Golf Lesson – How To Golf Even In The Harshest Of Weather
When the sun is shining and the clouds are at bay, many sports enthusiast will smile with glee. After all, sunny weather promises a good day outdoors for sports. At times, the scorching heat from the radiating sun will only add to the intensity of the game and will boost the stamina of sports lovers. On the other hand, have you ever heard of a game that can be played even when it’s raining cats and dogs? Of course not many can name sports that can be played even in a rainstorm.
The majority of sports, especially those carried out outdoors, are largely affected by changes in the weather. The first thing that will feel its impact is the players, who need to be able to adjust accordingly whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally. These are the very factors that would determine the outcome of any game.
Playing golf requires proper training for a golfer to be able to hit a perfect tee while under brooding skies. Weather conditions have a great impact on the levelled surface of the green, as harsh weather can cause havoc to the growth and texture of the grass. This in turn will affect the golfer’s performance. This situation is known as “throwing darts”, as it usually means that the golf ball and the shots are low, which then results in lower points for the golfer.
It is important to realise that the conditions of the green can affect the game of golfers as well as golf course operation. Thus it is vital to have an alternative strategy when you have to play your golf game in bad weather conditions, especially so since golf is dependant on the weather conditions.
The golf greens are more easily maintained when the weather affords low humidity and dryer soil, the main reason why golfers usually play in autumn or in spring. The favourable blue skies and consistent sunny weather as well as the good growth of turf allow a significant time for all golfers to hold their tees.
The roughs when wet can become a lot heavier which in turn make it more difficult for shots to recover. Water ends up between the ball and the club face because of the fewer spins than a normal spin. It is then more probable to cause unwanted consequences after an off-line shot.
This is the reason why an alternate strategy to playing golf is needed when playing in bad weather. A golfer needs to have the ball elevated off the grass as fast as possible at all times. In these kinds of situations also, footprints and marks of the ball are deeper and the sad part is that scores tend to be lower. When this takes place, a golfer needs extra effort to ensure better scores.
Here are some points to remember whenever a golfer plays in wet weather conditions:
- Make sure you keep the grips and your hands dry during a game. Your caddy can bring a towel for you to dry your hands, and another for drying the grips.
- Try to bring a golf bag cover, as this can help keep the grips dry.
- If you and your equipment are dry, you are bound to play better than when you are in an uncomfortable wet condition.
- Be patient when playing in bad conditions and expect that your scores could be higher. There’s no point getting impatient about it, it’s going to make your golf game a lot worse.
- Strategize, strategize and strategize. Before entering the game, visualize winning it. This will help mentally prepare you to face any tough situations that you will face on wet and uneven fairways.
When playing in wet condition, golfers need to have the golf balls to land as close to the hole as possible. This will help lessen the amount of rolls of the golf balls on the wet grass. Also remember that golf balls need to be hit harder to prevent breakage and to stop sooner.
Whenever good sunny skies are non-existent and the weather is not at its best, the most expert of golfers can get through the challenge of playing on a drenched grass field. The rule to remember is that when faced with the most hopeless of situations, a golfer has to keep in mind that his competitors are also faced with such challenges. When you are playing golf while you are soaked the time it takes for you to play your game will be longer as the ball is not able to roll smoothly and go very far. However this can be an advantage for the golfers who drive the tee off longer.
When playing golf, or any other sport for that matter, the weather conditions will affect the nature of the game. On the other hand, a prepared and skilful golfer will not have any problem thinking of ways to ward off the bad effects that the weather might have on his game. With sheer determination to play the best that he can, as well as knowledge on how to outsmart the weather, a golfer will make playing golf a breeze even in the most adverse weather conditions.
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are golf enthusiasts and proud owners of http://www.free-golftips.com/shoes and http://www.free-golftips.com/clubs
Golf Etiquette: A Very Important Part Of The Game
If you are a novice golfer you need to be aware of the importance of golf etiquette within the Official Rules of Golf. For the inexperienced player, golf etiquette can be a minefield so it pays to get to grips with the appropriate way to behave if you want to remain welcome on the course.
Golf etiquette 1
If you book a tee-off time ensure that you arrive punctually at the first tee, and do not take practice swings on that or any other tee, always take them to the side of the tee.
Golf etiquette tip #2
Always stand to the right of a player taking a shot and never directly behind. Do not get ahead of anyone who is playing a shot.
Golf etiquette tip #3
If you take a divot replace and always repair pitch marks on the green.
Golf etiquette tip #4
If you think a ball may be lost get used to playing a provisional shot so you do not have to return to the tee. If the ball is lost, you are allowed five minutes to look for it but do be aware of people playing behind you and, if necessary, allow them to play through.
Golf etiquette tip #5
Keep up a good pace when walking between shots so as not to hold up play. If a gap opens up between your group and the group in front of you then be prepared to call the players behind you through if they are having to wait for you.
Golf etiquette tip #6
If you land in a bunker rake it when you have finished. If there is no rake available then use your clubhead.
Golf etiquette tip #7
When you are playing up to a green make sure the players ahead of you have finished putting and are well clear of the green. Never put your bag or cart on the green but leave them to the side, preferably near the point at which you will leave the green to get to the next tee.
Golf etiquette tip #8
Never tread on your opponent’s putting line and if you have to mark the position of your ball do so by placing a ball marker or coin directly behind the ball (unless it will interfere with another player’s line, in which case mark it to the side) and always replace your ball exactly where you picked it up from.
Golf etiquette tip #9
When tending the flag hold it so it doesn’t flap in the wind and make sure you do not cast a shadow over the hole. Lift the flag out slightly so that you can remove it with ease as soon as your opponent has struck his putt. When you have finished on the green exit it quickly and do not stand around marking your scorecard.
Golf etiquette tip #10
If you hit a ball that looks like it might hit somebody or if you hit it over trees towards another fairway that you can’t see you must always shout “fore”. If you hear another player shout “fore” do not stand there looking around to see if the call was for your benefit, just cover your head with your arms and crouch down to make yourself as small a target as possible.
Golf is a fantastic sport and if you follow these guidelines you shouldn’t go too far wrong so just go out and have a good game!
Lisa Davies is a freelance witer. For more information about golf visit http://www.the-golf-master.com
How To Choose The Right Golf Equipment For You
Choosing the right golf equipment is very important and it is not just about how much you spend on it that counts. There is a huge array of golf equipment available to day, both on- and offline so it can be quite confusing when you are just starting out.
The first golf equipment to consider is what type of clubs you should get. These have to be suitable for your height, weight and the type of game you play. Most people use standard length clubs which are fine for men between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 10 inches in height and for women between five feet and five feet 5 inches. If you are outside these ranges though you may need to get special custom made ones.
The clubs must also have the correct thickness of grip. When holding the club, the fingers of your left hand should just touch the pad of your left thumb and not dig in to it, although tape wrapped around the grip can help if you need to make a minor adjustment.
When it comes to putters you will probably want to opt for a centre shaft or heel-to-toe weighted putter as these types have a larger sweet spot than the mallet putters or the old blade ones.
Clothing should be smart but comfortable enabling you to swing the club freely. Generally, trainers, jeans, short shorts and collarless or sleeveless shirts are frowned upon but dress code varies from club to club. As you will be out on the course for several hours it is a good idea to be prepared for any sudden changes in the weather. Depending on where in the world you are playing, it is probably advisable to carry waterproofs in your bag. Hats, caps and sunglasses are other things you should consider too.
A good pair of shoes is also an essential piece of golf euipment. Most players opt for a leather shoe, which allows the foot to breath, combined with a rubber sole containing either spikes or pimples.
When it comes to your hands most players wear a left hand glove to maintain a constant grip. These gloves can be either leather or synthetic and should fit tighter than a normal glove. Another useful piece of golf equipment if you are playing in cold weather it is a good idea to use a large pair of mittens that you can slip on between shots as it is very difficult to grip the club properly if your hands get too cold.
Finally, you will need something to carry all this new golf equipment in. Golf bags come in a huge array of shapes and sizes from drainpipe bags that only carry 6 or 7 clubs, which are good for when you are practising, to an all in one bag/trolley which can be useful when travelling. If you are going to be carrying your bag then make sure it is not to heavy and that it has a strong strap.
Now you have all the essential golf equipment you need so all you need to do now is get out there and start playing. Good luck!
Lisa Davies is a freelance witer. For more information about golf visit http://www.the-golf-master.com
Golf Etiquette – How To Be A Gentleman On A Golf Course
Golf is considered a gentleman’s game and has always been associated with prestige and the elite. As such, there are certain unwritten rules pertaining to the game of golf. Of course these are not hard and fast rules which affect the game directly, but more of good etiquette when playing golf. If you practice good golf etiquette on the greens, it shows that you have respect for the game, as well as the other golfers that you play with.
Having said that, let us take a look at some of the general golfing etiquette that you can put to practice, regardless if you are an amateur or a professional. These will be followed by some rather specific rules that you should be aware of at particular times during a round of golf.
Keeping Quiet
Having respect for other players means that you should be quiet whenever other golfers step up to the ball. This allows the golfer to concentrate on the swing. After all, you would want to demand the same level of respect from the other golfers.
Another thing to remember is to avoid running on the golf course. Even if this doesn’t affect your game or the other golfers in your group, running around the course will distract others from their game.
Practice Playing Safely
When you step up to the ball and just before you take your swing, look around. Check if there is anyone standing in the vicinity of the area where you predict your ball will go to. Never take it for granted that the other golfers will be on the lookout to see if they’re standing in your way.
Similarly, whenever you are practicing your swings, never do it when there are others around. It is very rude to take practice swings in the direction of other golfers.
Also remember, make it a point to never swing your club when someone is walking nearby. And vice versa, never walk around a golfer who is trying to take a swing.
Keep To Your Pace
At any given time, remember that you or your group are not the only golfers on the golf course. Thus, keep in mind that you should at all times try to keep to your pace of play at a comfortable rate. This means that there should be enough time to keep up with your group, but not too much time that you’re holding up other golfers and cutting into their time.
Never hit into the group playing ahead of you. This is considered to be very very rude. If it was done unintentionally, then you should realise that you have failed in observing the common courtesy of golf. Even if the group ahead of you were playing slowly and you had intentionally done so, bear in mind that it is not a reason to commit such a rude act.
Should you need to play through the group ahead of you, have some courtesy by asking for their permission first. However, before asking, do check if the next hole is vacant so that there will be enough space for you to pass through.
If and when permission is granted for you to play through the group ahead of you, make sure you finish the hole in the least amount of time possible, so that you can move onto the next hole immediately after that.
On the Teeing Ground
Do stand out of the golfer’s line of sight as well as his peripheral vision so that he can concentrate fully as he prepares to take his swing. The best way is for you to stand behind the golfer and to remember to keep quiet as you do so.
On the Fairway
Avoid hitting too many divots, though some is acceptable. Moreover, try to put a few of the divots back in place by replacing and stepping on them into the hole.
Also, avoid spending too much time looking around for a golf ball that is lost. The golfers behind you might not enjoy being delayed. Should you lose a ball, and fail to locate it in a few minutes, just replace the golf ball with another.
On the Bunker
Do make use of the rake that is provided to clear off all marks made by you or your golf ball after you have taken your shot. Make sure you rake out all marks and footprints, and then leave the rake outside the bunker with the handle place parallel to the fairway.
On the Green
Do not step on any ball paths of the other golfers as this can affect the putt. What you should do is to walk behind the ball on its direction to the hole. Or you could step over the imaginary line between the ball and the hole.
Take time to repair any marks made by force of the ball which landed on the green. Your courteous ways will reflect your respect to the other golfers as you have left them with an unmarked green to play on.
It is important to place your ball back on the green before you pick up the ball marker. This will erase any doubts on other golfers as to whether or not you have positioned your ball in the proper manner.
On the Practice Grounds
Do remember to continue observing the general etiquette of playing golf as you would do on the golf course.
The rules or golf etiquette above are but a few of the good golfing practices that you can incorporate into your day at the golf course. These are basic common courtesies that are founded on mutual respect for one another’s safety as well as having respect for a game that you love. By practicing these simple ways, you will have a greater and more pleasant golf experience with other golfers.
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are golf enthusiasts and proud owners of http://www.free-golftips.com/tournaments and http://www.free-golftips.com/vacations
3 Simple Golf Practice Steps To An Effective Golf Game
Without constant practice, you cannot expect your golf game to get better over time. Even with the help of lessons, instructional videos and other aids that you purchase, you cannot get better without consistent and efficient practice. You need to practice consistently because with every practice session, your body goes through a series of exercises that help develop muscle memory. Also, you need to practice efficiently because it is important that you learn to pace your energy through the different kinds of exercises.
Although this advice sounds simple enough, many tend to overlook it. It’s tempting to go straight and tee-off as soon as you get to the golf course. Many golfers, even the pros are guilty of that too. This is simply because there are many golfers out there think that their score will improve as long as they spend enough time practicing at the practice range or even worst, on the course.
This could not be further from the truth. In order to play a better game of golf, it is vital that you hold regular and disciplined practice sessions, the way that you would treat your golf game.
Instead of thinking how boring practice sessions can get, do remember that it is with constant practice that you are able to develop better playing habits when you next play a round of golf. Also, it would help you to think of practice sessions as a fun part of learning and not look at is as a heavy burden or a chore .If you think practice sessions are fun, you would naturally play better and have more enjoyment in the game.
You practice sessions are generally divided into three parts. They are the:
- warming up stage
- fresh stage
- fatigued stage
In each of these stages, you will be doing different sets of activities, and when they are carried out in the right stages, they will effectively get you the results that you want and this can be seen when you are out playing golf with your friends.
The Warming Up Stage
Many people have the misconception that golf is an easy game that doesn’t require any physical activities, as it only involves walking and swinging. Again, this is wrong. Even when you are swinging your golf clubs, you use your muscle groups to move and work in ways that you normally don’t in your everyday routine.
This means that when you play golf you can expect to have your arms, torso, and lower back muscles to work hard. This shows that it is very important for you to first go through some stretching activities for warming up. You should start from the top of your head and work down towards your feet.
Remember that what you want is to get your muscles to move in full range and to achieve flexibility. Should you be unfamiliar with stretching activities, do consult your trainer or instructor at your club for some advice.
The Fresh Stage
Right after warming up, you could start practicing exercises that help build on a certain golfing skill which you would like to master. On the other hand you could work on parts of your game that you think needs the most work. These could include driving, chipping or putting.
The aim is of course to work on your techniques and skills while you’re still fresh and flexible from a good stretching exercise during the warming up stage as your body will be able to respond in a more positive manner to whatever exercise that you are practicing.
Some people have the wrong idea about practice sessions. They think that golf practice means spending time on a golfing range. Why would you want to work on your driving, unless that is the area that you would most want to improve? If you think your putting needs serious practice, then by all means, work on your putting as soon as you’ve warmed up. (By the way, it has been noted that almost 60% of a golfer’s strokes take place on the golf green. However, this is not considered by many golfers, which result in poor ineffective golfing habits).
The Fatigued Stage
Once you get a bit tired or breathless from all the earlier exercises, you can move on to other parts of your game that needs minor practice. As your body is already familiar with this facet of the game, you only need to reinforce and maintain this technique.
Should you require any correction to your technique, your already stressed body will not be too pressured in trying to master a particularly difficult skill. As stated in the example above, only after you have done enough practice on your putting should you move on to the driving range reinforce and maintain your drives.
Last but not least, take note of these suggestions and observations when you are practicing next.
In order to get continuous and consistent improvement, do remember that a good practice to play ratio is about 2:1. This means that you have to spend twice as much time at practice as to the amount of time spent playing.
On the other hand, remember to get sufficient rest in between your exercises and also in between the various stages. Even though it is considered as a work out, you should not exert yourself to the point of panting and gasping. That would not bring any good but will bring even more harm to you.
Your golf game should improve as your practice sessions get more disciplined and more organised. Remember to be consistent and to note the results of all your exercises so that you can improve your golf game one stroke at a time.
Juzaily Ramli and his friend Tommy Lehmann are golf enthusiasts and proud owners of http://www.free-golftips.com/resorts website. Discover how you can increase your distance and lower your golf score with the right practise at http://www.free-golftips.com/training