Archive for May 6th, 2009

Choosing The Right Golf Equipment For You

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Choosing the right golf equipment is very important and it is not just about how much you spend on it that counts. Having the right golf equipment is a crucial part of the sport of golf. There are many different brands to choose from and if the wrong equipment is chosen, it could have a negative effect on the score sheet. Today, there is a huge array of golf equipment available, 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 or 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.

Every person should take their time in choosing the right golf equipment and there’re many factors go into effect when choosing the right equipment. The three main types of golf equipment needed to have a good game of golf are golf clubs, golf bags and golf  balls. To ensure you have a good day at the golf course, having the right equipment can help.

Golf Tips For Beginners

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Golf is a great way to relax, spend the weekend and enjoy nature.  Whatever your reason, there are some basic ground rules that you should know to make your first time on the golf course a little easier. It is important to observe all the rules of the game in order to be successful. With the presence of an instructor, you can effectively overcome many of the mistakes that are done by beginners.

First, check with your playing partners to find out if someone has already reserved a tee time. If no one has done so, offer to call and make reservations. Some golf courses only require one day’s notice while others will want you to call several days ahead. Once you set up the reservation, make sure that you actually arrive on time. In fact, it is often wise to get there about 30 minutes early. You can always use that time to do some practice on the driving range.

Before you hit the green, be sure to find out if the golf course you are using has a dress code. The typical dress code is a pair of khaki pants or shorts and a collared golf shirt. Golf shoes and golf gloves are usually optional but are pieces of equipment that many golfers find helpful. Just make sure you know the rules before you arrive to save yourself frustration and embarrassment.

Also, it is important to know what type of golf course you will be using because, in some cases, you will need to bring money to tip employees. If you are at most public golf courses, this will not be an issue. However, most private or even more upscale public courses will accept tips. This includes the person who brings you a cart when you arrive, the men or women who drive a beverage cart around the course, or the jockey who carries your golf clubs and equipment to and from your vehicle. Consider the price of the green fee when determining how much to tip.

In addition, it is extremely important that you pack the right equipment. You should have as many golf clubs are you will need, up to the maximum allowable, which is usually fourteen clubs. This will eliminate borrowing from others, which is typically not allowed. Be sure to pack plenty of golf balls and tees. If you are beginner, you will most likely lose a lot of balls, so it is imperative that you have plenty of extras. While you may not play by the strictest rules as you learn, you do not want to annoy those playing with you by constantly borrowing equipment from them.

Finally, it is imperative that you pay close attention to your plays on the golf course. Have your golf club ready when it is your turn, and always be prepared to play. Groups who play slow are often found as problems on the green, and it is even easier to slow others up when you are a beginner. Make use of others’ turns to decide which golf club you will use and what putt you will make. If your group continues to be slower than a group that is behind you and they are being held up by your group, it is common courtesy to let them play through your group.

Golf can be a difficult game especially for beginners. Do yourself a favor and get some basic lessons before hitting the local course. A few golf lessons will go a long way in eliminating problems that arise from developing bad habits. A good golf instructor will teach proper alignment, grip and swing techniques taking a lot of the guess work out of the game.