When Pulling, Check Ball Position

From Donald Crawley, a Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher, director of The Boulders Golf Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz., and president of GolfSimplified:

If you pull your irons to the left, check your ball position. The ball may be too far forward in your stance, which will align your shoulders open and to the left of the target.

After aiming the club face, take your stance with the handle pointing in line with the center of your body. This will place the ball forward of center, but not up on the target foot. A bonus of this ball position is that your shoulders will be aligned square, not open. A combination of correct ball position and square shoulder alignment will fix that pull.

How to Break 80

From: Jack Moorehouse

Dear Fellow Golfer,

Let's face it, golf is probably the most difficult sport in the world. It takes a great deal of skill, mental fortitude and perseverance to excel at it. You have to have great hand-eye coordination, balance, athletic ability and creativity. You can receive all the best golf tips in the world and take countless golf lessons but you still can't seem to create any consistency...

Now, there are a ton of people who play golf just to hack around and have some fun. But more avid players are always trying to improve their swing and overall game. The problem is that golf is a very difficult game to master and you don't have enough time to practice to really improve significantly. Even the guys who play golf for a living and have the best golf instruction in the world still struggle and they practice every day!

BUT...

If you're like most golfers, though, you want to improve, not just hack around. Golf, when played poorly, is not a lot of fun. What do I mean by poorly? Let me see if this describes YOU:

I play golf 2-4 times/month and have never broken 90 or even 80
I can't work the ball (fade, draw, general trajectory)
I have at least 3 or 4 three putts per round
I rarely hit greens in regulation
I can't get up and down when I miss a green
I make a birdie once in a blue moon
I don't really know where the ball is going when I swing (hit and hope)

Even worse, I'm a more advanced player and typically shoot in the low or mid 80's frequently but can't break 80.

If you can identify with even one of those characteristics of a poor golfer, then it's time to do something about it. No one, and I mean NO ONE should have to play bad golf. Here's why YOU shouldn't settle for poor golf either:

Bad habits will only get worse if you don't fix them.

You are wasting money on every round of golf you play because it turns out to be an expensive practice round!

Golf does not have to be so complex and difficult. If you knew how easy it was to break 80 you would have far less gray hair, anxiety and uncertainty..

Golf is infinitely more fun in the 70's than it is in the 80's, 90's and 100's. TRUST ME on this one.

It really doesn't matter if you want to shoot even par or simply break 100 for the first time....the techniques and strategies in How To Break 80 will help you lower your handicap quickly. When you truly have a confidence in your game and your swing and have good consistency, it becomes more than a sport, but a true accomplishment. According to NGT Research, there are over 60 million golfers in the world today and less than half of us will ever break 100. 33% will break 90. However, only 5 % will ever break 80. That's 3 million people out of 60 million golfers. I have helped hundreds of people across the globe to break 80 and I am confident I can help you too.

"How to Break 80 and Shoot Like the Pros!" has quickly become one of the best selling books on the Internet because it is written and designed for those of us who actually have to do something else than golf to make a living. This is not a simple collection of golf tips, golf lessons or golf instruction...it is your personal guide to lower scores.

So, stop wasting money on expensive golf lessons and read on to learn how you can play better golf immediately.

My name is Jack Moorehouse. I'm an average Joe, not a Pro and most importantly, I know how to explain things in extremely simple terms. I am a working man like everyone else and golf when not working; carrying a respectable 5 handicap index. I used to play golf really well and then one day I lost it. Finally, after years of practice and tinkering, I discovered the magic formula that has me breaking 80 nearly every time I play!

You see, I was able to and do exactly what the pros do consistently and apply it to my own game. The results were astonishing. In this book, you will learn the simple steps to create more consistency with your swing and game in general. To learn these steps takes approximately 30 minutes and he also provides drills to ensure you can incorporate these new techniques into your game. Now, this isn't simply a guide that shows you 4 steps. It is a complete manual on how to shoot your best scores ever. I cover all aspects of the game so that you can develop a solid all-around game in your quest to drop shots. This golf instruction guide will be the last book you read on this subject. All contents of the book are designed to do ONE thing.....lower your scores!

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Golf Chipping Drills and Tips

Chipping Tips

Chipping - How to:
When setting up for a chip shot you should have your feet fairly close together, about a foot apart, with your weight on your forward foot (left foot for right handed golfers). You should almost be able to lift your back foot right off the ground. Keep your hands ahead of the ball, and make a short back stroke and follow through (always keeping your hands ahead of the ball and no wrist break - like a putting motion). Keep your legs and upper body still - only your arms and shoulders should be moving during the stroke. If your wrists break and you try to "help" the ball up into the air this will de-loft your club and you will most likely "skull" the ball, getting no lift at all.

Chipping - which club do I use?
I always used to have trouble with my chipping - I didn't know any better and would use a wedge and try to land my chip shot close to the pin. My chipping became much more consistent once I learned the following:

You can chip with pretty much any club in your bag. For a more accurate shot, you want to get the ball rolling on the green as soon as possible, rather than have it flying through the air all the way to the pin. Here is how to choose the correct club for the shot you need to make:

Pitching Wedge - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 1 foot.
9 Iron - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 2 feet.
8 Iron - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 3 feet.
7 Iron - for every foot in the air it will roll approximately 4 feet.
… and so on.

So, for example, if you are 4 feet off the edge of the green, and the pin is 4 feet in, you would choose a pitching wedge and try to land the ball just past the fringe on the edge of the green, and have the ball roll the rest of the way to the pin.

If you are 3 feet off the green and the pin is 12 feet from the edge of the green your best bet would be the 7 iron, chipping it 3 feet in the air so it lands just on the edge of the green.

Of course, these figures will vary depending on the speed of the green, and whether you are chipping up or downhill, but if you use this as a general rule of thumb, I think that you will find your chip shots getting much closer to the pin.

Golf Chipping Drills:

Target Practice
When chipping you want to get your ball in the air, just past the edge of the green and have it roll the rest of the way to the pin. Thus, the thing that is going to improve your chipping the most is distance control. This is something that you can easily practice in your back yard. Set up a small target laying flat on your lawn, and practice landing the ball on that target (pretending it's the edge of the green). Start from about 3 feet away. If you can make 5 balls in a row land on your target (landing before the target and bouncing on to it doesn't count!) then move back 1 foot and start again. Make sure to practice this with all of your clubs, not just your wedges!

How To Handle a Gambling Shot

by Dr. Richard C. Myers

WWW.THINKANDREACHPAR.COM

All golfers are faced with situations in which they feel a risky shot should be tried. Assuming that the need for the gambling shot is clear-the so-called "calculated risk"-what then can be done to give it the best chance of being pulled off?

First, the chances are much better than average if the shot is preceded by what might be called "the surge of confidence". With this, one experiences an almost overwhelming feeling that a given shot can be made. I have experienced this myself a number of times in various sports. It is followed by success that defies the law of averages and seems to approach the impossible.

A few weeks ago I was hitting eight iron shots on a practice fairway. To the left of the green there is a tall forked pine tree. I pulled the shot that went through the narrow fork. There were several people watching and one said "that won't happen again in a thousand years". Cocky as I am sometimes, I dropped another ball and said "Not in a thousand years?. I put it squarely through the fork again.

How this feeling develops, I am not sure, but one thing I know. Here isn't a trace of anxiety or fear in it. No extraneous muscles will jerk at the wrong time when this feeling exists, and the ball has the best possible chance of receiving a maximum effort. At these times, if the gamble is indicated, fire away. You'll probably make the shot if it is in your bag at all.

If the feeling is not there and the shot still has to be played, be deliberate and think the shot through. Even though you must gamble, try the shot which has the most chance of success. This eliminates experimental shots. W well-thought-out shot can inspire confidence, for if you settle down properly to the ball you will suddenly feel right; fight feelings accompany right action. This feeling right helps to insure a successful gamble.

There are major and minor gambling shots. One of the minor ones involves the decision of when you may permit yourself to aim for he flag and when you should aim for the green. As a general rule, it is best to aim precisely where you wish to go. Your ball has a better statistical chance of going where you are aiming than to any other spot.

In golf, if the problem is simply a question of win or lose there is no option. The pin must be shot for. However, there are many situations, when the question is strictly statistical. Often the problem can be solved by asking yourself, "Are my chances of gaining a stroke equally as good as my chances of losing one?

The great danger of the gambling shot is that it tends to set up a state of anxiety. Much depends on the result, and this preoccupation with the result will generally destroy the golfer's ability to execute the shot.

If you are using a putter in a trop, you are anxious to see if it will run up the bank and are apt to half-top it. If you must shoot through a narrow opening in trees, you will be tempted to pull your head up prematurely t see where the ball is going. On a delicate chip, you may not complete the swing. Hence, to insure a higher percentage of success, a marked effort at self-control is required. Deliberately complete the shot before you examine the results.

A Putting Tip To Develop An Effective Preshot Routine

This Is something I found at http://www.free-golf-swing-tips.com/ which i found really helpful.

Mental Putting Tip by Dr. Patrick Cohn

Putting Tip - Mental Keys to a Positive Putting Routine The use of preshot routines in sports is not new. Basketball players use a preshot routine at the foul line. Baseball players use a routine in the batter's box and on the mound. And bowlers use a preshot routine before executing each shot.

I use preshot routines in golf as a tool to help players eliminate doubt, focus on execution, and trust their stroke. Many players I’ve worked with think that they have a routine, but most of the time they just go through the physical motions of the routine. An essential putting tip is to make the most important part of preshot routine - the mental routine — or programming your mind and body for a successful putt. I teach players this putting tip with these 10 keys to a successful routine.

Putting Tip 1. Get Your Best Read

Frankly, if you can’t read greens--you can’t make putts. Experience plays a big roll here. A practice round is the best time to get to know the greens. Also, observing other players' putts and chips can help you see the break better. A good putting tip is to go with your first instinct. And don’t forget to get low to the ground—you can see the undulations in the green better.

Putting Tip 2. Make a Specific Plan by Picking a Line and a Target.

After reading the green, use your imagination to see a line. As you squat behind your ball, see the ball rolling towards the cup. Did it drop? If yes, you have a good line, . . if not, you need to adjust. Also, I prefer you pick a spot equidistant to the hole to aim your putter to. You don’t want to just hit it “somewhere out there”. This makes every putt a straight putt in your mind. Greg Norman gives this putting tip, “never hit a putt until you have a good vision of the path in which it will roll.”

Putting Tip 3. See and Feel the Ball into the Hole.

Good putting is about vision and feel. After you select a line, now is the time to imprint a powerful image of the ball rolling on its line into the hole. Be sure to see the pace needed to keep the ball on that line. Some players are more kinesthetic and prefer to feel the ball into the hole. Bob Murphy is an example of a feel putter. He said: "I don't worry about position, I just walk in behind a putt, wiggle around until I get comfortable and then I hit it". The type of image is not what’s important. What’s important is that you use an image that’s right for you.

Putting Tip 4. Stay Line and Target Focused.

Your eyes want to play tricks with your mind on the green. As you move from behind the ball and walk into address the putt, perception changes and so does your recognition of the line. It’s critical that you don’t take your mind and eyes off your target. An excellent putting tip is to stay fixated on your line and spot as you walk into the ball. This way you won’t lose target focus and trick yourself into changing your read.

Putting Tip 5. Use Self-Talk to Your Advantage.

No one can make you feel confident, but yourself, and now is the time. Great putters use self-talk to help them stay focused on execution and to be confident. Use self-talk to your advantage! Tell yourself: “ I deserve to make this putt”, or “I’m due to make one”, as you go through your routine.

Putting Tip 6. Use Practice Strokes to Ingrain the Feel.

This is not the time to practice mechanics, but you want to feel the distance of the putt with your practice strokes. This locks in the feel of the correct distance. I want players to match the putt they see in their mind’s eye to the practice stroke. Don’t watch the putter head, instead focus on tempo and distance.

Putting Tip 7. Aim Your Putter with Your Eyes over the Line.

Golf is a target game, and aiming is the key to hitting your target. Poor aim leads to compensations in the stroke. I want you to aim the putter first with your eyes over the ball and target line (you can sight the line better with this approach). After you aim your putter, then align your body around the putter head. Also, don’t try to be too precise or perfect when aiming so that you can’t pull the trigger when it’s time to stroke the ball.

Putting Tip 8. Use Your Mind’s Eye to See the Target.

Now that you are aimed and aligned well, what should be the last thought? Should it be the ball, the line, speed, feel, or a spot on your line? Golf is one of the only sports that we don’t look at the target when we perform. We look at the ball. Your last thought (or image) should be to “see” the target in your mind’s eye.
Have a picture, an image, or a feeling of the target and just respond to that.

Putting Tip 9. Fire Away Using a Natural Stroke.

Most players' routines flow well until the moment of truth when it’s time to pull the trigger. Doubt, hesitation, and indecision can ruin a great putting routine and cause you to control the stroke. Trying to stroke the ball on line only increases tension and ruins your natural stroke. LPGA player Vickie Goetz said, “I get over a putt and let my natural talent take over. I don't stand over it very long, I look at my target, I look at the ball and hit it." This is a great example of putting with freedom.

Putting Tip 10. Accept the Results.

Accepting the result is the final step in a solid routine. Your post shot or post putt reaction is very important. You need to release the past and get into the present moment before your next shot. Dwelling on missing won’t help you make putts. If you want to putt well, be objective and accept what happens. I want you for the next five rounds to walk off each green with a least one thing you did well. This will help you make your most confident stroke on the next hole.

Click here to visit the website of mental putting tip expert Dr. Cohn

Just For Laughs!

Two long-time golfing buddies got to the course one day and decided that this day they would play the ball where it lies... "No matter what!"

On the 14th hole, one of them sliced his drive and it ended up on the cart path. As he reached down to pick up his ball to get relief, his friend said, "Wait a minute! We agreed that we would not improve our lies! Remember? No matter what!"

The first player tried to explain that he was entitled to this relief, that it was in the rules of golf. But the second fellow would not allow it.

Throwing up his hands in disgust, the man went to the cart and grabbed a club. As he stood near his ball, he took a few practice swings, each time scraping the club on the pavement and sending out showers of sparks.

Finally, he took his shot. The club hit the path again, sparks went flying, but his ball shot straight towards the green, landed and rolled to a stop - two inches from the cup.
"Great shot!" his friend exclaimed. "What club did you use?" The man gave him a wry smile, "Your 7 iron!"

by Ray Eldred


A man decided to take up golf and went to the local course and asked the pro to show him how to play. The pro told the man to put the ball on the tee and hit it as near to that flag as you can.
The man put the ball on the tee and gave it a whack. It landed about 2 inches from the hole.

As they walked up to the green the Pro said "Now all you have to do is tap the ball into the hole.
The man said " Why didn't you say that when we were on the tee".

by Alan Ludlow

Nike Sasquatch 460cc - Driving Machine!

This Driver is unbelievable! It absolutely blows its competitors right out of the water. The sight of it takes some getting used to for some people. But the proof is in the hitting. I have heard some people say that "it hits to straight", what a pleasure.

Selling for around $200 at some stores at the moment i think its a steal. The bottom line is, for beginning, intermediate, and advance intermediate golfers. The SASQUATCH will give you confidence, consistency, and the result that you will want. Unless you can't hit the ball. (Ps: Clubs won't make you a better golfer, you have to learn the golf swing before buying expensive equipment) .

Some golfers are even leaving their R7 at home because they say the Sasquatch is just so much more consistent. If you haven't taken the Sasquatch for a test drive yet then you won't know what you missing!

I just CANNOT hit the ball straight at the moment!

Try to Swing Easy. I always find myself trying to hit the cover off the ball. Nothing can be better for your game than learning how to swing the club easier and make your swing more fluid. If you go to the range and concentrate ONLY on swinging easy, it will revolutionize your ability to position yourself for a good approach shot when you get onto the course.

You will make more consistent impact with the ball, and it will reduce the amount of side-spin you naturally place on the ball because the club head won't be traveling as fast or with as much force. Switch to a low spin ball. Lower spin off of the tee means that the ball is going to fly straighter. The Titleist DT SoLo, Precept Laddie, or the Maxfli Noodle are great low spin balls. These balls will play a large role in reducing the side spin that you place on the ball.

I realize that this all sounds over-simplified, but it's not. If you are having problems controlling your driver, switch to a low-spin ball, and start swinging easy. When you are on the range, ALL you should be thinking about is swinging the club easy. AND REMEMBER: If you having a bad round- Slow your game down!

Be careful who you play golf with!

Two Scots

Two Scots, Rabby and Angus are playing golf and come upon a water hole.Rabby tees up and hits it into the middle of the pond.He reaches into his bag to find that he is out of balls. He then asks Angus for a ball and proceeds to hit it into the pond as well. This goes on for 3 or 4 more times and when he asks Angus for yet another ball, Angus says."Rabby, theseball cost me a pretty penny,"Rabby replies "Och!, Angus if you cannee afford to play the game, ya shouldnee be out here"


"I'm hitting the woods just great, but I'm having trouble getting out of them" Anonymous