Golf Club

Junior Nationals Golf Club

Archive for the ‘Golf News’ Category

310
Despite many reassurances, some amateur golfers still dread golf strength training exercises. The problem would appear to be the presence of equipment like dumb bells in this sort of strength training. Not everybody is an exercise expert and therefore many people cannot tell the difference between body building exercise and strength building exercises.
golf,golf swing,golf trainer,golf workouts,golf exercises,golf fitness,golf lessons,golf instruction,golf tips
Despite many reassurances, some amateur golfers still dread golf strength training exercises.

The problem would appear to be the presence of equipment like dumb bells in this sort of strength training. Not everybody is an exercise expert and therefore many people cannot tell the difference between body building exercise and strength building exercises.

The two are very different. They are so different that the difference can be compared to the difference there is between day and night.

Body building has got no part to play in golf strength training exercises. If anything this sort of exercise routine would damage a golfer’s game rather than improve it.

One of the effects of a body building exercise program that includes nothing else is that it causes the body to lose flexibility. Flexibility is very important in golf and that is precisely the reason why stretch exercises are a part of any good and genuine golf strength training exercise program.

In body building the emphasis is on lifting increasingly heavier weights so as to get the muscles to grow in size as quickly as possible. A body building program is usually rigorous and definitely not for everybody.

Muscle strength-building exercises using dumb bells are the exercises that are useful to golfers. Dumb bells play a huge role in golf strength training exercise programs. Only that the weight lifting program is very different from the one used in body building.

Much lighter weights are used and lifted up and down many more times than is the case in weight lifting. Still the sessions are much shorter than body building sessions.

Results have shown clearly that when this golf strength training exercise program is combined with stretch exercises, the improvement witnessed in any person’s game has to be seen to be believed. The results of golf strength training exercise programs are usually tremendous.

How Do The Golf Pros Train?

Posted by on Feb-1-2012

398
Before any golfer, pro or otherwise, picks up a club, they look at the capability of their body versus the requirements of the swing.
golf pros, golf fitness, golf exercises, golf stretches, pro golf exercises, golf strength
Before any golfer, pro or otherwise, picks up a club, they look at the capability of their body versus the requirements of the swing.

What exactly does this mean?

Most of us are aware that golf requires rotation at the hip joints, shoulder joints and spine. So, what if a golfer has a very tight low back or any restrictions in their shoulders? Well, the obvious answer is that any loss of range of motion creates swing flaws in addition to injuries. This is a fact based on human performance and movement. It is also necessary to create a fluid and natural golf swing. Not only does golf require good rotation at each joint, but it must be efficient and explosive.

Last fall I had the opportunity to visit such a human performance center where some of the more famous tour players train. I was able to explore the same tests they take as part of their initial assessment period. Remember since we are all built differently and have different strengths and weaknesses, we all test differently.

The results of these tests help guide, direct and prioritize any training program moving forward. How successful is this approach to golf conditioning? I watched it place a green jacket on a well deserving young player just a couple of years ago.

What exactly do you test for?

Muscle strength. Evaluate each significant muscle group. Are there any significant differences between your left side and your right side?

Range of Motion. Do you have adequate range of motion in the joints which most affect the golf swing? How does your lower body look versus your upper body? Does your left side match the flexibility in your right?

Core strength and endurance. Do you know how to properly engage your core region? If so, for how long?

Aerobic capacity and endurance. Do you have what it takes to last through a solid 18 holes? Is there an opportunity for improvement?

Balance. Do you have proper balance? Do you know what normal balance for golf looks like?

Physical assessment tests similar are commonly used by the top touring pros today. These tests are being offered at some of the top golf performance centers and will surely be the wave of the future. It is your true understanding of your relative strengths and weaknesses that creates opportunities for immediate and sound improvement in your game.

364
Proper golf swing mechanics is a prerequisite for optimal golf performance. If you’re like most golfers, you’re always trying to duplicate that “perfect?golf swing. I know I am. Doesn’t it feel great to hit that effortless shot? Don’t you wish you could do it every time? That would be a similar feeling of what the pro’s have most of the time. It would be such a high!

So what’s keeping
golf,golf swing,golf trainer,golf workouts,golf exercises,golf fitness,golf lessons,golf instruction,golf tips
Proper golf swing mechanics is a prerequisite for optimal golf performance. If you’re like most golfers, you’re always trying to duplicate that “perfect?golf swing. I know I am. Doesn’t it feel great to hit that effortless shot? Don’t you wish you could do it every time? That would be a similar feeling of what the pro’s have most of the time. It would be such a high!

So what’s keeping you from improving your golf swing mechanics? Do you think you just need to hit more balls? Or, are you already hitting hundreds every week? If that’s not working, do you need more golf lessons? Or, have you taken lessons but not seen improvement?

If it’s none of the above, then what?

I can tell you almost 100% for sure…it’s your BODY!

Your body dictates how efficient you be with your golf swing mechanics. How many times have you felt like you can’t make a FULL turn or backswing? Do you think the solution is hitting more balls or taking more golf lessons?

It’s not! It’s improving your golf-specific flexibility and even strength.

Once you address and improve your physical limitations, your golf swing mechanics fall into place, with very little effort. Unless you don’t have a concept of what needs to be done to complete a proper golf swing, in which taking a golf lesson to understand it would be first priority.

The majority of amateur golfers have some kind of physical limitation that keeping them from a great game of golf. It could be flexibility, or it could be strength.

Combining the two is your most effective approach.

Getting a golf-specific evaluation by a golf fitness professional is your first step. Then, you can set up a game plan on what you need to work on and how to do it.

You’d be amazed at how quickly you can improve your golf swing and game with this approach. Don’t keep looking for the silver bullet. The answer is in the mirror. Improving your golf swing mechanics through fitness will give you the bigges return on investment.

Here’s To Better Golf Exercise

Posted by on Jan-28-2012

456
There is a lot of golf equipment to help you in your exercise program. You’ve got weights, rubber tubing, and so on.

But what exactly is “proper” golf equipment, designed specifically for exercise? This is the question that almost every new golfer has. We all know that exercise is good for you. It keeps you in shape to face life’s daily challenges. And with today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we all could do with some stamina and endurance.

Golf is no exception. That golf g…
golf,equipment,exercise,aids,balls,clubs,accessories,sports
There is a lot of golf equipment to help you in your exercise program. You’ve got weights, rubber tubing, and so on.

But what exactly is “proper” golf equipment, designed specifically for exercise? This is the question that almost every new golfer has. We all know that exercise is good for you. It keeps you in shape to face life’s daily challenges. And with today’s fast-paced lifestyle, we all could do with some stamina and endurance.

Golf is no exception. That golf game may look slow. In reality however, it can take its toll on someone who isn’t prepared to face up to the challenge. Mental preparation helps you think faster. This is likewise important since you have to do a lot of calculation and strategising at each hole. It’s basically trying to figure out how to make as few stops as possible on the way to the hole ?some 300 or so yards away.

Physical preparation on the other hand, helps one avoid injury during those “back breaking swings”. This can actually become a reality if you’re not prepared. Getting enough exercise can likewise give you better game results. And this is something every golfer wants.

Here is a word of advice when choosing proper golf equipment ?choose what suits you best. And exercise golf equipment likewise follows this “rule”. Why? Quite simple really: it should be able to bring out the best in your game. Here are some examples:

Take the hand weights or “dumbells” for instance. They may look simple. They are lightweight – 5 to 8 pounds of metal. But looks can be deceiving. These seemingly simple pieces of golf equipment can actually do a lot for your golf game. They can actually aid you with up to 12 golf specific exercise routines. And these are for various core regions. Fantastic!

Rubber tubing can likewise aid you with so many types of golf related physical exercises. From the simple to the complex. What’s more, just like those dumbbells, they are inexpensive, lightweight, and portable. You can practically take your “exercise program” with you ?literally.

Then there are the balls. These are the weighted medicine balls and stability balls. For those who aren’t sure of their differences, the medicine balls are pretty much your tennis ball sized round objects. They are a bit heavier though. These are fantastic for developing those forearm muscles. The stability ball on the other hand, is that beach ball-like round thing used to develop stability, balance and overall fitness. And just like other exercise golf equipment, they can be taken anywhere and used anytime.

So know what type of exercise golf equipment your body needs. Doing so will definitely help you get that near-perfect game.

Golf Swing Problem And How To Fix It

Posted by on Jan-26-2012

480
Having a golf swing problem and not being able to correct it is the norm these days. Millions of golfers every year walk off the course in frustration. They all have a golf swing problem and have tried to fix it the “traditional way?
golf,golf swing,golf trainer,golf workouts,golf exercises,golf fitness,golf lessons,golf instruction,golf tips
Having a golf swing problem and not being able to correct it is the norm these days. Millions of golfers every year walk off the course in frustration. They all have a golf swing problem and have tried to fix it the “traditional way?

What I mean…is going to an instructor who can very easily point out what the golfer is doing, but cannot necessarily get to the root of the problem. So many times the instructor will tell the golfer “he’s coming over the top?and that’s why he’s slicing the ball.

Or maybe he’s got the “chicken wing?in his follow through. But what does all that mean if you can’t get to what’s the cause and effect of that golf swing problem?

I’m here to tell you that many golf swing problems are caused by your body’s inability to perform optimal golf swing mechanics. Let me say that again. Your body is the culprit. If you don’t take a look at what the ‘physical?issue is, you can take all the lessons you want and you will continue to have the same golf swing problem.

Let me give you a specific example.

You have a hard time staying “in your posture?during your golf swing. You’ve taken many lessons and your golf instructor keeps telling you “your coming out of your swing? But what good is that if you don’t know why this is happening?

I’ll give you one (of many) reasons why this could be happening!

Your hamstrings (the back of your upper leg) are too tight AND week! This is a fact with the majority of golfers, especially the senior golfers.

Golf posture requires a bending at the hips, which puts a strain on the hamstrings and low back. If your hamstrings are tight, they will send a message to your brain saying “I can’t hold this, get me out of this uncomfortable position?

Does that make sense?

The other message your hamstrings might send is “I’m not strong enough to hold this position, I’m going bail out of this position?

This is a very common cause of “coming out of your golf swing?

But if you are not aware this is the cause, you will continue to take lessons and hear the same thing over and over again. You could have saved hundreds of dollars in lessons, just by stretching and strengthening your hamstrings specific to your golf posture.

This is just one of many examples of how your body is what’s causing the golf swing problem.

Once you take the approach that your body dictates your ability to swing correctly, you will be on your way to the best golf of your life. You will soon not have to worry about a golf swing problem anymore.

518
The golf handicap system is implemented at golf courses, for golf tournament play. Trophies and prizes are awarded at the end of golf tournaments, based on golf scores. In order to make the golf game fair play, the handicap system is based on the ten lowest differentials of the last twenty games on an eighteen-hole course in one season. Some golf associations will accept fewer golf games. It can also be used for fair play outside of golf tournaments. The following is a short …
golf handicap system,golf scorecards,handicap,golf strokes,golf play,scorecards,
The golf handicap system is implemented at golf courses, for golf tournament play. Trophies and prizes are awarded at the end of golf tournaments, based on golf scores. In order to make the golf game fair play, the handicap system is based on the ten lowest differentials of the last twenty games on an eighteen-hole course in one season. Some golf associations will accept fewer golf games. It can also be used for fair play outside of golf tournaments. The following is a short guide on how the golf handicap system works.

Handicap numbers are recorded for golf players numbered one through thirty-six, the number one being the lowest handicap, and the number thirty-six being the highest handicap. A scratch golfer has no handicap, better known as a scratch player.

Now lets take a look at how these numbers come into affect. If a player’s handicap is ten, and another player’s handicap are twenty. The difference between the two players is ten golf strokes. Therefore, to even up the match, the player with the lower handicap, which this case is the ten-handicap golf player, has to give out ten golf strokes to his opponent on eighteen holes, to make the golf game fair play. How do you identify on which golf holes they are going to be given out?

Typically on most, if not all golf scorecards, you will find numbers 1 through 18 near the bottom of the scorecard beside Men’s HCP and Ladies HCP. The numbers 1 through 18, you will also find out of order. The reason for the disorder of numbers is, the number 1 being the hardest golf hole, and the number 18 being the easiest golf hole. The golf course, or architect of the golf course, determines the order of numbers on any given golf hole, by the yardage and slope rating, and or other difficulty of the golf hole.

Now that we have determined how many golf strokes are to be given out, and where they are to be taken. The higher handicap in this case, which is the twenty handicap golf player, gets ten golf strokes for eighteen holes, on holes numbered 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, and 10. This should make the match a lot closer, if both players are playing within their game. It typically works out to one golf stroke on every other golf hole in this example, depending on how the golf course is laid out. Another example would be a scratch player and a thirty-six-handicap player, the scratch player having to give out two golf strokes on every hole.

Keeping track of your handicap, and using a handicap system, will help make the game fair play in a lot of golf matches, when playing against other opponents.

Check with your local golf pro, or golf association, on an official guide for the golf handicap system, and for maintaining a legitimate handicap. If you belong to a golf course, they should have a system in place to use for tournament play, which is recognized by most golf courses and golf associations. You can also find golf handicap software on keeping track of a golf handicap.

435
Bobby gives tips on how to pitch the golf ball.
golf, golf instruction, golf DVD, lower your handicap, pitch shots, golf tips, driver
Copyright 2006 David Nevogt

My name is Bobby Eldridge with the PurePoint Golf Academy. Today, I wanted to talk about pitch shots and more specifically, pitching the golf ball with loft. The most common golf instruction problem I’ve seen is when a golfer tops the ball over the green when pitching.

Well, I have a great golf instruction tip for you today. Are you ready? The reason that you struggle when you pitch is because the golf club swings down in the downswing, and just before it gets to the golf ball, it starts to swing back up and you wind up hitting the middle of the golf ball.

When you pitch the golf ball, the goal is to hit down on the ball and to have the ball crawl up the face of the golf club and go onto the green. The only way to make this happen is for the leading edge of the club to hit the bottom of the golf ball. The reason that many golfers skull the ball over the green is because they focus on the follow through being high and as a result, hit the ball on the upswing. In short, they don’t hit down on the ball, but rather hit up on the ball.

Imagine the golfer with the high follow through. As they come down, they start to swing back up again. Can you imagine how high the club face is at follow through? This is the incorrect way to hit a pitch shot. I’ve been in golf instruction for a long time and this is one of the most common problems I see.

The correct way is to put a little extra weight on your left leg, or the front leg, lean over on top of it, and with your arms, swing the club head down and let the golf ball go up. It will crawl right on up the club face. The key is to follow through low to the ground, not high.

In the downswing make sure, with your weight on your left side, that you swing your arms down and get the leading edge to swing into the ground. And then, the golf ball will crawl all the way up the face and take off for the target.

So remember, ball in the middle of your stance, weight on your left leg, swing your arms up and down. We like to keep golf instruction simple.

For better impact and for a little more loft when you’re pitching, get the feeling that you’re swinging the club face down into the ground.

608
Golf strength exercises are a must for any golfer wanting to improve power output; decrease injury; improve accuracy and consistency, and slow the effects of the aging process for senior golfers.
golf,golf swing,golf trainer,golf workouts,golf exercises,golf fitness,golf lessons,golf instruction,golf tips
Golf strength exercises are a must for any golfer wanting to improve power output; decrease injury; improve accuracy and consistency, and slow the effects of the aging process for senior golfers.

There is more and more information coming out about golf strength exercises, but some of it is a bit misleading. What constitutes golf strength exercises? And what are the benefits of doing them once you recognize the difference between golf strength exercises and ‘general?fitness exercises?

First off…a sport specific approach is needed. In analyzing the physical requirements of the golf swing, we know several things right up front.

It takes place on your feet. You are in a very dynamic and athletic body position (golf posture). You maintain this position while you swing a 3 foot long lever at up to 100 mph. There is a definite sequence of motion required. Maintaining balance, stability and coordination are a must.

Okay…now that we’ve ‘briefly?recognized just some of the physical requirements for an optimal golf swing, what would be the approach to your golf improvement program?

Since the golf swing takes place on your feet, you would definitely want to do many of your exercises on your feet. Doesn’t that make sense? Since you are in a dynamic (golf posture) position, you would want to strengthen the muscles that help maintain this position.

Because golf is a turn back (rotation) and a turn through (rotation), you must focus on both core strength and flexibility from a rotational standpoint. Not doing so, will slow your golf improvement and not give you the results you were hoping for.

Balance is critical to maintain a consistent swing with optimal mechanics, therefore you would want to challenge and improve your body awareness. This entails doing exercises on unstable surfaces; isolating just one side of the body, then the other to balance it out; and using many different modes of resistance (for example bands, handweights, stability balls, medicine balls, and even body weight).

Along with balance is stability. They go hand-in-hand, and in order to improve stability, you need to work on strengthening your lower body, specific to the dynamic movement of the golf swing. This would be from a lateral (side-to-side) motion, to a definite rotational (turning) motion. Training your lower body to improve stability is a must to produce repeatable shots.

We cannot ignore golf-specific flexibility in regards to utilizing golf strength exercises. But the type of flexibility needed is once again, dynamic. I hate to keep using that word, but the golf swing, is not like other athletic movements. Being in golf posture and moving that club at up to 100 mph takes a tremendous amount of flexibility in the major joints of the body.

Stretches that are most effective are movement oriented stretches, not static (holding) stretches. Improving your range of motion, with motion stretches is the only way to go. Taking a look at body positions throughout the swing will give you a better idea of the types of movement stretches you need to do to maximize your body’s ability to produce consistent power.

None of the above can be attained sitting in a stationary machine in a gym. I hate to burst your bubble. Don’t get me wrong. Any exercise is better than no exercise; but if you want to make better use of your time, you’ve got to participate in more golf strength exercises, than machine (general) exercise.

So next time a golfing buddy says he/she is training for golf; ask them what kind of exercises they are doing. You’ll now know if they are truly golf strength exercises.

474
Bobby Lopez, past touring professional and swing guru say’s, “I Don’t Think So.?
Bobby Lopez goes on to explain, “I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in the powers to be at The Masters Golf Championship. They’ve ruined my favorite golf tournament. I’m quite certain that Bobby Jones is turning in his grave!?
He sights the Master’s decision to lengthen their golf course to the point that 90% of the field doesn’t have a prayer in competing for the opening major champion…
golf, masters, online lessons, golf instruction
Bobby Lopez, past touring professional and swing guru say’s, “I Don’t Think So.?
Bobby Lopez goes on to explain, “I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in the powers to be at The Masters Golf Championship. They’ve ruined my favorite golf tournament. I’m quite certain that Bobby Jones is turning in his grave!?
He sights the Master’s decision to lengthen their golf course to the point that 90% of the field doesn’t have a prayer in competing for the opening major championship of the 2006 season. Everyone concerned feels that Master’s officials certainly should have concern for their championship being won by a score like 22 under par. Compared to the US Open, known for it’s difficult conditions, making even par a winner score again, the Masters at Augusta National with it’s wide rolling fairways and light rough became outdated in today’s long ball hitting environment.

Lopez, claims, “The same long hitting lineup is hitting it long at the US Open too but it’s not just the length that’s causing the higher scores. It’s the super fast greens and tight fairways with considerable rough that makes it very difficult for any player to reach the green in regulations once in deep rough’s grasp.?
At the Player’s Championship, we watched the best PGA touring professionals in the business agonize over a par three of only 123 yards. You have to question what made the Masters committee decide that only a 240-yard par three could tame today’s long hitting bullies?

Bobby Lopez says, “Tighten up the golf course I say, don’t lengthen it. Add a vicious intimidating rough that would make even the longest hitters reach for their 1 iron or a three wood to not risk hitting their drive in the rough and lose a stroke, (or maybe even your ball) to a deep club swallowing hazard.?
This adjustment Not only would have the scores go up but at the same time you would bring more players into contention and in Bobby’s estimation bring out the best ball strikers not just the long knockers.

You can think of it like NASCAR. Doesn’t this sport do the same thing? Look at how successful NASCAR is! They control the speed of the cars so that more competitors are bunched up at the finish to create a more exciting race.

Maybe the powers to be at The Masters, with all their glory, high income power brokers, members of the powerful business clicks, don’t have as much sense as a bunch of rednecks with a beer in their hand watching a Chevy go around in a circle. Could it be true? The numbers don’t lie NASCAR has the largest audience in the sports business and golf is losing popularity and participation.

382
Golf swing aids are rampant! Every golfer has dozens of them gathering dust in their garages or closets. How many wives have threatened a “clearing out?of these contraptions? If you are feeling me…keep reading.
golf,golf swing,golf trainer,golf workouts,golf exercises,golf fitness,golf lessons,golf instruction,golf tips
Golf swing aids are rampant! Every golfer has dozens of them gathering dust in their garages or closets. How many wives have threatened a “clearing out?of these contraptions? If you are feeling me…keep reading.

Have you purchased golf swing aids only to use them once or twice and not see improvement? Isn’t this an everyday occurrence for golfers? I see and hear this all the time, and yet golfers will continue to spend hundreds of dollars by the ‘latest/greatest?gimmick.

I don’t know if they (golfers) think they will find the “one?training aid that will change their game forever; or they are just trying to take the easy way out?

Either way, the main reason most golf swing aids don’t help is because you are not working on what’s causing your swing faults. You! Your machine (body) dictates your outcome! There’s no way around it!

What your body is capable of in that moment is the result you’ll get.

How many times have you wished you could make a bigger backswing but can’t? How often do you walk off the course with a sore back? How many times did you have a good front nine only to blow up on the back nine and shoot your normal score?

The above results were because of the “physical?issues within your body. Until you realize this and take a different approach to your golf improvement program, you’ll be a frustrated golfer for a long time.

In my opinion, there are a couple of golf swing aids that are effective when you incorporate them with your new golf training program. One is the medicus. This is a fantastic golf swing aid that gives you instant feedback. Swing it too fast or out of plane and the shaft breaks at the hinge.

Another golf swing aid I like is the weighted golf club. I swing mine everyday and boy does it loosen me up and strengthen my golf swing muscles.

Other than the above golf swing aids, there are dozens and dozens of ones that are a total waste of money. Save your money and work on you! The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll stop buying the latest, greatest golf swing aids.