Beginners Guide To Golf

Hi there!

Did you know that the shaft weight of you golf club plays a major part on your golf game?

Q. Why is the shaft weight of a golf club important?

A. The weight of the club shaft is important for allowing you to determine the overall weight of the golf club.

For customized golf clubs, the grip weights and head weights will vary depending on the specific requirement for the golfer such as: height, build, golf fitness level etc… These types of customizations are widely available and will definitely be required if you want to learn to play golf professionally.

Today most golf equipment and accessories are customizable and currently club shafts of weight 130 g (4.6 oz) down to 40 g (1.4 oz) are widely available to buy. When a golfer changes from a steel club shaft to a graphite shaft, the weight change will be at least 50 g (1.75 oz).

As a golfer you should be aware that generating longer distance drives is directly related to the speed of the clubhead. If the golf clubs used are lighter such as a graphite shaft, the clubhead speed will be increased resulting in a longer drive. Note: Be aware that there are pros and cons to both club shafts. For instance, if you want the higher swing speed of the graphite shaft you must be aware that this club will have a less sturdy feel during the downswing and will be easier to hook or slice the ball.

Important: Be aware of the fact that the swing weight of any club has to be matched with physique (strength, tempo, experience etc…) of the golfer using that particular club. If a golfer uses a club of any major weight difference, the golfer will tend to be less accurate at striking the sweetspot resulting in off-centre hits. This will ultimately result in less distance and an increased number of off-target shots. It is best to change the weight of golf clubs as slightly as possible to adjust your pre-shot routine accordingly and get familiar with the difference in feeling of the swing. Move through the weights of club shafts in increments to allow your “feel” the golf swing to adjust with it.

Hi there!

A lot of golfers should be aware that it is not as easy as you think to buy a golf club. You don’t just go and grab a club that ‘looks nice’ and then try to use it. It’s not like buying new clothes, you know? There are certain questions you need to know the answers to. Here are 5 important tips to help you pick the best golf equipment to suit your game…

1. Be Open and Honest with Yourself

Be honest and realistic when it comes to buying new golf gear. Ask yourself what skill levels you are at, and be realistic here, don’t buy golf equipment that is designed for an expert golfer like Tiger Woods when you are only a novice weekend golfer wanting to improve your golf game. It is important to know your limitations and work your way up from there. If you don’t do this it will only hurt your performance on the green in the long run.

2. Stay within Your Desired Budget

As far as golfing equipment comes into the equation, pick a budget and stick with it. So many new golfers end up spending thousands of dollars on golf equipment and yet don’t even know how to use the half of it on the course. If this happens you will lose the luxury of paying less as the prices of golf equipment drops over time, and paying at the time when you really need it. Also, don’t be afraid to venture into second-hand clubs and equipment. Remember: Golf equipment and accessories exists for all budgets, you will only need to know where to look, so shop around.

3. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

When shopping for golf equipment, make sure you know your strengths and weaknesses in the game. For instance, do you know how to hook a ball? Are you a short hitter? It is important to know the answers to these types of questions. If you do, it will allow the golf store clerk or your new golf coach to make a ore informed decision to help supply you with the best equipment for you, making life easier for the both of you.

4. Buy to Suit Your Game

How often would you say you play golf? Are you a golf addict who plays constantly or is it just a weekend leisure? Knowing answers to these and similar questions will suggest which type of golf clubs and accessories fit your particular game. If you are a highly motivated golfer, experienced and travel a lot just for golf you will need high durability equipment and good quality so expect to pay more. On the other hand if you are not that obsessed, a more casual approach will suit you.

5. Research the Game

Do your own research. Read lots of magazines, online articles, newspapers and whatever else you have access to. Why not attend demo days in your local area golf club or a golf show? Check out the manufacturer’s websites on your new golf equipment and see if they have any useful information for you. Doing this research is the key to learning tips and tricks relating to golf and will always improve your golf game. Keep your eyes peeled!

If you use these 5 simple tips to choosing golf clubs it will be simple for you to get fitted with exactly what you need. So go out and get those brand new clubs you have been thinking about for while and remember, learning how to play golf is always supposed to be fun, so do enjoy yourself on the green!

Reading Grass Grain on the Green

Learning how to read the greens is definitely one way you can easily improve your golfing performance.

But how do you do that? Well it’s simple really, stand behind the ball and squat down. Position your head so you are looking along the target line from behind the ball toward the hole. If the grass appears shiny this means the green is with you and the ball will roll more easily when you putt it or chip it. If the grass appears dull, this means the grass blades are against the flow of the ball and the shot will need that bit extra power behind it to reach the target.

More great tips on learning how to play golf at golfingvalley.com

Hi there,

The impact of the clubhead with the golf ball is the moment of truth for the golf swing. There are three things you need to be aware of when taking a shot. These three things must happen before you are able to hit a true shot on the target-line which flies properly.

1. The centre of the clubface has to impact below the equator of the golf ball.
2. The clubhead’s swing path must be directly along the target-line.
3. The angle of the club-blade has to be square to there target.

Golfers use different variances in their swing but all these swings have the same conclusion on impact. These variances are conducted in a similar way and are needed for a consistent accuracy in the shots. There are also six elements which need to happen in your physical body. See as follows:

1. 80 to 90 % of the weight is on the left foot.
2. The hips are turned approximately 45 degrees.
3. The head is behind the ball.
4. The shoulders are turned left about 15 degrees.
5. The hands are slightly ahead of the ball.
6. The right heel is slightly off the ground.

Similarly to putting, chipping is mainly performed by the muscles in the arms and shoulders. Hands are kept relatively steady and the golfer’s body only slightly moves with the follow through in order to allow release of the club. This movement should be like a pendulum swinging back and forth on a grandfather clock.

There are many different tips and lessons on chipping, but I find these 5 the most effective.

My best five essentials for a good, clean chipping stroke:

1. Minimum air time and maximum ground time. Keep hands in the position when addressing the shot with any club and stance should be slightly ahead of the ball on impact. Handle of all clubs should point slightly to the left of your front hip pocket. Maintain minimum hand and wrist motion through the stroke.

2. Aim for the ball to land roughly 1 yard on the green. Change club accordingly for the difference in Carry to Roll.

The following chart is useful on the average green:

10 % Carry and 90 % Roll = 5 iron
20 % Carry and 80 % Roll = 6 iron
30 % Carry and 70 % Roll = 7 iron
40 % Carry and 60 % Roll = 8 or 9 iron
50 % Carry and 50 % Roll = PW
40 % Carry and <50% Roll = SW

3. Weight should stay mainly on the left foot (right hand golfer) during the chip.

4. Use an open stance to clear the hips on the swing through.

5. Ball should be positioned slightly off the inside of the right foot (right hand golfer).