What a Load of Golf Balls

Through out the history of golf the golf ball has evolved more than any other piece of equipment used in the game. From the very first wooden balls followed by the feathery to the latest 4 piece, high energy core, tungsten weighted, titanium, super thin covered, go further go straighter last forever golf ball, advances in science and the materials used in manufacturing has taken that little white thing to a new level of performance.

At the moment in my shop I have 36 different balls to choose from and there are plenty more types I could stock. This being the case it is difficult for a golfer to choose which is the right ball for them especially when they all claim to be the best thing since the couch potato was given the remote control.

The Number one

Titleist golf balls have been known for many years as 'The Number 1 Ball in Golf' and it is true that more tour players across the world use a Titleist ball. Some golfers think that if Ernie Els is playing with a Titleist then they should play with a Titleist as well, however, that is not necessarily the case. Believe it or not in amongst this huge selection there is the right ball for you and the ball you choose to play with needs to suit your requirements and level of skill.

In my opinion the huge range of golf balls on the market can be broken down into 5 categories.

1) Budget

2) Hard

3) Medium

4) Soft

5) Swing speed

If you are a beginner, or lose a lot of golf balls, then buying budget balls is the best thing to do. These are often packaged in 15 ball boxes and are a hard durable ball that will generally go further when you hit them. The draw back of this ball is that it is very lively off of the club face and when it comes to chipping and putting can lack some of the soft feel that some golfers prefer.

The harder golf balls such as Topflite XL 3000, or Callaway CB1 are perfect for the golfer who doesn't lose too many balls but could do with more distance off the tee. These balls are not as hard as the budget type, but are durable and offer some feel around the green although they still won't stop very quickly on landing.

If you want the combination of distance, feel and durability then balls such as the Titleist NXT Tour, the Callaway Hex 2 or the Strata Tour Straight are ideal. These are all what I call a medium ball giving the golfer consistent performance in all areas.

The top players in the world all use soft golf balls. Up until about 4 years ago the cover of the ball was actually soft enough to mark with your finger nail and marked very easily when miss hit. This meant that only the best ball strikers, or golfers with more money than sense, would use them. These days the covers on these balls are very durable and the ball will spin and stop very quickly on and around the greens. The leading balls in this category are Titleist Pro V1, Callaway Hex, Strata Tour Ace, Hogen Apex Tour and the Maxfli M3. These balls are manufactured to the highest specification and quality and every golfer could play and enjoy them. They are however very expensive at about £10 for 3 balls if you are a bit wayward with your shots then it could cost a fortune in golf balls.

When it comes to swing speed some players just cannot swing the golf club very quickly. If this is the case some manufacturers are now making balls specifically for those of you who struggle to get any distance because you just can't hit it hard enough! The Maxfli Noodle ball is perfect for anyone who has a slow swing and they are durable and affordable.

Whichever ball you choose, try to stick with that ball every time you play. You will get used to the feel and performances of the ball, which in turn will help, play more consistent golf.

Clay Morris

Junior Golf Is Becoming More Competitive?Why?

How do you get the edge when you're playing junior golf? To keep up with the top junior golfer's means getting stronger both physically and mentally; and almost perfecting your golf swing. That's how competitive it's become.

There are big bucks at stake. Full scholarships are now worth up to a hundred thousand dollars, and for some of these to junior golfers, becoming a professional golfer can mean millions...

We have started to see a dramatic change in the caliber of junior golfers. They are getting fitter, stronger and are hitting it as long as the PGA and LPGA players. This is a combination of personal coaching on swing mechanics and getting stronger.

Junior golfers like Ty Tryon, Michelle Wie and the Song sisters are a perfect example of what junior golfers are capable of, given the right approach. Parents are now realizing the investment in their kid's golf pays off big when they receive partial or full scholarships for college. The difference between junior golfers and adults is typically strength - not flexibility. I've worked with hundreds of junior golfers and within a very short period of time, doing strength training, their drives increased as much as 50 yards.

Participating in a strength training program doing the wrong exercises can hurt junior golfers not help them. The exercises have to compliment the golf swing from a dynamic standpoint and a stability standpoint. If this is not taken into consideration, improvement will not happen.

The age to begin a strength training workout for juniors is between 12-13 on up. Having a professional oversee the program at the earlier ages is crucial. The upside is a rapidly improving game and who knows...a scholarship for college.

Too many parents and juniors are going it alone and aren't seeing the results they hoped for. This can be a long and frustrating road to take. Why not save years of searching and hundreds if not thousands of dollars, by doing a little research? Do some talking around your town to see if anyone knows of a fitness trainer who understands golf.

They are a rare breed, but if you look hard enough you can find someone somewhat qualified. Even talk to some of the teaching pros. They might know of some golf trainers who are acceptable. If not, hit the book store. There are several golf fitness books out there, but be on the "lookout".

From what I've seen, most of them are NOT golf fitness books, but only "general" fitness books in disguise. If you see any pictures of a golfer sitting in or on a machine, don't by the book. That is a telltale sign of a general fitness book. Remember, golf is played on your feet, not sitting down.

So get the edge, by getting stronger for golf! Who knows?you may be the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam.

 

Mike Pedersen

Taking A Golf Lesson Isnt 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!

 

Mike Pedersen

 

Golf Workouts Can Quickly Add Yards To Your Drives

I'm sure by now you've heard most of the professional players; both men and women actively participate in golf workouts. It's no secret. But why then do most amateur golfers ignore this? Is it because it seems like work? Or, does the thought of actually breaking a sweat get you tired already?

Either way?the proof is in the bag. The number one player in the world, Vijay Singh, does his golf workouts all the way through Sunday of each tournament. Does it look like it's hurting his game? I don't think so. Back in 1997, a young, very athletic golfer came on the professional scene and blew everyone away. I think you know who I'm talking about.

Tiger took golf to another level. A real eye-opener for the veteran players who were hitting the 19th hole after every round?and the last thought on their mind was "exercise". What a wake-up call to be totally dominated by a player who was only 20 years old at the time.

How about the year Annika Sorenstam shot a 59 and totally dominated the LPGA? Do you know what she attributes it to? Golf workouts! She hired a trainer and got serious about her fitness. And look what happened? She hasn't looked back since. She just recently came out with an instruction book and devoted a chapter to golf workouts.

To my recollection, that's the first women's instruction book to include golf workouts. Working out to playing better golf isn't just for the guys; Annika has proved that. Now more LPGA players are working out to try and catch her, just like the guys did with Tiger.

How about the senior tour? Now players are realizing they can still make good money, even after they've turned 50 and can't really compete with the young guys anymore. With the money at stake, they too are all working out. This group of players both amateur and pro is the biggest demographic that needs it the most.

With age comes a decline in both flexibility and strength. When the body declines, the swing goes right along with it. The result is a big loss in yardage, more mishits, and ballooning scores. The end result?frustration! I can't tell you how many times I've played with and received phone calls from older golfers who are just about ready to quit the game.

They are SO frustrated at this rapid decline, that golf's not fun anymore. But there is hope. The answer? Get your body moving just a little better. How? By participating in golf workouts that focus on golf-specific strength AND flexibility. It's amazing to see golfers in this age bracket dramatically improve their driving distance, accuracy and scores.

You don't have to accept that with age, your body declines. No way! You've got to fight it all the way! I'm dead serious. The ones who do, are the ones who are enjoying the game again and taking all the money in their foursome.

What is a golf workout anyways? Is there such a thing? You bet there is. The golf swing is an awkward movement that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be both strong and flexible specific to the swing.

I could spend dozens of pages describing what this entails, but for the sake of this concise article, let's keep it simple.

The golf swing is a rotational movement, with your body in golf posture. Slight flex of the knees and a bending forward at the hips. Since the golf swing is primarily rotational, wouldn't it make sense to focus on rotational strength and flexibility? That is improving your turning ability related to range of motion and speed.

So anything involving twisting with resistance such as a medicine ball, a dumbbell, or even a weighted club would work. You need to have a resistance to take your body beyond where it normally goes.

For instance, if you took a club and placed it behind your neck, got in your golf posture and rotated back and forth; do you think that by itself would improve your range of motion or power?

No, you need to add resistance to accomplish this. Take a weighted club and make golf swings. Now you'll be making a bigger turn AND improving your power. Same thing with a medicine ball. Make turns back and through holding a 4 to 6 pound ball and you'll see a BIG improvement.

In fact, most of your abdominal work should be rotational. Doing straight crunches won't improve your driving distance. Doing rotational movements with added weight will. This is where I could go on and on, but I won't overload you.

I hope I've convinced you to take a real serious look at what all the other successful professional players are doing to stay at the top of their game. Doing golf workouts can and will dramatically change your game forever. Now get out there and get it started. No procrastinating. Do it right now!

 

Mike Pedersen

How To Improve Your Game With Simple Golf Exercises!

Winter is upon us and you have more time, since you're not golfing?so why not get a jump on next season by doing some simple, in-home golf exercises that will quickly prepare your body to hit LONGER drives and shoot LOWER scores?

How many times have you started a new golf season with very high scores, short drives, and aches and pains? Am I talking to you? Let's be honest. It happens more times than you'd like. But why not do it different this time? Instead of going into deep depression that the season is over ? keep golf in the top of your mind by starting a golf exercise program.

Don't let your clubs get dusty and forget about your game. Prepare your body in anticipation of next spring. It's no fun to come off the course feeling spent (in more ways than one) when you could have energy to spare. You have between 4-6 months to greatly improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. It would be the wisest thing to do to improve your golf for next season.

When you begin the season with a "broken" body, you're taking two steps back. Take a leap forward and prepare your body by getting your golf exercise program in motion. Think of it this way. What a great opportunity to get the edge on your playing partners and win all the money. Wouldn't that get their goat?

Finally, you'll get the chance to redeem yourself from a previous season that found you paying out more than receiving and being the brunt of all jokes in the clubhouse after every round. We've all been there - but no longer right? This is the winter to make the commitment and do it! No excuses. No more reasons to put it off. You may realize it's not easy ? but nothing worth getting is easy.

Golf exercise is a very popular topic these days among all the pros, teachers and even amateurs. It's no secret that if you get your body fitter, stronger and more flexible you will swing better and hit longer drives that produce lower scores.

That's what we all want right? What a feeling to be the longest (and straightest) hitter in your group. Always hitting your approach shot last because you were the furthest down the fairway. Those are the kinds of thoughts you should have this winter while you're working out.

The simplist way to implement golf exercises is to look at the golf swing. First off, it's standing on your feet. Not sitting down, like on a machine in your local gym. So try to do most of your exercises on your feet.

Secondly, you should be in your golf posture. Which is a bend forward at the hips, with your knees slightly flexed. Doing exercises in this position will create a very strong, stable golf swing.

A good example of a golf exercise would be the Golf Posture Lateral Raise:

? Bend forward at hips just beyond normal golf posture.

? Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing each other.

? Slowly raise dumbbell to the side and up.

? Slowly bring back down to pre-stretch position.

Do you see how this would quickly build up the strength in the back of your shoulders for a strong take-away and downswing? The only equipment required was a pair of dumbbells (hand weights), which probably cost about $10. No fancy gym. And in the convenience of your home, saving you time.

This is just one example of a simple golf exercise you can do quickly and conveniently in your home to dramatically transform your game!

 

Mike Pedersen

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure. But today's golfer is leaner, stronger, and fitter. Until the last few years, golfers didn't know how to go about incorporating golf fitness, or specifically resistance training for golf.

They have had a vision of going into the local gym and being intimidated by the "muscle heads." It can also be overwhelming to decide what plan of action to take and if it will be worth the time and effort. I have listed some myths about strength training for golf and the truths about them as well.

"I will bulk up too much and that will hinder my golf swing."

Golf fitness (resistance training specific for golf) will not result in muscle gain that will alter your swing mechanics. To increase muscle size, involves lifting increasingly heavier weights with lower repetitions, increasing your calorie intake dramatically, and spending a couple of hours per day lifting weights.

A golf fitness program incorporates moderate weight, with medium (12-15) repetitions, and in a time frame of 30-45 minutes. This type of program is designed to improve your golf specific strength and endurance, not build muscle.

"I will lose flexibility if I lift weights."

In fact, the opposite is true! Weak muscles are also tight muscles. When you do resistance training, you are increasing blood flow, working through a functional range of motion specific to golf, and strengthening the tendons and ligaments in every joint of your body. In conjunction with a stretching program, strength training will improve flexibility, not hinder it.

"Weight training will cause me to lose feel."

By strengthening your muscles specific to golf, you will have better control of your body. A golf fitness program trains your body specifically for your golf game. When you improve functional strength, you have more control and balance, which will improve your feel. Strength training involves body awareness, muscular control, and coordination. These are all key elements for enhanced golf.

So in summary, golf fitness can be done when you are in your early teens (with supervision), or into your late 80's. I have personally worked with people in there 70's and 80's who increased their strength 100%. This was partly due to the initial level of fitness being so low. My point is, that it is never too late to start. Search out a fitness professional or conditioning specialist to design a golf specific program and you will play better than you ever imagined! Start now!

 

Mike Pedersen

Improve Your Golf Performance With These 5 Tips

Improve your golf performance. Is this always on your mind? 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 improve your golf performance by shaving 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 egss 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 their 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 supply your body with the proper nutrients your energy levels stay balanced and you will 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.

These tips if applied, will definitely improve your golf performance!

 

by Mike Pedersen

Three Secrets of A Consistent Golf Stroke

What you are about to read... will change your golfing life forever! What are these three "secrets"? If you knew how would they effect your game?. These three "secrets" are what the worlds best players do. Every player MUST know these "secrets" if they are to have a powerful, repeating golf stroke.

The problem with the majority of golfers is that they don't know what to do. Oh their friends, well wishers at best, tell them that they are "bending their left arm", "raising up through the shot", "coming over the top" and host of other swing faults. But these are the same people that shoot the same scores you do! What could they possibly tell you that would improve your game?

The information you are about to receive is not theory or conjecture but science. Ooooh, you say, this sounds complicated. Well it isn't, it is simply the laws of force and motion that govern our entire lives and day to day living. Once you understand these simply laws your golf game will forever change...for the better!

Secret #1: A Flat Left Wrist

Because the golf stroke involves a golf club, a left arm, and a wrist in between, it is called a "lever system". The left wrist acts as a "hinge pin" much like the old time "flail" used to beat wheat. This "hinge pin" can rotate, cock or uncock but NEVER Bends!

Golfers however routinely bend the left wrist causing the clubhead to reach the ball before the hands do. This causes a "quitting" motion, adds loft to the clubface, points the face to the left of target, makes the clubhead swing upward disrupting the downward motion that ALL good golf shots MUST have. Good players DELOFT the clubface at Impact. Poor players ADD loft to the clubface costing them distance, direction, and trajectory.

A 5 iron, for example, has approximately 8 degrees for "forward lean" when soled properly. At Impact with good players the "lean" is approximately 15 degrees. This turns the 5 iron into a 4 iron. Poor players reach Impact with a "backward" leaning clubshaft thereby ADDING loft and turning the 5 iron into a 6-7 iron!

Secret #2: A Staright Plane Line

You only have two choices when it comes to the swing plane, you are either on or you're off. There is no middle ground!

What exactly is the swing plane? The plane is the angle of the clubshaft as it sets at address - period! It is NOT Hogans plane of glass as many would have you to believe. There are only three planes available;

1. Horizontal - a wall
2. Vertical - the floor
3. Inclined somewhere in between

As golfers you and I use the Inclined Plane to swing the club back up and end, down out and forward, up back and in making the Golf Stroke three dimensional.

The clubshaft, actually the sweetspot of the club, may travel to any other plane angle during the swing as long as it DOES NOT cross the base of the plane. Here is a simple way you can know if you are on plane or not. Whichever end of the club is nearest to the ground MUST also point at the base of the plane from horizon to horizon. If neither end is nearer then the clubshaft MUST be horizontal to the ground and parallel to the base of plane.

Secret #3: A Lagging Clubhead

Lag by definition means "trailing". When the clubhead passes the hands coming into Impact there is no "lag". Without "lag" the golf ball cannot be compressed, we cannot hit downward, and we have a tremendous power loss. Clubhead lag promotes a steady and even acceleration giving us a dependable way to control distance.

Look at any picture of your favorite player at Impact. The left arm and clubshaft are in ONE LINE! Never two lines. This means that the player is utilizing "lag". When a ball is struck with "lag" it explodes off the clubface! Without this "lag" the sound turns into one of mush, a soft Impact instead of a driving Impact.

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If you follow this outline, learn these three "Secrets" you will be hitting the ball with more compression than you ever thought possible.

For example, a Driver striking a golf ball with a 2 degree "backward" leaning clubshaft at 100 mph with 9.5 degrees of loft produces a launch angle of 6.4 degrees and a carry distance of 230 yards.

By changing Impact to a 2 degree forward leaning clubshaft the player produces a launch angle of 10.4 degrees and a carry of 251 yards. A 21 YARD INCREASE WITHOUT buying a new Driver and simply having clubhead lag!

YOU can improve your game dramatically by following the steps outlined above. Become the best player YOU can be and start winning those 4 way presses! If YOU really want to elevate your game, hit it farther, straighter, and nearer the hole then practice what I've shared with you.

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Chuck Evans, G.S.E.D.

Guide To Buy Used Golf Clubs For Beginner Golfer

If you are just starting out to play golf, you should never buy a new golf club set immediately as you may discover that this game is not for you later on. Furthermore, you are yet to find the type of golf clubs that fits you during the learning stage. The good choice is to start with cheap used golf clubs>. And here are some guidelines to help you to hunt down your first used golf club set:

Golf Rental Clubs
First, you may want to play with the rental clubs at a driving range. During this time, don't be afraid to ask your friends or other golfers to try their clubs on the range. This is a good opportunity for you to judge which type of clubs is right for you. After hitting for a period of time at the driving range and you think it is time to buy your own clubs, then ....

Rely on golf expert
When you go out to buy used golf clubs, you should always rely on people who know golf equipment well. You can look for your local pro at your local municipal course as a source of information and advice. Or you can consult the experts at the golf shop or even your friend who plays well or who knows anything about golf clubs. Alternatively, you can search the Internet for used golf club reviews. You can always ask people for advice but keep in mind that what suits them may not necessary prove good in your hands. Therefore, it is more important to identify the golf club set that suitable to your ability yourself.

Golf beginner's half set
As a novice golfer, you are advised to learn with a half set of clubs with all matching iron of the same model. The half-set could be made up from a few combinations of clubs. In general, the half set combination consists of five iron clubs, including 4, 6, 8, pitching wedge and sand iron, in addition to 3 and 5 woods plus a putter. The driver is not recommended in the beginner's half set because it is the hardest club to control. Majority of beginners would achieve better results using a 3 wood on the tee box. Likewise, 1, 2 or 3 irons should be avoided at the early stages of the game, as each of these long irons requires an accurate strike from the middle of the clubface with plenty of club heads speed in order to achieve good results. In contrast, a 5 wood with distance almost equivalent of the 2 iron - the ball can still travel a fair distance despite being hit off-center. Besides, a lofted wood is more forgiving than the thin blade of an iron club heads.

The half set combination not only sufficient for most novice golfers on the golf course for every situation but also makes club selection much easier. It is a good combination of clubs to help the novice to improve their swing technique until they are good enough before they advance to the full set golf clubs. Therefore, you have to make sure to select a golf model for your half set from a reputable manufacturer that can be added to at a later stage.

Golf Feels
The best way to purchase a used golf clubs is to actually hold them in your hand and swing them to get a feel for what you want. The feel of a golf club clearly seems to be all-important. But, what is 'feel'? There is no scientific formula that defines it. In general, feel can be described as the way a golfer feels a club when he or she swings it depends on its swing weight and the flexibility of its shaft.

Iron Club head
Look for club head that made of stainless steel and avoid inexpensive alloy heads. For beginner, you should select the 'heel-and-toe' (or, perimeter-weighted) club head design, cavity backed (hollowed out in the back) and over-sized golf club. You should get bigger club heads because they are more forgiving with enlarges 'sweet spot' that can produce maximum distance even with off-center contacts.

Golf Shafts
Graphite shafts is ideal for beginner even though it is more expensive that steel shafts. Its lighter overall weight allows beginner to swing the club faster even with enlarged clubhead.

Golf Grips
If you have purchased used golf clubs where the condition of the grips could be less than perfect or the grips don't fit properly for you, then make sure you replace them. Grips are fairly easy and inexpensive to change by a pro or club repairman. Ensure all the grips are replaced with same size and design.

Finally, if you are just starting out with golf, chances are your swing is more likely to let you down rather than the golf clubs itself. Having said that, it is still important to try out the golf clubs before buying them in order to find a golf club set that suits your swing, body and game. Most importantly, makes you feel confident when you use it.

Andrew Loh

Essential Information on Choosing the Best Golf Clubs to Suit Your Game

Most golfers, whether a beginner or a pro, struggle when trying to decide which golf club to buy. The buying process becomes easier when the consumer has a good understanding of the types of golf clubs available and their specific use. Your playing (and thus your staying) power is greatly enhanced by choosing the proper golf clubs.

For the novice golfer, the basic set of golf clubs consists of drivers, wedges, putters and irons. Using the proper type of golf club will help the beginner learn quickly and achieve results. Each different type of club is designed to help with swing speed and to correct faults to improve your game ? and your score.

In addition to clubs, a wide variety of accessories are also available, many of which are necessities and others that are ?just for looks.? One absolute necessity is a golf bag to assist you or your caddy in moving from green to green, and of course, golf balls. Another must is a pair of golf shoes to help stabilize your body so you can achieve the perfect swing. Other accessories include golf gloves, a golf cap, clothing, and covers for your golf clubs to protect them from the elements or while stored.

There are many variations in the types and styles of golf clubs and their uses. For example, if you?re trying to make a shorter shot, irons may be your best bet. Irons are usually available in sets that include several different sizes. You must also take into consideration the style, size, and type of material used to make the golf club shaft. One of the less expensive materials is steel. Clubs with a steel shaft weigh more but can be longer-lasting than other types. The steel shaft may also give you more control over those fast swings. If you choose a graphite shaft, it will be lighter than steel but will be more costly. This type of club is used for long distance shots or for slower swingers.

Most golf clubs are available with both steel and graphite shafts.

The flexibility of a shaft is referred to as flex, or bend. The less the bend in a shaft, the more control the powerful swinger will have. On the other hand, beginners and those with less powerful swings generally use a shaft with greater flexibility. The average swing speed is from 65 miles per hour for the beginner up to over 100 miles per hour for powerful swingers.

The goal when buying golf clubs should be to own the best golf clubs you can afford, whether they are name brands, used, or a reproduction of one of the name brands. Golf clubs can be purchased at many different types of establishments such as discount stores, buying clubs, specialty shops, catalogs, or the Internet, which offers an almost limitless variety of clubs and bargains, including used golf clubs. The cost of the golf club depends on the type and where it is purchased. Retail stores and catalogs have pre-season, post-season and regular sales, but since someone, somewhere, has the perfect climate in which to play golf at any given time of the year, you may find it difficult to find a true bargain. Internet shopping offers excellent prices throughout the year, and in many cases shipping is free. Golf club replicas are very good bargains if you compare their features to the originals. Many, many types of merchandise are duplicated, or cloned, so be sure the set of clubs you buy have not been illegally duplicated.

Most anytime is the perfect time for most golfers and ?wannabe? golfers to play, so take advantage of the large variety of clubs and bargains to be found, and don?t wait another day to start buying your golf clubs.

Keith Kingston