How To Get Your Child Started in Golf

The game of golf is experiencing a boom of new life as youth are discovering the excitement of a day at the course. New facilities that offer children affordable access to play the game are being constructed throughout the country and the world. This article is written for parents to offer tips on how to attract their youngsters to play this game for a lifetime.

Ideally, your son or daughter will approach you one day and express an interest in learning to play golf. You may have to cultivate that interest in them because you appreciate the qualities that golf embodies and want your children to share those experiences. No matter because you, the parent, are the person who must provide access and offer encouragement to your children.

One of the keys to getting your child interested in golf is finding a program that they enjoy participating in. Select a program that nurtures their interest and stresses having fun. A visit to www.juniorlinks.com is a way to find out what programs are available in your area. Other information sources may be your local recreation department or your local PGA Professional. Many schools also have golf programs and these are a great way for the serious junior golfer to develop his or her interest.

Ultimately, parents are the catalyst to the growth of their childs interest in golf. A visit to the driving range where your child and you can spend time together is an excellent way to get started. Invite some of your childs friends along so that they associate golf with FUN. Unless you are qualified to teach, dont worry too much about instructing your child. Just make sure that he or she gets an opportunity to hit some balls and enjoy the exercise.

Once a strong foundation has been developed, a visit to your local course or Par 3 course is warranted. Try to play in non-peak hours so that your child is not subject to the pressures of pace of play requirements of a busy facility.

Children learn by imitation, encourage watching a PGA or LPGA event on TV. If you should have a tour event in your local area, go to the course. The crowds and excitement of big time golf are great magnets for a young persons imagination.

Many recreation departments and most public golf facilities offer junior programs (usually in the summer months). One advantage of utilizing these programs is the social interaction that your child experiences with the other children in the clinic. Kids learn that golf is a social game played by rules of conduct and proper etiquette.

For advanced juniors who show an interest, junior tournaments are a great way to test their skills. It is important that participation in tournaments is the childs idea. Access and encouragement are two important things that parents can provide to their children to help them learn and enjoy golf.


Article Prepared by US Golf Camps
www.usgolfcamps.com
US Golf Camps conduct the Ultimate Junior Golf Camp Experience for junior golfers 9-17 years old.

How Doing Yoga For Golf On The Ball Can Quickly Improve Women Golfers Balance And Stability

Are you getting tighter by the day? Do you feel like your swing is out of balance and not very stable? Doing yoga with a ball will help.

Improving flexibility is a well-known thought for most golfers, including women golfers. But why are women golfers hesitant to stretch regularly? Could it be that its boring?

There is a growing population of female golfers who are taking up yoga. Yoga is a great resource for not only improving your flexibility but strengthening your core and improving your balance for a more stable golf swing.

Thats why adding some interest by incorporating a stability ball in the routine might increase your interest in doing yoga.

Using a stability ball in a yoga routine can add some visual interest as well as challenge. The stability ball by itself works the core and stabilizing muscles of the entire body. Add some yoga exercises and youve got a great workout that will dramatically improve your golf game.

GOLF TIP: The Simple Exercise That Helps You Relieve Back Pain -- and stress on your hips when you play.

This exercise targets the muscle groups in your hamstrings, glutes and hips. Theses are key muscles to strengthen to not only reduce back pain, but improve golf posture and stability in your swing. Here's the exercise that will solve that problem:

I call it the "Bridge On The Ball" It requires the use of a stability ball. Sit on the ball and roll out until only your head and upper back are on the ball. Now raise your hips up until they are parallel with the ground. Hold this position for up to 60 seconds and repeat 3 times. That's all there is to it! Do this exercise everyday and you will notice a marked improvement in lower back pain and stability in your golf swing.


Consider this: It's proven that tension in the golf swing is a killer. Really pay attention to how you feel on the course. Standing over a shot that you dont feel comfortable with. Thats a common scenario in golf. The result is undo tension - causing mishits and higher scores.

Being able to trust your body during every shot will greatly reduce the amount of tension your produce in your swing give you the best chance at solid-ball contact and greater distance and accuracy.

Mike Pedersen is a certified golf fitness expert and founder of the webs only online golf performance program for women at www.fitgolfforwomen.com

How Golf-Specific Strength Training Can Enable You to Play Exceptional Golf

Is your driving distance going down and down? Does your back hurt after a round of golf? Do you feel like you've lost power in your golf swing? Improving your strength specific to golf may be the missing link.

Golf is no longer just the leisure game it used to be. It is now recognized as an athletic sport. As with all other athletic sports, your body's strength plays a crucial part in how well you play the game.

FACT: A stronger body plays better golf. Most strength-building workouts can be beneficial to some degree, but there are golf-specific strength exercises that enable you to hit longer -- and straighter -- drives with less effort and hit more accurate shots, which will consequently lower your scores.

GOLF TIP: Strengthen Your Back and Prevent Low Back Pain -- so that you can play 18 holes without fatigue

Did you know that doing even just one exercise will greatly improve the strength of your back so that you will be able to play 18 holes, or hit balls all day without any pain?

I call this powerful little exercise the "Lying Superman." You won't believe the amazing difference this exercise can make in your strength until you actually do it -- so go for it! All you have to do is lie on your stomach on the floor with your hands at your sides. Raise both your upper body (chest), arms and legs as high as you can. Hold it for a count of 10. And that's it! Just do this simple exercise for 2 sets every day and you can say goodbye to low back pain!


Playing golf at an optimum level requires muscular strength, power, and endurance. Contrary to what most people think, long practice sessions and hitting hundreds of balls will not improve these components. In fact, they will only result in physical injuries (from overuse) and a great deal of frustration.

Benefits of Golf-Specific Strength Training

Strength training is the obvious solution for taking your golf game to the next level. The benefits of golf-specific strength training have been well documented. Golfers have significantly increased their driving distance, lowered their handicaps, and reduced injuries. Therefore, it is advantageous for golfers of all ages and fitness levels to start a strength training program.

The "Lying Superman" is just one of the many results-producing exercises compiled into one revolutionary golf fitness program that I personally designed for golfers, and which I've trademarked the Power Performance Program.

Mike Pedersen is a certified golf fitness expert and founder of the Power Performance Program at www.golf-trainer.com

The Three Secrets of A Consistent Golf Stroke

S.E.D."At Last! The "3 Secrets" Of A Consistent Golf Stroke -- Revealed!

How You Can "INSTANTLY" Drop Strokes Off YOUR GAME!"

What you are about to read... will change your golfing life forever! What are these three "secrets"? If you knew how would they effect your game?. These three "secrets" are what the worlds best players do. Every player MUST know these
"secrets" if they are to have a powerful, repeating golf stroke.

The problem with the majority of golfers is that they don't know what to do. Oh their friends, well wishers at best, tell them that they are "bending their left arm", "raising up through the shot", "coming over the top" and host of
other swing faults. But these are the same people that shoot the same scores you do! What could they possibly tell you that would improve your game?

The information you are about to receive is not theory or conjecture but science. Ooooh, you say, this sounds complicated. Well it isn't, it is simply the laws of force and motion that govern our entire lives and day to day living. Once you understand these simply laws your golf
game will forever change...for the better!

Secret 1: A Flat Left Wrist

Because the golf stroke involves a golf club, a left arm, and a wrist in between, it is called a "lever system". The left wrist acts as a "hinge pin" much like the old time "flail" used to beat wheat. This "hinge pin" can rotate, cock or uncock but NEVER Bends!

Golfers however routinely bend the left wrist causing the clubhead to reach the ball before the hands do. This causes a "quitting" motion, adds loft to the clubface, points the face to the left of target, makes the clubhead swing upward disrupting the downward motion that ALL good golf shots MUST have. Good players DELOFT the clubface at Impact. Poor players ADD loft to the clubface costing them distance, direction, and trajectory.

A 5 iron, for example, has approximately 8 degrees for "forward lean" when soled properly. At Impact with good players the "lean" is approximately 15 degrees. This turns the 5 iron into a 4 iron. Poor players reach Impact with a "backward" leaning clubshaft thereby ADDING loft and turning the 5 iron into a 6-7 iron!

Secret 2: A Straight Plane Line

You only have two choices when it comes to the swing plane,you are either on or you're off. There is no middle ground!

What exactly is the swing plane? The plane is the angle of the clubshaft as it sets at address - period! It is NOT Hogans plane of glass as many would have you to believe.
There are only three planes available;

1. Horizontal - a wall
2. Vertical - the floor
3. Inclined somewhere in between

As golfers you and I use the Inclined Plane to swing the club back up and end, down out and forward, up back and in making the Golf Stroke three dimensional.

The clubshaft, actually the sweetspot of the club, may travel to any other plane angle during the swing as long as it DOES NOT cross the base of the plane. Here is a simple way you can know if you are on plane or not. Whichever end of the club is nearest to the ground MUST also point at the base of the plane from horizon to horizon. If neither end is nearer then the clubshaft MUST be horizontal to the ground and parallel to the base of plane.

Secret 3: A Lagging Clubhead

Lag by definition means "trailing". When the clubhead passes the hands coming into Impact there is no "lag". Without "lag" the golf ball cannot be compressed, we cannot
hit downward, and we have a tremendous power loss. Clubhead lag promotes a steady and even acceleration giving us a
dependable way to control distance.

Look at any picture of your favorite player at Impact. The left arm and clubshaft are in ONE LINE! Never two lines. This means that the player is utilizing "lag". When a ball is struck with "lag" it explodes off the clubface! Without this "lag" the sound turns into one of mush, a soft Impact
instead of a driving Impact.

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If you follow this outline, learn these three "Secrets" you will be hitting the ball with more compression than you ever thought possible.

For example, a Driver striking a golf ball with a 2 degree "backward" leaning clubshaft at 100 mph with 9.5 degrees of loft produces a launch angle of 6.4 degrees and a carry distance of 230 yards.

By changing Impact to a 2 degree forward leaning clubshaft the player produces a launch angle of 10.4 degrees and a carry of 251 yards. A 21 YARD INCREASE WITHOUT buying a new Driver and simply having clubhead lag!

YOU can improve your game dramatically by following the steps outlined above. Become the best player YOU can be and start winning those 4 way presses! If YOU really want to elevate your game, hit it farther, straighter, and nearer the hole then practice what I've shared with you.

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Chuck Evans, G.S.E.D.
www.chuckevansgolf.com
chuck@chuckevansgolf.com

P.S. Visit our website for more information on how to become the best player YOU can be.
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Chuck Evans is one of only 31 Teachers in the world to hold the designation of "Doctorate in Golf Stroke Engineering", he is one of the most highly sought after instructors in the world not only by players but other teachers as well and is known as the Teacher of Teachers!

Chuck has appeared on numerous golf talk shows, written and published instructional articles in local, regional, and national golf publications. His DVD, "60 Days To Game Improvement" has sold in excess of 10,000 copies and his new eBook, "How To Build YOUR Golf Swing" is in the library of amateurs and Teaching Professional alike. He has also appeared as the featured instructor for education classes regarding the golf swing at various PGA Sections and Chapters around the country and has been nominated numerous times for Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers and Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers.

In addition Chuck has held the positions of Director of Schools for the PGA Tour Golf Academy and the Director of Instruction for the United States Golf Institute.

You can reach Chuck through his Golf Academy in Mesa Arizona by calling 480.862.6544, by email at chuck@chuckevansgolf.com or through the website www.chuckevansgolf.com

Amazing 1892 Golf Book Predicted Bullet Trains, TV, More

hear about the strange little book, written in 1892, that predicted such wonders as bullet trains, digital watches, television and women's liberation decades before those things came to pass?

The book leapt into the news in early 2005 when a rare first edition sold at auction for more than $2,000.

The strangest thing about the book is that it is not a work of science fiction, as we would generally understand the term, nor some obscure tract of religious prophecy. Instead it's a novel about, of all things, golf.

Written by a 19th-century professional Scottish golfer named J. (or Jay) McCullough, about whom very little is known, "Golf in the Year 2000; or, What We Are Coming To" also predicted the advent of golf carts and international golf competitions.

Published under McCollough's pseudonym, J.A.C.K., the book chronicles the tale of a character named Alexander J. Gibson who falls into a near-comatose state on March 24, 1892. He awakens 108 years later (on March 25, 2000) into a world, where, among other things, women dress like men, run businesses and hold most of the top government positions.

Gibson also learns, to his considerable delight, that women do all the work in this evolved society while the men play golf full time. Upon being informed of this fact, he cries out that it's "the dream of my former existence come true! I am, indeed, a lucky man to see it. ... The world is evidently getting things ship-shape. ... Oh, how I would like to wake up some of my old chums. I know a few who would appreciate the arrangement."

But Gibson finds that his beloved golf has changed radically, too. He has to adjust to the existence of driverless golf carts, golf clubs that automatically register their user's score and jackets that yell "Fore!" whenever the golfer begins to swing. He finds the jackets to be particularly grating, but it's the rule at every club in Britain: you can't play unless
you're wearing one.

He also gets to watch -- via a television-like device that works through an elaborate mirror arrangement -- a golf competition between Britain and the United States, much like the Ryder Cup (an event which did not begin until 1927).

And, he learns that wars have ceased, at least among the European powers, because international disputes are now settled by ... golf matches.

One thing about golf hasn't changed, Gibson reflects following a round of golf in which he emerges the victor--and has to listen to his defeated opponent grousing about bad luck. "The same old excuses, I thought. Among all those inventions, surely they might have got something new in that line."

The main character's adventures in the year 2000 also include taking a ride in an underground tubular railway, which people familiarly call the "tub," and reading about a new London-to-New York speed record of two hours and 32 minutes, which is achieved by a bullet-type train traveling beneath the Atlantic Ocean.

Little things, too, amaze him: He no longer has to shave every day; instead, he brushes a miraculous preparation of some sort over his cheeks once a week and this is sufficient to keep down his beard. Similarly, he uses a hairbrush that keeps his hair at the length of his choosing, so he never needs to visit the barber (which is good, since barbers no longer exist).

The appeal of "Golf in the Year 2000" is perhaps stronger today than it was when it was first published. Golfing fans, as could be expected, enjoy it for its wry commentary on the sport as practiced in the 19th century and in
the "future" (our present) as imagined by a contemporary of H.G. Wells, who was also writing speculative fiction about things to come. General readers have fallen in love with it, too. Not only is it fun to go through it tallying up author McCullough's hits and misses on the predictive front, the book radiates a kind of Victorian charm that is reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes story.

Now, the world is rediscovering this little literary fantasy.

In January of 2005, news services reported that an American collector named James Espinola had paid $2,240 at auction for a rare first edition of "Golf in the Year 2000". Although Espinola is said to be in the process of selling off his own huge collection of golf memorabilia, he was quoted as explaining that he can't resist buying the occasional "odd thing" at auction--and this was one of those things.

The Edinburgh, Scotland, auction house of Lyon and Trumbull had guessed that the book would fetch less than a quarter of what it ended up bringing. The auctioneers' golf specialist was quoted as saying that the final price "took us a bit by surprise."

Although original editions of the book are extremely rare, it has occasionally been reprinted in facsimile editions from time to time. No one thought to make it available to the vast audiences of the World Wide Web, though, until recently.

On February 26, 2005, a little over a month following the news about the auctioned first edition, "Golf in the Year 2000" made its debut on the Web. The full text of this odd and
engaging book is finally available for anyone, anywhere to read--without charge.

At the end of the book, the main character declares that he does not intend to wake up and find himself back in 1892 again, and that his amazing adventure was all a dream. "No, no; I'm in 2000, and in 2000 I mean to stay." Like
him, the tale of his adventure seems to have found a secure place in our time.

Steve Smith is a writer and editor living near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the United States. He is currently working on additional features for his Web site, Golf In The Year 2000: http://www.golf-in-the-year-2000.com

5 Important Things to Consider When Choosing Golf Clubs

Every golfer knows that having proper equipment is essential. Choosing golf clubs has become some what of a daunting task because of the enormous market out there. We have come up with 5 simple things to consider when choosing golf clubs.

1. First of all you have to be honest with yourself in deciding what skill level youre at. Are you a beginner just starting out, an intermediate weekend golfer, or an expert golfer who plays all the time? This is critical because there are different types of equipment designed to help every level of player. Playing with expert equipment if you are just starting out will only hurt your game.

2. Stay within your spending limits. You have to know what type of budget you are working with. Golf can become very expensive if you dont stay within your means. There is equipment and accessories designed for every budget, you just have to know where to look.

3. Figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Do you know hook or slice the ball? Are you a long or short hitter? Do you sink many puts when you have to, etc.? You must know these qualities of your game. When you go to your local shop or golf pro it will be easy for them to get you fitted correctly if you know this information.

4. How often do you play? Are you a weekend golfer or an addict who plays all the time? This will determine what golf clubs and accessories you should purchase. Dont go out and spend a fortune on complex equipment and other things if you only play the game on the weekend with your buddies. On the other hand if you travel all over competing and playing, you are going to need the quality equipment that allows that.

5. Finally make sure you do your own research. Read golf magazines, articles, newspapers, and anything else you can get your hands on. Go to demo days at your local club or driving range and any local golf shows. Check online at manufacturers websites and other informative golf club websites. You can find anything online. Doing research is the key to getting what you want.

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.

More great tips on choosing your golf clubs can be found at:

www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html

John Bolt is the full time owner of GolfEquipmentSource.com. With years of competitive golf experience under his belt, he understands the importance of having properly fitted golf equipment. You can visit him online at: http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html

Golf Maui - Tee Off Where the Pros Play!

If you plan to golf Maui you're in for the treat of your links career! More top-flite choices await you than almost any other island destination. Whether you are a scratch golfer or the only way you get near par is with an eraser, there is a Maui golf experience waiting just for you!

With near perfect year-round weather averaging 75-85 degrees, who wouldn't want to golf Maui? You've seen many of the courses on TV: The Kapalua Plantation course, home of the Mercedes Championship; the Wailea Gold course, home of the Senior Skins Game; and Kaanapali North, host to a Champions tour event. But the best part of all is that you can experience the exact same courses Tiger, Phil and Ernie challenge. All of Maui's golf courses are in great shape year round, and there is no bad time for a maui golf vacation. Try some of the lesser known but no less spectacular courses such as Makena South, Pukalani, and the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course. Almost every course offers stunning views of both the ocean and Mt. Haleakala, so keeping your eye on the ball is your foremost challenge here!

So if you're coming to Golf Maui, be advised you'll be subjected to gorgeous vistas, great weather, world-class accommodations, delicious Asian Rim cuisine, and quite possibly the best vacation you've ever had. We just thought you should know. As for myself, every year I look forward to the time I get to golf Maui!

http://www.teetimeshawaii.com

Golf Training - The Key To Great Golf

If youve watched any golf on the television youve no doubt heard the commentators mention golf training. Its no secret that 95 percent of professional golfers are doing some for of golf training.

If there livelihood depends on their performance and they are participating in golf fitness training, why wouldnt amateur golfers do the same?

The golf swing is one of the most physically demanding movements on the human body of all sports.

Swinging a three and a half foot long implement at upwards of 100 mph, while maintaining balance, stabilization and proper swing mechanics is very difficult.

I dont think I have to convince you of that do I?

The only way to be able to accomplish this is by improving the strength AND flexibility of your golf muscles.

Whats the simplest way to do this? I can tell you not on a machine in your local gym.

Just take a look at the golf swing to realize its on your feet and bent at the waist. How could sitting in a machine help that?

It cant! Youve got to do as many exercises as possible on your feet, involving balance, coordination, strength and flexibility.

You dont even have to be a golf fitness specialist to come up with some creative golf exercises on your own.

How about making your golf swing while holding a single handweight? You cant get anymore golf-specific than that.

What about some exercise tubing (thats inexpensive) attached to your door and make your golf swing? Another very golf-specific exercise.

You dont need a gym membership to do any of these and many more golf exercises. Convenience of doing these exercises in your home saves time and money.

There is a lot of information (including books) showing golfers on machines in gyms. Thats not golf-specific, thats general fitness.

If you want to improve your game quickly and easily, try doing these in-home golf training exercises. You wont believe how quickly your body will respond and how youll be the LONGEST hitter in your foursome in no-time.

Mike Pedersen is one of the countries top golf fitness experts, and the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness tips and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness manual and DVD's go to http://www.performbettergolf.com

Fitness For Golf Is The Key To Rejuvenating Your Golf Game

Fitness for golf is prevalent at every level. You hear about it all the time on the television and even teaching pros are talking more about the importance of fitness for golf.

The reason being is the belief that your physical limitations are keeping you from optimal swing mechanics, power, distance and accuracy.

For the aging golfer this is most prevalent.

Without a golf-specific exercise program, it is virtually impossible to maintain and/or improve swing mechanics. The human body declines rapidly without stress being put on it.

What I meanis muscles and bones need stress and pressure on them to remain strong, stable and injury-free. Without this stressthe body weakens and breaks down quicklyresulting in a rapid decline in strength and flexibility.

This is death to your golf swing!

The old adage use it or lose it is very true. Havent you experienced a time when you were too busy with family obligations, work commitments and other stress-related issues and you felt you didnt have the time to devote to your health and fitness?

What happened shortly after that?

Did you energy level go down? Did you start getting aches and pains and even newfound stiffnesses? How about your golf game? Did you feel like you didnt have the same amount of umph on the ball?

This is that declining strength and flexibility Im talking about. And the ONLY way to stop this from happening is maintaining some sort for fitness for golf program if it pertains to your golf game.

There are also two forms of fitness. General fitness and sport-specific or fitness for golf in regards to you as a golfer.

There is a major difference between these two forms of fitness.

One that is very common is going into a gym, plopping down on the machines and isolating one muscle group at a time in a controlled environment. Picture for instance an abdominal machine. You lie down in it, grap fixed handles that guide you through a set range of motion.

That would be considered general fitness.

On the other hand, picture standing (just like you do in golf) holding a single hand weight (dumbbell) straight out in front of you, and rotating (turning) back and through just like your golf swing. That is an exercise that would be consider fitness for golf. It directly benefits your rotational strength AND flexibilityenabling you to make a bigger turn with more power.

This area rapidly declines with the older golfer. Abdominal strength and flexibility if not tested often, will decrease, and the ability to make a full backswing with stored energy will be less and lessresulting in a massive reduction in power output, therefore distance.

So the next time youre on the course and you get frustrated about you lack of distance off the teeask yourself what was the last time you worked on your BODY? Your answer will dictate your performance on a daily basis.

I have just barely scratched the surface of the importance of fitness for golfbut I hope Ive got you thinking about how important fitness for golf is if you want to play your best golf.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness products site at Perform Better Golf.

Senior Golfers Can Still Play Great Golf

If youre a senior golferdont give up and dont give into the perception thats its all downhill from here.

No way!

You have a lot of GREAT golf years ahead of you, but you need to take a different approach to your golf improvement.

The approach Im going to talk about will quickly and dramatically transform your game; and you can do this all right in your own home in less than 30 minutes.

No more teasingthis secret approach involves your BODY!

Yesits that simple!

Do you ever go on the course and start playing only to feel like you cant make a full backswing?

How about your distance? Have you lost yards off your drives the last few years? And lastly, how about aches and pains? Does your back, shoulders, hips or even wrists hurt when you play or afterwards?

Then theres only one choice!

Improve your current physical fitness, specific to your golf game.

You may have heard this beforebut have you done anything about it? I know it can be confusing with all the information out there.

The first thing you need to consider is the credibility and experience of these professionals.

Do they know golf? How long have they been working with golfers. Have golfers really improved with their programs, etc.?

Im here to tell you there is hopeand a lot of it.

The first thing you need to do is find out what your limitations are. Is it strength? Is it flexibility? How about the mental? Thats a huge part of the game; but I can tell you, your mind and BODY are linked very intimately.

If you feel weak, tired and out of shapeyour confidence will be so low it will be a miracle you can even complete a round of golf, let alone get a score youre proud of.

Its time to change all that! Right hereright now!

Taking ACTION right after reading this article is critical to your golfing future. I dont believe in thinking about something. Dreaming about something. And not doing anything.

Have a clear, very specific picture in your mind of the kind of golfer you are capable of being and badly want to be.

I cant tell you exactly what to do in this article. It would be 20 pages of meaty stuff that would get your mind going a hundred miles a minute.

But I hope in this article, Ive motivated you to take a look at your current level of fitness (both strength and flexibility) and come up with a plan (either on your own, or with the help of a qualified golf fitness professional) that will transform your game quickly and easily.

Its not as hard as you think. Just doing a few of the right golf stretches and golf strength exercises in your home a couple of times a week will make a world of difference.

Now get away from your computer and do this stretch right away! It will feel so good on your lower back.

Its my Lying Leg Crossover:

Lie on back with legs extended
Raise one leg and bend at knee to 90 degrees in knee and hip
Cross that leg over extended leg, while opposite shoulder stays on ground
Go until slight pull in butt and lower back
Hold and repeat once more
Switch legs and do opposite side

This is just one simple golf exercise of dozens you can do with minimal or no equipment that will quickly and dramatically transform your game for years to come!

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness products site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

The Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Your Reach

The perfect golf swing IS achievable for any senior golfer!

Actually we have noted in our ongoing programs, a dramatic change in the quality of the games of senior golfers many of whom are achieving the perfect golf swing at their ages and despite relative inexperience on the golf course. Not only that, they are hitting the ball as long as their PGA counterparts. And we are talking about both male and female players.

So how do they do it?

The answer is so simple that it may be a little difficult to believe at first. Actually it is the result of a simple combination of personal coaching on swing mechanics and getting stronger. They do not get stronger as a result of arduous weight training using heavy weights designed to give bulky muscles.

Rather the training ideas have even been described as enjoyable by some and the program even involves simple exercises that will not take you away from the office or your work and yet have the potential of helping you reach the perfect golf swing much quicker than you ever thought possible.

Very specific conditioning and training achieve the perfect golf swing and a much better game. Exercises that are not straining but are in fact targeted very specifically at improving the quality of the golf game are responsible for the miracles in junior golf players.

Surely if it works so well with senior citizens, younger golfers should have no problem. Right?

Actually we are also witnessing junior golfers who are also dramatically revolutionizing their game through the same exercises and conditioning which also involves using products recommended by experts and people who earn a living improving ordinary amateurs golf games and helping them towards achieving the perfect golf swing.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness products site at Perform Better Golf.

Golf Strength Training Is The Missing Link To A Great Game

Golf strength training is the quickest way to add yards to your drives and eliminate back pain forever. The golf swing puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body, especially the lower back. Implementing a golf strength training program will prevent and/or reduce boughts of low back pain and injury.

When it comes to driving distance in golf, it takes an optimum level of strength, especially in the core muscles, to produce a high enough swing speed to hit the ball optimum distances.

If the core isnt strong enough, you wont be able to store and generate any power during the backswing and downswing, and into impact.

Trying to swing harder, and outside what your body is capable of doing, and the result will be more mishits and shorter drives due to off-center impact on the clubface. But if you can make a FULL backswing and store that energy in your core, you will produce more clubhead speed without swing harder.

The beauty of being stronger, specific to golf is the added benefit of hitting the ball longer, with less effort. This removes the injury factor and improves consistency.

Many golfers think they need to hit MORE balls. Thats not the case. Hitting more balls will only put more stress on their already weak bodies, resulting again in injuries and unlimited time off the course.

The main emphasis in regards to golf strength training should be your core, which is the abdominals, hips, glutes and even the hamstring tie-in. Doing golf strength exercises involving rotational movements will warrant the best, most effective results.

Remember, the golf swing is a rotational movement and any golf strength training programs should incorporate a big percent of the golf exercises to rotational movements.

A good example of such an exercise would be the seated twist with exercise tubing.

Using door attachment, place tubing 3 feet from ground in door.

Place ball several feet from door. Grab both handles with both hands.

Face sideways from the door, raise hands to chest high with arms extended.

Rotate hands holding tubing away from door until there is sufficient tension.

While keeping hands at chest high return to starting position, but maintain tension on tubing at all times.

Repeat until full set is done and reverse motion and position facing the other way.

This is just one of dozens of golf strength training exercises that will quickly and dramatically transform your game. You will have wondered why you hadnt started years ago.

Its NEVER too late to start! Dont put it off any longer!

Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness tips and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness site, go to http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf Fitness Training Made Easy

Mike PedersenGolf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot of work! Doesnt have to be that way. Now of course Id be lying to you to say its easy and you wont have to make a small commitment to stick with it to see results.

But what I am saying isyou can participate in a Golf fitness training program with minimal equipment and can do it right in your home or even your office.

How ?

With only a stability ball, exercise tubing and a pair of handweights. Grand totalunder $60 for your total golf fitness gym. Thats about one months membership to your local club that youll visit once or twice and never go back (but keep paying every month).

I want you to get that picture out of your head of the muscle-bound hulk, heaving hundreds of pounds with on arm, slamming it to the floor and letting out the infamous LOUD GRUNT for attention.

No..youll be doing golf-specific exercises with bands, balls and handweights that will quickly and directly benefit your golf swing. Sports conditioning or in this instance golf fitness training requires you to use your body in space incorporating balance, stabilization and sequence of timing just like your golf swing.

The direct correlation results in longer, more accurate drives, hitting a larger number of greens in regulation and walking off the course beating the pants off of your playing partners.

Now thats instant gratification at its best!

And how about no more injuries! Im dead serious! All those aches and pains finally gone. Forever! A stronger more flexible body will have a much higher level of resistance to pain and injury. And the added bonus is swinging easier and with much less effort, but seeing the ball go much further and straighter. It will feel like an out-of-body experience.

A few words of caution!

If you hear or see any programs touting they are golf fitness training and see the golfer and/or trainer using the basic machines in the gym, this is NOT golf fitness training. This is without a doubt general fitness. Not altogether a bad thing, but wont directly help your golf game.

Working on a stability ball, and using tubing and handweights you can mimic many phases of the golf swing and at the same time challenge your core stabilization, balance and muscular endurance. All critical factors in achieving optimal swing mechanics for 18 holes.

Andtheyre fun to use. Youll never get board. You can always make it more challenging from a balance and/or stabilization factor.

Just try to get one of those muscle-heads on a stability ball lifting the same heavy weights they use. Call the medics..cause its going to get ugly real quick.

You seemost people who workout in the gym never challenge their proprioceptive awareness (or simplyusing their body in space). This is the key to great golf.

The stronger you can get your core stabilizers, coupled with increased rotational flexibilityyoure headed to an awesome game of golf. Youll definitely be the envy of your foursome.

So dont hesitate to get started on your golf fitness training right away!

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness training site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

How A Golf Workout Routine Can Crush Your Competitors

A golf workout routine can be as simple as using a pair of hand weights (dumbbells), and doing 5-6 golf-specific exercises in less than 15 minutes. Now I know you have 15 minutes to dramatically improve your game and crush your playing partners and competitors.

So many times golfers think that a golf workout routine is in the gym, takes 2 hours to do, and will wipe out all the energy they have and ultimately hurt their golf game.

How wrong they are!

YesI can design a very comprehensive golf workout routine that has up to 20 golf exercises and will take 90 minutes to complete. And I have done that for hundreds of golfers. But what I want to talk about today is getting that belief and thought out of your head.

The equipment required to complete a simple golf workout routine in your home are; a stability ball, exercise tubing, and a pair of hand weights.

Thats it!

You can do dozens of golf-specific exercises with the above equipment. But whatever you do, make sure you seek out a qualified golf fitness trainer, who knows golf. That is critical.

There are many so-called golf trainers out there, and all they are doing is the same general exerciseson machines that the average person looking to improve their fitness is doing.

That is not a golf workout routine. You can spot a person doing something for golf in less than 5 seconds, and its not on machines. Its on their feet or on a stability ball, incorporating balance, stabilization and strength specific to the golf swing.

I want you to realize, if you do the wrong exercises it may hurt your game not help it. Ive heard this scenario many times. A golfer starts weight training and doesnt know what he/she is doing and the result is shorter drives and higher scores. Not the result you want.

So seek out a golf fitness trainer and find out right away if they know golf. Ask a few golf questions. What causes a hook? What could be one of the reasons for coming out of your posture? What is a lateral slide?

Youll find out real quick if they know golf.

The end result is playing better golfand of course taking all the money from your foursome!

So you seeits not intimidating or time-consuming to start a golf workout routine.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness - workout products site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Improve Your Golf Game With This Secret Weapon

Any golfer who has made any effort to improve their golf game will have already heard the often-repeated expression that golf is all in the mind and that the game starts there.

But what many golfers do not know is that they fail to improve their golf game because their minds are not prepared for what they must do to make significant progress.

Mention the word exercise to most amateur golfers and rather than getting enthusiastic about using it to improve their golf game, they will start seeing images of heavy sweating from rigorous exercises. The sort of rigorous exercises that super athletes in the NFL or NBA have to do regularly in some gym.

Their minds are tightly shut to the idea of exercises such that they can never get to the point where they can examine the subject deeper to find out what sort of exercises professional golfers do to improve their golf game and maintain the quality of their performances as much as possible.

These golfers will not have heard that senior citizens, some of them in the advanced age category of 80 years old, have successfully undertaken golf-specific exercises. The result has been that their golf games have improved tremendously. Surely an 80 year olds' physical condition will not take the sort of exercises many amateur golfers fear and want to avoid. So these golf exercises are not what most amateur golfers think.

Unless a golfer is prepared to approach the subject with an open mind, it will be very difficult for them to improve their golf game. While the mind is a very powerful tool, having a body that is physically prepared will produce the best results from a golf mind set on winning. To really improve your golf game you need to start with an open mind.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

A Golfing Tip For Better Control Of Your Body

A good golfing tip to help you improve your control will have a tremendous impact towards improving your golf game.

The golfing tip I would like to give in this article is that by working on improving control over your body, you will in effect also gain more control over your mind. This is simply because the mind gains more confidence that the body will be able to perform whatever instructions the mind communicates to the body.

This is the single golfing tip that has the potential of transforming any golfers game literally overnight. Many times golfers work very hard on their minds and preparing them for the ideal golf game they would like to enjoy. In fact many business executives, who have used the power of the mind to improve their businesses or even to build huge successful businesses, fully understand the potential of the mind in improving their golf games. Still, many of them end up feeling discouraged and puzzled when things do not work out with their golf game quite the way they do in the corporate world.

They lack the simple golf tip that the game has a physical side to be taken care of, if one is to reap the full power of a mind prepared for ideal golf.

The second part of this golf tip is that there is only one known way of gaining better control of your body and it involves exercise.

Simple weight training that is golf-specific will instantly give you much better control over your body. When you strengthen your muscles, you improve functional strength which automatically gives you more control and balance. Some people believe that weight training will cause them to lose feel.

The weight training I am talking about in this golfing tip is not a program for weight-lifters and to build colossal muscles. This golfing tip is about the weight training specific to golf that conditions muscles used in golf and builds up strength. This kind of program rather than making somebody lose feel, in fact increases feel tremendously.

This is an amazing golfing tip that is bound to have an profound impact on your game.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Why The Golfing Game Has Changed Tremendously In Recent Years

The golfing game has changed a great deal in recent years and so has the world. Those who are resisting the changes in the world instead of trying to understand them and adapt have often ended up in serious trouble.

It is exactly the same in the golfing game. Those amateur golfers who are ignoring the great changes that we have witnessed in the golfing game in recent times have run into lots of difficulties and many of them no longer enjoy playing the game they way they used to, not too long ago. Some have even altogether given up the golfing game.

Many of these frustrated golfers have failed to see the tremendous changes in the golfing game that have ended up affecting them.

One of them is the change in the way golfers are training and preparing themselves for major tourneys and games. Actually the golfing game has always been considered a leisure activity where one need not even break into a sweat, let alone exercise.

However this thinking and approach has changed completely in recent years. Most professional golfers these days schedule regular golf exercises into their daily routine. Numerous amateur golfers have done the same and the result is that even the physical appearance of major players of the golfing game has changed. They are getting more and more physically fit.

When you compete with players of the golfing game who are involved in a golf-specific exercising program, the going can get very tough, because the level of their game is bound to be much higher than yours. And contrary to what many people think, these exercises as not so rigorous. My program has included senior citizens of upto 80 years old who have no problem in adapting to the exercises. And in the end the golf exercises have had a tremendously positive impact on their golfing game.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf Instruction Tip For Exercises In Your Office

If you are the typical enthusiastic golfer who thinks about the game all the time, even when you are in the office, then this golf instruction tip for exercises in your office will be of great help.

But first it is important to appreciate the value of stretching exercises, which is what the golf instruction tip in this article is all about.

The golf swing is resisted by the human body because it is a very unnatural movement, as far as the human body is concerned.

Golf-specific stretching exercises help a great deal in conditioning your body to adapt to the golf swing as much as possible. The idea is to make the body comfortable during the golf swing so that you greatly reduce on its awkwardness. In simple terms the more comfortable your body is during a golf swing, the better the quality of your golf swing will be.

This golf instruction tip is also for all those terribly busy business executives who have great problems creating the time to play their golf, let alone having some extra time to spare for exercises at a gym.

Just 15 seconds at a time is adequate to execute this golf instruction tip that is bound to greatly improve your game.

Actually there are numerous types of stretches you can do in the office.

For example the seated twist has had an amazing record in reducing and at times even eliminating back pain. It has also quickly improved many golferss back swing and follow through range of motions. The result has mostly been a much higher club head speed and greater distance.

To do this golf instruction tip on exercising, you need to start off seated upright in your office chair, with chest high and back straight. You can then reach behind you with one arm, which will rotate your upper body. While staying erect, twist as far back as you can go and then hold for about 10 seconds.

You can then twist the other way and repeat. Go both sides 2-3 times, remembering to hold for 10 seconds, each time. This golf instruction tip will reap many rewards on the course.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

3 Ways To Maximize On The Effectiveness Of A Golf Instruction Video

Golf instruction videos featuring techniques and tips from leading world class players are very common these days.

Still there are very few people who can claim to have had their games improved by a golf instruction video. So here are three tips to help you ensure that you reap maximum fruits from every golf instruction video that you ever get to watch.

1) Watch the golf instruction video several times

Some people watch golf instruction videos to try and get a single Magic formula that will revolutionize their game. They do not realize that the valuable nuggets in these videos are hidden in the many small things you need to do which add up to a great improvement in your game.

This is why it is very important to watch the video several times. At least twice.

2) Get webcam shots of yourself playing and compare your posture and positioning to what you see in the golf instruction video

It may not be very easy to tell what is wrong with your golf swing for example or how to correct it without taking a very close look at your game. The best way to do this is to get somebody else to take webcam shots of you on the course as you play. When you watch these alongside the golf instruction videos, it will be very easy for you to tell where your problem areas are and what you need to do to correct them.

3) Do golf-specific exercises to condition your body and muscles

Thirdly you will need your body and the relevant muscles to co-operate with our mind as you try to implement what you have seen on the golf instruction video.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is by getting involved in a golf-specific exercise program to tone and strengthen all the golf muscles in your body. This way, theyll be nothing to stop you from reaping maximum benefits from every golf instruction video you watch.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

The Biomechanics Of A Golf Swing Can Teach You Plenty

The biomechanics of the golf swing can be very revealing about the game of golf and specifically the scientific difference between amateurs and professionals, winners and losers.

But what is biomechanics?

Biomechanics or Motion Capture Technology (MOCAP) is the mechanical analysis of body motion. Studying and understanding the physics of a golf swing by analyzing the biomechanics of the golf swing can be very revealing. This is usually achieved with the help of high speed video technology.

The twisting golf swing produces torque on the golf club. The greatest determinant on how far you will hit the ball lies in the speed at which the club will be moving at, as it connects with the ball at the bottom of your swing. The faster your club will be going at the bottom of your swing, the greater the amount of kinetic energy that will be transferred from the club head to the ball and the further the ball will go.

Results from the close study of the biomechanics of a golf swing indicate some fascinating facts. For instance professional golfers can generally achieve a club head speed of 100 M.P.H. at the bottom of their swing. Fascinatingly, however, legendary golfer Tiger Woods can reach upto 125 M.P.H.

How does Tiger do it?

Most people do not remember the dramatic entry of this amazing golfer into the game at the tender age of 20. As studies in the biomechanics of a golf swing have clearly proved, Tiger is responsible for taking the golf game into a new level. For the first time there was a golfer on the world stage who took their fitness very seriously and exercised regularly. And not just any exercise, but exercises in a program that was golf-specific.

You really cannot argue with studies in the biomechanics of the golf swing which tell this amazing story about what exercises can do to a persons game.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Why Golf Swing Training Aids Have Not Worked For You

Golf swing training aids have a bad reputation with most amateur golfers. Many of them have been victims to aggressive companies selling golf swing training aids. The result is that many of them ended up making purchases without first focusing on the specific weaknesses in their game that they want to correct. Others purchased golf swing training aids without the benefit of expert advice.

Many times the approach has been to get hold of the very latest golf swing training aids in the market, rather than trying to improve on personal physical limitations and finding the best training aids in the market to help one do that.

Whatever the image golf swing training aids have in the eyes of most golfers, the truth of the matter is that they work and can have a major impact on your golf game when approached correctly.

The right approach to golf swing training aids starts by not looking for any magical overnight remedies that will wipe out your weaknesses overnight. Instead you should focus on particular exercises and golf-conditioning programs that will improve on your physical limitations hampering your golf game. If you then look for the particular golf swing training aids that will best help you achieve your current goal and objective, your chances of success with golf swing training aids that you purchase, dramatically improves.

Even if somebody suggests a certain golf swing training aid and assures you that it will eliminate a specific weakness evident in your game of golf, before purchasing it focus on the particular muscles in your body that need to be conditioned to eliminate or reduce on the problem. You can then see if the golf swing training aid recommended will help you achieve your goal.

Do not be afraid to ask for expert advice on golf swing training aids before you make your final decision. It quite often pays to do so.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Advice On Golf Training Aid Products

There are many different types of golf swing faults and golf training aids can go a long way in helping any golfer deal with their specific problem area.

The golf swing is the essence of the golf game and therefore it would not be a bad idea to get even two golf training aids that are specific to your swing fault.

The golf training aid that I have found to be very effective is the weighted club. This is a very golf-specific golf training aid as you go through the exact same motions you do with an ordinary club but with more weight. This greatly helps in strengthening and conditioning all the relevant muscles.

The inside approach is another great golf training aid to help improve any golf swing. This particular device is extremely useful for slicers and helps deal with this problem fairly quickly.

Another golf training aid is exercise tubing, which is very affordable and yet very effective. The strength of this device is in its ability to break down the golf swing into as many different phases as you would like to focus on for the sake of improvements. It offers specific resistance training for each phase.

A stability ball is a golf training aid than any golfer with a bad back should have. There are almost countless different stretch exercises that you can with it. And what makes this golf training aid even more attractive is the fact that you can do your exercises in the office or at home when you have a moment.

A simple p[air of dumbbells can be a golf training aid that is very useful to any golfer. They are usually very portable and there are many exercises that can be done with hand weights.

Use of a golf training aids all boils down to the golfer knowing exactly what they are doing when using it.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf Secrets To Dramatically Improve Your Game

Every amateur golfer is constantly looking for golf secrets to dramatically improve their game. Yet they are not very easy to come by. The competitiveness of the game will not allow the professionals to easily share all their valuable secrets.

Since the golf game is all about making the correct golf swing, a golf secret related to the swing would be considered pretty valuable. This article carries two valuable secrets related to the golf swing.

Firstly, the following simple realization can go a long way in improving your golf game. It is the simple fact that a golf drive is a very unnatural movement for the body. Because of this, the body naturally resists every effort we try to make towards perfecting our golf swing. Realizing this and taking steps to condition the body so that swinging a golf club becomes as natural a movement for the body as possible, is a golf secret that will improve any game in leaps and bounds.

Conditioning of the body will involve exercises designed to strengthen your key golf muscles.

The second golf secret I will share in this article has to do with stretch exercises.

For a better golf game, stretching before the game should be part of your warm-up. Carefully warming up before the stretch exercises so that your core body temperature is raised will help you avoid injury which is common with people who are careless about warming up or totally ignore itv altogether.

Warming up does not have to be an elaborate thing. You can for example walk very fast from your car to the practice range.

The shoulder joint is the first you should stretch with movements like arm circles and arm crosses. The hamstrings and lower back are also very important areas of the body for a golfer. You should slowly ease into toe touches starting off with slightly bent knees and slowly straightening them.

Another important golf secret you should note is that stretching exercises should be repeated again after the golf session ends. Spending a few minutes stretching your muscles which you will have just put through a lot of stress will be a great help. This will prevent a lot of soreness and tightness of muscles.

These are valuable golf secrets that will transform your game.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf For Beginners - What Makes A Good Golfer?

A good golfer is a golfer who is happy with their own game and willing to listen to advice from experience. A good temperament is needed to play golf, expect bad days it happens everyone from low handicappers to full professionals. Having a hot head will only cause you more problems.

It can be daunting when starting as there is so much to remember but take time to practice and go to the driving range to help improve teeing off. Looking around the golf course you will see some players and think Will I ever get to that level? Remember everybody is different and we are not all made to be professionals, you should go out to do your best and bring in the best possible score and most of all, take home the enjoyment of the day.

Teeing Off:

How many times have we seen the big hitters hit the ball out of sight, if you are thinking that way starting, think again. You should be thinking of placement and keeping the ball in play. Hitting the ball a long way is one think, keeping it in play and well placed for the next shot is the way to think. The driver can be a difficult club to use of the tee when starting but practice will make it easier. If you are using the oversized drivers like most are remember to tee the ball up higher than normal to avoid knocking the ball down. If you find the 3 or 5 wood easier to hit then hit that until your game improves. On a par 4 or 5 many people hit a low iron from the tee. Whatever you are comfortable with, use.

A good swing:

In golf timing is everything. By swinging faster and harder you will not hit the ball any further, and most possibly will end up hitting a horrible shot anyway. A slow backswing and a good steady hit will make all the difference, rushing in golf gets you nowhere. Keep a steady head and do not raise it too quickly to see where the ball has gone, if you do you may find yourself going hard right if you are using right hand clubs and vice versa if using left handed clubs. Feet position is important; align your feet correctly to avoid an unwanted right to left or left to right shot.

Clubbing from the fairway:

If you find that you are looking from the fairway to the green you need to choose your next club carefully, under clubbing will leave you short and possible in the bunker or water hazard, over clubbing will leave you long and possibly in similar danger. Overtime you will become aware of all the clubs in your bag and the distance you can hit each one comfortably. You find yourself between clubs, meaning the next shot for example is neither an 8 or 9 iron. In a case like this do not hit the 9iron and try to force the shot, hit the 8 and go slightly down the shaft allowing you total control over the shot.

Good Golf Gear and Clubs:

Like in most cases it depends on the budget you have. Golf clubs can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands. Are you brand orientated? As a keen golfer myself and off a handicap of four I play most of my golf in Ireland and in the US and from my travels I have seen beginners in both countries spending obscene money starting. We all want the best but the clubs will not do the work for you. You are not going to notice exceptional back spin or side spin starting so start with a sensible budget and build from there. Its you who needs the practice to improve the overall play. Clubs worth $3,000 dollars will not help you starting anymore than clubs worth $400. If you have extra cash to spend put it into golf shoes or waterproof clothing or spend it on travelling to other golf courses to gain experience.

Reducing handicaps:

There is no magic stick here, practice is the only way to improve and by improving you will automatically reduce your handicap either by observation from the golfing committee you belong to or by winning a prise or two. Listen to others and learn, you need to have an open mind playing golf and be willing to try new shots, different stances and even new equipment as time goes by.

Like all you will reach your peak and the best you will get out of golf is the enjoyment of getting out but for the elite few that next level could be pro.

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Golf Equipment which includes Golf Apparel, Golf Bags, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Golf interests and needs.

Please click here for more golf related articles.

Volkswagen Golf GTI: Sporting Icon Zooms In With Top Notch VW Performance Parts

The 2005 Volkswagen GTI is a 2-door, 5-passenger sports coupe, available in two trims, the 1.8T and the VR6. The new GTI boasts a top speed of 145mph and will hit 62mph from rest in just 7.2 seconds on the six-speed manual version combining for the first time FSI technology with a turbo charger. This unique combination also gives the added benefit of excellent fuel consumption for a hot hatch, averaging 35mpg.

The Golf is available in four models: GL and GLS in two door or four door configurations. Both trims can be equipped with either a 1.9L 100 horsepower turbo diesel engine or a 2.0L 115 horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Available options on all models include an OnStar Telematics Communication System, electronic stability traction control, and port-installed six-disc compact disc changer and front and rear mudguards. The Cold Weather Package, available only on GLS models only, includes heated front seats and windshield washer nozzles. A Monsoon sound system comes standard on the all GLS model.

Overall length increases by 2.3 inches, it's wider by one inch and it's taller by 1.5 inches. Underneath the sheet metal is an all-new suspension with a strut-type front and multilink rear layout combined with electromechanical steering.

The GTI is powered by a turbo charged version of the 2.0 litre petrol engine first seen in the Audi A3 Sportback. It has six-speed manual gearbox or the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) clutchless sequential shift set-up.

It has 80 percent increases in torsional rigidity and a 200-horsepower turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter engine. It also develops exactly twice the torque of the original 1.6-litre Mk1 GTI's engine.

Other features include stability control, power lumbar seat adjustment, automatic climate control and a navigation system, a honeycomb grill, unique bumpers, roof spoiler, twin exhausts, 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, GTi badging, some more features include unique bumpers, twin exhaust pipes, black sills and red brake calipers.

Search for discount Volkswagen Performance parts and Volkswagen auto parts from Parts train's secured online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/VOLKSWAGEN .Parts are absolutely the lowest prices and best service available on the net and for the latest Volkswagen breakthroughs and technological parts, accessories and products, Parts Train's friendly and reliable customer service are available to serve your most demanding needs.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Golf Fitness Training Made Easy And Anyone Can Do It

Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot of work! Doesnt have to be that way. Now of course Id be lying to you to say its easy and you wont have to make a small commitment to stick with it to see results.

Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot of work! Doesnt have to be that way. Now of course Id be lying to you to say its easy and you wont have to make a small commitment to stick with it to see results.

But what I am saying isyou can participate in a Golf fitness training program with minimal equipment and can do it right in your home or even your office.

How?

With only a stability ball, exercise tubing and a pair of handweights. Grand totalunder $60 for your total golf fitness gym. Thats about one months membership to your local club that youll visit once or twice and never go back (but keep paying every month).

I want you to get that picture out of your head of the muscle-bound hulk, heaving hundreds of pounds with on arm, slamming it to the floor and letting out the infamous LOUD GRUNT for attention.

No..youll be doing golf-specific exercises with bands, balls and handweights that will quickly and directly benefit your golf swing. Sports conditioning or in this instance golf fitness training requires you to use your body in space incorporating balance, stabilization and sequence of timing just like your golf swing.

The direct correlation results in longer, more accurate drives, hitting a larger number of greens in regulation and walking off the course beating the pants off of your playing partners.

Now thats instant gratification at its best!

And how about no more injuries! Im dead serious! All those aches and pains finally gone. Forever! A stronger more flexible body will have a much higher level of resistance to pain and injury. And the added bonus is swinging easier and with much less effort, but seeing the ball go much further and straighter. It will feel like an out-of-body experience.

A few words of caution!

If you hear or see any programs touting they are golf fitness training and see the golfer and/or trainer using the basic machines in the gym, this is NOT golf fitness training. This is without a doubt general fitness. Not altogether a bad thing, but wont directly help your golf game.

Working on a stability ball, and using tubing and handweights you can mimic many phases of the golf swing and at the same time challenge your core stabilization, balance and muscular endurance. All critical factors in achieving optimal swing mechanics for 18 holes.

Andtheyre fun to use. Youll never get board. You can always make it more challenging from a balance and/or stabilization factor.

Just try to get one of those muscle-heads on a stability ball lifting the same heavy weights they use. Call the medics..cause its going to get ugly real quick.

You seemost people who workout in the gym never challenge their proprioceptive awareness (or simplyusing their body in space). This is the key to great golf.

The stronger you can get your core stabilizers, coupled with increased rotational flexibilityyoure headed to an awesome game of golf. Youll definitely be the envy of your foursome.

So dont hesitate to get started on your golf fitness training right away!

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf Workouts Can Transform Your Game

Im sure by now youve heard most of the professional players; both men and women actively participate in golf workouts. Its no secret. But why then do most amateur golfers ignore this? Is it because it seems like work? Or, does the thought of actually breaking a sweat get you tired already?

Im sure by now youve heard most of the professional players; both men and women actively participate in golf workouts. Its no secret. But why then do most amateur golfers ignore this? Is it because it seems like work? Or, does the thought of actually breaking a sweat get you tired already?

Either waythe proof is in the bag. The number one player in the world, Vijay Singh, does his golf workouts all the way through Sunday of each tournament. Does it look like its hurting his game? I dont think so. Back in 1997, a young, very athletic golfer came on the professional scene and blew everyone away. I think you know who Im talking about.

Tiger took golf to another level. A real eye-opener for the veteran players who were hitting the 19th hole after every roundand the last thought on their mind was exercise. What a wake-up call to be totally dominated by a player who was only 20 years old at the time.

How about the year Annika Sorenstam shot a 59 and totally dominated the LPGA? Do you know what she attributes it to? Golf workouts! She hired a trainer and got serious about her fitness. And look what happened? She hasnt looked back since. She just recently came out with an instruction book and devoted a chapter to golf workouts.

To my recollection, thats the first womens instruction book to include golf workouts. Working out to playing better golf isnt just for the guys; Annika has proved that. Now more LPGA players are working out to try and catch her, just like the guys did with Tiger.

How about the senior tour? Now players are realizing they can still make good money, even after theyve turned 50 and cant really compete with the young guys anymore. With the money at stake, they too are all working out. This group of players both amateur and pro is the biggest demographic that needs it the most.

With age comes a decline in both flexibility and strength. When the body declines, the swing goes right along with it. The result is a big loss in yardage, more mishits, and ballooning scores. The end resultfrustration! I cant tell you how many times Ive played with and received phone calls from older golfers who are just about ready to quit the game.

They are SO frustrated at this rapid decline, that golfs not fun anymore. But there is hope. The answer? Get your body moving just a little better. How? By participating in golf workouts that focus on golf-specific strength AND flexibility. Its amazing to see golfers in this age bracket dramatically improve their driving distance, accuracy and scores.

You dont have to accept that with age, your body declines. No way! Youve got to fight it all the way! Im dead serious. The ones who do, are the ones who are enjoying the game again and taking all the money in their foursome.

What is a golf workout anyways? Is there such a thing? You bet there is. The golf swing is an awkward movement that puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. To prevent injury and improve swing speed and distance requires your body to be both strong and flexible specific to the swing.

I could spend dozens of pages describing what this entails, but for the sake of this concise article, lets keep it simple.

The golf swing is a rotational movement, with your body in golf posture. Slight flex of the knees and a bending forward at the hips. Since the golf swing is primarily rotational, wouldnt it make sense to focus on rotational strength and flexibility? That is improving your turning ability related to range of motion and speed.

So anything involving twisting with resistance such as a medicine ball, a dumbbell, or even a weighted club would work. You need to have a resistance to take your body beyond where it normally goes.

For instance, if you took a club and placed it behind your neck, got in your golf posture and rotated back and forth; do you think that by itself would improve your range of motion or power?

No, you need to add resistance to accomplish this. Take a weighted club and make golf swings. Now youll be making a bigger turn AND improving your power. Same thing with a medicine ball. Make turns back and through holding a 4 to 6 pound ball and youll see a BIG improvement.

In fact, most of your abdominal work should be rotational. Doing straight crunches wont improve your driving distance. Doing rotational movements with added weight will. This is where I could go on and on, but I wont overload you.

I hope Ive convinced you to take a real serious look at what all the other successful professional players are doing to stay at the top of their game. Doing golf workouts can and will dramatically change your game forever. Now get out there and get it started. No procrastinating. Do it right now!

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf Exercise And It's Value... Even In Your Office

Golf exercise is not necessarily done in a gym. Getting creative with what you have can make all the difference and have a very positive impact on your game.

Golf exercise is not necessarily done in a gym. Getting creative with what you have can make all the difference and have a very positive impact on your game.

Even extremely busy executives can get 15 seconds at a time while seated at their computer or work station in the office, for some golf exercise.

There are actually many different stretch golf exercises you can get done in your office, here is one. I call it the seated twist golf exercise. Sit upright in your chair with your chest high and back straight. Reach behind you with one arm, which will rotate your upper body. While staying erect, twist as far as you can go and hold. You can then twist the other way and repeat.

Go both sides 2-3 times, holding for 10 seconds. This is a very effective golf exercise for eliminating or even reducing back pain and at the same time tremendously improving your backswing and follow through range of motions. The result will be a much better swing, higher club head speed and much more distance.

There are numerous other golf exercises that can easily be done from the comfort of your office or home, which will have a major impact on your game because they help develop muscles and parts of your body that you need for various stages of the golf swing.

Other golf exercises involve the use of simple equipment or products designed specifically to help correct certain weaknesses in your golf game. So the best approach is to identify what your major weakness in the game currently is. An expert in golf conditioning can then recommend the best product that will give you the golf exercise most vital to correct the particular weakness you want to eliminate.

Golf exercise is a very important part of the modern golf game that cannot be ignored.

Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new golf fitness site at http://www.performbettergolf.com

Golf As It Was

Golf- Don't Get Carried Away

You only need to watch golf for a few tournaments where the pros sweep the course to get the golf bug. Suddenly you decide you want to learn to play. How hard can it be right?

But you shall be in for shock. How hard can it be after all, all you do is put the ball on a small tee and hit in down the fairway. Simple! You might want to play around a bit before you go and spend loads of money on clubs and balls.

Anyone can learn to play golf and when someone does they generally enjoy it. The are learn to play centers everywhere now and for the most part it doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming considering you can hire a cart if you don't want to walk the course.

Beginners though usually have a tougher time than advanced golfers though because they have a harder time controlling the ball. Beginners spend more time walking the course and traversing across wooded areas, valleys, sand traps, water traps and hills looking for and retrieving a golf ball.

Golf is a great game but it is tiring for the beginning as there is a lot to learn and accomplish in a short space of time. But beginners have to play on a course some time as hitting at the range can be boring.

So what ever you do don't go buying expensive golf clubs, golf balls, golf bags, golf shoes, or even golf lessons until you know that you really love it. Borrow some from friends or buy inexpensive second hand items to use until you know you are going to stick with it.

When people give you tips and tricks take them all in and find the ones that work for you. Ultimately though the only thing you need to do is get the ball into the hole on the green in as few strokes as possible.

Gabe Vanonte is the creator of FNS Golf, the number one resource directory for golf. To learn more go to http://www.fnsgolf.com.

Golfing in the Algarve

Only two to three hours away by air from most of Europe's major airports is the sunny Algarve in Southern Portugal. Known for its spectacular coastline and rugged mountain scenery the Algarve is one of Europe's premier golfing destinations. There are no less than 24 golf courses spread out along this most southern province of Portugal, several of which are classified as championship golf courses hosting many international golfing events.

Most of the golf courses can be found to the west of Faro, including the famous San Lorenzo course - rated as the second-best course in Europe. Set in the splendid surroundings of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, the San Lorenzo course has become a 'must play' course for all those who come to visit the Algarve for its golf. There are some challenging holes and tricky water features to negotiate around the course, and when coupled with the amazing scenery, it makes for an epic round of golf.

Further along the Algarve coastline is the Royal Course at Val de Lobo. Incorporating fairways and greens set in an undulating landscape of pine trees, the Royal Course serves up a fine golfing experience for all who come here. The course includes the famous par 3 9th hole, which takes players over a beautiful lake and onto a semi-island green - it's a challenge for even the most experienced of golfers! But, if you fancy a sea view then you might be more at home at Val de Lobo's other course - the Ocean Course.

The Ocean Course is set along undulating cliffs that descend down to golden sandy beaches. Narrow fairways are a feature of this course, as are the ochre coloured rocks that line the cliff sides and snake along the course edge. Adding to the challenge golf players must compensate for sea breezes that regularly caress the course. All in all, it makes for a memorable round of golf.

Southwest Portugal

Eight of the Algarve's twenty-four courses are situated in the Southwest. Within 20-minutes of Faro is the Vale do Milho - an ideal practice course on which beginners can learn the game and holidaymakers can sharpen their golfing skills. A little further to the west is Quinta do Gramacho - Europe's first 'double-nine' designed course, with only 9 fairways but 18 holes. If you want a unique golfing experience, then Quinta do Gramacho is the perfect course on which to play.

For those on a tour of the golf courses in the Algarve, the Alto Golf course is sure worth a visit. Situated close to the coastline it offers fine views of the sea and the nearby mountains. The course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton - three-times British Open Champion - and takes in fairways and greens along some beautiful undulating terrain surrounded by vineyards.

Finally, no golfing visit to the Algarve is complete without playing a round of golf at Penina. Located close to the fishing village of Alvor, Penina was the first grass course in the Algarve. It is rated as one of Europe's finest and plays host to a range of international tournaments each year.

Visitor Information

Faro is the main international airport in the Algarve. Most of the golf courses are located to the west of the Algarve, Parque de Floresta golf course - the Algarve's most westerly course - being just under an hour's drive from the airport. Car hire is available from Faro airport.

Seb Jay is a professional copywriter specialising in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com.

Picking Your Golf Equipment

Looking for quality golf equipment but not sure you want to spend a ton on it? Are you new and starting out and need some new golf equipment but don't know where to begin? Finding the right golf equipment may seem like a challenge, but it really does not have to be. In fact, if you know what you need, your task could be quite easy. Looking for quality golf equipment but not sure you want to spend a ton on it? Are you new and starting out and need some new golf equipment but don't know where to begin? Finding the right golf equipment may seem like a challenge, but it really does not have to be. In fact, if you know what you need, your task could be quite easy.

The first step in purchasing golf equipment is to determine your budget. Once you get to that golf store and get the best club in your hand, you may just overspend. Knowing how much you can and should spend on golf equipment will keep your wallet as happy as you will be with your golf equipment. After determining this, you will need to begin looking. The basic equipment that all good golfers have is a set of clubs, tees, gloves, and golf balls. There is much speculation about which types of clubs you need and what material they should be made out of. The best bet to determining the right equipment for you is to try it out and get a feel for it. A basic set of golf clubs will include woods, irons, putters, and wedges. The types of these clubs that you end up purchasing will depend on how they feel in your hand and through your swing. Other golf equipment to consider includes shoes, balls, gloves, clothing and more.

Golf equipment is widely available. You can go into any sporting goods store and find quality merchandise. You can also go to some of the department stores and find golf equipment there. There are even golf equipment stores that can provide you with many choices. Still want a better selection? Are you looking for the best value for your money? Use the internet to search from site to site to find the right golf equipment at the right prices. The basic golf equipment should be the first order of business for you. Once you have these items you can move into getting the other golf equipment you may find.

Written by David Kunstek, webmaster and author of http://www.golf-web-tech.com. This article may be reproduced as long as a Live link back to http://www.golf-web-tech.com is present.
admin@golf-web-tech.com

Golf Course and Waterfront Living

With todays planned lifestyle communities, golf and boating enthusiasts have an opportunity to purchase the vacation and retirement home of their dreams just a chip shot away from the green or stones throw from the marina. In addition to an ideal home setting, golf and waterfront community residents enjoy an active and diversified lifestyle experience complete with first-class golf courses, marinas, beaches, spas, clubhouses, recreation areas, fine dining and countless other amenities.

Out of the 10,000 master planned communities across the United States, over 2,500 are built around golf courses and pristine waterfront property. Making sense of all the options can be mind boggling. If you are thinking about relocating to one of these golf and waterfront communities, it is imperative to be able to distinguish one community from the next and more importantly, know what to look for before you buy.

In the past, golf and waterfront master planned communities catered to distinct segments of the housing market, namely middle to upper income empty nesters and retirees. Things have changed. Today, golf course and waterfront developments are designed to accommodate budgets of all levels and generally fall into one of two categories: multi-generational and age restricted.

The construction of multi-generational communities represents a recent trend in planned community home building. The underlying idea is to attract a diverse population of families including retirees and young professionals of varying income levels and backgrounds in order to establish a robust and vibrant community. After decades of building age restricted communities, builders and developers have recognized that the traditional elements of planned community living such as security, on-site amenities and low maintenance housing appeal to home buyers of all ages.

Most new communities are multi-generational developments. Vistancia situated in the beautiful Sonoran desert outside of Peoria, Arizona is a recently opened golf community attracting individuals and families of all ages. Since home sales began in March 2004, almost 500 families have moved into this scenic development with 1,700 total acres of open space and a 900-acre mountain preserve.

Conversely, age restricted planned communities are developed for the +55 home owner with amenities and facilities for todays discerning empty nester and retiree. Typically, the age restriction requires one household resident to be at least 55 in order to qualify for home ownership. Over the last decade, an evolution has occurred with the age restricted community model of yesteryear making way for contemporary activity based developments complete with lavish amenities and world-class recreation areas, not to mention the conventional facilities required by the +55 demographic.

The undisputed leader in age restricted master planned community development is Del Webb. Since the 1960s, Del Webb has constructed numerous age restricted golf and waterfront communities across the United States. Del Webbs Sun City developments are arguably the most recognizable line of age restricted communities stretching from coast to coast with Sun City Hilton Head in North Carolina and Sun City Lincoln Hill in California.

The most important criterion in selecting a traditional home is location and the same is true when deciding on a golf and waterfront community. The old adage location, location, location aside, one has to consider whether the new property will serve as a primary residence, second home getaway or retirement abode. The final location decision is generally based on three primary factors: home use, surrounding area and local weather.

For most of us working folk, our primary residence is located within an hour or so of a major metropolitan center. Dont fret, there are hundreds of golf and waterfront communities centrally located within driving distance from most major metropolitan areas. If by chance you live near Dallas, you have several options to choose from including Stonebridge Ranch in north Dallas and Black Horse Ranch which is only 25 minutes from downtown. Washington D.C. commuters are also in luck with conveniently located golf and waterfront communities in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Belmont Country Club, a Toll Brothers property, is a mere 40 minutes from Washington D.C. in Ashburn, Virginia. These examples represent only a fraction of the actual number of suburban golf and waterfront developments.

The location decision is a bit more complicated and not as clear cut when one considers purchasing a second home retreat or retirement residence. In this situation, other factors come in to play such as the activity and cultural richness of the immediate area and of course, local weather. If you are looking for a second home, would you like to be nestled in the woods away from the hustle and bustle of the city, located in a more suburban area or some in between?

Climate is also an integral factor to take into consideration when purchasing a home particularly if you are feeling abused by recent harsh winters. This may clearly point to a direction that takes you out of your home state or even to another part of the country. Conversely, the summers never ending heat may drive you to consider the cooler climates up north. Fortunately, there are 2,500 golf and waterfront communities spread out across the United States from Minnesota to Texas and California to Massachusetts.

What is clear in the case of retirement homes is that good local health care and transportation facilities are a must. For most retirees, living over 60 miles away from the closest hospital or airport is just not an option. In the end, it comes down to striking a balance between modern necessities and the beauty of the great outdoors.

Once you have settled on a geographic location, the next area to focus on is amenities. These can vary greatly from one golf and waterfront development to the next. Typically, these expanded goodies fall into two categories: conveniences and lifestyle enhancements. Conveniences include such things as security services, home maintenance, gardening services, concierge service, on-site retail and office space, cable television and high-speed internet.

Lifestyle enhancements relate to recreation activities and rest and relaxation befitting an enhanced life of leisure. One can find a mix of facilities at planned communities which support numerous activities like tennis, hunting, boating, skiing, and hiking. To balance the rigors of recreation, planned communities provide residents with rest and relaxation amenities such as spas, clubhouses, wilderness preserves, pools, beaches and fine dining.

With real estate opportunities for every budget, isnt it about time you looked into moving to a golf and waterfront community that offers unbelievable vistas, year round activities, low maintenance living and first-class amenities?

Visit http://www.golfhomeconnect.com to find information on vacation and retirement homes.

Robert Flournoy is a staff writer for Golf Home Connect. For additional information on vacation and retirement homes visit http://www.golfhomeconnect.com.rflournoy@golfhomeconnect.com