The question is why would a person start trying to use a golf swing such as something called a Stack and Tilt? Which, if you haven’t already heard – is just another invented golf swing that was dreamed up by a couple of snake oil salesman preying on desperate Golfers – that somehow became the latest “hot” thing to do for all of about 5 minutes.

However, thankfully it has now been officially thrown in the overflowing dumpster with all the other golf fads that have passed. This new swing sensation was supposedly being used by a bunch of PGA Tour Players – when in fact, how many of these Tour Players are using this concept today? Probably the same amount that are using another once hot fad that’s in the overflowing dumpster of new golf swings – something called Natural Golf.

Thankfully as we scan the golf internet chat rooms – there is little talk of this Stack and Tilt thing – unlike 5 months ago when it was the latest and greatest. And just like much of America was in a real estate frenzy just a couple of years ago where you had to be in real estate or you were missing something big – the gurus of the golf internet chat rooms had desperate Golfers worked up into a similar sort of maniacal frenzy about having to try this new golf swing.

“I heard that Tiger is going to start using the Stack and Tilt!” ‘My cousin has a friend that knows a guy whose wife is friends with someone that lives next to Mickelson’s accountant and she says that Mickelson is also trying it!’ “I usually score around 95 and I shot a 62 my very first round using it!”

And blessedly, as GMS announced many months ago (in the December 12th, 2007 issue of Golf Improvement Weekly) that this new swing should be labeled as the Stack and Shank – it is now (18 months later) being referred to by that moniker by the same gurus who were proclaiming it as the greatest thing since interchangeable shafts for your Driver. All those poor Golfers that got caught up with another golf swing fad – that wasted the last 18 months not improving, but most likely learning to shank the golf ball and lose distance on their tee shots.

Yet, just like all other fads – it seems that there still might be some Golfers that are now just starting to try out the Stack and Shank – kind of like the little kid that arrived at his friends birthday party at 4:00 pm when it really started at 1:00 pm – saying: “Hey guys, where are you going? Why are you leaving the party already?” ‘Jimmy, we ate the cake and opened the presents – the party is over. There is some leftover birthday cake on the table, but it wasn’t very good – too much frosting and sprinkles – not enough cake.’ “Oh, I’m hungry – I’ll eat anything!”

How is it that people that are so smart that they could build businesses or be key personal in a business – people that have to deal with snake oil salesman everyday as part of their career – get hornsnaggled by a couple of golf pro’s touting their revolutionary golf swing?

I was very lucky at the start of my life in golf – as I was able to train under a very smart Golf Professional that said to me: “Marky, the golf swing is like a box of Kellogg Corn Flakes.” To which I answered probably like you are right now – ‘huh?’

He continued – “The golf swing is like a box of Kellogg Corn Flakes. What’s inside the box never changes – the only thing that changes is the packaging.”

And what he meant was: the golf swing is the golf swing like corn flakes are corn flakes – the ingredients of a good golf swing don’t change, just like the ingredients of corn flakes do not change. There are no new golf swings that will make you better. However, the packaging or in golf terms, the way of explaining the golf swing so that a Golfer can improve – can always improve.

The packaging equates (but isn’t limited) to: being able to continually help Golfers using improved concepts such as better, more effective drills that will help you to feel your golf swing. Developing training methods so that Golfers can better understand their golf swing, without having to think about too many things on every swing, along with understanding how to fix it quickly after a bad shot. And then training Golfers to practice their golf swing more efficiently using a PLAN based on their Strengths and Weaknesses as opposed to just beating golf balls like the Monkeys on the range.

There will never be a new golf swing that will be invented that will help Golfers to improve their ball striking (the actual corn flake doesn’t change). However, Golf Instructors can improve their communication skills and knowledge of the golf swing so that we can teach the golf swing in a simpler manner. Yes, there are varying degrees of talent amongst Instructors – yet, there are no new golf swings.

Yes, there are many movements in the golf swing using all the different parts of your body. Most Golf Instructors will teach you all those movements. And unfortunately many Golfers think that just because an Instructor talks about all those movements – that must mean this Instructor is a good Instructor. On the contrary – an Instructor that needs to talk about all those movements is a weak and ineffective Instructor who probably doesn’t have many Golfers that improve. Yet, they maybe held in high esteem just because they talk like they know what they’re doing.

For years (and still today), many less informed Golf Instructors will teach a Golfer to turn their shoulders and turn your hips and to shift your weight. Three things that most Golfers have been taught and try to do on every golf swing – yet, more times than not; fail to accomplish doing it effectively – thus resulting in an errant golf shot.

On the other hand, a talented Golf Instructor can have you doing all three things without you having to think about doing all three things every golf swing. We help you to do all of the above without thinking about it. Talented Golf Instructors help you by formulating drills that will have you doing all those things naturally – meaning without consciously thinking about it.

Creating good habits in your golf swing without you having to think about it is the first step to a consistent golf swing. And when you can do that – you’ll swing smoother and you’ll hit the golf ball better and more consistent.

The Golf Instructor that feels the need to teach you everything about the golf swing is like the sports hero being interviewed on TV that uses big, fancy words to hide the fact that he graduated high school only because he was a star athlete. So he’ll use fancy words to make him appear smarter and/or more talented – although many times he won’t even use these words correctly.

“You have to make sure that you use a one piece takeaway so that your swing path starts slightly to the inside while making sure you maintain the proper posture. As you’re doing this, your club will be starting on plane as your shoulders turn 90 degrees to the target, hips 45 degrees and that you have 55% of your weight on your right foot and 45% of your weight on your left foot. Then you must ….”

‘Oh, that guy sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. I need to listen to what he’s teaching!”

The skill of a fabulous Instructor is to take all those movements and find a way to wrap them up for the Golfer into one movement. For example: If you ever see a Golfer that’s struggling with their game – do they have more or less swing thoughts than someone that’s playing well? Of course – they have way too many swing thoughts. “Oh, this is terrible – I have so much I’m thinking about on every swing.”

And then this Golfer will go take a golf lesson to improve their golf swing and lo and behold, what might that Golf Instructor do? If it’s like most golf lessons – the Golf Instructor gives this already confused Golfer even more to think about. Why? Because many Instructors want to prove to you how much they know about the golf swing. And they’re going to prove it to you that they know a lot – if you like it or not.

And more times than not – that Golfer walks away more confused, playing worse and swearing to never take another golf lesson again. Which is unfortunate because there are some really excellent Golf Instructors available.

On the other hand – when you speak to a Golfer that’s hitting the golf ball great and ask them what they were thinking about on that last shot, it often is: “I don’t know, I was just trying to make a smooth golf swing.”

So if that’s the case – it’s no wonder why most people get worse after the typical golf lesson. Because the typical Golf Instructor talks about all these little movements and you try to do as your Instructor says and then you struggle on the golf course. Yet, the talented Instructor knows how to take all those movements and have you make all those movements without you having to think about it.

A truly great and talented Golf Instructor doesn’t care about being perceived as intelligent – all we care about is that our Golfers are improving.

The Monkey grabs the new, latest and greatest vine that all the other Monkeys are grabbing just because the other Monkeys are grabbing it

The Player understands the golf swing is like Corn Flakes and finds the Instructor that knows how to package specifically for their golf game.

Author: Marc Solomon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Wordpress plugin expert

The common thread in such instances is physical limitations in the areas of mobility, flexibility, stability, strength, and power limiting the ability of the golfer to execute a biomechanically efficient golf swing. The golfer must remember it is the kinetic chain of the body executing every phase of the golf swing, and in order for the athletic movements of the golf swing to be performed efficiently, certain physical parameters must be evident within the kinetic chain.

If the golfer is lacking in the physical parameters required of the golf swing, compensations in the execution of the swing results. These compensations lead to swing faults such as a loss of club head speed, poor ball striking, inconsistencies, and poor play. To prevent such a situation from occurring and provide the golfer with a physical foundation to execute the golf swing, the introduction of golf fitness exercises can be of great assistance.

Golf fitness exercises as with any sports-specific training program have the goals of developing the physical components within the kinetic chain required of the athlete’s chosen sport. The end result of the implementation of such training modalities is a transfer of training effect into the execution of the golf swing. A transfer of training effect is the ability of a training program to have a direct benefit on the performance of the athlete during competition (Juan Carlos Santana, Institute of Performance, Boca Raton, FL).

Once the golfer understands the physical components connected to the execution of the golf swing as well as how a sports-specific training program can assist in the development of these physical components. The next step is the introduction of a sports-specific training program for golf. The ideal time for the introduction of such a program is during the off-season.

The off-season consists of the time of year in which competitive golf is not being played, and the amount of practice time associated with the sport is minimal. The traditional off-season for golf is the winter months where weather is not conducive to rounds of golf and the professional tour is on a hiatus. This provides an ideal off-season for any golfer from the recreational to professional level to implement a sports-specific conditioning program for golf. The ideal time frame for an off-season golf specific training program is 8-12 weeks. This is the minimal time frame required to introduce golf-specific training modalities into ones conditioning program to create adaptation in the kinetic chain. In addition, a time frame of 8-12 weeks allows for progressions to occur within the specific modalities of the clients off-season golf specific conditioning program.

Outside of the ideal time frames associated with an off-season golf specific conditioning programs are the goals of such a program. The general goal of the off-season program as stated previously is the development of the physical parameters within the kinetic chain required in the execution of the golf swing.

In order to achieve the goal of developing the physical components within the kinetic chain for the golf swing, a basic understanding of the biomechanics of the swing is needed. A brief review on golf swing biomechanics indicates the following: the golf swing is typically separated into phases which are; address, takeaway, backswing, transition, downswing, impact, and follow through. The goal during each of these phases is to keep what is termed the kinematic sequence in tact.

The kinematic sequence is a model determining the efficiency in the human body at which speed is generated and transferred to the golf ball during the swing. Researches behind the development of the kinematic sequence include Dr. Greg Rose of the Titleist Performance Institute, biomechanist Phil Cheetham of Advanced Motion Measurement, and Dr. Rob Neal of Golf BioDyanmics. The kinematic sequence allows a viewer to look at how efficiently and effectively a golfer generates speed, transfers speed through the body, and where in the golf swing a golfer may be lacking the physical or biomechanical requirements to execute the swing with the greatest amount of efficiency possible.

Understanding the kinematic sequence is imperative to the development of a biomechanically sound golf swing. The information provided by the kinematic sequence allows us to begin to dissect where the golfer physically is breaking down within the kinetic chain during the execution of the golf swing. This will be a cornerstone in the development of a golfer’s off-season conditioning program.

Once an understanding of the kinematic sequence is in place, attention can be turned to the physical side of this equation in the form what physical requirements are needed by the golfer to execute a biomechanically efficient golf swing where the kinematic sequence remains in tact.

The ideal model to reference for determining the physical requirements of the golf swing is the mobility/stability pattern of human movement. This principle was first noted by physical therapist Gray Cook and strength coach Mike Boyle, and popularized in the sport of golf by Dr. Greg Rose. This principle states efficient movement within the kinetic chain of the human body occurs in an alternating pattern of mobile joints and stable segments. If this pattern of mobile joints and stable segments is altered, dysfunction in movement patterns will occur, and compensations in these movement patterns will be the result. A joint-by-joint view of the mobility/stability pattern of human movements is as follows: foot – stable, ankle – mobile, knee – stable, hip – mobile, pelvis/sacral/lumbar spine – stable, thoracic spine – mobile, scapular-thoracic – stable, gleno-humeral/shoulder – mobile, elbow – stable, wrist- mobile, cervical spine – stable.

As you can see the human body operates “feet to fingertips” in an alternating pattern of a mobile joint followed by a stable joint throughout the kinetic chain. Relative to the golf swing the mobility/stability pattern of human movement allows for the creation and transfer of energy through the kinetic chain from “feet to fingertips” into the golf club. If the mobility/stability pattern is dysfunctional relative to the golf swing, the development of speed will be limited, transfers of this speed to the golf ball will be compromised, and compensations in the golf swing will occur.

At this point, we understand the goal of an off-season golf conditioning program as well as the guidelines dictating the development of such a program. The next step is the implementation of a golf-specific conditioning program during an 8-12 week off-season time frame. The first step in this process is a physical assessment. An assessment through a series of physical screens will determine any dysfunctions within the kinetic chain relative to the mobility/stability pattern of human movement. If any dysfunctions are found during these physical screens, a series of corrective exercises will be incorporated within the golfer’s off-season conditioning program for correction of these dysfunctions.

Once an assessment is complete, the next stage in the development of an off-season golf fitness program is a need analysis. A needs analysis is the process of determining what requirements the golf fitness program must fulfill. Such an analysis not only includes goals, but in addition, what pieces of equipment are available, time constraints on training, and the information from the physical screens. Once the needs analysis is complete, the development of the actual off-season program can commence.

An off-season strength and conditioning program is typically separated into the following training segments:

1. Mobility/flexibility training
2. Neuromuscular efficiency development
3. Strength/stability training
4. Power training

All or only a couple of the training segments listed above may be incorporated into a single training. Corrective and performance enhancement training modalities are incorporated within each of these categories. The actual exercises within each category are dependent upon a number of individual variables such as kinetic chain dysfunctions requiring attention within the golfer, goals of the golfer, and training experience.

The final steps in the development of the off-season golf specific training program is the introduction of the exercises into the program. Guidelines to adhere in this section are the introduction of exercises that are geared towards the individual needs of the golfer in a systematic and progressive approach. A useful methodology to utilize in the selection, introduction, and progression of exercises into an off-season golf fitness program is a periodization schedule.

A periodization schedule is the cycling of loads, volumes, intensity, and exercise within a given time frame. The time frame may be divided into days, weeks, months, or even years. The cycling allows for a systematic approach to achieving improvement in the mobility, flexibility, balance, strength, stability, and power as well as prevents overtraining.

Each time frame has a specific arrangement of load, volume, intensity, and exercises within the give time frame. The cycles of a peridiozation program are broken down into macrocycles and microcycles.

A macrocycle is the complete training time, which for golfers is usually one year. A mesocycle is a specific time frame within the macrocycle (for example, the off-season). The subdivisions of mesocycles for the golfer are as follows:

Phase 1: corrective, strength, stability, and endurance training
Phase 2: strength and stability training
Phase 3: Power training
Phase 4: Sports-specific training
Phase 5: competition/maintenance training

The off-season of a periodization schedule will typically find phases 1,2, and 3, phases 4, and 5 are found in the pre-season and competitive playing year.

Knowing the off-season consists of phases 1,2, and 3. The training for the golfer or golf fitness trainer can be focus upon the modalities incorporated within these segments, in addition to the development of these components within the kinetic chain.

To summarize, the off-season is the ideal time in which the golfer can take advantage of developing a physical foundation for the golf swing. In order for this to occur, the golfer must have a basic understanding of the connection between the physical body and execution of the golf swing. Once this basic component is understood, the development of an off-season golf fitness program can commence. The first step in this process is an understanding of golf swing biomechanics and the kinematic sequence. The second step is a basic understanding of mobility/stability pattern of human movement. After this final component is acknowledged, commencement of an individualized off-season program can begin.

The development of a golf fitness program in the off-season follows a specific order in terms of its development. A physical screen begins the development of the program to determine if any dysfunctions exist within the kinetic chain. Once complete with the physical screen a needs analysis is initiated to recruit the individual requirements and goals of the program. Finally, the development of the off-season golf fitness program commences with the utilization of a periodization schedule.

Author: Sean Cochran
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Information

In the past year, we have either played or inspected more than 40 golf courses in Spain and Portugal. While Spain golf and Portugal golf experiences are tops in the continent, what we found was surprising. Specifically, we uncovered some very strong new courses we had never heard of both in golf-rich regions as well as provinces not known for golf. Additionally, we found some much-heralded courses that no longer make the grade, in our professional opinion. With careful planning and expert counsel, your Spain golf vacation or Portugal golf vacation can be the stuff of lifelong memories.

So here are the unvarnished reviews of what we consider to be the top Destination Golf Courses in Spain and Portgual. Our criteria are based on a U.S. perspective from the point of view of a golf professional or scratch amateur (yes, I am a former PGA professional), which means we match our courses with the wishes and abilities of our guests as we place the highest value on the following course attributes:

o Design
o Conditioning
o Service
o Value

Spain Golf – Destination Golf Courses:

When Americans and Brits think of Spain golf, they naturally think of the Costa del Sol, which straddles the Mediterranean coast from Malaga to near Gibraltar. Yes, some of the best golf courses lie in this year-round resort area, but golf in Spain is about much more than the Costa del Sol. One can experience championship golf in the Barcelona area, in Seville, and we even found very strong courses in the Basque region (most notable are Izki Golf, a Ballesteros design, and Jose Maria Olazabal’s Golf Artxanda). Here’s our take on the best of the best of Spain golf:

Barcelona Golf

o RCG El Prat is the private, but accessible, Greg Norman-designed complex of 45 holes set in the upscale western suburbs of Barcelona. As all of the nines were designed and constructed simultaneously by the same architect, players can forge ten distinct 18-hole combinations that fit together seamlessly. As expected from Norman, most fairways are reasonably wide, but trouble lurks beyond their borders and approach shots challenge your iron skills. You will feel like a member for a day when you experience Real Club de Golf El Prat. This is a lovely setting and very relaxing getaway from the energy of Barcelona.

o PGA Golf de Catalunya is one of several properties owned and operated by the PGA European Tour, and is the only one in Spain. It’s easy to fall in the love with this place that is located in the Costa Brava (“Wild Coast”), just 75 minutes from Barcelona. There are two courses on the site, Green and Red, with the Green being the longer and stronger test of the duo. The Green is a big, tournament-ready course nestled in the forest just a bit inland from the Costa Brava shore. Mature “umbrella” pines and cork oaks line the well-manicured fairways, and the smooth but undulating greens will test one’s short game. The Verde is simultaneously challenging and fun. There are quite a few elevation changes on these tracks and the scenery is outstanding. There’s just something about those symmetrical umbrella pines that spells relaxation.

Costa del Sol Golf

o Valderrama arguably is the finest course in Continental Europe. The course is located in the upscale Sotogrande development that includes some of the finest golf courses in Spain. Sotogrande is located approximately 45 minutes from Marbella, the gem of the Costa del Sol. Valderrama is literally a legend in mainland Europe, having hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, the World Golf Championship and countless Volvo Masters tournaments. That tournament elevated the stature of Spain golf to completely new heights. This Robert Trent Jones, Sr. gem is a must-play for the serious golf enthusiast touring the Costa del Sol. One can easily be distracted by the spectacular scenery and mesmerizing cork oaks that line the fairways, but this course demands your undivided attention. You can measure yourself against the best players in the world as you tackle the infamous 17th. The service is outstanding, the design is challenging and the conditioning is nothing short of world class. This is European golf at its very best and a must play for any Spain golf vacation! Maximum handicap: 24 Men; 36 Women.

o Sotogrande is the granddaddy of Costa del Sol golf and perhaps of Spain golf. Sotogrande is Valderrama’s older and less-menacing sibling, located at a lower elevation than most of the others courses on the Sotogrande property. Approximately ten years the senior, she provides wider landing areas and less intimidating greens complexes. Nevertheless, the ever-present breeze is enough to heighten the challenge on this nearly-seaside track. Although Valderrama tends to overshadow it as the best of Spain golf, Sotogrande remains one of the top five venues in mainland Europe.

o La Reserva is an impeccably-maintained and relatively new private club on the Sotogrande property. This Cabell Robinson design stretches to more than 7,300 yards from the back tees. Fortunately, there are four additional sets of tees from which to choose, so choose appropriately! La Reserva’s length is somewhat mitigated by meticulous grooming and generous fairways and greens, so relax and enjoy the wonderful Costa del Sol setting. Few courses offer such incredible curb appeal. The course straddles the rolling hills of the Western Costa del Sol, making this one of the most beautiful golf courses in Spain. The course view from the drive to the club house alone is worth the trip.

o Santana Golf is not a course you read so much about as it is new, but rest assured that it is one of the most talked-about new golf courses in Spain. Set in the hills above the coast in a beautiful, former avocado orchard, Santana is the young upstart of the Costa del Sol golf scene. This track blends a beautiful setting, quality design, attentive service and splendid conditioning to create a grand Spain golf experience. Santana Golf is easily walkable, employs water hazards and bunkers prudently and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean. The par-72, 7,000-yard Cabell Robinson design offers four sets of tees so that you can bite off as much or as little as you desire of this wonderfully-diverse layout. If you are in the Costa del Sol, experience Santana while it is young and relatively undiscovered.

o Finca Cortesin is another newcomer to the Costa del Sol. The course is located near the mountaintop “white village” of Casares, which looms like a beacon amidst the majestic Sierra Bermeja mountain range. This new Spain golf course opened in early 2007 and is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best golf courses in all of Spain. The Cabell Robinson design offers a challenging variety of holes, as evidenced by the scenic par-4 13th that confronts the player with two water hazards, yet sooths with eye-pleasing green complexes. As bonuses, the routing remains unspoiled by development, the modern practice facility is quite extensive and the customer service is absolutely among the best we have encountered in all of Spain. We suggest that you play this one before the word gets out about one of the best new Spain golf courses!

Portugal Golf – Destination Golf Courses:

As is the case with Spain golf, Portugal golf is much more than a slew of courses situated in one location, which, in this case, is the Algarve. Sure the Algarve has long been known for great golf and great beaches! Quieter and less overbuilt than the Costa del Sol, the Algarve is experiencing a bit of a golf course building boom. There are no fewer than 10 Algarve golf courses either under construction or on the books. But there also are some very strong golf courses on or near the coast in Lisbon. Here’s our take on the best available Portugal golf experiences:

Algarve Golf

o Vilamoura-Old Course is the elder-statesman of golf in the Algarve. Owned by the Oceanico consortium, this landmark course was constructed in 1969 by Frank Pennink and has been consistently refurbished over the years; however, it has not lost its original and classic parkland charm. The many umbrella pine trees that border the fairway corridors are definitely in play, the rolling landscape challenges your club selection and the undulating greens test your short game, but all the difficulties are mitigated by meticulous grooming. Add to all that the soothing views of the surrounding hills down to the coast. We love this property.

o Monte Rei is a course that you definitely will hear quite a bit about if it hasn’t already come to your attention. This delightful new Jack Nicklaus design, located in a pristine natural setting in the eastern Algarve not far from the border with Spain, is winning the hearts of all those who play it. The first of two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, Monte Rei North, opened in 2007 to rave reviews. The second is in the advanced stages of construction. Nicklaus has utilized the natural landscapes to sculpt a unique layout of approximately 7,200 yards, with eight par 4s, five par 3s and five par 5s – of these eighteen holes, water comes into play on eleven. Monte Rei is a must-play on the Portugal golf scene, especially while it remains somewhat undiscovered. That won’t last long!

o San Lorenzo Golf Club is located in the central Algarve, which is the most developed part of the region. This Joe Lee design undoubtedly is one of the best Portugal golf courses, as it combines a fabulously diverse layout with a gorgeous setting. You will likely use every club in your bag as you traverse this track of slightly less than 7,000 yards, and you will believe that the scenery cannot get any better until you reach the 17th and 18th holes, which are set in the serenity of a bird reserve. On the downside, San Lorenzo gets quite a bit of play, but once you experience it, you will understand why.

Lisbon Area Golf

o Praia d’El Rey is links golf at its best and ranks near the very top of the Portugal golf list of best courses. In 2003, Golf World ranked it the 13th best course in Continental Europe, and we do not argue the point. Cabell Robinson has done another masterful job creating a Portugal golf course that exemplifies tasteful diversity. Ten holes meander along the coast in a links fashion, as the other eight twist their way through a thinly-forested section. To top it off, all the holes offer strategic bunkering and quick greens with plenty of movement in them to keep your attention. There has been some recent real estate development on the perimeter, but so far, not so much as to destroy the ambiance. Praia d’El Rey is Portugal golf at its best!

o Oitavos Dunes is a newcomer to Portugal golf, having opened in 2001. This Arthur Hills design is one of the most intriguing that you will find anywhere and it reminds us quite a bit of Bandon Dunes in Oregon. The design itself is excellent, as the par-71 layout can stretch to more than 7,000 yards and the fast, undulating greens challenge even those with the finest short games. Add all of this to spectacular ocean vistas on one flank and mountain views on the other, and you get one very special property. You might not want to worry about your score here, at least not after your first round, for the course’s challenges and the distracting scenery can create some high numbers. Oitavos Dunes is a great addition to the Portugal golf scene and is worth every additional stroke!

So that’s our take on the best of the best of Spain golf and Portugal golf. The Ryder Cup at Valderrama in part contributed to a golf course construction boom on the Iberian Peninsula. Thankfully, we’ll be back there soon to check out new courses such as the second course at Monte Rei and Nick Faldo’s Oceanico course, also in the Algarve.

Author: Gene Holland
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera News

If a person has chosen golf as their sport of choice the development of a exercise program to stay fit to play golf has to be personally developed. Focusing on your sport of golf in two different ways. First you develop your over all exercise program to keep your muscles tone and developed through out your body. Second you refine your exercise muscle development that focuses on an select group of muscles that your sport uses as its main force of physical action. Golf uses the whole body to play the game, so toning muscles is needed and then there are the muscles that you have to work that enhances your swing and lower the chance of injuries.

The more you play golf can have an affect on a persons physical atrophy level if they do not use the shoulders as their main force in movement. There is using the wrong muscles to create your physical movement that increase atrophy. This program sees the core and breathing as the main force to movement and doing golf for when the core goes weak and the breath become short, strength and endurance leaves person. It does take focus to manage your rate of physical atrophy starting around 55 so when you are in your 70 and 80, you can still play a good game of golf and that comes with, a good golf swing. If your over 65 and older and want to change your physical atrophy so you can play golf at a higher level, finding exercise programs that directly works on atrophy and it has to begin with core and breathing and then how to use core and breathing within your your game.

In golf, lower back problems are an impediment to a golf swing then comes muscles range motion in turning and then the shoulders problems. These are the basic physical weak point that impede a good golf swing and game. How to approach each problem and work within the interconnection between them for they are connected within your golf swing. Learning about your physical parts within your golf swing helps you realize your whole body and using the desire to play the game of golf give reason to work at your physical atrophy. The rewards to exercise within the context of the game of golf creates enjoyable moments and its physical to mental. The power of the core/breathing is the center point to give you strength and energy for any physical sport. To affect your lower back problems core/breathing is the beginning to reshape your lower back in your golf swing. Shoulder displacement can be affected by how you inhale in your chest to affect the shape of the shoulder during your swing. The range of motion is in direct ability to relax muscles and the force of exhaling is the first thing you can do to affect relaxation.

These are general ideas and finding and developing techniques within each idea to be affective on atrophy and your golf game at the same time has to be put together differently for each person.

Every sport has its physical affect on the body, its just life, but how to deal with it so it does not affect your game and does not hurt your body in the long run takes understanding of your physical body, mind and spirit. Exercising and keeping the muscles tone for the sport of choices and focus on the muscles that get used most within your sport and keeping them strong lesson atrophy. It is also how you engage and use those muscles to do the golf swing and game that affects how long will they be affective before they get over used and break down and do not heal. Healing muscles is another area of research and should be look at and work on as you get older. Finding techniques that affect muscles, spine and your golf swing form is a challenge of realization of your physical and mental being. Your emotional attitude, which is mental to physical and have direct affect on muscle tension, while you are playing affects your muscle tension and your golf form during your swing. Using the game of golf and your swing to realize more about your self from a physical point of view to your attitudes of life while in the game and creating choices to adjust your game for enjoyment. The more you enjoy what your doing, your muscles are relaxed during your physical activity. Negative attitudes (fear) will tighten muscles in your golf game thereby makes them weak and subject to injury.

The idea of golf as mental game is very common for people that play and they think that way because of how hard it is to hit that little ball and their emotions that come up in their swing and game. To change emotions is harder then changing your swing but they go together. Reality is the golf swing is all physical for golf is a physical game with emotional affect so being clear how they play together creates choices within your game. Adjustments and refinement each time you go out on the course is part of the fun of playing. Its about challenge and testing and realization how things work that make it not boring. Reverse the idea of the golf swing as physical to mental, emotional state but people start their game thinking or holding on to abstraction thoughts that have emotions within ideas in their head, that form a muscle reaction and when they release them, that is when the body does what you trained it to do. Being in the Zone in your game is having the mind feeling the muscles doing what your trained to do but do not have the mind thinking about what your doing.

The power of core/breathing is an approach for the mind to coordinate with core/breathing to activate a persons physical golf form that will give outlet to express their strength within the golf swing. Realize your core/breathing is the center force that the rest of the body uses to create force of action. If the core is weak the hands and feet will be weak and if breath is low endurance will be low. The better the core is connected to breathing action or coordinated within movement of the golf swing the more force can be directed by the mind into hand and feet.

The great Ben Hogan in his book on the golf swing has illustration that gives a good visual expression of the core and how it affects the muscles to coordinate the swing. How to energize those muscles is the approach in this program, the power of core/breathing. By developing core/breathing with your exercises to keep you fit to play golf, is one part and the other part is using the core/breathing while you are hitting the ball on the range and then there is using core/breathing as you are walking the course to relax. The more you use the core/breathing during your game keeps the level of coordination at high level and atrophy at lower level.

If your 55 and or much older the word atrophy should come into your consciousness for it’s about understanding the goals that affect atrophy within your exercises that lesson the affects of aging. You can not stop aging but you can influence it in your physical life by keeping your core and your breathing ability at the highest level for your age. Using playing golf as a purpose to develop one self and explore ones spirit within the game of golf in contexts for using core/breathing techniques to enhance abilities in the game and out side of the game. Core/breathing ideas are not just about being on the course it is about life it self for when the core becomes weak and your breath is small your not moving the body.

The power of core/breathing has to be viewed in two different ways one for males and the other is for females to be the most affective because of physical and temperament differences. There is male sense of movement and exercise and females will use a different set of muscles within the techniques for each gender group should look at the ideas from their point view. Knowing there is difference lets a person incorporate these ideas in different ways that aids them to be more physical over all and in their golf game. Like in life man will do it one way and women will do it another way and that is just how it is but making the most out of are abilities is the goals. The basic ideas just work but the refinement of these ideas has to be base on gender to create effective physical experience within exercise and the golf swing.

Hitting 100 balls on the range should be the warm up for the course. You can view hitting a 100 balls as an exercise of the core/breathing energizing your swing through mentally directing a persons golf form. Making hitting 100 balls as an exercise where person spends 3 hours on the range hitting 1oo balls and taking the time to work their golf form within their core/breathing development to generate force within their swing. Toning the core muscles through creating the golf swing affects persons physical atrophy and keeping range of motion. Energy is real and it is generated in the core area and physical muscle strength is directly connected to core but energy and strength has to be also seen in context of the whole torso being engage in the act creating person breathing ability during the golf swing and exercises. Having clear understanding of the core area and how to use the different muscle groups during breathing and during the golf swing is a function to the mind or mindfulness. The more the mind understands and can feel the different groups of muscles gives the ability to activate them during your exercises and hitting the 100 balls.

This part could be called the daily 100 ball swing exercise, where each swing has core/breathing interaction between the different group of muscles form your golf swing to the hands and feet. If done affectively fatigue will not be the end affect but a feeling of muscles being energized and good sense of muscles throughout the body. Using the act of physically creating the swing, now there is so many types of swing keep in mind so swings can very and that is part of using the act of creating the swing as an exercise to engage the core/breathing on each swing.

The approach to core/breathing for the golf swing begins with the center of the body and focus on the belly button. The belly button is in the center of your core so how that area is used for the different types of bodies plays into understanding of your abilities. There all different body shapes and the goal is the same in the golf swing but approach has to be different to adjust to one abilities and age. The approach begins with dividing the swing into two parts at the belly button where there is movement from the belly button down and from the belly button up. The up part is related to shoulders and the down part is about hips.

Example of how the body move between hips and shoulders. Stand straight with feet apart (like at address) and then bring your mind focus to the core area and then the belly button. Keeping focus on belly button and do not let it move turn shoulders and head but do not let belly button move from center. Do this very slowly to feel the muscles on your side and the tension build up and then stop at any point just to realize the feeling between the hips and shoulders by not letting belly button move. Range of movement will very given body shape. By feeling and realizing your range of motion within this turn help develop your swing and the force you can generate. Exercise for your golf swing is to go into address and bring club back but do not let your belly button turn and feel the muscle affect. The more you pull back on club and keeping your belly button center build up tension and once you reach your top hold it and relax shoulders, feel the core and muscle relationship to the hands, holding the club and the feel of the club. You have to feel the club within your hands is the end goal so you can direct it through your swing and feel it as you hit the ball and that is fun. Feeling the club is in direct ratio to strength in core and the minds connection through energy.

Now bring your self back to address and to realize how the body turns at the waist were the belly button turns the hips turn but shoulder do not. How the body moves from the belly button down wards affects the hip movement and feet connection and turning ability. This is about getting a sense of movement ability and understanding how the belly button relationship between hips and feet and when it moves in your swing and shoulders force when belly button does not move. Think about this example in context of the whole torso for the golf swing, never stop viewing the approach from idea of the whole torso and body movement but it is divided at the belly button.

The belly button affect within using the core/breathing influence and enhances your swings if it is short or long. Try this with your belly button, on short swing keep your belly button in place at address and just move club. The force down your leg to keep the belly button in place makes a very good foundation for your swing. You have to choose to bring the hips around with the small swing or not. The more you feel the pressure of the inside heel to keep hip from turning or belly button the more tension in muscles in your side can be build up and the swing can be relaxed. When your mind feels the belly button staying in place the spine can become straight and shoulders relaxed.

You can see and feel differences when the belly button moves the hips and the feeling when you keep the belly button in one place and feel shoulders range of motion. Look at the golf swing in three stages and how to develop each stage and then engage each one in your golf swing. How you move your belly button determines, if you have a single or two plane swing and it influences the force of the swing in the build up of tension in groups of muscles from your core and left hip to your to your left shoulder point.

Within movement what is the core tension doing and breathing in the context of the torso as you are at address and during your swing and after your swing. It is about how you move the belly button set up the hip movement for your golf swing. Having core muscle tension give the mind a sense of connection for movement. The mind does not move muscles unless it feels the muscles.

What was not talk about is how to breath before, during and after your swing for breathing is part of working with your golf swing.

NOTE; This is energy point view that affects physical and mental for it is an approach and it is not simple because its about experiencing your swing and game and how to develop and direct your energy flow into it. Here is a suggestion; do not do what your read BUT play with what is said. It is about being creative from the internal to the external and then back. Its a interaction thereby playing has to be and that forms enjoyment the greatest enhancement to your game. There are many advantages to being older and be wise can be one of them and developing wisdom within your golf game.

If you have lost your force in your golf game look at your core force ratio to shoulder usage and your breathing range for the more you enhance core/breathing the more you can play within your golf game.

Author: Scott Bartley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Times

Port St. Lucie

On the central coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Port St. Lucie boasts the famed PGA Village, with the PGA Golf Club, the PGA Learning Center, one of the world’s largest and most advanced practice facilities, and PGA of America Golf Schools, recognized as one of the best golf schools in the U.S.A. The PGA Golf Club offers 54 holes of championship golf by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. The Dye Course, designed by Pete Dye, emphasizes the native surroundings and Dye’s uninhibited creative design. The Ryder Course, designed by Tom Fazio, was named in honor of Samuel Ryder, the founder of the Ryder Cup. The course offers a wide variety of holes, with a distinctive Carolina feel. The Wanamaker Course, also designed by Tom Fazio, is considered one of Florida’s most beautiful courses.

Other notable courses in the area include the Champion’s Club at Summerfield in Stuart, and the Eagle Marsh Golf Club in Jensen Beach. Champion’s Club at Summerfield was named one of the country’s best new public courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine when it opened in 1994. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and was the first public golf course awarded Audubon Signature Sanctuary status. The Eagle Marsh Golf Club in Jensen Beach is a challenging Tom Fazio course set in a sprawling 240-acre wildlife preserve.

If you are headed to Port St. Lucie for golf, stay at the Sheraton PGA Resort, next to PGA Village, or Vistanas Beach Club on Hutchinson Island, convenient to Eagle Marsh Golf Club.

Naples

The Naples-Marco Island typically ranks first or second in national Golf Holes per Capita surveys. With over 40 golf courses, there are plenty of choices. Named as one of America’s Top 100 Resort Courses in 2005 by Golfweek Magazine, the Gold Golf Course at Tiburon Golf Club was designed by Greg Norman, and features 18 holes of golf on a 74.7 rated course. The Raptor Bay 1 course at Raptor Bay Golf Club in Bonita Springs was designed by Raymond Floyd, and was named a Top 10 New Public-Access Golf Course in America in 2001 by Golf Magazine. The Pelican Preserve Golf Club offers 27 holes of championship golf on a course designed by renowned architect Chip Powell.

In Naples, stay at the Bayfront Inn 5th Avenue, Naples’ only downtown waterfront destination, the Bellasera Hotel Naples, located at the gateway to the heart of Olde Naples, or The Park Shore Resort, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Naples.

Ft. Myers

The Ft. Myers region, including Estero, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Sanibel Island, and Venice, has earned a reputation of having some of the most sought after golf courses in the world, causing some to rename the Florida Gulf Coast: Florida’s “Golf Coast.” Eastwood Golf Course is rated one of the top 50 municipal courses in the country by Golf Digest. One of the largest golf schools in southwest Florida, Paradise Golf Academy at Stoneybrook Golf Club emphasizes state-of-the-art teaching techniques, such as video swing analysis, and traditional on-course playing lessons with PGA-certified instructors. Coral Oaks Golf Course has been a local favorite for almost 20 years and not just for the bargain green fees. Bay Beach Golf Club, also a local favorite, is an 18-hole course with Bermuda grass and a variety of water hazards.

In Ft. Myers, stay at the DiamondHead Beach Resort, directly on Ft. Myers Beach, the GullWing Beach Resort on Estero Island, Point Estero Beach Resort, or Santa Maria Harbour Resort, nestled on Estero Bay.

Clearwater/St Pete/Tampa

The Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area has challenging courses for all players. The Belleview Biltmore Golf Club in Clearwater has been an American golfer’s favorite since 1925. Designed by world famous golf architect, Donald Ross, the golf course has a reputation for a challenging design that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. The Belleview Biltmore Golf Academy offers full-swing fundamentals, short game techniques and course management strategies.

TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz (just north of Tampa) is an annual stop on the Champions Tour. Opened in 1991, designed by Bobby Weed, with assistance from player consultant Chi Chi Rodriguez, TPC Tampa Bay has earned numerous accolades, including a 4 1/2 star rating in Golf Digest’s Places to Play. The course is routed around natural wetlands, cypress heads and numerous ponds and lagoons, which are home to an abundance of wildlife, making TPC Tampa Bay one of only two courses in the Tampa Bay area to be designated as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Mangrove Bay Golf Course, in St. Petersburg, is one of the most popular courses in the area. Bardmoor Country Club, in Largo, is an upscale public course that offers a private-club experience. Former PGA Tour player and course architect Gary Koch gave the course a makeover in 2001.

In Clearwater, stay and golf at the Belleview Biltmore Resort, Golf Club, Spa & Beach Club (see the CRSHotels.com special deal). Nearby, enjoy the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, or the Tahitian Resort Tarpon Springs. In the St. Pete Beach area, choose the Grand Plaza Hotel and Beach Resort and Conference Center, the Bilmar Beach Resort, the TradeWinds Sandpiper Hotel & Suites, or the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, a classic, family-friendly resort.

Orlando

Orlando is home to some of the golf industry’s biggest events, such as the PGA Merchandise Show, and the Golf Industry Convention, as well as many national pro golf tournaments and championships. It’s also a great place to play golf. There are golf courses for every style, level and budget. Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando is an award-winning championship golf course. Mystic Dunes Golf Club in Celebration boasts an 18-hole course designed by Champions Tour professional and NBC golf analyst Gary Koch. One of the most popular courses on the PGA Tour, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, is home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational Tournament. Disney World also offers several championship golf courses, including Eagle Pines, Lake Buena Vista, Magnolia, Osprey Ridge, and Palm.

In Orlando, stay and play at the Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando. Enjoy golf nearby at the Caribe Royale Suites, the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, or the Buena Vista Suites. Choose the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, the Parc Corniche Suite Hotel, the Star Island Resort Orlando, the Sheraton Vistana Villages or the Florida Hotel & Conference Center at the Florida Mall.

Author: Carlos Giraldo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Beading Necklace

Golf Digest is perhaps better known for its rankings of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” that featured the best golf course to be found worldwide. It was a colossal idea, as one researcher stated, since it promotes those major sponsorships and arrangements at the same time made Golf Digest readily feasible to the reading public if only the information for the best golf course was the collective interest.

Either case, Golf Digest’s rankings of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” proved to be very successful. So successful was it that ultimately, Golf Digest’s biennial rankings are regarded as an actual basis rate as far as every golf course go since its inception at 1985. The Golf Digest’s ratings are considered legitimate too, since the entries are voted on by a board of several distinguished golf experts. The most successful qualifier is the Pine Valley Golf Club, who topped the list every time except on the 2001 ranking.

Golf Digest also produces lists of the best new courses, the best golf resorts, and the best golf course in each state.

Golf Digest Magazine offers tips and secrets in golf equipment, starter instructions an techniques explained in articles and even an instructional video, news and top stories about the present and recent tours, feature articles on just about anything but regarding golf, travel suggestions towards the best golf courses, and of course -Tiger Woods. Golf Digest can also be accessed by web http://www.golfdigest.com, where online golfing content are available for browsing.

Golf Digest became a branded circulation because it covers comprehensive issues about golf. A few other golf magazines feature comprehensive critiques, commentary, issues, reports, rumors, and stories about golf, all mixed in a flavorful manner. Golf Digest subscription is offered at $14.97 and the first time customer receives two risk free trial issues along with two free tips booklets. If you are interested, call 800-727-4653 which is toll free in the US and Canada.

For those who want to interested, here’s the top 10 of the 100 Greatest Golf Courses for the 2005 – 2006 list.

1. Pine Valley Golf Club of New Jersey

2. Augusta National Golf Club of Georgia

3. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club of New York

4. Cypress Point Club of California

5. Oakmont Country Club of Pennsylvania

6. Pebble Beach Golf Links of California

7. Merion Golf Club of Pennsylvania

8. Winged Foot Golf Club of New York

9. National Golf Links of America of New York

10. Seminole Golf Club of Florida

Author: Milos Pesic
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty rates

Golf Swing Instructions Straight from the Pros

You can improve your golf swing by following golf swing instructions from professional golf trainers. Professional golf trainers are a reliable source of golf swing instructions. He or she can personally look at your golf swing, analyze it and provide you with specific golf swing instructions on how to improve it. A professional golf trainer can tell you which area of your golf swing needs to be improved and he or she can come up with specific golf swing instructions that you need to follow. Your golf swing can improve after a lesson or two provided by a professional golf trainer.

Inexpensive Sources of Golf Swing Instructions

Getting golf swing instructions from a professional golf trainer doesn’t come cheap, however, and not all golfers can afford to hire one. You can still work on improving your golf swing inexpensively. You will find invaluable golf swing instructions from other sources. For online savvy golfers, golf web sites provide golf swing instructions ranging from articles, short tips and videos. You can also check out the golf books and golf magazines in your local library. You can subscribe to one or two golf magazines and receive up-to-date golf swing instructions from leading golf professionals for a fraction of the cost. There are also golf DVDs you can either rent or purchase. You can follow the golf swing instructions from these inexpensive sources in your own time and right in your own home. You can find out more about perfecting your golf swing at http://www.golftipsofthemonth.com

* Did you know that your grip — how you hold the golf club — is a factor that can affect your golf swing? Your top thumb must point up directly at you and comfortably grip the golf club.

* If you find your hands hurting while you golf or after the game, you may be gripping the golf club too tightly. Loosen your grip a little and relax.

* Having an even golf swing plane also contributes to the success of your golf swing. The club face must be square with the golf ball upon impact if you want to hit the golf ball straight.

* The only way you will improve your golf swing is if you practice consistently and regularly.

Author: Dean Forster
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card

There is an entity known as the USGA or the United States Golf Association. This group determines the rules of golf, including the number of golf clubs that can be used in a round of golf. This limit is fourteen golf clubs. Normally, the standard golfer would have one driver, one putter, three wedges, seven irons, and two fairway woods in their golf bag. The combination of golf clubs is as varied as there are golfers. Hybrid golf clubs have begun replacing some of the longer golf irons and fairway woods in the golf bag.

The driver is the club that is most golfers favorite golf club, even though it is usually not used on every hole. The driver golf club is the longest golf club with the biggest head at the end of the shaft. This allows the golfer to hit the golf ball with the greatest distance, but not always the most accuracy. Rules regulate the size of the club head. The golf club driver will be the most expensive single golf club in the golfers bag. Name brand golf club drivers will cost between $200 and $400. Discount golf club drivers can be purchased for around $100 or even less.

The fairway woods have club heads that are slightly more lofted than the driver, and are used for long shots when the ball is lying on the ground. The club heads used to be made of wood, but now are mostly metal. Fairway woods normally retail from $150 to $300. You can realize major savings with clone golf woods that run at quite a discount over name brand golf woods.

Hybrid golf clubs have made a big entry into the world of golf clubs. They are very versatile golf clubs that are used in place of long irons and fairway woods. Hybrid golf clubs combine the best features of the fairway wood and long irons. Wit this versatility, they can be used almost anywhere on the golf course. Prices for hybrid golf clubs run similar to drivers, but discount hybrid golf clubs are available along with clone and knockoff hybrid golf clubs.

Golf irons are the essence of a set of golf clubs. Two thirds of the shots in a normal round of golf will utilize an iron. Irons are used to hit the golf ball off the ground from distances of 125 yards to 225 yards. Each iron is assigned a number based upon the loft angle of the club head. The 9-iron has the most loft, a shorter shaft, and is used to hit short, high shots. A 2-iron has very little loft, a longer shaft, and is used to hit low, long shots.

Golf club wedges can be part of the golf club iron set purchase. Normal golf club wedges include a pitching wedge, the sand wedge and different lofts of lob wedges. These golf club wedges are used for shots that are within 100 yards or closer to the green. These shots are sometimes referred to as the money shot because they should get you very close to the pin. The number of wedges carried by the golfer is dependent upon their particular golf game and their strengths and weaknesses.

The golfer has the choice of 2 primary types of golf club irons. For the more experienced golfer, forged irons are mad for precision and enable easier shaping of shots for draws and fades. Cavity-backed golf irons have a larger sweet spot and are more forgiving on off-center shots, providing straighter shots. A set of golf irons consisting of 2 through 9, a sand wedge and a pitching wedge, would range in price from $250 to over $1,500. Discount golf irons can provide great savings and are sometimes referred to as knockoff golf irons or clone golf irons.

The final and perhaps most important golf club, is the putter. The putter is also known as the “money club” because it is the club used to tap the ball into the hole. The purpose of the putter is to roll the ball, so there is no loft on the club head.

Being the most important golf club, the putter has gone through quite a change in recent years. The size and shape of the putter head comes in many different varieties. The shaft length also can be very short or very long and anywhere in between. Conventional putters, belly putters, mallet putters – the choices seem endless. Golf club putters also have a wide range of prices, ranging from around $20 to around $300.

Author: Kevin Fairbanks
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Credit card currency-exchange fees

All About Custom Golf Clubs

Just to make a point about custom golf clubs take a look around you the next time you are out on the golf course. Is everyone the same height, weight, sex, and age or are there major differences in appearance? Now, check out everyones golf clubs. Are all of the clubs practically the same with standard grips, lengths, and the like? So, what does this observation mean? It means that standard golf clubs dont fit the majority of golfers. So if you truly want to improve your game you will customize a set of custom golf clubs, just for you. Now, you are probably thinking that custom golf clubs are even more expensive than name brand golf clubs. However, that is not necessarily the case. Not to mention that the fitted custom golf clubs you hear about arent anything at all like custom golf clubs, they are made from scratch just for you. Dont get confused between fitted custom clubs and custom golf clubs. The fitted custom golf clubs simply start out with the standard set of clubs from any golf manufacturer and then they proceed to make the clubs more suitable to your personal and playing traits. Although the custom fitting doesnt do too much other than cost you money because they are starting with a product that doesnt fit you to begin with!

Why would anyone anticipate that mass produced clubs would help them play golf at their best? The reason is because golfers want to be better and they believe the hype from the golf manufacturers that the newest technology will improve their game. Well, the real answer is not in buying mass produced clubs but rather customizing your own golf clubs. Anyone who has ever had a set of custom golf clubs can tell you that finally having a set of clubs that are the right length, with the right grip, will greatly impact what you shoot the next time you are out on the golf course.

It is simply logical to buy custom golf clubs that are made to fit you or customize your own set of golf clubs. That means your golf swing is analyzed as well as your personal characteristics to create a custom golf club set that works with your golf style and not against it. A custom golf club set will allow you to have grips that are the right size for your hands, heads that reflect your skill, and shafts that are the right length and flex.

When you have your first custom golf club set made you may see some big differences from your last set of clubs. Your custom golf clubs may be a different length or the grip may be smaller or bigger. The flex may be different and the head might be different as well. For some people who set out to play with their custom golf clubs the first day they see amazing results. Others will need to make some changes and practice because although the custom golf clubs really fit their personal characteristics its difficult to change after playing with clubs that dont fit for so long. Just a little practice and patience is all that is needed to see the difference custom golf clubs provide. Not to mention that when you have a custom golf club set made you will have new clubs that wont be in need of golf club repair any time soon! If you really love golf then a custom golf club set is really worth the investment.

Author: Ant Onaf
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty

What is a golf head cover, a newbie in golfing might ask. It is that golf accessory that protects the golf driver, and even irons if you have a full set, from getting damaged during travels or just when you are in a hurry to pull a club out or drop one into the bag.

What’s the use of a golf head cover, as mentioned, it is for protection. Since golf is a not-for-the-pauper game, golf equipment can be with very hefty price tags. The expensiveness of golf equipment is the very reason that many golfers need to protect their stuff. A golf head cover can help in this arena.

Golf clubs need utmost care and one of the most critical parts of golf clubs that require care is the golf club head. Why? The golf club head can make or break your game since this part of the golf club is the very part that gets in direct contact with the golf ball. Using golf head covers can solve a golfer’s dilemma about how to care for this important part of his or her golf clubs.

One of the greatest nemesis of many golfers is rust on their golf club heads. And as nature has made it to be, rust can’t be avoided. A golf enthusiast can be very particular in maintaining their golf club heads clean and safe from rust. But it’s just impossible to expect rust to never visit your golf club heads because these golf equipment are made of carbon steel which is plated with chrome. As one uses a club, it gets exposed to abrasion, friction, and moisture, which builds up to produce rust. And rust on golf club heads can eventually turn a great golfer’s greatest hit into a bad one. You can slow down the process of allowing your priced golf club heads from succumbing to annoying rust – use golf club head covers. The golf head cover will keep the club head dry, which will consequently delay rusting.

Now after the uber-functional discussion about golf head covers, let’s go to the fun part. Golf head covers are also considered status symbols. The style of your golf head cover will indicate what your preferences are in terms of aesthetic value and of course, it will show what you can afford to buy. This is because there is a myriad of golf head covers, even designer ones that the more sophisticated type of golfer will definitely love.

So what are your golf head cover design options? Choose among the following popular designs by deciding which will suit your personality best.

Plain golf head cover exists for those who hate too much trinkety sporting equipment. It can be less taxing if you are someone who gets disturbed by too much color or attention, especially from other golf players.

Popeye golf head cover is available for those who never get tired of the Popeye cartoon show. You will almost hear your golf club head munching on spinach if you use this style of golf head cover. Just kidding!

A bulldog golf head cover is for you if you simply love dogs, especially bull dogs. Great for really virile guys who want more fun from golf and some attention from other golfers, say girl golfers. Arf!

State flag design head covers are for those who are very patriotic and would always appreciate anything that symbolizes his or her country.

Your own golf club might be giving away free golf head covers. Just ask.
Enjoy protecting your golf club heads with fun golf head covers!

Author: Nathalie Fiset
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Excise Tax