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June 2008 Keeping that competitive edge………
What is that competitive edge? Every golfer has a different idea or definition as to what that competitive edge may be. For most players it would concern an ability to compete in tournaments. With the right amount of practice and preparation that competitive edge can be obtained rather easy. Preparation can go a long way in dealing with nerves and any other concerns for that competitive round. A strong game plan, solid pre-shot routine as well as the confidence in your ability could be the right mix in building that competitive edge. I would strongly encourage you as a player to try and compete as much as possible. Competition can come in many forms, whether it be a putting challenge with your friends, a closest to the pin contest or an actual tournament, all of these would provide a great learning experience in honing your competitive edge.
May 2008 Practice, Practice, Practice!
All of us as players have heard the old expression, “you have to hit a lot of golf balls in order to get better!” This is sort of true but not necessarily the case for everyone. I have known a few players who would hit golf balls all day long and some of them never got any better. The best situation would be to have quality practice time. Spend that practice time as if you are playing a round of golf. In other words put the time and dedication towards practice time as you would in preparing for a round of golf. I also encourage all players to devote as much practice time to the short game and putting as you devote to actually hitting on the range. Most players love to beat on the driver but tend to spend much less time on the short game.
April 2008 Choosing the right putter
Take a look around and try to count the different number as well as styles of putters. The number of different putting styles as well as gripping a putter may be just as large. The putter may be the most beloved or hated club within a players golf bag during any round of golf. This is a very broad subject, so I may not be too specific in this area. There are two main issues you should be aware of when trying to choose the right putter, looks and feel. Be sure to choose a putter that first, looks good when you set-up. You want something that you can look down on and feel confident in the way it looks to you as you begin your putting routine. Secondly, be sure the putter feels good to you. The feel during the stroke as well as the feel as you stroke the ball. The feel as the ball comes off of the putter head is very critical for your comfort level during a round. Take your time in choosing a flat stick. Don’t be afraid to take the putter to the putting green and spend some quality time on all types of putts, after all, this is a critical piece to an already difficult puzzle.
March 2008 Driver or 3 Wood
Most of us in learning this great game were taught to use a driver on all par-4’s as well as par- 5’s. This was the old way or the only way. A major issue becomes accuracy and length. The accuracy part because the driver, for some of us, is difficult to keep in the fairway. In the back of our mind we think, I need to hit it long or else the second shot will be that much longer. This may be true in most cases but also keep in mind that the hole will really play longer if you miss the fairway or worse put your self in trouble that would require another shot to escape your predicament. A general rule of thumb to think about during your course preparation or game plan time; think about keeping the ball in play, especially if you need to work the ball for a cut shot or a draw. If you tend to miss more than a few fairways, try a 3-wood. You may be surprised at the result; the tee shot may not be as short as you thought. The 3-wood can be beneficial when the confidence level may be a bit low with the driver. Even on par-5’s a 3-wood may be the club to help set you up for the perfect third shot into the green. In fact, if you can’t reach a par-5 in two, try using a 3-wood and see if you can get that third shot close for an almost guaranteed birdie.
Mental Preparation This can be an area that every player should take advantage as well as reap some major benefits. Mental preparation for a golfer is not a new gimmick or passing fad. Mental preparation has been around for years, the problem, most golfers fail to take full advantage of this area. I'm not speaking of getting a guru or sports psychologist, I'm talking about getting yourself in order before your next competitive round and going through the round shot by shot. If you have played the golf course and know the layout, I would strongly suggest that you get the ipod or mp3 player, for what you may ask? Get some time to relax while listening to your favorite music and start on hole number 1, go completely around the course until you putt for birdie on hole 18. Tee off and go around the course, shot by shot. That's right, go with every shot as well as putts. Treat the round as if you were actually playing, including the all important pre-shot routine. Oh, you didn't forget about the pre-shot routine, did you? We shall discuss the pre-shot at a later date. A preparation in the mental area can be beneficial, just be sure to prepare fully. Try this exercise before your next round, it may help you with at least a few shots.
January 2008 Proper Golf Equipment: We all have seen or heard stories of players having a less than stellar round and as soon as the round is finished, they are shopping for game improvement gadgets. Sound familiar, I confess, I have been there and done that, no question. Of course, after I made the purchase, I soon realized that nothing ever purchased would help as much as I had hoped. I'm not going to say you can't buy a better game, with the new technology found in golf equipment today, something is bound to help. The real issue in getting the proper equipment is purchasing what fits your specific swing as well as a club that feels and looks good to you, the individual player. There are many variables involved with the right equipment, such as the right shaft flex, grip size, club length as well as the right golf ball. If you have a club or ball that you feel as though you may not be able to hit or just don't feel comfortable with, you at one time or another are going to have difficulty during a round. The average male golfer should use a regular flex shaft, but why don't they? Ego...they feel that they should be playing a stiff shaft, after all, the guys on tour play them. The same issue is true with golf balls. Golf balls have a certain compression, the range can be as low as 50 to 100 plus. The same guy who uses stiff shafts will want that 100 compression ball, why? Ego...and most guys on tour use that compression. It seems funny but it's true. This is why proper golf equipment is a must. As a rule of thumb, if you have a player who can generate a substantial amount of clubhead speed, that player may want to consider stiff shafts as well as the 100 compression golf ball. I would strongly urge every player to be clubfitted by a person who knows golf equipment. It doesn't cost any extra to be clubfitted and you will end up happier in the long run.
December 2007 Golfers and Physical Fitness In the early 80's I was fortunate to make golf my profession. I can remember that weight training was forbidden, there was no aerobics, plyometrics, and no one had even thought of pilates. The most a golfer back in the day would attempt, involved some jogging. A golfer being fit was not even a thought or even considered. Very few golfers incorporated stretching. My, how things have changed in a rather big way! With Tiger Woods storming on the scene of the PGA tour, he single handedly brought physical fitness to the forefront of the golfing community. Physical fitness as well as workout programs became every golfers obsession. The PGA tour had a workout trailer for years with little interest and activity. This too has changed with players trying to obtain an edge, trying to become stronger and in better condition. The human body is capable of becoming stronger without becoming bigger. Muscles can become more efficient for a golfer without sacrificing flexibility. Working out can benefit everyone, even a golfer, go figure! I'm frequently asked about working out as well as what can be most beneficial to a golfer. I always caution anyone just starting out; be sure to start out on the light side. Start out with minimal weight and proceed slowly after all; you are a golfer, not a body builder. I strongly urge everyone, golfer or not, to incorporate stretching in any type of workout program. The body is constantly changing, whether for the sake of good or bad. Keeping physically fit will increase benefits that can make a difference in a good round of golf or a great round of golf. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! |
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