Why, oh why, is the Golf Swing SO hard?!

An excerpt from the book Golf Swing Eureka by Jon Barrett

Why do we find a move that seems so easy to the professionals so incredibly difficult to perform?

Recently I discovered that psychologists believe that we learn differently as adults than we do when we were children. And I believe this may be the key to explaining why we have such a difficult time of it.

The large majority of professional golfers will have taken up golf when they were kids – Tiger Woods was swinging a club well at 3!

But, I would imagine the majority of amateur golfers took golf up when either in their late teens, early twenties or even later in life – as adults.

The psychologists believe that as children we learn from repeating the model that we see – we know that kids are very trusting of what they are told. Yes, they ask lots of questions but they trust the answers given. They see, and are told, and DO.

Now as adults we learn differently. We have already formed opinions about how the world is and how things operate. So when we learn something new we actually test it against the rules that we have already built up in our heads as to what is right and wrong.

Unfortunately for us, the golf swing is actually illogical to our adult minds. That’s where the problem stems from. In our heads we can’t actually accept or believe that that is how the golf swing works. We then trust our instinct and test it against our rules and go back to what we believe is logical.

Here is what is illogical about the golf swing:

A Golf Swing without Effort = A Powerful 300 yard drive

It’s been said before that the secret to the pros swing is that it achieves ‘Power WITHOUT Effort – how illogical is that!

It’s a bit like saying we’re going on a 200 mile car journey, but we’re not going to turn the engine on! No ones going to believe you.

That’s how our brains interpret it – we think there’s no way you can hit a golf ball 300 yards without LOTS of effort.

So next time we coil up on the backswing our brain tells our muscles ‘right guys we need plenty of effort if we’re going to send this ball long and straight’.

Pro’s do actually put effort into their swings to get the ball to go that far (look at Tiger Woods face just before impact and you’ll see what I mean) BUT they put it in at a completely different point in the swing to amateur golfers. They also know the technique that allows them to produce such great results – and it doesn’t involve power, certainly not how the amateur golfer understands it.

Amateur golfers think you need to start the golf swing powerfully BUT the pro golfers know that you put the effort in at the bottom of the swing.

If you try and take this point on board this will start the process of adjusting your mind.

In my book Golf Swing Eureka! I OPEN your EYES to how the golf swing actually works – much of which us amateurs don’t appreciate.

Understanding is the 1st key to unlocking your golfing potential.

In my book I also show you where to download a piece of software that will help in re-programming your mind to BELIEVE how the golf swing really works, because at the moment your sub-conscious mind keeps telling you that it is illogical.

This piece of software will program your mind to accepting what Pro golfers KNOW to be true.

Tomorrow's question is... 'Where does all the club head speed REALLY come from?'

Happy Golfing!

How to Break 80...And Shoot like the Pros!- Book Review

How to Break 80...and Shoot Like the Pros by Jack Moorehouse is guaranteed to reduce your handicap and improve your game.

Personally, I would classify myself as just an "occassional" golfer. I may get out once every couple of weeks or so with a friend or family member. I am no pro and wouldn't expect many of the people who will come across this book to be either. It's a simple program you can follow without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. It takes 30 minutes to realize how much you can learn from this small book.

How To Break 80...and Shoot Like the Pros was written by a fellow golfer, not a pro, who collected tips and strategies over the years sharing them with other golfers helping them to lower their handicaps. After losing his game and years of practicing to get it back he realized what it takes to accomplish it.

The detailed fundamentals are a great start for those of us that are a little rusty. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the language in this book, it is for everyone, young, old, beginner, or pro. The consistent tips and illustrations provide a leg up on the other golfers who are searching for the formula.

The one thing you don't realize when tackling this book is it doesn't matter what your goal is, you will lower your handicap if you follow the strategies in How To Break 80. The driving force of this book is consistency and how to maintain it.

Main Features of How to Break 80:
4 Proven Techniques to Get You Into the 70's Instantly
How to Develop a Rock-Solid Short Game
Mastering the Chip Shot
The Putting Secrets of the Pros
Secrets to Reading Greens Properly
Perfect Practice Techniques
The 10 Essential Components of Breaking 80

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Golf Tips of the Week

By: Shawn Kelly

When golfers talk about the golf swing, it's amazing how many different opinions and theories are discussed.

Golfers tend to think way too much about their swings which inhibit their performance. It's been called "paralysis by analysis," because one can not hit a ball consistently by thinking about how to hit it, rather we must focus on the target or where we want it to go to be successful.

This is done by focusing on your routine prior to executing a shot instead of how to move the club to hit a ball.

We learn a new feel or athletic swing by doing drills in repetition, away from a ball, not while trying to hit balls. For me, I rarely go to the range to work on my swing; I go there to execute ball flight, or I'll most times work on my short game and my pre-shot routine. If I want to work on my swing then I do it away from the ball, in front of mirrors or a T-square and I like to use training aids at home to get some feel.

The thing I do work on hard are my three balance points; Start of the swing, Top of the back swing and Full finished position, or "Swing to Balance". Below describes my feel and what I do to ingrain these positions.

The three balance points are:

- Start of the swing: A balanced set-up position right before you pull the trigger. Weight should be equal on both feet and you feel athletic. Rock your weight back and forth to feel rhythm.

- Top of the back swing: The sternum is turned over your back leg and your weight should transfer to the back leg and is balanced in the back foot. My weight actually feels as if it moves to my back heel.

- Full finished position: You have uncoiled you torso so the sternum is now over your target leg, your weight has transferred to the front foot and you can hold your balance for a two count. My weight is in my target side heel. If your weight doesn't reach your heel on the target side, get as close as you can consistently, this is the most important position of the swing and I like to call this position "swing to balance". The first drill is the ever popular "Cross your heart" Take one of your clubs and lay it across your chest and shoulders bisecting your sternum.

Spread you legs shoulder width apart and bend slightly at the hips to feel balance as if you were preparing to swing the club.

Now turn your torso so that the club is over your back leg, the club should never move past 90 degrees to the target line and the weight should now be in your back foot, you should feel coiled and in balance.

Now uncoil your body until the club and sternum are now over your target leg and foot with your hips chest and eyes facing your target, you should be in perfect athletic balance.

Doing this drill in front of a mirror will help you accelerate the learning process.
...

This Saturday at 10 a.m., I'll be conducting a complimentary golf clinic for golfers of any skill level on the driving range at The Ridge. You'll be introduced to a new, easy to learn instructional program that is guaranteed to help improve your swing. It's free of charge and pre-registration is not necessary, just show up with your clubs and a smile and improve your golf game; Yep, I said it's free.

About the Author: Shawn Kelly is a PGA professional at The Ridge Golf Club. He can be reached for questions or lessons at (530) 888-PUTT.

Sweet And Easy Golf Swing Tips

By: Helen Hecker

Most golfers don't know that eighty percent of the world's golfers have a handicap of 18 or more. The biggest concerns of golfers today are inconsistency first of all, followed by slicing and distance. Golf is a difficult game to master and most golfers don't have the time it takes to practice, practice, and practice to significantly improve.

Keep the good energy flowing and don't give in to any negative thoughts. Approach the game with a positive attitude and repeat affirmations if you can, such as "I play great golf all the time." Visualize where you would like the ball to land, as you swing.

Use the muscles in your legs and trunk when you swing. Make sure to use the proper technique. Accomplished golfers purposely use sidespin to steer their ball around obstacles or towards the safe side of fairways and greens.

Use the basic 'hitchhiker' position when you're working on your backswing. As the body matures, the ability to rotate the upper torso is affected by age, and the hand action can also slow down requiring a slightly stronger grip. The most important thing about the golf swing is the angle and not the strength that's applied to it.

Trust your golf club to do the job it was intended to do. It's difficult for a golfer to practice hitting shots longer than short pitch shots unless one pays to play golf or pays to practice at a driving range or indoor golf training facility. Try not to grip the club too tightly.

Putting can become a nightmare and a condition called the 'yips' has affected not only amateurs but professionals as well; get expert advice and consider a golf swing aid. Many golfers who are strongly left-handed in their daily life prefer the right-handed swing.

To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be both strong and flexible. It's no secret; most of the professional players actively participate in workouts. The state of the physical condition is very often overlooked as a possible cause of golf swing problems.

Golf swing aids come in all shapes and sizes including apparel type accessories to correct alignment or a club add-on accessory to monitor your swing. Aids can be found online and are often cheaper. There are aids that will help you with swing alignment.

Be careful about the claims on TV commercials and magazine ads; seek expert advice before you buy because they may not live up to their claims. Golf swing aids will improve your game. Golf magazines often review the newest golf swing aids and are reviewed by golfers, making it easy to choose the right one for you.

If you're looking for an aid to improve your stance they're not hard to find. Keep in mind that with some golf swing aids, you may still need advice or help from an expert. If you're a golfing novice just starting out, it's easy to become overwhelmed.

Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, pick just one aid and go to work on your swing. You can find golf swing aids that will help you with your wrist and arm position.

With plenty of practice, a better golf swing will be the end result. Practice, practice, practice! When you play a round of golf, concentrate on improving your golf swing, putting or something specific that day; have a plan in mind.

Article Source: http://www.articleyard.com

Information about the Author: For more information on golf swing improvement golf swing aids and golf swing fitness go to www.Best-Golf-Guide.com specializing in golf tips, help, advice, resources, and instruction including information on golf swing tips

Sugarloaf Golf Club in Maine: Play Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s 'String of Pearls'

By Jeffrey White,
Staff Writer,
Golf Publisher Syndications

CARABASSETT VALLEY, Maine - The promise of Sugarloaf Golf Club's back-nine dangles in front of you the moment you arrive at this Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed golf course in western Maine.

People tell you to be patient. Just wait. It'll come.

"Wait to you see the back," says John Day, a retired newspaper reporter for the Bangor Daily News who's a member here. "The back side makes the front side seem like purgatory."

The story goes that Jones, who designed Sugarloaf about 20 years ago, felt a special connection with a continuous piece of land that ran along the rocky southern branch of the Carabasset River. He built six holes along it and called them his "string of pearls."." The string consists of holes Nos. 10 through 15, and they are breathtaking.

But first you got to get there.

Located on the same property as Sugarloaf/USA ski resort, Sugarloaf Golf Club is considered far and wide as the best public round of golf in Maine, and it can certainly lay claim to be the state's hardest. Though not unreasonably long at 6,910 yards from the tips, it plays more difficult than its 122 slope rating. The 400-acre golf course throws a lot of terrain changes at you: double dog-legs, blind tee shots, uphill approaches, elevated tees, forced carries - all amid a beautiful setting, a valley winding through the Bigelow Mountains.

It's a golf course that high-handicappers are likely to find too difficult. Mid-handicappers have their work cut out for them, too.

"On this golf course, you can hit a good shot and still get penalized," says Mark Yellis, who's been playing the course for 20 years.


Penalties include dense woodland that swallow balls alive, and penal rough that on a recent visit looked as if it hadn't been trimmed this season. Fly too far off the mark on a hole like No. 2, a 563-yard par 5 double-dog leg, which is fenced in by forest and a hidden brook, and a nine or 10 is likely.

The wind plays a factor on this golf course. Depending on which way it's blowing, holes like No. 3 - a 168-yard par 3 from the regular tees - can play considerably shorter (or longer). But sometimes that wind is subtle, and there are enough elevation changes here that it's easy to guess wrong on the wind's impact and come up a club or two short or long.

But by far Sugarloaf's biggest difficulties are its greens: huge, undulating things that are hard to read and even harder to score on if you misread your approach. Pins are tucked into corners and on top of slopes. Most greens funnel down in one direction, so it's important to get a player's guide before your round so you can see where you do and don't want to target your approaches (the course's yardage book is exceptional).

All of this tends to fade away, though, once you step up to No. 10, a 255-yard par 4 (from the regular tees) that begins the so-called ‘String of Pearls'. The course's easiest hole, it's also its most scenic, a massive elevated tee that looks down at a fairway 100 feet below that resembles a jigsaw piece. No. 11, a 166-yard par 3, is another elevated tee, and the drive amounts to a guessing game in terms of which way the wind will take your ball. No. 12 is a 495-yard par 4 that gives you a shot at the green if you position your drive well (and long) enough.

The string includes two holes that hit into essentially island greens (though surrounded by rocky creek rather than deep water). No. 14 is a short par 4 (333 yards) that sets up a short iron to a surrounded green. No. 15, which ends the string (and is the hole Jones considered the course's signature) is a 170-yard par 3 that must carry a long section of riverbed to a surrounded green.

My only complaint with the golf course is the par-4 18th hole, a perplexing finish. There's nothing special about it - a drive and a medium iron to the green - and it finishes deep in the woods, near nothing. You have to ride almost five minutes back to the clubhouse.

Sugarloaf Golf Club: The verdict

This is a demanding golf course that will challenge mid- to low-handicappers, and give high-handicappers fits.

Greens are extremely tricky on this golf course, with few giving flat lines to the hole. Most holes require precision off the tee and an ability to place the ball according to the terrain. Mistakes are punished, and scores can skyrocket in some of the course's thick rough.

But it's a stunningly beautiful golf course, both in its conditioning and mountain surroundings. And the layout equates to one of the quietest rounds of golf imaginable: Not one hole is in sight of another, so you truly feel like you're on a walk in the woods.

Golf Digest this year ranked Sugarloaf 45th in its list of the country's best public golf courses. Greens fees are an exceptional value: $43 on weekends, including carts.

Sugarloaf: Stay and play

The Sugarloaf Resort Hotel has 119 spacious rooms, many with master bedrooms, a fold-out second bed and full kitchen.

The resort also manages about 200 condominiums so that it can lodge a total of 2,000 guests at a time. There are stay-and-play golf packages available, and the resort offers a full array of spa and fitness services.

The Golden History Of The Golf Ball

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

The golf ball has a long and proud history, the first games of golf were played in the 1500's. Golf was then played using wooden sticks called clubs and round wooden balls.

The history of golf started in Scotland. The technology that we enjoy today was not available then, our golfing forefathers had to make use of the resources that were available to them. Wood was plentiful. A game of golf then was enjoyed with wooden clubs and balls. Club and ball were very heavy, the ball didn't travel much further than 100 yards. The front nine holes on a golf course could last for some time.

The "featherie", a ball made from cowhide and goose feathers, was invented in the 1600's. This first milestone in the history of golf ball was achieved by forming the golf ball through wet leather and feather. Wet cowhide and goose feathers were easy to shape and mold into golf balls, these where then painted and sold. The new golf ball was expensive, it did travel faster and farther after all. The wooden ball was now obsolete.

The stage was then set for the for the next stage in golf ball history. The creation of the Gutta Percha (the gutty ball). Made from the rubber like sap of the Sapodilla tree. Balls were shaped by heating the rubber like sap, it was discovered that these balls traveled further the more uneven they were. Indentations were then pounded into the balls with a hammer. The idea of dimpled golf balls was born. The game of golf was still an expensive sport, until a metal press was designed, that enabled the manufacturing of golf balls making them a great deal less expensive.

A golf ball then consisted of a hard solid core, surrounded by high - tension rubber the ball was completed by the Gutta Percha cover. The Gutta Percha ball worked well and was the standard pattern for many years.

The history of golf ball continued to evolve in design, advanced by the two - piece and three - piece balls. New materials like titanium, balata coverings and silicone many other components helped in making the golf ball an extremely efficient tool in the game. Advancement in golf balls makes it possible for a golfer to use spin on his shots.

The United States Golf Association put weight and size regulations into effect in the 1900's.

The regulations are:

* The weight of a golf ball could not exceed the maximum of 1,629 ounces.

* The diameter of the golf ball could be no less than 1,680 ounces.

* The golf ball must be designed with properties of a spherically symmetrical ball.

* The maximum velocity level of a golf ball was 250 feet per second

So the next time you step onto your favorite course for a round of golf, remember the history of the golf ball.

The technological advancements are a amazing!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-articles/the-golden-history-of-the-golf-ball-234063.html

About the Author: Abhishek is an avid Golfer! Visit his website www.Golf-Skills.com and download his FREE Golf Report "The Perfect Golfing Vacation" to learn some amazing Golfing tips and tricks for FREE. Whether you are a Golf novice or a professional Golfer, you will find very valuable tips from his site. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! www.Golf-Skills.com

Golf Confidence Tip: Golf Is A Journey, Not A Destination

Author: Buzz B Berkeley

What would you say is the most important aspect of not only becoming a better golfer (Senior or Beginner), but also experiencing complete fulfillment and enjoyment from the game? What aspect of this sport is the key ingredient to having the most fun and precision?

Some people say that patience is the answer. Others point out that practice and repetition is the key to success in golf. Some players even consider that having the right golf clubs is the magic potion to enjoying a better game of golf.

Great Answers, But...

I would have to agree that all of the above opinions are great and definitely have their place. But the most important aspect of golf that will help you become a skilled golfer, while at the same time having as much fun as possible is: Confidence.

Having confidence in yourself is of utmost importance in golf, and practically everywhere else in life as well. How you feel about yourself as a person will carry over into the quality of your game and the enjoyment you seek, or lack thereof. I have seen dozens of golfers increase their overall score and personal happiness with the slightest awareness and increase in their personal attitude and how they valued themselves.

Moving On To Performance

Increased confidence for the golf game does not stop at your individual self. The next type of confidence would be considered performance-oriented. Let's be honest here, you can love yourself until the cows come home and still be insecure about your swing on the course.

If you have very little confidence in your ability to play the game then you will not perform well, plain and simple. And if you do not perform well then, you guessed it; you will leave the course feeling frustrated and angry.

How To Build All Around True Confidence

Your confidence levels can be adjusted and worked on step-by-step. With larger personal issues and how you feel about yourself as a person, improvement can take as little as a week or as long as a lifetime.

Low self-esteem levels can be many layers deep and uncovering them far outweighs the scope of this article. However, in terms of performance confidence on the golf course, there are definitely some universal steps which all of us can benefit from.

The most important element to understand, and get through your head, is that golf does not define your life. This sport develops over time. If you decide that you will only be happy when you become "better" at playing golf, then this happiness will elude you. You will end up chasing it for years.

True joy when playing golf comes by having fun and accepting the fact that golf is a lifelong journey, never a destination. Let me repeat that: Golf is a lifelong journey, never a destination. Write it down, live it, and watch your personal happiness increase along with your golf game.

To Build True Confidence - You Must Start With Your Body

Your game confidence level is meaningless without confidence in your body's ability to perform. Especially for us Senior Golfers looking for our Power Stroke, we must actively work on our bodies. We have to maintain a daily routine of exercise. Further, we must use a constant and regular warm-up routine before taking that first stroke. All of this is outlined and explained in detail in my book "Senior Muscles - Why They Get Sore", a step-by-step instruction manual for preventing and treating injuries. You can get your copy for free at my newsletter.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-articles/golf-confidence-tip-golf-is-a-journey-not-a-destination-235093.html

About the Author: Buzz B Berkeley has written many articles for Senior Golfers looking for their Power Stroke and how to gain a competitive edge over younger players. His Newsletter and Blog contain secrets for senior golf.

Golf Beginner - Keep Your Head Down

The most common reason I see golfers not able to keep their “head down” (i.e. stable spine angle), is that their body motion is often almost non-existent, the motion being “all arms”, the cause usually being “dead legs” , i.e. “flat footed” or “locked up” knees.

If a (relatively) forceful swing of the arms is made through the ball, and the body and legs do not turn out of the way, then *some part* of the body has to absorb the momentum built up.

There are two schools of thought regarding arm / body motion, 1) that the body follows the motion of the arms or 2) that the motion of the body causes the arms to swing. Which one you believe doesn’t matter but the fact is that the body does have to turn while the arms swing.

When I see a golfer who has an obvious lack of body motion, I find it’s easier for them to learn by having them use the “body leads the arms” method. You can progress through a few stages to learn this.

(For a R.H. golfer) 1) Stand straight up, hold your arms out in front of you comfortably at chest level, then while keeping right foot stationary (allowing the left heel to rise if necessary), turn the chest and shoulders to the right and observe that (quite naturally) the arms follow and are still in front of the chest as you face to the “right”. Then reverse the turn, so that your chest and hips end up facing “left”, allow the right heel to come off the round.

Then just bend from the hips into a “golf stance”, still with the arms in front of you, and do the “turn-turn” drill again, and because of the tilt of the body, the arms will now be moving on a tilted “plane”.

Finally take a golf club and repeat the motion, to feel how the body turn carries the arms and club back and forth.

When you get the feel of the body rotating, you can then adjust your personal motion where it feels like the arms and shoulders/ chest are turning back together, or your arms mainly motivating the movement, or you might stay with the chest/torso feeling of initiating the motion. The end result should all look the same.

With the torso and legs now rotating throughout the swing, you should find it easy to keep the upper spine (and head) in place throughout the backswing and early stages of the followthrough.

The “modern” swing has the spine and head “releasing” the angle in the followthrough, so that you’ll end up standing straight up, balanced on the forward foot. When that occurs in the followthrough varies depending on a player’s flexibility.

Article Source: http://www.greenposse.com/

Look at the Simple Golf Swing that provides power, accuracy And consistency.
Also, have a look at the amazing best-selling eBook and Mp3 files on How to Break 80™ Golf Instruction Program.

Golf tips: Five ways women can generate more club head speed

By Karen Palacios-Jansen,
Special to WorldGolf.com,
Golf Publisher Syndications

Most golf instruction is written by men from a man's point of view. But women, who are built differently and have different tendencies, have to work on set-up and swing keys that are specific to them. Although only 5 ft. 5 in. and weighing 120 pounds, LPGA Tour Pro Lorena Ochoa's average drive is 271 yards. How is it that a petite woman can boom her drives out there farther than the average male golfer?

It is all in her technique and her ability to create club head speed. Here are five things ladies can work on to improve their technique for more club head speed and knock it out there with the big boys and girls - and maybe even past them.

1. Strengthen your grip
A strong grip helps create a flatter swing path and a more powerful release of the club through impact.

Instead of setting your left thumb on top of the grip, rotate it about 30 degrees clockwise (away from the target) so it is angled down the right side of the grip.

You now should see two, even three, knuckles of the left hand when looking down at address.

This grip will help compensate for having less arm strength than men.

As for the right hand, spread your fingers as wide as possible. There should be a significant gap between the index and middle fingers. This is also a strong position.

2. Take a firm stance
A solid base creates good balance and supports high club head speed. Flex your knees slightly and press them away from each other, not inward as many people think they should. Pressing them inward actually promotes reverse pivoting, a major power loss position. Pressing the knees away from each other enables you to shift your weight correctly.

3. Resist with the lower body
As the club starts back, stretch your arms away from your torso while holding your hips and knees in place. Your lower body will turn no matter how much you try to prevent it, but if you resist with your lower body at the start of the swing, you won't overturn - a common problem among women who tend to be very flexible. Overturning destroys the coil that sets up a powerful downswing.

4. Create the right support
At the top of the backswing, the right arm should fold to form a right angle. When this occurs, the right hand should be under the grip, providing support so the club doesn't dip past parallel. This support preserves your natural maximum swing arc and the wider the arc, the more club head speed you can produce.

5. Hands lead the shoulders
Starting down, push the hands away from your shoulders as far as possible. The butt end of the club should point down to the ball and the club head stays pointed to the sky creating angle in the back of the right wrist. This position combined with a stronger grip helps the forearms rotate the clubhead square for a solid strike every time.

About the Author: Karen Palacios-Jansen, voted one of America's Top 50 Instructors by Golf for Women magazine, is a LPGA Teaching Professional and an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer. She owns Swing Blade Inc., a golf events management company, and her golf-specific program Cardiogolf is available on DVD. Read her at WorldGolf.com

Look at the Simple Golf Swing that provides power, accuracy And consistency.
Also, have a look at the amazing best-selling eBook and Mp3 files on How to Break 80™ Golf Instruction Program.

A Few Golf Tips From Tiger Woods

Author: Wade Robins

Tiger Woods is the undisputed king of professional golf. With a smooth technique you could set your watch by, he makes winning those championships look like a walk in the park.

Imagine if you could sit with Tiger for a few minutes and pick his brain to help improve your game. Here are some great golf tips from Tiger Woods.

It's All About Rhythm

Every player has their own natural rhythm. Some players are energetic and full of motion; others are stoic and deep in concentration.

Tiger says that when he's playing his best, everything he does is just second nature. He just goes with the flow, and there's little else involved. That's because he's found just the right groove that suits his natural rhythm.

If the rhythm's off, Tiger misses a swing or two. When things are flowing for him, he has to work a little to get it back into a natural rhythm.

So, how do you learn to keep your natural rhythm? There are a few ways Tiger suggests to help you find your groove and keep it.

Stick To Your Routine

Rhythm and consistency are important, so how you get ready both physically and mentally for the game is essential. Tiger has a practice routine that he does before every single game. He uses the same clubs, and the last club he uses for his pre-game warm-up is the one he plans to use for the first hole.

The point isn't to practice swinging, but to get into your groove.

The First Hole Is The Most Important

Long before he swings for that first hole, Tiger plans the whole game ahead. He prepares himself for the game mentally and emotionally. This involves relaxation, and deciding his game plan beforehand.

An awkward, uncertain first shot is a sure-fire rhythm-killer.

Keep Things Steady

To keep your rhythm going, you have to keep the tempo steady. When you get stressed, you start to speed things up. All that nervous energy makes you hurry to the next hole, and you end up making silly mistakes you wouldn't have made otherwise.

The next time you watch Tiger play, pay attention to the way he walks to the next hole. Even after a great shot, you'll never see him rush on to the next one. He'll pump his fist, smile, and stroll to the next hole with the same leisurely pace.

Tiger recommends a good pre-routine warm-up that helps you get into a relaxed frame of mind. This will get you started on the right foot. For more info see http://www.getgoodatgolf.com/ on golf course.

Posture Means Perfect

When asked for practical golf tips, Tiger Woods always mentions posture. Tiger always stands straight and tall, a decent distance from the ball so that he can keep his chin up. Lots of golfers (including Tiger when he was a beginner) put their address position too close to the ball, and end up having to bow their head down too much. Tiger says to keep a good distance away so you don't have to lean over the ball.

Tiger Woods is not only one of the best players, he's also one of the most reflective. Perhaps the key to his success is his ability to look at his mistakes and shortcomings, and work to improve them, instead of getting frustrated. This is why his golf tips are so helpful to his fans. When you blow it, think about why you did it. Then, correct it next time, and you'll see improvement.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-articles/a-few-golf-tips-from-tiger-woods-185440.html

About the Author:
You can also find more info on best golf fitness and modern golf swing.GetGoodAtGolf.com is a comprehensive resource golf.


Look at the Simple Golf Swing that provides power, accuracy And consistency.
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Golf Course Review - Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort

Flinstone, MD (Sports Network) - FACTS AND STATS: Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus. Year Opened: 1999. Location: Flinstone, Maryland. Slope: 142. Rating: 74.2. Par: 72. Yardage: 7,002.

Hole-by-Hole:

1 - Par 4 408 Yds 10 - Par 5 559 Yds

2 - Par 4 381 Yds 11 - Par 4 421 Yds

3 - Par 4 472 Yds 12 - Par 3 160 Yds

4 - Par 3 174 Yds 13 - Par 5 565 Yds

5 - Par 5 542 Yds 14 - Par 4 439 Yds

6 - Par 3 226 Yds 15 - Par 5 535 Yds

7 - Par 4 395 Yds 16 - Par 3 190 Yds

8 - Par 5 509 Yds 17 - Par 3 206 Yds

9 - Par 4 392 Yds 18 - Par 4 428 Yds

Par 36 3,499 Yds Par 36 3,503 Yds

Awards Won: Rated 4 stars by Golf Digest - Best Places to Play (2007), America's Best Golf Courses by Zagat (2007-08).

Website: rockygapresort.com

HISTORY: Located just seven miles east of the city of Cumberland in Western Maryland, Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort is home to the only Jack Nicklaus signature course in the "Old Line State."

Part of Rocky Gap State Park, which encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land, the resort is situated around beautiful Lake Habeeb in the shadows of Evitt's Mountain.

Rocky Gap is part of Program Open Space, which was established in 1969 and is funded through The Department of Natural Resources. The program dedicates funds for Maryland's state and local parks and conservation areas.

The course itself was developed by the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, an agency created in 1984 that allows the state of Maryland the ability to directly own or develop property for economic growth.

Nicklaus, who has designed over 300 courses world-wide, was given the task of creating a challenging, but playable layout in the Appalachian Mountains. He certainly accomplished his task. Rocky Gap is a course for all levels of play, and the resort, well, all you have to do is ask the hundreds of thousands of guests who've frequented the area the past decade.

"The Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort is a jewel of Western Maryland," commented Allegany County Commissioner Jim Stakem. Rocky Gap, which employs over 300 staff members in the high season, "was created to spur economic development in the region." In 2005, Rocky Gap hosted nearly 700 events and was recently voted one of America's Best Golf Courses by Zagat Survey.

REVIEW: One of the easier holes on the course, the first is a perfect starting hole, just 408 yards from the elevated tips to a very generous fairway. The key is avoiding the fairway bunkers on both sides of the landing area. Just a short iron should remain to a very receptive green. The putting surface is fairly flat, but beware of the bunker guarding the left side that sits well below the green. A good hole to get your feet wet.

Although the second hole is fairly short at 381 yards, it plays uphill and requires a 200-yard poke from the black tees to reach the fairway. Driver is the play off the tee, just avoid the bunker down the left and you'll leave yourself a wedge to a very undulating green. The putting surface is 33 paces long and very similar in style to the first, except for the back-to-front slope. A back-left pin could spell doom if you short-side yourself.

Talk about a premium on accuracy, the tee shot on the third could be the most difficult on the course. Carved into the side of a mountain, this par four is the number one handicap hole on the course and rightfully so. Downhill from the tee, a steeped ridge blankets the left side, while the uneven, hilly landscape guards the right. The deep rough covers for the lack of fairway bunkers, so you must keep it in the short grass. A fairway metal or hybrid will remain to a slightly elevated and sloping green. Stay below the hole and play left of the bunker to the right, as it makes for a very difficult up and down.

The first of five sensational par threes, the fourth plays ever-so slightly downhill to a narrow green, that's just 17 steps wide. A mid to short iron should suffice to this tight, well-guard surface. A deep, massive bunker stands watch on the right and must be avoided at all costs. The hole is framed beautifully by the deep woods behind and to the right, but don't get caught up in the splendor, there's work to be done.

By far, the most spectacular hole at Rocky Gap, the fifth, is not only electrifying, it's also terrifying. This awesome par five plays downhill from tee to green. A pair of fairway bunkers lie in wait in the center of the enormously-wide landing area. Tall trees stand watch on both sides of the hole, as it narrows towards the green. It's worth the risk off the tee of trying to explode a drive over the traps down the right. This can set up a reasonable chance of getting home in two. Trouble looms down the left in the form of thick rough and your layup shot, if that's your choice, will be to a narrow sliver of fairway guarded on the right by sand. Another deep greenside trap guards the putting surface that swings around to the right. A front flag can be had, but a back-right pin brings plenty into the mix. Don't get greedy.

The longest of the par three's, the sixth is another beautiful and devilish hole. A whopping 226 yards from the back buttons, it plays downhill, so club selection could be tricky, especially with the outstanding views of the countryside. Pick the right stick and you could be putting for birdie. Miss long left or right and you'll be searching for balls. The green is very narrow with sand short and deep. A par here can go along way on the scorecard. I could have use it, instead of my six!

Another hole that puts a premium on accuracy is the short, dogleg right seventh. At 395 yards, a fairway metal or hybrid could be the play off the tee, as the slope of a mountain flanks the right and thick rough guards the left. This is where the fun begins, as the green is protected by a lateral hazard that runs from left to right in front of the putting surface. A back- right pin really brings the trouble into play, as the green is just 12 paces wide. Don't be shy about bailing out left, it sure beats putting one in the drink.

At first look, the par-five eighth seems to be a pushover at just 509 yards off the black tees, but not so fast. This straightaway hole, plays uphill from tee to green, with thick trees down the right and dense underbrush left. So the key here is an accurate tee ball, setting up a fairway metal or iron to layup for your approach. Going for the green in two can be risky, with trees down both sides of the fairway. The putting surface is sandwiched between mounds on either side. The green is long and two-tiered, but is very narrow with sand guarding the left-front. With a front pin, use the slope behind to spin the ball close for birdie.

Returning back towards the resort, the ninth is a slight dogleg left that again plays uphill from the tee. Guard against going left from the start, as trees protect against the aggressive play. Your tee ball should favor a slight draw with a driver or three-metal. This will leave a short iron to a very receptive green, 23 yards wide. Two bunkers protect both sides of the green, however, any shot long and left will finish out of bounds, so choose the correct club from the fairway. Standing on the green offers a sensational view of the lodge and lake. Take care of the task at hand and then enjoy your surroundings.

The back nine opens with a downhill par five that reaches 559 yards from the tips. Navigating the fairway bunkers on either side of the landing area is key to set up your best chance of getting home in two, or for laying up. It's best to play short of the inlet of water that creeps in front of the isolated green, setting up a little pitch to a very shallow putting surface. To reach the green in two, you'll have to be long off the tee and longer with your second. Not the correct play, especially when the carry from the fairway reaches 250-plus. Make your birdie the old-fashioned way, wedge it close and sink the putt.

One of five par fours over 400 yards, the 11th, despite its number 16 rating on the scorecard, is not to be taken lightly. Devoid of fairway sand, the landing area is quite generous, but even with a successful tee shot, a medium iron will remain to an uphill, wide green that's guarded on the left by a deep bunker. A back-left flag could be quite the challenge, so play towards the center and get your par. There'll be other birdie chances later in the round.

One such possibility is the par-three 12th. The shortest on the course, this 160-yarder features a wide and shallow green. The two-tiered putting surface is guarded on both sides by sand and out-of-bounds deep, making club selection key. Stay below the hole and you'll have a great shot at a deuce.

With a beautiful, panoramic view of the area, the 13th plays downhill from tee to green. This lengthy par five, the longest on the course, features an ample fairway, with one lone bunker down the right side. The landing area tightens for your second shot, with a slope left and a water hazard right, within 100 yards of the green. The putting surface is just 25 yards deep, with sand deep and the pond covering the right. With a wedge in hand for your third, go for it and make birdie.

From an elevated tee, the 14th is a solid, dog-leg right par four that requires accuracy off the tee and pinpoint control with your approach. Two bunkers guard the right side of the fairway, while a somewhat, dried-out creek bed splits the landing area at the 280-yard mark off the back tee. A medium iron should remain to an elevated green guarded on the right by a very deep bunker. The putting surface slopes from back to front and with a back-right pin, this could end up being one of the most difficult holes on the course. By the way, long and right is OB, so play smart.

The final par five on the course, the 15th is one of the most difficult driving holes at Rocky Gap. A tight landing area, with a thick, grassy hazard left and trees and massive rough right, make this one "Bear" of a hole. Even after hitting the short grass off the tee, the layup area for your second is even slimmer as you close towards the green. A split fairway, from 180 yards in gives the player an option, however the best angle to the green is on the right. The putting surface is 32 yards long, but just 19 paces wide with a bunker fronting the left portion of the green. As far as par fives go, a par here will look fine on the card.

The first of back-to-back par three's, the 16th is a downhill gem that requires the proper club selection, as the wind usually plays havoc. The putting surface is shallow and guarded in front by a deep, 20-yard wide bunker. A back-right pin brings the hazard into play, so execute sensibly or a big number could be in the mix.

Built into the side of a hill, the 17th offers a great view of the mountain range and when the fall colors are flourishing, this is one spectacular sight. A long iron or hybrid will be needed to reach the promised land and when the pin is back and left, add another 20 plus yards to your total. Two deep bunkers guard the left side of the putting surface, making for a difficult up- and-down. The play, a nice, high draw to the right, two putts for three and move on.

With the wind in your face and the fairway uphill from the tee, you'll need a 200-yard poke to reach the wide landing area. Sand protects both sides of the fairway, so an accurate and big blast is required. A mid to long iron is left to a slightly elevated green that's wider than deep. The putting surface features a bowl in the center that forces most shots to funnel towards the front. Offline or deep and you'll find one of the three surrounding bunkers.

FINAL WORD: Wow. Now that was a fun golf course. Let's start out with the playability of Rocky Gap. Five sets of tee boxes allow all levels of play to tackle this Jack Nicklaus beauty. Tees range from as little as 5,198 yards to just over 7,000 and that is really the key to playing this golf course.

Next up is conditioning and you'll be hard-pressed to find another public course in better shape than Rocky Gap. The tees are firm, the fairways well- manicured and the greens contoured and smooth.

This is typical Nicklaus. No let-up from the first tee to the final putt. What makes this course stand out is its variety of holes. From doglegs left and right, to short and long par three's and a mix of wonderful elevation changes. The front nine, except the first hole, is tree-lined and tight, while the back nine is more wide-open, but featuring several risk-reward holes. Let's not forget the several outstanding views of Lake Habeeb and Evitt's Mountain. I only wished that the course played alongside the water's edge, as it never touches the shoreline.

Rocky Gap is perfectly situated just two hours from Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and a little longer from Philadelphia. So, not only can you drive to the resort, you can play the same day!

There are many "signature" holes at Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort, but my favorites are five, six and seven on the front nine and 13 through 17 on the closing stretch.

What makes Rocky Gap even more appealing is the beautiful lodge that stands tall overlooking the 243-acre lake. Not only does the resort feature 215 rooms and wonderful dining, there are miles of hiking trails, numerous boating and fishing activities and the luxurious spa.

What more could one ask for. A serene and peaceful setting, wonderful accommodations at a AAA Four-Diamond resort and a Jack Nicklaus championship golf course. With wonderful Stay-and-Play packages and amazing golf rates for non-guests, you'd be making a huge mistake bypassing this experience. If peace and quiet and serenity is what you seek, you've come to the right place.

Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort met all my needs and then some. I just hope they invite me back.

Aces, pars or bogeys, send your thoughts to psokol@sportsnetwork.com.


Look at the Simple Golf Swing that provides power, accuracy And consistency.
Also, have a look at the amazing best-selling eBook and Mp3 files on How to Break 80™ Golf Instruction Program.

Correcting Golf Swing Problems - A Few Basic Tips

You've been playing golf forever and you still stink when you're out on the green. You've got all the necessary gear, all the training stuff, and you've watched videos and tutorials online. So, what's the problem?

Even if you play golf as a hobby, you'll always need to be concerned with correcting golf swing problems. There's nothing more rewarding than noticing that you're scores are getting lower. You'll gain more confidence and feel better about your game.

Here are some simple tips for correcting golf swing problems.

Keep Your Eyes Open

When you go golfing with friends, watch them. During the first few holes, check out everybody and see who's the best player. Don't worry about all your own slices and mistakes; find out who's the best in the group and study their moves.

You'd be surprised what you can learn just by watching others play. If you don't get out to play as much as you'd like to, watch pro golf on TV. Instead of thinking about how impossibly good the players are, watch what the do and pay attention to their technique.

Practice Practice Practice

I can't write tips for improving your game without mentioning practice. Practice a lot. Okay, I mentioned it, so let's move on!

Watch Yourself

When you're doing all this practicing I mentioned above, videotape yourself and watch your swing. This can really help you notice things you wouldn't have noticed before. When you are practicing, you're so busy DOING it, that you might not notice a mistake you're making.

Watching the video back, you might notice that your posture is a little awkward, or your address a little off. You can watch different shots and see how consistent your set-up is. You can see the angles from the outside, and you can even compare your swings with those of your favorite golfers.

Just remember to erase them when you're done. There's no reason to keep an archive, and let's face it, it's a little weird to have a hundred videos of yourself practicing golf!

If you're not into the audio-visual side of things, practice in front of a mirror. This will help too, and you can practice your "Nice shot!" face.

No More Slicing

The most common problem with most golfers' swings is the dreaded slice. The slice is basically when the ball goes veering off to the right of where you meant to put it (of the left, in the case of lefties).

If you slice a lot, you are probably swinging in too much of a downward motion. In other words, your swing plan is too steep.

Try flattening it out. If you flatten it out too much, the ball will start veering to the left (or the right, in the case of lefties). Try to find the right balance between too-steep and too-flat, so that the ball goes just where you want to put it.

Sometimes slicing is caused by improper grip or stance. Make sure you have the proper address before you take your golf swing, and you'll eliminate this problem. For more info see http://www.getgoodatgolf.com on golf course.

There's a lot that goes into making a perfect golf swing, and all of us can stand a little correcting once in a while. Always correcting golf swing problems will help improve your game and get you over the slump to the next level.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-articles/correcting-golf-swing-problems-a-few-basic-tips-223441.html

About the Author:
You can also find more info on best golf fitness and modern golf swing. GetGoodAtGolf.com is a comprehensive resource golf enthusiast to improve their game through helpful tips.


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Why Spain is the Perfect Country for Golf

If golf is a passion of yours, perhaps Golf property Costa Blanca style is exactly what you need to scratch that itch. Maybe the wife would rather relax in the sun or by the pool however, well there are numerous places in Costablanca, Spain where you can both have what you desire from your vacations. This area of Spain puts you within minutes of several picturesque courses, and the closeness lets you enjoy some time on the course as well as by the pool or beach.

There are some top four-star golf courses along the Costa Blanca. With each you will find lavish accommodations, perfectly kept greens and often, superior golf instruction.

A taste of some of the best properties within 50 km of the Alicante and Murcia airports include:

Campoamor Golf, Alicante Golf, Don Cayo Golf, Alenda Golf, and El Plantio Golf,. These courses are not only considered first class, but also offer bargain greens fees for guests staying at the close by resorts, such as the Campoamor Golf Hotel.

If a golf vacation isn't enough, you can buy a golf property that will give you the option of popping in and finishing a round anytime the urge to travel to Costablanca hits you. You can buy a penthouse and high-end apartment property that is merely steps from the golf courses. On the off-season, not that there's much of one in Costa Blanca, you'll find the perfect opportunity to rent out your property for a little investment income. You can also buy yourself a time-share and choose the dates you want to vacation.

There are new projects from some of Spain's top developers close to the Puerto Banus, Atalaya, San Pedro, and Alcantara golf courses. These new developments and others like them have what is known as a golf share. The site of the development along the golf course and near others in the area takes into account residency and offers membership shares in the courses themselves.

A good golf vacation obviously includes many hours of golf. But, there are other activities both on and off the course that are fun for the visitor looking for both serious golf and some serious relaxation.

After a lengthy, yet enjoyable day on the course, you can anticipate spa treatments of the plushest kind. Massages, manicures, facials, etc. are conveniently housed on the grounds and appointments run into the evening hours.

There's a nightlife aspect to a golf property Costa Blanca vacation too. Bars and restaurants and can start the day off perfectly, followed by a quiet stroll along the waterfront or dancing. Shops will usually stay open late in the evenings during high tourist times to capitalize on your vacation experience.

About the Author
The free-lance writer Johnathan Bakers is particularly passionate about ideas relating to costablanca. His abstracts on Spain and Costa Blanca can be discovered on his web publications.

Look at the Simple Golf Swing that provides power, accuracy And consistency.
Also, have a look at the amazing best-selling eBook and Mp3 files on How to Break 80™ Golf Instruction Program.