Golf Common Sense. Do You Have It?

One of the biggest mistakes amateur golfers make these days is attempting to hit a low percentage golf shot. They'll pull out their 3-wood and attempt to hit it 220-yards over water and say, "I can't believe it didn't carry the water."

As a golfer, amateur or professional, you want to play golf to your strengths. You want to play the golf shot that you can hit over and over with a high percentage of success. If there's a bunker that cuts into the right side of the fairway 240-yards off the tee and you typically drive the ball 250-yards then you should lay up with your 210-220 yard club to take the trap out of play. Why take the chance of putting your tee shot into the bunker?

It really boils down to golfing with common sense. Forget the golf shots you've seen the pros make on TV because you're not a PGA Tour professional. Bring yourself back to reality and play the golf shot you know you can hit.

With a little golf common sense and course management, I guarantee you'll drop a few strokes from your next round of golf.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson, course management

How To Hit A Hybrid Golf Club

Here's a quick and dirty golf tip on how to hit a hybrid golf club.

A lot of golfers these days have a hybrid in their golf bag, but I'm suspecting quite a few of them aren't quite sure how to hit it. The question really lies in how you treat the hybrid club. Meaning, do you hit down on the golf ball like you do with a iron? Or do you hit it like you would with a fairway wood?

The one thing you need to remember is that a hybrid is designed to replace a mid to long iron, so you need to swing it like mid to long iron. Have the confidence to hit down and through the ball just like you would with your mid to long iron.

Now if you decide to hit your hybrid off the tee then you should tee it up a little higher than an iron and take a few practice swings just to get use to the different weight and feel of the golf club. This is especially true when you've just hit driver on the last few holes. You're all set so don't over swing, use a conservative tempo, and hit down and through the golf ball!

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson, hybrid golf club

How To Hit The Dreaded Buried Bunker Shot

Having your golf ball buried (fried egg) in the sand trap doesn't happen very often, but when it does it can be daunting golf shot to golfers of any level. Here are a few simple tips to help you pull this golf shot off.

The first thing you should remember is to not take a big swing and follow through. I know this sounds a little strange, but let me explain why. The idea is to pick your sand wedge up quickly, swing down steep with your golf club and have it stick into the sand. The force of the golf club coming down will cause the golf ball to pop out, but it will have very little spin if any. You'll have a much better chance of getting your golf ball out of the bunker than if you tried to blast it out.

This swing works because it allows for the golf club to get underneath the ball. When the golf ball is resting below the surface of the sand you need to compensate to get underneath it. The short, steep, attacking type of swing works best.

Here are the 3 swing thoughts to remember when confronted with a buried lie from a greenside bunker:

1. Set up with a much squarer stance than you would with a regular sand shot.

2. Also square the clubface more, which will allow the leading edge of the golf club to enter the sand first.

3. Pick a spot about 1-3 inches behind the golf ball. Pick up your sand wedge quickly and steep on your backswing, and then swing down with same step angle of attack with no follow through. Your golf club should remain stuck in the ground. If you make the correct swing you won't be able to follow through because of the steep angle of attack, which will be a sign that you made the correct swing adjustment to hit this golf shot.

Like I said in the beginning you won't be faced with this golf shot very often, but it's worth practicing it a couple times so you know what the swing feels like. After a few practice shots you'll see that this golf swing isn't that difficult to make. Put this swing into your bag of golf shots and it could save you a stroke or two.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Why You Should Chip From The Bunker

One of the toughest golf shots for most golfers is from the green-side sand trap mainly for two reasons; 1) they rarely practice their sand shots, 2) they don't know the correct technique to hit from the sand trap.

Here's a really simple golf tip to hit a sand trap shot when the bunker is firm with a medium to small lip and you have some green to work with.

What I like to do in these cases is use a 7 or 8-iron to chip the golf ball out of the bunker. Noticed how I said chip the ball instead of blast the ball. This is important because you want to hit the golf ball first as you would with a chip shot. The idea is to get the ball rolling on the green as soon as possible so it can run out to the hole. On occasion I've even used a 5 or 6-iron to chip the ball out of the green side bunker when I've had a lot of green to deal with.

When you're able to get the golf ball on the green sooner and run it out its easier to judge the distance. Also, chipping the ball is a lot easier for most golfers than blasting the ball out with a sand wedge. No you still can't ground your club so I would suggest trying this a few times at the practice sand trap the next time you're at the range.

Let me know if the golf tip helps you out on your next round of golf.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

How To Make A Consistent Golf Swing

Every golfer knows that there's no substitution for practice, but when you do hit golf balls on the range you want to make sure you're doing the right things for your golf swing. There are several things I do or try to do while I'm practicing on the golf range, but I'll only go into one of those in this post.

What I try to visualize is a steel rod going through the top of my head and down through my spin. This is to help me keep my spine angle during my golf swing. When I make a golf swing I'm making sure that I'm rotating on the rod through out the entire swing. This helps me make a full turn on my golf swing and keeps my head in position (not dipping or coming up).

A lot of golfers have a tendency to lose their spine angle during their golf swing, which leads to a lot of inconsistent and poor shots. Being bent over to much creates fat shots and too upright causes thin shots and the dreaded shank.

I've found if I do this then my striking of the golf ball becomes much more consistent and my confidence on the golf course becomes high. I end up hitting more fairways and greens in regulation. I suggest you do this with a golf buddy so he can tell you if you're keeping your spin angle constant.

I hope on the golf range or golf course this golf swing tip helps you drop a few strokes.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

How To Extend A Golf Glove's Life

How many of you take your golf glove off after a round of golf and stuff it into your golf bag? The combination of your golf glove and sweat don't mix well when you wad up your golf glove and stuff it into your golf bag. By doing that you reduce the life of your golf glove.

The next time you reach into your golf bag to pull out your golf glove you find a wad of hard leather. Combine this with the normal build-up of dirt and your golf glove can become kind of shinny and slick, which looses its effectiveness.

You can make your golf glove last longer if you do two things:

1. After a round of golf hang your golf glove out to dry. Find a way to clip it onto your golf bag. The easiest thing to do is wrap the glove around the golf bag strap.

2. When your golf glove becomes dirty and slick through it into the washer. Through it in with your clothes with cold water and mild soap.

Don't put the golf glove in the dryer, but rather hang it up to dry so it doesn't shrink. You'll probably want to flatten the golf glove so it dries ready to be used the next time your out on the golf course.

I hope this golf tip saves you a few dollars in golf gloves.

Tags: golf, golf tip, golf instruction, golf lesson

How To Hit The Half Wedge Golf Shot

One of the hardest shots in golf is to hit a half or 3/4 shot. Unless you practice this golf shot it could be mean a big score for you on the golf course. It's actually a very easy golf shot to make. You just need a few golf tips to help you out.

The best way to avoid this golf shot is to make sure you always leave yourself a full shot, but we all know that's not always possible when playing golf. So here are 5 very simple steps for hitting that half wedge golf shot:

1. Grip the golf club a couple inches down the shaft.
2. Play the golf ball more towards the middle of your stance.
3. Have your hands ahead.
4. Take the golf club back 1/2 to 3/4 based on the distance
5. Next you want to come through with a solid and accelerated golf swing.

The biggest problem I see with golfers trying to make this golf shot is that they decelerate on their down swing. They do this because they end up taking a full swing and feel like they have to let up to not hit the golf ball as far... Big Mistake!!!

If you remember anything from this golf tip it should be to not decelerate your golf swing, and the best way to do this is to practice the 1/2 to 3/4 shot on the golf range so you know what it feels like. Have one of your golf buddies watch you on the golf range and ask him if you're taking a 1/2 or 3/4 golf swing. After about 5 or 6 golf balls you should have a good feel for what it takes to make the half wedge golf shot.

I hope this golf tip helps you out the next time you're on the golf course.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

How To Make A Solid Putt Everytime

Here's a really simple, but effective putting tip to help you strike your putts solid and square every time. You'll need two 3 inch nails, about 11 feet of kit string, and a Sharpie. You'll want to perform this on the practice putting green at your local golf course.

1. Find a straight line on the putting green of about 10 feet.

2. Place one of the 3 inch nails on line with direction you'll be putting. When you push the nail into the ground make sure it's high enough for your putter blade to fit under.

3. Place the other 3 inch nail about 10 feet from the other nail in line with the direction you'll be putting.

4. Tie the string to both ends of the nails making sure it's tight enough so that the string doesn't sag.

5. Now draw a straight line completely around the center of your golf ball with a Sharpie. One of those tools for creating a line on your golf ball works best.

6. Next set your golf ball down next to the string near one of the nails with the line on your golf ball parallel to the string.

7. Finally strike the golf ball along the line of the string. This will require your putter head to slide underneath the string to be able to strike the golf ball solidly. If the golf ball wobbles then it means you hit it of center. If the golf ball doesn't wobble, but goes away or into the string then it means your alignment is off.

This drill provides immediate feedback if your not striking the golf ball on the center of the putter face.

You can do one more thing with this drill to help you take the putter straight back. Take 2 golf tees and place them perpendicular to the string at the location where you're striking the golf ball. You want the tees to be barely wide enough for your putter head to fit through. At first you may want to give yourself a little more space for your putter head to fit through, but you should eventually move the tees as close as you can.

It won't take long with this drill to get you striking your putts squarely and solidly every time. Let me know how it works out for you.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Golf Swing Analysis Revolutionized

How many times have you read or seen the claim of hitting the golf ball 30 yards longer? I know I see it regularly and I typically don't spend much time reading about it because they're usually bogus golf claims.

Well I've been in contact with a golf related company off and on over the last 6 months that has been developing something that will revolutionize the golf swing analysis industry. They have developed a software program that will take launch monitor data and provide you with the optimal flight pattern to get the most out of your drives.

This may not seem revolutionary, but if this software program stated that you'd gain 20 yards on your drive by changing to a golf ball with a lower spin rate wouldn't you do it?

How many of you have had your golf swing analyzed by a golf pro with a launch monitor? The golf pro will look at the numbers and provide recommendations for equipment, balls, etc... What the golf pro is doing is using a general guideline as to put your launch monitor numbers in. This is an educated guess and not an exact science.

You now have the ability to take those numbers and plug them into a software program that will provide you with scientific results of the numbers. This program was written by an internationally recognized authority in high-speed aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics who holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees. So basically he knows his stuff when it comes to objects that fly in the air.

You should check them out at Quality Golf Stats. They're providing a free analysis of your launch numbers for the first 25 golfers.

Tag(s): golf, golf reviews, golf equipment, golf products

Should I Use A Mallet Or Blade Putter?

I think most of us golfers know that the look and feel of a putter play a big role in our decision of what putter to use. I know this is very much the case for me. I currently play the Scotty Cameron Studio Stainless Newport 2.5 and love it, but I have my eye on the comparable Yes putter.

Anyway back to the point of this post, which is what putter type should you be using? Should you be using a Mallet Putter or a Blade Putter? Well the answer is it depends. It depends on the kind of putting stroke you have. Most experts say that if you have putting stroke that has an arc then a blade type putter that's heel-shafted and has more toe weight is what you should look for.

If your putting stroke is more straight back and straight through then a putter with a shaft more in line with the center of the putter face is what you should look for. These type of putters are often referred to as face-balanced putters. You can tell if it's a face balanced putter by balancing the putter shaft on your finger and if the face points up then it's a face-balanced putter.

Did this golf tip help you determine the putter for you?

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf review, golf lesson

Butch Harmon Golf School - Tiger Woods Coach

I've been doing some more research on golf schools and I was curious to see what the Butch Harmon Golf School had to offer. Since he's Tiger Woods golf coach, I wanted to see what it would cost the regular golfer to have him as a golf coach for a few days.

Well I can tell you it's not cheap to have one of the best golf instructors in the world as your golf coach for 3-days. While the package does include accommodations in Las Vegas, the golf instruction is really what matters. Butch has some of the most sophisticated and advanced software and equipment to analyze your golf swing. You can bet that having Butch analyze your golf swing that you'll be getting the best golf instruction money can buy.

There's a golf school site I've been using that has reviews of a lot of golf schools including the Butch Harmon Golf School. It's called U.S. Golf Schools and you can even get a free Golf Fitness e-Book by golf fitness guru Mike Pedersen by visiting the web site.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson, golf school

An Odd But Effective Putting Drill

Here's a putting drill that I use on occasion while I'm on the practice putting green. The purpose of the putting drill is to work on taking you putter straight back and straight through. It will probably take a few minutes for you to get use to this putting drill, but I guarantee it will keep you steady through the entire putting stroke. The drill works the best with blade type putters like the Scotty Cameron Newport designed putters.

1. Set up to putt a golf ball.
2. Turn the putter head so that the blade part is inline with your putting line. The tip of the putter blade should be right next to the ball.
3. Now attempt to strike the golf ball towards your target. You'll probably need a few attempts before you get the hang of it.

First try this from the 5 foot range with several balls. There's very little margin of error so you'll need to really concentrate and bringing your putter straight back and straight through. After you've made several putts in a row, move on to the 10 foot range. You may get some weird looks on the putting green at first, but they'll soon be amazed at you draining 10 footers with the tip of your putter.

Perform this drill for about 10 to 15 minutes and then go back to your normal putting. You should find yourself extremely accurate on all your putts.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Do You Have a Pre-Putt Routine?

If you've been keeping up on my putting tips you know how much I stress the importance of a good putting game. There are many parts to making a putt and one of the most important parts is the pre-putt routine. I'm sure you have a pre-shot routine for your golf shots and if you don't you should, but you should also have one for your putting.

Consistency is something that you should have throughout your entire golf game... and consistency starts with your pre-putt and pre-shot routines. You should be doing the same things over and over every time without exception when it comes to your pre-putt routine. This routine will help to get you into a rhythm, which should help with your entire golf game.

If you're not sure what your pre-putt routine should be then think about how you go about putting today when you're on the course. Write the steps down on a piece of paper and take it to the practice putting green to work on a pre-putt routine. If you don't have one then watch the PGA Tour pros pre-putt routine to see if one of them fits your style of play.

Remember that putting accounts for nearly half of all the golf shots you make during a round of golf so it makes sense to become very proficient with the putter... it will be where you'll cut the most strokes off of you score.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Tried And True Putting Drill

There's a putting drill that I've been using for 20+ years that has never failed me. I don't remember where I read it, but all I know is it does wonders for my putting stroke. There are probably variations on this putting drill that you may have come across in some of the golf magazines.

The drill is performed with 6 or more golf balls from 5 and 10 foot distances:

1. First grip your putter like you normally do and remove your left hand from the putter and start putting with just your right hand. You want to be sure and keep your same putting stroke using only your right hand. Putt at 5 feet from the hole until you've made all 6 balls in a row. Repeat this for 10 feet.

2. Now grip you putter like you normally do and remove your right hand from the putter. Start putting with just your left hand making sure to keep your same putting stroke with only your left hand. This is the most awkward part of the drill for me because my left arm isn't as strong as my right and I feel a little more clumsy. Putt at 5 feet from the hole until you've made all 6 balls in a row. Repeat this for 10 feet.

3. Now grip your putter with your left hand choking down to the end of the grip with the putter grip resting on the inside of your left arm. You want the putter handle to be inline with your left arm so that the putter is an extension of your left arm. Now take your right hand and grip your left forearm at the top of putter. The palm of your right hand will have the putter underneath it with your fingers gripping on to your left forearm. Putt at 5 feet from the hole until you've made all 6 balls in a row. Repeat this for 10 feet.

4. Finally take your normal putting grip and start putting. Putt at 5 feet from the hole until you've made all 6 balls in a row. Repeat this for 10 feet.

This is an easy putting drill to remember and it will really get you putting with a lot of confidence and consistency. I sometimes perform this putting drill in my home when I'm not able to get to the golf course practice putting green.

I recommend this putting drill to any golfer from beginner to scratch. If your in search of a good putting drill as part of your golf practice routine then you should definitely tuck this one into your golf bag.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Golf And The Single Dad

I know there are a lot of us full-time single dads that love to play golf, but have difficulty finding time to just hit golf balls at the range let alone playing a round of golf. Trying to create a balance between your kids time and your own time to do things like play golf.

I spend the better part of my day at work and occasionally I'll sneak away to hit golf balls at the range during lunch, but those days are rare. Getting away after work for 9-holes is difficult too because of soccer practice. Trying to play a round of golf on the weekend is pretty much out of the question because of my son's soccer games.

I remember the days when I was single and answered to just myself and I played a round of golf and both Saturday and Sunday... and went to the golf range 3 nights a week with an occasional 9-holes after work. Those days seem like a lifetime ago.

I tried early on with my son to get him interested in playing golf when he was about 5 to see if we could play together when he got older. I would take him to the golf range and he would get tired after about 20 minutes of hitting and wanted to go home. Well now he's 13 and loves to play golf. Its summer and he plays golf with his friends since he has no school so I feel like I can't win. I did manage to get a tee time for the two of us to play golf on Father's Day and that was great.

I now have one of those golf nets set up in the backyard so we can practice hitting golf balls together any time we want. Golf is a great game because I know me and my son will be able to play together for many years to come. On the golf course with my son is special now when he's 13 and it will be just as special when he's 40.

Golf is one of those games, sports, hobbies that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. I know I've been fortunate to be playing golf for 30+ years since I was 11... and I have at least another 30 years of golf left in me.

As a single dad golfer how do you make time for your golf game?

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf story

New U.S. Golf Schools Resource Center

Here's a new golf schools website geared specifically towards U.S. Golf Schools. It provides golf school reviews, golf school vacation specials, golf school articles, among other golf school related information.

On the home page there's a Featured Golf School Special with $300 off the PGA Tour Golf Academy golf school in Florida. This golf school is taught by some of the best golf school instructors in the business.

There are many other golf schools reviewed on the site. It's worth checking it out.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

3 Steps To Hitting The Long Ball

Looking to drive the golf ball with the big hitters? Here are 3 simple steps to give you that added distance off the tee:

1. Widen your stance by moving your back foot about an inch farther back than normal.
2. Play the golf ball a little more forward in your stance than normal.
3. Tee the golf ball a fraction higher than normal.

Follow these 3 simple golf tips and it will set you up to launch the golf ball higher so you get more carry off the tee. No need to swing any harder. Just put your normal golf swing on the ball and watch it roll past your golf buddies golf ball in the fairway.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Golf Without Tempo

A golf swing tempo can be a golfers best friend or their worst enemy. Swing tempo (speed) will vary from golfer to golfer with the swing tempos ranging from fast to slow. We've all heard of the golf tip or comment to "Slow Down". When a golfers swing tempo is too fast then their game will have a tendency to degrade as their tempo increases.

The worse golf swing tempo killer is tension. Tension in any part of your body will keep you from any kind of consistent golf play because you're body can't freely move when performing the golf swing. One of the things I do on the golf range to reduce tension in my hands and arms is to slightly bend at the waist and let my arms hang from my shoulders. I then start to shake my hands which causes my arms to shake with them. I visualize the tension falling off my hands and arms. I'll then start to hit a few balls and if I still feel a little tension I'll repeat the shaking. I'll even do it during the round if I feel tension coming on.

Here are 3 things you can do to help relieve tension and create a good golf swing tempo:

1. Try to get yourself in a relaxed state by eliminating all thoughts of the office, kids, wife, etc... You want your mind to be as clear as possible.

2. Perform the shake drill I described above to remove tension from your hands and arms. If you feel tension in other parts of your body then do what's necessary to loosen them up.

3. Take a club and start making an 1/8 of your golf swing back and forth, then 1/4 of your golf swing back and forth, then 1/2 of your golf swing, then 3/4 of your golf swing. Each one of these should be done 2 or 3 times and as you perform them you want to swing as slow as possible without feeling jerky.

The key to these 3 things is to develop a nice smooth golf swing tempo that will help you be a more consistent ball striker. You'll also find that once you do find your golf swing tempo that you'll feel like it takes a lot less effort to hit the golf ball. If you currently have a fast golf swing then it may take you a little longer to establish a good golf swing tempo.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Golf Is Simple As 1-2-3

When it comes down to it golf is a really simple game, but a lot of us including myself sometimes make it seem more difficult than it is. Golf can be boiled down to getting a golf ball from point A to point B in the least amount of strokes in the shortest distance from tee to green.

Now this all may seem extremely obvious, but if you put yourself in that mind set it will actually help you score better. You can break down golf into it's simplest form of hitting a golf ball a few times onto a putting green and then putting the golf ball a couple of times to get it into the hole. So this is what we have:

1. Hit the golf ball off the tee into the fairway. It doesn't have to be 300 yards, but in the fairway. Swing within yourself and concentrate on getting the ball in the fairway and not trying to out drive everyone in your group.

2. Hit your approach shot concentrating on giving yourself the best chance possible of hitting it onto the green. If this means you have to hit away from the pin guarded by a bunker to give yourself a higher percentage chance of getting it on the green then do it.

3. Hit your putt with the confidence of making it instead of trying to avoid a 3-putt. If you're always putting to make sure you don't 3-putt then more often than not you'll 3-putt more because your putting with a negative mind set. With long putts of 20 feet or more there are times when a lag putt is the right thing to do, but putts within 20 feet you should always be thinking 1-putt. Even though you may not make a high percentage of them you'll be putting with a positive mind set.

I actually talk myself through these 3 simple steps before I play to remind myself that golf is really a simple game and to not complicate it. Just to play within myself and to hit the golf shots I know I can hit... not the golf shots that I think I can hit.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson

Only 2 Good Shots In A Round Of Golf

The average golfer hits only 1 or 2 good golf shots in a round of golf. When I say good I mean they hit the golf ball on the sweet spot and it goes where they wanted it to go. The pros only hit 5 or 6 good golf shots in a round of golf.

If you can accept that you're only going to hit 1 or 2 good golf shots in a round then you can concentrate on minimizing the severity of how bad your other shots end up. You do this by playing to the strengths of your golf game or playing away from the weaknesses of your golf game... and to take your pride out of the golf shot.

For example say your next golf shot is an 180-yard carry over water. On your best day of golf you could hit it over the water 2 times out of 10. You're better off taking a smaller iron and hit away from the water into the fairway to take the water out of play.

If your next golf shot requires you to hit it through a 10 foot gap between 2 trees and on your best day of golf you could hit it through the gap 1 out of 10 times then you're better of to take a wedge and hit it out on to the fairway.

I see a lot of golfers think they're Tiger Woods or Phil Michelson and attempt very low percentage shots that end up costing them 2, 3, or more strokes on a hole, which most of us call the blow-up holes. If these golfers would just play the percentage shot they could probably cut 7 or more strokes off their score.

Another thing that golfers can do to cut strokes off their score is use a little course management. If your approach shot requires you to hit over a 10-foot high green side bunker to a tucked pin and it typically takes you 2 shots or more to get out of a bunker... then the percentage golf shot is to hit away from the bunker to the fat part of the green.

If you're in a green side bunker with a 10-foot lip and bunker shots are a weak spot in your golf game then your best bet is to hit your bunker shot over the lowest part of the bunker away from the green just to get it out. This will set you up to hit your next shot on to the green and possibly one putt for your par or bogey.

When preparing to hit your next shot always know where you want to miss it if you end up not hitting it the way you planned, which we know now is going to be about 95+ percent of the time. By preparing yourself for this then you'll have a much better chance of recovering from the miss hit.

During your next round of golf try doing these things and I guarantee you'll cut several strokes from your golf score. Just remember you're not Tiger Woods so don't kid yourself in thinking you can hit golf shots the way he does. Leave your ego in the parking lot. Play smart golf and you'll be amazed by your golf score.

Tags: golf, golf tips, golf instruction, golf lesson