Golfwithall

Golf Apparel: The Start Of Good Golf Etiquette

2008-01-04T11:25:00.001-05:00

Most clubs and courses, even the public ones, require that golfers follow a dress code. The most common rule is the collared shirt. Many courses require long pants, not jeans, and golf shoes.

5 Minutes Early Is Late

When it comes to actually starting your game, the primary rule of etiquette is to show up on schedule for your tee time. That means you will have already done everything else in preparation for the start of the golf game. You'll need time to park your car, warm up, practice, buy balls, change, and pick up a cart. Being early is a matter of consideration for others.

Leave Cell Phones In The Real World

The exclusion of cell phones from golf apparel is another common courtesy on the links. Cell phones should be left in your car or locker. If you do need to bring 1 onto the course for emergencies, keep it turned off.

When you're on the course, you'll need to understand how the other golfers in your group want to play. Some let the best score tee off on the next hole, while others let whoever is ready tee off first. You can offend players by not following their rules, even if their rules are, from your perspective, wrong.

Time-Honored Conventions Make Golfing Unique

An obsession with quiet is another characteristic for which golfers are known. Like most traditions, this one is based on necessity. When your object is to hit a small object with a long pole, you need all of your concentration. Even when golfing with friends, respect the fundamental rule of keeping quiet during shots, and standing out of the direct line of vision.

Today's golfing rules of etiquette can seem archaic -- a throwback to days of old. They harken back to a slower paced time when consideration for others was perhaps easier. In the 21st century, golfing provides us a time away from the bustle of everyday living. Though golf is highly competitive, it is, nonetheless, a gentleman's -- and gentlewoman's -- game.

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Golf Shopping links

2007-12-15T15:42:00.001-05:00

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Golf Apparel Resources

2007-12-02T04:14:00.000-05:00

5 Key Things to Look For When Purchasing a Golf Umbrella

Apparel And Equipment In Sports Fitness And Recreation

A Quick Course For The Golf Course Does Donts

Basis Golf Etiquette

Business Travel Success Plan

Choose A Great Pair Of Golf Shoes Essential To Your Golf Success

Christmas Vacations On Tropical Islands

Close Vacation Getaway from Metro Detroit on the Shores of Lake Huron

Custom Golf Carts

Easy Guides To Choose Different Sport Shoes

Footwear For The Golfing At Heart

Golf Accessories For Vacation

Golf Apparel Buying Tips

Golf Apparel Its All About Good Golf Etiquette

Golf Apparel The Start Of Good Golf Etiquette

Golf at its Best

Golf Bag Buying Tips

Golf For Beginners What Makes A Good Golfer

Golf Gear What You Need to Know Before You Start

Golfing In Costa Rica

Golf In Orlando Playing Linksstyle At The Royal St Cloud

Golf Sunglasses Are You Wearing The Best Ones For You

Golf Vacations What You Need To Know

Good Golf Shoes And Foot Placement Can Improve Youre Game

Go With Your Gut

How to Buy and Look After Your Golf Shoes

How to Correctly Weight Train for Golf Like Tiger Vijay and Phil

Island Golf Ideas For Your Upcoming Golf Vacation

Keep The Yellow Golf Shirt In The Bag

Mastering Golf Hazards Sand Water and Sun

Move Your Head

My First Time Playing Golf

Ontario Your Next Vacation Spot

Paphos Cyprus Holidays with Teenagers in Tow

The Beginners Guide To Golf Attire And Style

The Joys of Summer

Theres More To Sports Eyewear Than Meets The Eye Part 1

Theres More To Sports Eyewear Than Meets The Eye Part 2

The Woman Golfer and Improving the Short Game

Tips For Good Golfing Its All In The Swing

Tips To Help Make Your Tournament Plan A Resounding Success

Visit Palm Beach Florida

When Your Sneaker Is A Shoe In

Why Soft Spikes Are Hot and Metal Spikes Not

Wisconsin Dells Is A Fun Family Vacation Destination

Your Perfect Golf Vacation Step 3 the Conclusion

Pettersen claims share of World Championship lead

2007-10-14T08:11:00.000-05:00

PALM DESERT, California, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Norway's Suzann Pettersen birdied the last four holes to join title-holder Lorena Ochoa in a tie for the lead in the World Championship third round on Saturday.

Pettersen, who edged out Ochoa in a playoff for last week's Longs Drugs Challenge, carded a sparkling eight-under-par 64 at Bighorn Golf Club.

The big-hitting 26-year-old piled up nine birdies and a solitary bogey at the par-four second for a 12-under total of 204.

"I've been playing well all week and yesterday I felt a little robbed not making my putts," Pettersen told reporters after holing 20-footers to birdie the 16th and 17th.

"Today I kept hitting good golf shots and giving myself the chances and finally some putts dropped at the end, so patience is good to have."

Pettersen, who won her first major title at the LPGA Championship in June, planned to relax as much as possible before Sunday's final round.

"It was a nice way to finish today but tomorrow is a new day," she said. "We are going to play early again so I will relax this afternoon, take some hours off by the pool and just kind of get the batteries loaded."

Ochoa, one ahead of the chasing pack overnight, surrendered the outright lead with a bogey at the last for a 69.

FOUR CLEAR

The Mexican world number one, hunting her seventh LPGA title of the year, briefly forged four shots clear after covering the front nine in four-under 32.

However, she slipped back after the turn, sandwiching bogeys at the 11th and 18th around a lone birdie at the 12th.

"I'm a little bit frustrated right now with that driver again on 18," Ochoa said after pushing her tee shot at the last into a bush and taking a unplayable lie. "Probably tomorrow I won't hit my driver there.

"The important thing is I'm in the last group. I'm in a good position to win the tournament and I want to make sure I am get here 100 percent ready."

LPGA rookie of the year Angela Park of South Korea carded a 69 to share third place at 11 under with compatriots Jang Jeong (68) and Kim Mi-hyun (67).

Although American teenager Michelle Wie fired her best score of the week with a 77, she remained rooted to the bottom of the leaderboard in the elite field of 20.

Playing on a sponsor's invite after a dismal 2007 campaign hampered by a wrist injury and highlighted by just two LPGA cuts in seven starts, Wie piled up four bogeys, one triple-bogey and two birdies for a 19-over total of 235.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Las Vegas)

Cabrera wins one for the everyman in golf

2007-06-19T12:29:00.001-05:00

As with any major championship Tiger Woods doesn't win, there will be ample debate about whether this U.S. Open was good for golf, if a second straight unexpected winner in the game's biggest events is more likely to drive or hinder interest.

It should take a lot less analysis to see that Angel Cabrera's victory Sunday was at least good for golfers.

Really, who could somebody watching that tournament associate with more, the guy who was making his first breakthrough at the game's highest level or the one closing in on a record for such golf excellence?

Who did Joe Driving Range have more in common with, somebody who obviously knows his way around the clubhouse buffet and power-dragged Malboros between shots or the fitness freak whose abs are harder than the shafts in his irons and whose idea of an on-course snack is an energy bar? Any Sunday blitz is full of guys with Cabrera's slumped shoulders and swollen midsection. But Woods, who has either gone to smaller shirts or bigger muscles, doesn't look like anybody you've ever seen getting out of a cart at a public course.

And who could we all better identify with, the player who looked terrified of being in contention, whose facial expressions told the importance of every shot better than any scoreboard could, or the android who never appears to get rattled by the demands of golf? Woods might let his emotions out after a bad shot, but he never lets them prevent him from preparing for the next one. And he is never in a situation that seems too big for him. Cabrera looked like he was in one of those all day Sunday, right up until he managed to beat back nerves that seemed to be running twice as fast as Oakmont's greens.
So this Open, with its over-par parade and off-the-rack champion, might have seemed to humanize PGA Tour players. It might seem to show that they too can struggle with a game that eventually beats everybody who plays it.

In reality, though, it was another indication of just how different players at that level are than everybody else. The USGA will be alternately celebrated and criticized for a U.S. Open setup that once again humbled the world's best. It always is.

But perhaps what's most remarkable is that Oakmont didn't completely abuse the field, that the scores weren't even higher. There were only eight rounds under par all week, but there were none in the 90s. And, believe it or not, that's saying something. At the start of the Open, Vijay Singh predicted the winning score would be 10 over par. Tiger said a 10-handicapper playing that course under those conditions for four days would not break 100 on any of them.

Then the field goes out and plays just about the same as it has in the U.S. Open for years, with the winning score the same as last year.
It wasn't pretty golf. But it was pretty impressive under the circumstances.

And it's not hard to find reasons to be impressed by Cabrera, who won by banging drives that went 311 yards on average and hitting more greens than all but two players in the field. And by making a delicate two-putt on the 72nd hole and posting 25 percent of the tournament's sub-par rounds.
Most impressive of all, though, was how human he made a U.S. Open champion seem, how he not only beat the final-round tension but that he showed how much he actually felt it.
Source URL: http://savannahnow.com//node/307881

Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, cabrera

A Lower Body Golf Swing Can Generate Maximum Power

2007-06-16T22:51:00.001-05:00

The perfect lower body golf swing involves the legs to a very large extent and it is therefore true to say that exercise that conditions these parts of the body will have a positive impact on the quality of the golf swing.

This truth is obvious when you take a closer look at the lower body golf swing. During the backswing, the feet, knee and hamstring muscles are extremely important. The rest of the lower body golf swing movement will usually require a lot of participation of the hip and lower back.

Thus no good golf exercise program designed to improve the golf swing will avoid the lower back. In fact some golfers are puzzled at first when they see some of the golf specific exercises which concentrate on the hamstring and lower parts of the body.

They may initially feel that too much emphasis is being placed on this lower part of the body. Actually too much emphasis can hardly be placed on the lower body when it comes to the golf swing. This is because that is precisely where most of the golf swings happen.

In the past, even when golfers though of a little exercise, their emphasis was always on the upper part of the body, rather than on the lower body, when thinking about improving their golf swing.

Times have changed and today every genuine golf exercise program will usually place a lot of importance and emphasis on the muscles on the lower body for the sake of the golf swing.

These lower body golf swing exercises will involve both stretching exercises as well as strength-building exercises that will usually involve weight training.

A good program should include a wide range of different exercise and you should also be able to use various golf aid gadgets to correct weaknesses in your golf swing.

By strengthening your lower body golf swing you will always feel more confident and better prepared to perform a more powerful golf swing.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his proper golf swing site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf swing

Increasing Your Golf Swing Clubhead Speed Isn’t Everything

2007-06-15T22:38:00.001-05:00

“I want to increase my golf swing clubhead speed!” I hear this one all the time from the members of my golf-trainer.com site and golfers sending me emails. I want to be a ‘straight’ shooter (pardon the pun) right now. Increasing your golf swing clubhead speed is not everything!

You heard that correctly.

You can swing at 140 mph and it won’t mean anything unless your golf swing sequence and moment of impact is solid. There are lots of 300 yards in the woods! I have to chuckle when I see the Speed Stik commercials with Vijay.

Swinging that thing harder and harder isn’t going to make your ball go straight…and if I’m correct, the goal is to get it in the fairway, right?

The point I’m trying to get at is a more powerful, controlled, sequenced swing that does produce a higher clubhead speed, yet in control swing. One that has a consistent swing path and solidness of hit on the clubface.

So how do you achieve this?

The only way is to improve your golf-specific strength and flexibility!

If you’ve read any of my 300 plus articles, you’ll know I come back to this time-and-time again. It’s your BODY that limits your golfing ability.

Now picture this!

You do some simple, ‘in-home” golf exercises and go to the course. You step up to the tee and rip one farther than you have in years and it stays in play.

Doesn’t that sound more like it?

There is a balance between a higher clubhead swing speed, control and sequence of motion that gets you back to impact hitting the ball in the center of your clubface. Swinging hard just to swing hard won’t accomplish your goals of longer, straighter drives.

I receive emails from members, customers of my golf fitness dvds and manual who tell me who much more stable their swing has become doing my simple golf exercises, and how they are hitting it 20-30 yards further… consistently.

So don’t get me wrong!

I’m all about improving your golf swing clubhead speed… but with a stable swing… not one that is out of control and balance. I’m very proud when I receive these emails and know I’ve made yet another golfer a believer in golf training.

So next time you see Vijay’s commercial for the Speed Stik, don’t run out and buy it with the intension your going to see that number go up-and-up. Buy it with the intension that your swing will be stronger, stabler and in better sequence.

Then and only then will increasing your golf swing clubhead speed be a factor.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing training site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golf swing

Weight Training For Golf - In Your Own Home

2007-06-14T22:34:00.001-05:00

Weight training for golf is viewed by golfers as a lot of work, time-consuming, boring and you need a gym membership to do it. None of the above is true, and if you read this article, I’ll explain why.

You see… weight training for golf isn’t on machines anyway… so that eliminates the requirement of a gym. It’s not a lot of work, if you pick and choose the area you want to focus on. It’s not time-consuming if you do it in the convenience of your home, and have a plan of action. And lastly, it can be a lot of fun, when you use bands, exercise balls and training equipment specific to golf.

There many “so-called” weight training for golf programs, but when you take a look at them, you’ll see pictures of golfers sitting on their butts in a machine. I don’t know about you, but I think golf is done “on your feet”, right?

Weight training for golf is close to becoming “mainstream” with the golfing community. We see and hear all the pros doing it and playing their best golf; so why wouldn’t we amateurs do it also?

There are so many reasons why to participate in a weight training for golf program, that you can’t overlook it and say you don’t need it.

Lacking power in your swing? It’s because your body can’t produce any stored energy from a full backswing with torque in your core. That’s a ‘physical’ issue, not mechanical.

Is your golf swing inconsistent from one swing to the next? Swing faults originate from some deeper physical limitation that’s not allowing you to make a mechanically sound and repeatable swing. How many times have you taken a lesson and heard your pro say, “you need to make a full backswing”, but you just can’t physically do it? That’s a ‘physical’ issue, not mechanical.

How about injuries? Do you have one at the moment? The golf swing is physically damaging to the body if you don’t have enough strength and flexibility to withstand the force the golf swing puts on it. Swinging a 3 foot long lever (club) at up to 90 mph is unbelievably stressful on the joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles of the body. That’s a ‘physical’ issue, not mechanical.

I could go on and on, but I think you might get the idea by now.

Weight training for golf may be your “missing link” to your best game ever! If you’ve tried all the ‘other’ methods, this is the ONLY one left. Why wouldn’t you explore the possibilities a little more?

If you’re looking to add power to your golf swing; improve your consistency; and prevent golf injuries, then you’ve got to consider weight training for golf.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf swing, weight training

Choosing a Golf Club

2007-06-13T19:55:00.001-05:00

Cast Iron Golf Club

The cast iron golf club is made from cast iron and the majority of the weight of the golf club is around the perimeter. Because of this the sweet spot is larger and this type of golf club is really great for beginners or those who have trouble making full contact.

Forged Iron Golf Club

The forged iron golf club is generally used by professionals simply because of its design and function. The center of the golf club is the center of gravity and the front of the club is a bit heavier. If you are an experienced player then you might consider a forged iron golf club.

Also, you will need to choose a size for your golf club as well from standard to midsize or oversized.

The standard club is smaller, so the sweet spot is as well. Generally professionals and advanced players use a standard club.

Midsize golf clubs are great because they have a bigger sweet spot and are a bit larger than the standard golf club. Average players frequently use midsize golf clubs because they are easy to control and have a larger sweet spot.

Oversized golf clubs are generally used by seniors and individuals who have a hard time hitting the ball straight on. The one problem with these clubs is they can be difficult to control. The bonus, a huge sweet spot so when you make contact your ball goes further!

About The Author:

Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.golfclubsreviews.info a website specialized on Golf, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Golf. For more info on Golf visit: http://www.golfclubsreviews.info
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf club

Discover How Golf Schools Can Help You Play Better

2007-06-12T22:55:00.001-05:00

Services offered by Golf Schools need to be analyzed before joining it. A number of schools have mushroomed all around and every school claims that their school is the best. In view of such claims, it becomes difficult for the individuals to take a decision.

The objective of joining a Golf school is to learn the golf and become a good player if not a great player.

Swing is most important for every golfer. A more powerful, consistent golf swing is attainable for every golfer. The learner must know how to get more distance with all clubs and increase accuracy at the same time.

Swing Technology helps in learning the golf swing and other aspects of the sport.

Services Offered

The learner should always focus on the services offered by Golf Schools and not on their tall claims like "We have won Maximum number of Teacher of the Year award" or we have nationwide training schools etc. One should see and if possible take the opinion of somebody, who has already taken training from that school. Some salient features that must be part of the services offered by golf school, while deciding the training school.

1. The class size should range between 4 to 16 students and the teacher ratio should not be more than 4-1. However, 2-1 would be ideal, if possible.
2. The coach must be an ace golfer and should have excellent communication skills to make the learner understand the game and feel comfortable and secure.
3. The skills and the requirements must be clearly understood by the coach and he should be able to tailor it according to the needs of the individual. The groups of students must be made according to the abilities.
4. Apart from a good coach the institute must also have other facilities like: i. Latest Video Analysis Equipments, ii. Launch Monitor Technology, iii. Swing Learning Aids, iv. Should be able to scientifically measure a golfer's current swing and pinpoint his or her weaknesses, v. Help develop a plan for measurable improvement. vi. The staff should know the game and should be able to teach; so all golfers get all benefits where it really needs - on the golf course.
5. Last but not the least, the price. The cost of learning must be justifiable.

Thus, one should analyze the Services offered by Golf Schools taking the points mentioned above into consideration, before deciding on the Golf School.

Discover valuable advice and information about golf schools - what should you look for, and what you should avoid. Find out how to play the best golf you can play... Click http://www.golf-schools-uncovered.com/golf-school-vacation.html
Tags: golf, golfing, golf swing, golf school

A Golf Fitness Coach Equals Great Golf

2007-06-07T14:57:00.001-05:00

Golf fitness coach. Have you ever considered one… and if so, what exactly were you looking for? There are many ‘general fitness’ trainers trying to get a piece of the golf fitness and training market that seems to be rapidly gaining exposure both on the television and in print thanks to Tiger, Vijay and Annika.

But the first thing you need to consider when looking into hiring a golf fitness coach or program is the trainers experience in golf.

Yes… that is high on the list of requirements. Does he/she know golf? Do they know the biomechanics of the golf swing? How about muscle function during the golf swing?

An easy test is during the initial interview or if you’re researching it online is to either ask very golf specific swing technique questions or take a look at the information on the website. You’ll find out real quick if this person or program can help your golf swing, game and health.

A golf fitness coach or program should incorporate strength, flexibility, endurance, body awareness, balance, stability and even a nutrition component.

It’s easy for a trainer to have a strength component…but is it specific to golf? A quick test. Take a look at some of the exercises. Are any of them on seated machines for instance? If they are…run! This is NOT a golf fitness coach and/or program. This is considered ‘general fitness’.

Now stretching. There are dozens of stretches for all people. But take a look at some of them. Do they even remotely look like they will benefit your golf swing?

Stretches involving trunk flexibility lower back hamstring and even shoulders specific to the mechanics of the swing are what you want. General stretches are better than nothing, but will delay your results. You want specific stretches.

Body awareness. Does any of the exercises resemble golf positions or phases of the swing? Do they look like you would be on your feet and in your golf posture? As stated above, if they are seated on machines, your body will learn nothing in regards to your golf swing.

Training your body specific to golf incorporates positions almost identical to what your body would be in during any part of the golf swing.

Stability. Training your body to improve stability in your swing can get a little complex if you really want to see results. The swing happens at between 80-100 miles an hour. One of the biggest flaws of amateur golfers is moving in their golf swing.

Moving either laterally (sliding), vertically (up and done) or both. This is death to your golf swing. To improve your stability involves specific strength drills most trainers don’t even know about.

I could go on-and-on about the requirements of a golf fitness coach or program. It is critical you make the right decision. I have heard horror stories of golfers working with ‘so-called’ golf fitness experts and their game getting worse. With the proper research this won’t happen to you. So definitely consider a golf fitness coach.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his golf swing trainer site - Perform Better Golf.

Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf swing

Golf Injury Prevention

2007-06-05T14:43:00.001-05:00

A golf injury is one of the most common issues with all amateur golfers. But having adequate strength and flexibility of muscles and joints and participating in effective training technique, can also prevent a golf injury.

Well-conditioned limbs and joints that are under control when the stresses of the swing are encountered will greatly reduce risk of a golf injury.

If your body motion is out of control when you execute the swing, the muscles and tendons have little room for error. The result is likely a tear or strained tendon or ligament… keeping you off the course indefinitely.

The golf swing is a complicated movement (skill). In order to maximize your distance and power, you must have a high level of flexibility (range of motion) and force in the joints involved. This would include the shoulders, back and hips.

And when looking at the areas of a golf injury, the above mentioned areas are at the top of the list. Go figure!

Keep in mind that with an above average level of strength and flexibility and swing technique, you will not only reduce the occurrence of a golf injury, but also enhance the quality of your game.

Many golfers think they are generally healthy and able to play a round of golf without a golf injury… however, I have heard and read dozens of times where a golfer gets injured on the course… swinging a golf club. Has that happened to you or a golfing buddy?

Somewhere I read a statistic from 10 years ago. There was over 39,000 golf injuries treated in emergency rooms back in 1995! Wow! That’s unbelievable! How about all the injuries that weren’t reported or that were treated by the golfer himself? Or how about the chronic golf injuries the golfer ‘lives with’ just to be able to play golf?

These are numbers from 10 years ago! I wonder what they are now? I’m here to tell you golf is a physical sport and without the proper training, you’ll be added to that number mentioned above.

I don’t think it’s a tough sell to say that participating in a golf strength and flexibility program will help you avoid a golf injury.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his golf swing trainer site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers

The Ideal Exercises For Senior Golfers

2007-05-27T03:16:00.001-05:00

The really tricky part about exercises for senior golfers, and getting them to do, is the fact they often suffer from various ailments and pains in various parts of their bodies.

It is like having to deal with the overworked engine of an aging car. Things always seem to go wrong all the time and there is always one problem after another. The situation is a little similar with older golfers.

Still, exercises for senior golfers have been known to have a major impact on their game. I have worked with golfers who are as old as 80 years and I can say with confidence that exercises have done a great deal for many senior golfers.

We’ve had cases where stretch exercises have helped ease and in some cases have completely eliminated nagging back pains in senior golfers.

The good thing about golf exercises is that they are not a burden in any way and they are usually quite easy to do. They are not a reserve of the young and physically fit.

In fact the exercises are designed for the unfit, to help the physically unfit attain a level of fitness that will impact on their golf game.

The exercise regime for senior golfers is therefore exactly the same one used for younger golfers and even the youngest ones.

It typically involves both stretch exercises and weight training designed to strengthen the muscles and parts of your body used for golf. The amazing thing is that in golf, you use a vast majority of the muscles in your entire body, right from the feet to the neck.

The result is that exercises for senior golfers not only help them dramatically improve their game of golf, but they also greatly assist them in living a better quality life with the aches and pains eliminated or at least greatly reduced.

This is proof enough that the impact of exercises for senior golfers on their lives goes well beyond the golf course.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his proper golf swing site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, senior golfers

Why do Injuries Occur in Golf?

2007-05-26T08:27:00.001-05:00

Injuries occur in all athletic events quite frequently, certain sports more so than others. Golf is no different than any other sport. The severity of injuries in golf usually are not as severe as in other sports. The scenario of a 300 lb. defensive lineman slamming into the side of your knee tearing every possible ligament structure in the knee will never happen in the sport of golf. An interesting visual if you combined the sports of football and golf onto the same playing field, but inappropriate for this paper.

There are two types of injuries classified by professionals in the fields of athletic training and sports medicine. The two types of injuries are: 1) acute and 2) chronic. The above example of the football player is classified as an acute injury. An acute injury can be defined as the trauma in the body occurring immediately after the injury. Refer to the football player example above for a reminder. (For us older golfers, remember Joe Theisman of the Redskins and Lawrence Taylor’s leg breaking tackle? Acute injury.) Relating an acute injury to golf is a little more difficult. Probably the easiest, and maybe most the common, acute injury in golf, occurs while swinging and you hit a rock or something that creates an injury to your wrist. That would be the best example in the sport of golf of an acute injury. Overall, acute injuries tend to be rare in golf because contact by the body with external forces is rare.

My back is always killing me!

The second type of injury, chronic, is much more prevalent when it comes to the sport of golf. A chronic injury is one that occurs over time. Think of it as a “wear and tear” injury. These are usually the result of the body breaking down over time. A great sports example outside of golf is when you hear about a baseball pitcher having tendonitis in the elbow. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the elbow resulting from the stresses placed upon it from throwing. Over time the elbow becomes tired and eventually injured from the number of pitches thrown. If you are a runner and, after a certain amount of time, your knees begin to hurt, this is usually a chronic injury. When we talk about golf, the majority of injuries are chronic. They tend to be a direct result of the golf swing (just like the pitcher’s elbow). Usually the chronic injuries in golf show up in the lower back. If chronic injuries are caught soon enough in the cycle, rest and proper treatment (i.e. massage, chiropractic care) will heal them. But if you wait too long the body is going to “break,” and then you will not be playing any golf for a long time. This is where the unfortunate situation of surgery and other invasive procedures are considered.

So a couple of questions we must ask when it comes to chronic injuries in relation to golf are: how do they occur, and how do we prevent them? Chronic injuries occur as a result of the body becoming fatigued and eventually “breaking down.” The muscles, ligaments, and tendons of your body are required to perform the activity of swinging a golf club. Over time this activity causes fatigue within your body. As the body continues to fatigue, or get tired, the body gets sore. This is the first indicator of a developing chronic injury. If you continue with the activity you’re participating in, with soreness in the body, eventually your body will break down. This “break down” will be in the form of maybe a pulled muscle, muscle stiffness, tightness, or some other type of inflammation. All of the above examples are a result of structures in your body breaking down from fatigue and overuse. Even if just on one swing you feel “your back go out,” nine out of ten times it is a chronic injury, and that last swing was the “piece of straw that broke the camel’s back.”

How to Prevent Chronic Injuries in Golf

We all know that the golf swing is a repetitive movement, meaning the body is performing the same activity over and over again. This creates fatigue in the body over time. And if over time our body can’t support the number of swings we are taking, it is eventually going to break down. There are three variables we have when it comes to the prevention of chronic injuries in golf. Number one is workloads. Workloads can be defined as the number of swings that the body takes with a club over a given period of time. That time frame can be seven days or an entire tour season. Number two is efficiency of your mechanics. When we say “efficiency of mechanics” we are talking about how biomechanically correct your individual swing is. “Why is this important?” you ask. Let me tell you. I think most of us would agree that the tour players have very “efficient” swings; their swings are smooth and look almost effortless. A swing like this asks less out of the body to perform and requires less effort from the muscles; hence fatiguing levels in the body are lower. Some amateur swings look like they take a lot of work to perform, and in reality they do! These types of swings ask a lot more out of the body and fatigue it more quickly. The final variable is what we term “golf strength.” Golf strength is a measure of the required levels of flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and power to successfully support the mechanics of the swing. Large amounts of golf strength allow the body to support an efficient swing. Low levels of golf strength do not provide the support needed for the swing.

Workloads, Swing Mechanics, and Golf Strength

All three of these variables work together to determine if you are a candidate for a chronic golf injury. Golf strength is essentially the foundation upon which your swing is built. This variable indicates how many times you can swing a golf club with your current mechanics before you come up injured. If you have high levels of golf strength then regardless of how efficient of a swing you have, you will be able to play for quite awhile before you get sore. The flip side can also be said. If you have low levels of golf strength, regardless of your swing mechanics, you will come up sore in a shorter amount of time.

Secondly, let us look at swing mechanics. If you are a player that has a very efficient swing that places very little stress on the body, you will undoubtedly be able to play many rounds before your body starts screaming at you. Again, if you have poor mechanics, it is going to take its toll on your body and your game.

Finally, we have workloads (i.e. number of swings). The number of swings one makes must match up with levels of golf strength and swing mechanics. The golf swing is a “stressor” of the body and breaks it down over time. If you have an efficient swing, each swing does less “damage” to the body. If you have a poor swing, the body has to work harder, thus fatiguing it more quickly. In addition to this is golf strength. If you have high levels of golf strength, you can swing the club more (i.e. workloads) before you get tired. Low levels of golf strength present the situation of the body’s fatiguing more quickly. “So what is the magic formula?” you ask. My first suggestion is twofold: 1) work on your swing to improve the efficiency of it, and 2) increase your levels of golf strength in order to support your swing. For the time being, match up your swing and golf strength levels to determine what workload levels you can get out of your body. If you are in need of some more information on the golf strength side of the equation, take a look at www.bioforcegolf.com.

About the Author

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2005 PGA & 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. He has made many of his golf tips, golf instruction and golf swing improvement techniques available to amateur golfers on the web site www.bioforcegolf.com. To contact Sean, you can email him at support@bioforcegolf.com.
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf swing

Fitness Components For Golf

2007-05-24T03:17:00.001-05:00

The fitness components for golf are a select few, but they are critical to a golfers success. The golf swing is a physically demanding movement on the human body. It involves coordination, balance, stability, muscular strength and endurance, and dynamic sequence of motion just to name a few.

Do you think a body that is physically broken can accomplish a mechanically sound repeatable swing?

Based on the physical requirements of a mechanically good golf swing… NO way! It is a physical impossibility to have a repeatable swing for 18 holes unless… you have implemented the fitness components for golf within a consistent program.

When you isolate your golf swing muscles… stretch and strengthen them… and improve the efficiency of sequencing your motions throughout the swing… you will no doubt be a massively improved golfer for the long term.

Isn’t that what you are really looking for?

I’m sure you don’t expect to be a single digit golfer if you are currently a 20 handicap. But wouldn’t it be nice to shoot in the low 80’s once in a while? How about consistently? It’s a reality if you take the fitness approach for golf.

For most of you in the U.S. it’s winter time. There’s no better time than RIGHT NOW to start implementing the fitness components for golf into your routine. You’ve got the extra time… and you DO want to play better next spring right?

Then get to it!

If I seem to be yelling… I AM! I really want you to listen to what I’m saying and apply it. Don’t be overwhelmed… I’m here in the flesh to help you in any way I can.

It’s my lifelong passion to educate golfers on the importance of the machine (body) in optimal golf performance.

Work on the “machine” and your game will skyrocket!

I played with a gentleman the other day that had every limitation in the book. And guess what? He could barely get the ball airborne. He was SO frustrated and embarrassed. I took him aside and gave him a little pep talk.

We only had a few holes left and I told him to RELAX and let his muscles do the work… with no thought at all.

I’m not kidding you… he parred the next hole (his first par of the day). Bogeyed the next (but he was still happy). And parred the very last hole! It was like night and day.

He had SO much tension in his swing… he had no chance to created any torque and power. I gave him my card after the round… an low and behold… he went home and bought ALL my golf fitness dvds AND my manual.

I personally called him and spent another 30 minutes on the phone with him.

He is now on his way to implementing the fitness components for golf into his “daily” life.

I tell you this story to give you hope!

Don’t give up! It’s not too late!

Hang in there and work on your machine. Trust me on this. It’s critical you pay attention to the fitness components for golf.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf fitness training site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golf fitness

Why A Consistent Professional Golf Swing Is So Elusive

2007-05-23T06:02:00.001-05:00

A professional golf swing. It is the dream and deep desire of every golfer to be able to consistently execute a professional golf swing every time they play almost at will.

Indeed many spend a lot of time practicing hours on end to perfect their professional golf swing. Still, success remains elusive despite the hours spent in practice and maybe even in coaching sessions as well.

Yet there is no doubt that a professional golf swing is at the heart of the game and it is not possible to expect to play a reasonably good game of golf if one is not able to produce a consistent and good professional golf swing.

Golfers like Tiger Woods have been the subject of studies that show that their professional golf swing not only produces much longer drives but is consistent.

When Tiger Woods entered professional golf for the first time, he was at the tender of age of 20 and he played a major role in ushering in the modern exercise program golfer.

The research on the Likes of Tiger Woods has confirmed beyond any doubt that the high level of performance by these golfers can be traced back to their exercise training programs.

Golf strength training and golf stretch exercise programs are at the heart of a consistent professional golf swing in the modern game.

This is the reason why virtually every professional today is involved in some serious exercise program and many have personal trainers. This is a thing that was unheard of in golf only a few short years ago but is today widespread.

Despite all the tips and practice you have put in to improve your game chances are that a professional golf swing will remain elusive for you if you do not pay attention to your golf fitness and golf exercises to build up your golf strength and endurance.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness swing trainers in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his proper golf swing site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf swing

A Better Golf Swing Is Inevitable

2007-05-22T22:51:00.001-05:00

A better golf swing is inevitable…for any golfer, with the right approach. It doesn’t matter age or ability. It’s a reality…and can happen very quickly!

To achieve a better golf swing, a golfer needs to realize just how physically demanding it is on the human body. You are swing an object (golf club) at up to 100 mph. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles.

If these tissues of the body are weak, tight or brittle they will rupture and eliminate you from playing golf indefinitely. If it doesn’t, your performance will pay the price. The outcome either way is not what you want…but will happen without an emphasis on strengthening these areas.

Along with strengthening comes stretching. Stretching muscles to attain a better golf swing is common among most golfers. Although it is common, most golfers don’t stretch. Why? Because it is viewed as ‘work’. But if it were viewed as a form of golf improvement it would be a different story.

Swing mechanics cannot be improved if your golf specific strength and flexibility are ignored. It is an impossibility, unless you compensate for this lack of capabilities in your golf swing. Teaching pros are now starting to realize there is a definite connection between golf swing mechanics and fitness.

But that’s where the BIG gap is. Between instruction and physical fitness. This is the ultimate combination for total golf performance and I have been preaching it for several years now. When your physical capabilities are improved, your golf swing mechanics become much easier to achieve.

The next time you visit your teaching pro, to achieve a better golf swing, you’ll be able to do what he/she wants and the desired outcome will be achieved. This outcome is inevitable when you get your body moving better. Your golf swing mechanics fall into place.

It will only be a matter of time when all golfers will approach their golf improvement this way. It’s the only way that will warrant lasting results and ultimately a better golf swing.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country. He is Golf Magazine's golf performance expert; author, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.
Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf swing

Your Best Golf Swing Can Really Happen

2007-05-21T21:33:00.001-05:00

Your best golf swing is achievable. If you’re like most golfers, you’ve been on the hunt for your best golf swing for a long time. The key question is… have you found it yet? If not, it’s time to take a different approach to achieve it.

We know swing mechanics are very high on the list. And to achieve this takes a general understanding of the golf swing. You don’t have to become a fanatic to learn proper swing mechanics, but if you don’t have a clue, you might want to get a book or take a lesson from a credible teaching pro.

When it comes to accomplishing your best golf swing, equipment doesn’t even play a role. Remember… we are talking about your golf swing, not distance or power.

The approach you need to take to finally get your best golf swing is one that is focused on “your machine”. You! Your body dictates how effective your swing mechanics will be.

Do you agree?

When you have physical limitations such as lack of core strength or tight hamstrings; it will be virtually impossible to make your best golf swing on the course. You may hit a good one every 10 or so swings, but you won’t be able to consistently repeat it for 18 holes.

Every golfer has his/her own limitations they need to find out about. One person could be very tight from a golf flexibility standpoint, and the next person could have weak shoulder muscles and can’t control the club at the top of the backswing.

Getting a physical assessment specific to golf is your first step in achieving your best golf swing. Once you recognize what your limitations are, you can devise a program to improve them.

Now you’re on your way to a repeatable swing that holds up for 18 holes and under pressure too! The minute you decide to work on “your machine”, you won’t look back. You will become a powerful and very accurate golfer, who is beating the pants off the rest of the players in your foursome.

Golf will become enjoyable again!

You will no longer be in search of your best golf swing!

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing training site - Perform Better Golf.

Tags: golf, golfing, golfers, golf swing

A Golf Driver Tip To Remember by Mike Pedersen

2007-05-20T13:50:00.001-05:00

Every golfer wants to know the best golf driver tip. I hate to disappoint you but there are many great golf driver tips that could be the key to unlocking monster drives for you. Every month the golf magazines have dozens of tips in them, but none of them get to the root of the problem.

If I were to get the opportunity to write a golf driver tip for a magazine, I’d say something against the norm. Something teaching instructors wouldn’t want to hear. Do you want to know what it is? It’s not some quick fix, because they never work long-term. The “only” thing that works long-term is working on you.

Your body has a current level of physical ability. I don’t care how many balls you hit at the range; how many lessons you take; and what driver you’re swinging. Hitting the ball further takes an increase in clubhead speed. Period. So hitting more balls or taking more lessons won’t improve this.

The only thing that can improve clubhead speed is strengthening your core rotational strength and flexibility. Your core is the engine to your swing. A weak or inflexible core will not give you the results you are looking for.

The golf swing a turn back and a turn through. Isn’t that about as simple as you can make it? If that’s true, why wouldn’t you improve your body’s ability to rotate quicker and more powerfully? This is the ticket to longer drives!

There are many simple, yet effective core rotational exercises you can do in your home, or even office to greatly improve your clubhead speed and driving distance.

Do you want an easy one you can do right in your chair?

Cross your arms in front of your chest. Sit up tall and erect. With a fixed head position, rotate to the right and left slowly. See how far you can go. Do this without stopping. As you feel a loosening of the core, start to rotate faster and faster. Do this 20 or 30 times when you think about it and I guarantee you’ll feel it.

Since time is such a valuable commodity, you’ve got to get creative. I’ve put together a complete section of my manual that covers simples stretches and exercises you can do right in your chair in your office. You can’t get more convenient than that.

I hope I didn’t disappoint you with this golf driver tip.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf performance swing trainers in the country. Golf Magazine's expert at GolfOnline.com, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf performance sites. Take a look at his just released golf performance dvds and manual at his golf swing tips site - Perform Better Golf.

Tags: golf

Golf Apparel - The Start Of Good Golf Etiquette

2007-05-19T00:59:00.000-05:00

Many of us recall old movie images of golfers in plaid pants, sweater vests, billed caps, and other stereotypical apparel of golfing lore. While clothing on golf courses has changed over the years, proper golf apparel is still expected. And the greater the prestige of the golf club, the greater the expectation you will abide by their dress code.

Most clubs and courses, even the public ones, require that golfers follow a dress code. The most common rule is the collared shirt. Many courses require long pants, not jeans, and golf shoes.

5 Minutes Early Is Late

When it comes to actually starting your game, the primary rule of etiquette is to show up on schedule for your tee time. That means you will have already done everything else in preparation for the start of the golf game. You'll need time to park your car, warm up, practice, buy balls, change, and pick up a cart. Being early is a matter of consideration for others.

Leave Cell Phones In The Real World

The exclusion of cell phones from golf apparel is another common courtesy on the links. Cell phones should be left in your car or locker. If you do need to bring 1 onto the course for emergencies, keep it turned off.

When you're on the course, you'll need to understand how the other golfers in your group want to play. Some let the best score tee off on the next hole, while others let whoever is ready tee off first. You can offend players by not following their rules, even if their rules are, from your perspective, wrong.

Time-Honored Conventions Make Golfing Unique

An obsession with quiet is another characteristic for which golfers are known. Like most traditions, this one is based on necessity. When your object is to hit a small object with a long pole, you need all of your concentration. Even when golfing with friends, respect the fundamental rule of keeping quiet during shots, and standing out of the direct line of vision.

Today's golfing rules of etiquette can seem archaic -- a throwback to days of old. They harken back to a slower paced time when consideration for others was perhaps easier. In the 21st century, golfing provides us a time away from the bustle of everyday living. Though golf is highly competitive, it is, nonetheless, a gentleman's -- and gentlewoman's -- game.

Visit Golf Gear to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Want to Play Extraordinary Golf? by: Jan Peterson

2007-05-18T22:44:00.000-05:00

Think about what you normally do before you start a round of golf with your friends. Are you running your kids across town to soccer practice? Are you still sleepy from the poor night's rest you had? Are you all jazzed up on 6 cups of coffee? Are you nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs because you've been chili dipping the ball? No doubt you are in some state of mind before you start your round of golf. And more often than not, I would be willing to bet my Ben Hogan autographed book that it is the wrong frame of mind.

I know you have a busy life. But the key is to get into the right frame of mind before you step onto the first tee box. How do you do this? Well, let me just say that it is not always easy and takes practice to get into the right frame of mind. So don't be frustrated or disappointed in yourself if it takes a little while. Remember this is a game and it is supposed to be fun. Why else would you be out there paying big bucks to hit a little white ball into a tiny tin cup?

The first thing is to find out where your head is at least a half hour before you start your round. Are you feeling mad at your boss, frustrated with the kids? Did you just have a tiff with your spouse or did some crazy person just try to run you off the road? Are you having jitters because you've been topping the ball or are you playing for big bucks with your buddies? Any and all of these things have an affect on you and your game. The pros know this and you need to as well.

So, what are some things you can do to get in the right frame of mind? For me, being relaxed, confident and having positive energy flowing through my body is key. You may be a little different. My question to you is how did you feel inside when you played your best round of golf? Think about it and go back to that time and place. All was right with the World for you wasn't it? But what about it was right? What were the feelings you had? Were you relaxed? Were you confident? Were you having fun? Did you trust your golf swing? Were you enjoying your golf partners?

Here are some of the things I noticed about myself when I played my best rounds:

* I felt excited to be playing and what nervousness I might have had was in the background of my mind
* I was happy to be playing a round of golf with my friends and didn't worry that they might laugh at me if I sliced the ball
* I felt a sense of calmness inside that couldn't be shaken
* I felt confident, energized and happy to be out on the golf course amid the tree-lined fairways and beautifully manicured greens.
* I felt worry free and joked with my golfing partners
* I felt the magic of being alive and knew instinctively that I was going to strike the golf ball purely.
* My mind wasn't cluttered with a zillion thoughts; instead there was focus and quietness
* My body felt relaxed, rested and healthy
* For lack of a better word, I was in the Zone

Let's say that you are a nervous wreck with eighteen million thoughts, mostly negative, scurrying around in your head. How do you get from point A, the worry wart to Point B, the focused golfer? Again, if this is your normal state before you play a round of golf, don't expect to change this overnight. It is a process.

First, identify what is the norm for you. Are you usually just rushing from work to go play golf and your mind is somewhere else? Or is it that you have been struggling with your game and fear is almost paralyzing you? Identifying your state of mind before you play golf is key. I don't mean to get all psychological on you but golf is very much a mental game! There is no cure-all golf gizmo or one right way to swing a club. Even if there was, your mind would interfere.

If you are having trouble identifying what you are feeling or how you are being before a round of golf, then your first step is to pay attention to yourself. It can be a hard thing to do. Sometimes we get so busy in our daily lives that there just doesn't seem to be time to stop and look at ourselves. One way to find out what your feeling or thinking is to be quiet for 5 minutes. Listen and learn.

I noticed that for myself when I am tired, nervous or rushed I generally tend to play a poor round of golf. I have arrived at a point in my game where I can usually shake those feelings or state of mind before the round begins. And you will learn to do this too with some practice. The one I still feel challenged by is when I feel out of sync, or out of rhythm. It's like some uncoordinated teenager has possessed my body and wreaks havoc with my game. Those are the rounds where I just do my very best to stay centered and play a safe game. I know I won't break any records but I also know that I won't spend the day in the woods hunting for my golf ball!

Here are some ideas on how to get into a different state of mind:

Listen to your favorite music
Pay attention to your golf partners
Do something nice for someone else
Sing or Hum a tune
Visualize your best round of golf
Think about your best memories in life
Talk with a good friend
Tell jokes
Laugh
Meditate
Visualize mastering the challenging holes
Walk the course and notice your beautiful surroundings
Think about the times you felt most confident

So how do you get from one state, let's say rushed, to a more relaxed calm state? I have had times when I have been running 90mph before a game of golf and my mind is keeping pace with my body. I know that if I keep that pace, my golf game will suffer. I use whatever trick seems to work at that moment. Taking deep breaths is always a good start. Swinging my club between my finger tips at a slow easy pace can be calming and creates tempo. Looking at the beauty of the golf course can be relaxing and uplifting, especially if I was caught in a traffic jam. You will have to practice what works for you. The one thing that always gets me in the zone is to replay one of my best rounds in my mind along with the feelings I had. I can't help but smile and feel good.

Jan Andersen is the author of The Little Book of Golf Secrets. Her new top rated book offers powerful information on how to lower your golf score with simple but effective techniques. Given high recommendations by two PGA and LPGA Golf Tour Professionals. A Must Read for any golfer! Results are guaranteed. You may locate this book at http://www.thelittlebookofgolfsecrets.com.

About The Author:

Jan Andersen has written a new book called The Little Book of Golf Secrets. It is given two big thumbs up from Nina Foust, LPGA Tour Professional. A Must read! You may learn more by visiting http://www.thelittlebookofgolfsecrets.com