golf course in the world is The Musselburgh Old Links Golf Course. Evidence has shown that golf was played here in 1672 although Mary, Queen of Scots reputedly played there in 1567.
As stated, golf courses have not always had eighteen holes. The St Andrews Links occupy a narrow strip of land along the sea. As early as the 15th century, golfers at St Andrews, in Fife, established a customary route through the undulating terrain, playing to holes whose locations were dictated by topography. The course that emerged featured eleven holes, laid out end to end from the clubhouse to the far end of the property. One played the holes out, turned around, and played the holes in, for a total of 22 holes. In 1764, several of the holes were deemed too short, and were therefore combined. The number was thereby reduced from 11 to nine, so that a complete round of the links comprised 18 holes. Due to the status of St Andrews as the golfing capital, all other courses chose to follow suit and the 18-hole course remains the standard today.
The major changes in equipment since the 19th century have been better mowers, especially for the greens, better golf ball designs, using rubber and man-made materials since about 1900, and the introduction of the metal shaft beginning in the 1930s. Also in the 1930s the wooden golf tee was invented. In the 1970s the use of steel and then titanium to replace wood heads began, and shafts made of "graphite" (also known as carbon fiber) were introduced in the 1980s. Though wooden tees are still most popular, various designs of plastic tees have been developed in recent years, and the synthetic materials composing the modern ball continue to be developed.
Golf balls are famous for "dimples". These small dips in the surface of the golf ball decrease aerodynamic drag which allows the ball to fly further. Golf is also famous for the use of flags. These show the position of the hole to players when they make their first drive and are too far away from the hole to aim accurately. When all players in a group are within putting distance, the flag is removed by a "caddy" or a fellow player to allow for easier access to the hole.
article source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
What's Golf
Golf is a sport in which a player, using many types of clubs including a driver, a putter, and irons, hits a ball into each hole on a golf course in the lowest possible number of strokes. Golf is one of the few ball games that does not use a standardized playing area; rather, the game is played on golf "courses", each one of which has a unique design and typically consists of either 9 or 18 holes. Golf is defined in the Rules of Golf as "playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules."
The first game of golf for which records survive was played at Bruntsfield Links, in Edinburgh, Scotland, in A.D. 1456, recorded in the archives of the Edinburgh Burgess Golfing Society, now The Royal Burgess Golfing Society. The modern game of golf spread from Scotland to England and has now become a worldwide game, with golf courses in the majority of countries.
Golf competition may be played as stroke play, in which the individual with the lowest number of strokes is declared the winner, stableford points play (as devised in 1931 by Dr. Frank Stableford of the Wallasey & Royal Liverpool Golf Clubs), in which the individual with the highest points score is declared the winner or as match play with the winner determined by whichever individual or team posts the lower score on the most individual holes during a complete round. In addition, team events such as fourball have been introduced, and these can be played using either the stroke, stableford or matchplay format. Alternative ways to play golf have also been introduced, such as miniature golf, sholf and disc golf.
Golf has increasingly turned into a spectator game, with several different levels of professional and amateur tours in many regions of the world. People such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sörenstam have become well recognized sports figures across the world. Sponsorship has also become a huge part of the game and players often earn more from their sponsorship contracts than they do from the game itself.
Etymology
The word Golf was first mentioned in writing in 1457 on a Scottish statute on forbidden games as gouf, possibly derived from the Scots word goulf (variously spelled) meaning "to strike or cuff". This word may, in turn, be derived from the Dutch word kolf, meaning "bat," or "club," and the Dutch sport of the same name. It is often claimed that the word originated as an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden", but this is strictly a false etymology.
Source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The first game of golf for which records survive was played at Bruntsfield Links, in Edinburgh, Scotland, in A.D. 1456, recorded in the archives of the Edinburgh Burgess Golfing Society, now The Royal Burgess Golfing Society. The modern game of golf spread from Scotland to England and has now become a worldwide game, with golf courses in the majority of countries.
Golf competition may be played as stroke play, in which the individual with the lowest number of strokes is declared the winner, stableford points play (as devised in 1931 by Dr. Frank Stableford of the Wallasey & Royal Liverpool Golf Clubs), in which the individual with the highest points score is declared the winner or as match play with the winner determined by whichever individual or team posts the lower score on the most individual holes during a complete round. In addition, team events such as fourball have been introduced, and these can be played using either the stroke, stableford or matchplay format. Alternative ways to play golf have also been introduced, such as miniature golf, sholf and disc golf.
Golf has increasingly turned into a spectator game, with several different levels of professional and amateur tours in many regions of the world. People such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sörenstam have become well recognized sports figures across the world. Sponsorship has also become a huge part of the game and players often earn more from their sponsorship contracts than they do from the game itself.
Etymology
The word Golf was first mentioned in writing in 1457 on a Scottish statute on forbidden games as gouf, possibly derived from the Scots word goulf (variously spelled) meaning "to strike or cuff". This word may, in turn, be derived from the Dutch word kolf, meaning "bat," or "club," and the Dutch sport of the same name. It is often claimed that the word originated as an acronym for "gentlemen only, ladies forbidden", but this is strictly a false etymology.
Source From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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