The perfect golf swing. Arent we all look for it? Now the educating part. The perfect golf swing is not attainable! Did that get your attention? Let me say it one more time. The perfect golf swing is not attainable! Unlessyou have a higher level of strength and flexibility specific to golf.
I know youve probably heard this beforebut the question isdid you take it to heart? Or did you just shrug your shoulders and continue on the same frustrating path to your hopeful golf improvement?
When we break down the golf swing mechanically and physicallyits amazing to see what the body goes through when a near perfect golf swing is performed. There is an enormous amount of core strength and flexibility. Upper spine and low back strength. Then hamstring strength and flexibility. Shoulder stability from a rotation standpoint. Quad strength to maintain adequate knee flex and posture. I could go on and on.
Are you getting the picture?
To achieve a near perfect golf swing takes a physical approach. One that focuses on your current limitations and how it is affecting your swing. Once you realize what limitations are causing your swing faultsyoull be well on your way to a perfect golf swing.
How many times have you made an attempt at a golf swing only to fall off balance and mishit your shot badly? How your backswing? Have you tried and tried to make that 90 degree shoulder turn like your pro said, only to create such a tense and powerless you were ready to give up the game?
Im here to tell youyouve got to change your approach if you want to achieve that perfect golf swing. Start with YOU and youre on your way!
Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at http://www.performbettergolf.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
Golf Core Exercises For More Power
Golf core exercises. You hear that phrase quite often on the television by the commentators referring to the area a lot of the touring pros focus on to improve their power output and prevent low back injuries.
Vijay Singh for example uses weighted medicine balls to work his golf core muscles throughout the whole week of the tournament. In fact his caddie is his rainier. How convenient! The best of both worlds!
But hearing the phrase golf core exercises and knowing what your core is are two different things entirely. As a fitness professional its easy for me to throw out that phrase often to impress would-be clients or customers to my golf fitness training products.
But thats not the case. Understanding what your core is and how it plays a critical role in producing maximum power; injury prevention and even stability is very important. Once you knowyoull soon realize this may be your missing link to a great game.
This area (core) starts roughly at your belly button and goes up to the bottom of your sternum. It is the engine of your body and awareness of your core affects golf the most. Think of it as the link in the chain that needs to be the strongest, not the weakest.
Two simple golf core exercises that will quickly strengthen your core is ab crunches and back extensions. These would be your initial exercises to give you the strength to move onto rotational exercises that put a little more stress on your spine if the muscles arent conditioned enough.
Once youve accomplished the above exercises, you can move on to a crunch with a twist and a back extension with a twist. This will hit your rotational strength right away...which will quickly equate to greater power output and distance.
You can then progress up to standing on your feet doing several different variations of rotational movements with a single dumbbell, standing upright and also in your golf posture.
Now that you have a basic understanding of golf core exercisesyou hopefully will see how important it is in your overall golf improvement plan.
So next time you hear the phrase on the televisionyoull know what golf core exercises are.
Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at http://www.performbettergolf.com
Vijay Singh for example uses weighted medicine balls to work his golf core muscles throughout the whole week of the tournament. In fact his caddie is his rainier. How convenient! The best of both worlds!
But hearing the phrase golf core exercises and knowing what your core is are two different things entirely. As a fitness professional its easy for me to throw out that phrase often to impress would-be clients or customers to my golf fitness training products.
But thats not the case. Understanding what your core is and how it plays a critical role in producing maximum power; injury prevention and even stability is very important. Once you knowyoull soon realize this may be your missing link to a great game.
This area (core) starts roughly at your belly button and goes up to the bottom of your sternum. It is the engine of your body and awareness of your core affects golf the most. Think of it as the link in the chain that needs to be the strongest, not the weakest.
Two simple golf core exercises that will quickly strengthen your core is ab crunches and back extensions. These would be your initial exercises to give you the strength to move onto rotational exercises that put a little more stress on your spine if the muscles arent conditioned enough.
Once youve accomplished the above exercises, you can move on to a crunch with a twist and a back extension with a twist. This will hit your rotational strength right away...which will quickly equate to greater power output and distance.
You can then progress up to standing on your feet doing several different variations of rotational movements with a single dumbbell, standing upright and also in your golf posture.
Now that you have a basic understanding of golf core exercisesyou hopefully will see how important it is in your overall golf improvement plan.
So next time you hear the phrase on the televisionyoull know what golf core exercises are.
Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at http://www.performbettergolf.com
Saturday, May 23, 2009
My Golf Disaster
Although I was never picked for sports teams as a kid, I always thought that golf would be far easier than all the others as it required very little physical exertion in regards to chasing a ball up and down a field for 90 minutes while opponents try to take the legs out from under you.
I mean, how difficult could it be? You stand still, look at the hole at the other end of the green, look at the ball and then hit it as hard as you can with a metal or wooden club. Even better, once you do, you don't have to run as fast as you can to the hole. Instead you take a taxi in the form of a golf cart. How sweet is that!
I had a rude awakening one day when a friend of mine managed to talk me into playing a few rounds down at one of the local courses. For starters there were no golf carts, so we had to walk around all 18 holes. That wouldn't have been so bad but for the fact there were no golf caddies on that day either so we had to carry the bags of clubs around too. Damn those things are heavy! Golf caddy's do not get paid enough.
To make matters worse, it began to rain half way through the game. So there I am, soaked, sore, tired and about to drive my tuft of grass another 100 yards, for that is all I seemed to be hitting all morning.
Someone must have super glued the golf ball to the tee because every time I looked down after swinging that freakin club, there it was, smiling up at me, wondering why I wasn't hitting it. On the few occasions that I did manage to hit it, it made a lovely plopping sound as it hit the water, sinking into the murky depths of the nearest water hazard, never to be seen again.
Or I spent the rest of my time doing a David Attenborough as I searched through the rough long grass (in vein I might add) looking for that elusive white golf ball. I actually managed to find many day glow and colored golf balls on my safari for my own but alas it was never found.
In all I lost 12 golf balls that day but managed to recover 9 multi colored ones that didn't belong to me. This leads me to believe I'm not alone in my inability to hit a golf ball straight. I didn't come across the dead bodies of any lost golfers looking for their own golf balls but I was fully expecting to.
Just when I was about to assign golf to a watery grave by hurling my 9 iron as far across the nearest water hazard as I could, two extremely attractive females came walking over the hill behind us. They too were searching for their lost golf balls.
(I swear you couldn't make this stuff up if you were writing a film.)
We exchanged golfing disaster stories and after a bit of chatting decided to retire to the club house for the day to escape the rain and plan a new strategy of attack.
Thanks to my golfing disaster we now have dates for this Friday night and although I caught the cold, lost my balls and was thoroughly pissed off for most of the game. (I was losing a bet with my friend) I can't help but feel that meeting girls at a stadium of 90,000 screaming fans just would not have happened.
Although I'm still useless at golf, my opinion of the sport has changed completely. Not only for obvious reasons but I've come to learn there is a great deal of skill required to hit a ball straight with a bent club in a cross wind.
So the next time you laugh at the poor guy or girl who is hitting a golf club into the ground repeatedly, show them a little sympathy as they may be at the end of their teather. And the next time you see a pro sink a ball in 2 shots, stand in awe at the amount of time, patience and effort they must have put in to their game to become THAT good.
Jack Crow is a freelance writer and part time golfer. When he's not writing articles he's trying to improve his golf swing at his local course. To read golfing tips and secrets he has discovered visit:
http://www.golfvre.com/
I mean, how difficult could it be? You stand still, look at the hole at the other end of the green, look at the ball and then hit it as hard as you can with a metal or wooden club. Even better, once you do, you don't have to run as fast as you can to the hole. Instead you take a taxi in the form of a golf cart. How sweet is that!
I had a rude awakening one day when a friend of mine managed to talk me into playing a few rounds down at one of the local courses. For starters there were no golf carts, so we had to walk around all 18 holes. That wouldn't have been so bad but for the fact there were no golf caddies on that day either so we had to carry the bags of clubs around too. Damn those things are heavy! Golf caddy's do not get paid enough.
To make matters worse, it began to rain half way through the game. So there I am, soaked, sore, tired and about to drive my tuft of grass another 100 yards, for that is all I seemed to be hitting all morning.
Someone must have super glued the golf ball to the tee because every time I looked down after swinging that freakin club, there it was, smiling up at me, wondering why I wasn't hitting it. On the few occasions that I did manage to hit it, it made a lovely plopping sound as it hit the water, sinking into the murky depths of the nearest water hazard, never to be seen again.
Or I spent the rest of my time doing a David Attenborough as I searched through the rough long grass (in vein I might add) looking for that elusive white golf ball. I actually managed to find many day glow and colored golf balls on my safari for my own but alas it was never found.
In all I lost 12 golf balls that day but managed to recover 9 multi colored ones that didn't belong to me. This leads me to believe I'm not alone in my inability to hit a golf ball straight. I didn't come across the dead bodies of any lost golfers looking for their own golf balls but I was fully expecting to.
Just when I was about to assign golf to a watery grave by hurling my 9 iron as far across the nearest water hazard as I could, two extremely attractive females came walking over the hill behind us. They too were searching for their lost golf balls.
(I swear you couldn't make this stuff up if you were writing a film.)
We exchanged golfing disaster stories and after a bit of chatting decided to retire to the club house for the day to escape the rain and plan a new strategy of attack.
Thanks to my golfing disaster we now have dates for this Friday night and although I caught the cold, lost my balls and was thoroughly pissed off for most of the game. (I was losing a bet with my friend) I can't help but feel that meeting girls at a stadium of 90,000 screaming fans just would not have happened.
Although I'm still useless at golf, my opinion of the sport has changed completely. Not only for obvious reasons but I've come to learn there is a great deal of skill required to hit a ball straight with a bent club in a cross wind.
So the next time you laugh at the poor guy or girl who is hitting a golf club into the ground repeatedly, show them a little sympathy as they may be at the end of their teather. And the next time you see a pro sink a ball in 2 shots, stand in awe at the amount of time, patience and effort they must have put in to their game to become THAT good.
Jack Crow is a freelance writer and part time golfer. When he's not writing articles he's trying to improve his golf swing at his local course. To read golfing tips and secrets he has discovered visit:
http://www.golfvre.com/
Try Developing Your Own Golf Style
Some golf beginners think that all they have to do is copy Ernie Els, Tiger Woods or whoever their favorite golfer might be and bam, immediate golf success!
I am sorry to say, it is just not that easy. If it were then everybody would be a lot better. This, as we see every time out on the course is not so much the case.
In reality, no two people ever really swing the same way. Since each of us has a unique body build, some more unique than others, we need to develop our own individual set of muscles. A golf swing method used by one golfer who has a different build and has developed his or her set of golf muscles, is probably not of much value to you. Golf is an individual sport. So, find a method of playing that produces results for you, and then go with it. You will enjoy your time out on the links much more.
While it is often a waste of time to try and copy someone else, coaching by a pro can help you find your swing by getting suggestions and tips on how to improve. Just make sure you hire someone who will work with what feels comfortable for you and your natural swing.
If you hire a pro, make sure he is a superior player. You also want someone that is not going to just stand there and watch you swing. You want a pro that will actually show you how to get out of the sand and some less obvious shots you may come across in a round of golf. Make sure you are getting your money's worth!
When you're ready to play golf, and you're faced with a shot, just make your decision on how you're going to do things and stick with it. If you have a bad day of golf, don't be inclined to change what you are doing. If you start changing things every time you have a bad game you will never get any better. But don't be so hardheaded that you never try anything new either. We are looking for a middle ground. If after a few rounds something just isn't working for you, then you need to change it. Just that. Keep the good and toss out the bad. Something about a baby and bathwater comes to mind.
Certain techniques are fundamental to the game and you should try to follow them. But don't get too bogged down in these. It is almost impossible to make a good shot, when the whole time you are thinking of seven or eight things you need to be doing. When you are playing just play and when you are practicing then you can think about things like your grip, where your feet are, where the ball is, to keep your eye on the ball, to follow through, keep your head straight, etc. Hopefully the things practiced will just become natural for you when you get out on the course. This is the goal anyway.
Take your time and develop your own golf swing, one that works for you. When you're playing at the top of your game, give those trying to imitate you the advice above!
Jason Griffin loves playing golf and trying to help other golfers get more enjoyment out of the game. He is the guide behind the Guide to Golf Equipment - Your Information Source for Equipment Used for Golf. Get a little help finding the right golf equipment for you at http://www.guidetogolfequipment.com
I am sorry to say, it is just not that easy. If it were then everybody would be a lot better. This, as we see every time out on the course is not so much the case.
In reality, no two people ever really swing the same way. Since each of us has a unique body build, some more unique than others, we need to develop our own individual set of muscles. A golf swing method used by one golfer who has a different build and has developed his or her set of golf muscles, is probably not of much value to you. Golf is an individual sport. So, find a method of playing that produces results for you, and then go with it. You will enjoy your time out on the links much more.
While it is often a waste of time to try and copy someone else, coaching by a pro can help you find your swing by getting suggestions and tips on how to improve. Just make sure you hire someone who will work with what feels comfortable for you and your natural swing.
If you hire a pro, make sure he is a superior player. You also want someone that is not going to just stand there and watch you swing. You want a pro that will actually show you how to get out of the sand and some less obvious shots you may come across in a round of golf. Make sure you are getting your money's worth!
When you're ready to play golf, and you're faced with a shot, just make your decision on how you're going to do things and stick with it. If you have a bad day of golf, don't be inclined to change what you are doing. If you start changing things every time you have a bad game you will never get any better. But don't be so hardheaded that you never try anything new either. We are looking for a middle ground. If after a few rounds something just isn't working for you, then you need to change it. Just that. Keep the good and toss out the bad. Something about a baby and bathwater comes to mind.
Certain techniques are fundamental to the game and you should try to follow them. But don't get too bogged down in these. It is almost impossible to make a good shot, when the whole time you are thinking of seven or eight things you need to be doing. When you are playing just play and when you are practicing then you can think about things like your grip, where your feet are, where the ball is, to keep your eye on the ball, to follow through, keep your head straight, etc. Hopefully the things practiced will just become natural for you when you get out on the course. This is the goal anyway.
Take your time and develop your own golf swing, one that works for you. When you're playing at the top of your game, give those trying to imitate you the advice above!
Jason Griffin loves playing golf and trying to help other golfers get more enjoyment out of the game. He is the guide behind the Guide to Golf Equipment - Your Information Source for Equipment Used for Golf. Get a little help finding the right golf equipment for you at http://www.guidetogolfequipment.com
Golf Putting for Beginners
If youre a beginner, learning the basics of golf putting can be like playing in a one-man band. You have to successfully blend different styles, processes and elements together into one harmonious golfing symphony.
Since your posture and stance can affect how well you putt, the first thing to consider is the way you stand. To execute the ideal putt, your arms and shoulders should be left to do majority of the work. Because stooping prevents you from swinging your arms freely, it is important for you to stand tall and with your legs slightly astride. Some experts suggest that you to spread your feet apart no greater than the width of your hips. This will ensure greater balance and mobility as you take your swing.
Once youve adopted the right posture, finding the best position for the golf ball can make all the difference. As a general rule, the ball should be close to you, enough to make it nearly parallel to the tip of your nose. This allows you to swing at it without over-stretching your arms. The ball should also be positioned towards your stances left of center so that it can connect squarely with the putters clubhead.
How you grasp the putter also determines your putting success. Clutching it in a stranglehold could throw your swing off. By holding the club lightly in your hands, you will be able to swing it with greater comfort and ease. Therefore, your grip should, in effect, be more of a relaxed non-grip. For best results, you should treat the club as an extension of your hands.
Restraint is another element that is vital in putting. Many beginners equate golf with powerful swings. But if you take a wild whack at a ball, the odds are great that it will fly off into the not-so-distant horizon. And that is not what a good putt makes.
A putt, by definition, is a light and gentle stroke meant to cause the golf ball to roll straight into the hole. Without restraint, those light and gentle strokes wont be easy to accomplish, let alone master. Putting, therefore, requires a lot of discipline and control. Keep in mind that your objective is to make the ball roll not fly. If you can muster Zen-like calm with each putt, then so much the better.
Another key element in putting is where you set your sights. You should keep an eye on the ball before you make your swing. But you must also take care to keep your head perfectly still during and moments after your stroke. No matter how slight, any unnecessary movement while swinging could throw your aim off and ruin your putt. Instead of physically tracking it, make it a habit to visualize the balls path in your minds eye.
Above all, practice. Whether youre swinging on the greens or putting into a cup set on a carpeted floor, practice, practice, practice. Experiment with different speeds and distances. Set goals as to the number of balls you can sink in succession and then gradually increase your limit as you improve. Take note of the techniques that bring you the most excellent results.
Since your posture and stance can affect how well you putt, the first thing to consider is the way you stand. To execute the ideal putt, your arms and shoulders should be left to do majority of the work. Because stooping prevents you from swinging your arms freely, it is important for you to stand tall and with your legs slightly astride. Some experts suggest that you to spread your feet apart no greater than the width of your hips. This will ensure greater balance and mobility as you take your swing.
Once youve adopted the right posture, finding the best position for the golf ball can make all the difference. As a general rule, the ball should be close to you, enough to make it nearly parallel to the tip of your nose. This allows you to swing at it without over-stretching your arms. The ball should also be positioned towards your stances left of center so that it can connect squarely with the putters clubhead.
How you grasp the putter also determines your putting success. Clutching it in a stranglehold could throw your swing off. By holding the club lightly in your hands, you will be able to swing it with greater comfort and ease. Therefore, your grip should, in effect, be more of a relaxed non-grip. For best results, you should treat the club as an extension of your hands.
Restraint is another element that is vital in putting. Many beginners equate golf with powerful swings. But if you take a wild whack at a ball, the odds are great that it will fly off into the not-so-distant horizon. And that is not what a good putt makes.
A putt, by definition, is a light and gentle stroke meant to cause the golf ball to roll straight into the hole. Without restraint, those light and gentle strokes wont be easy to accomplish, let alone master. Putting, therefore, requires a lot of discipline and control. Keep in mind that your objective is to make the ball roll not fly. If you can muster Zen-like calm with each putt, then so much the better.
Another key element in putting is where you set your sights. You should keep an eye on the ball before you make your swing. But you must also take care to keep your head perfectly still during and moments after your stroke. No matter how slight, any unnecessary movement while swinging could throw your aim off and ruin your putt. Instead of physically tracking it, make it a habit to visualize the balls path in your minds eye.
Above all, practice. Whether youre swinging on the greens or putting into a cup set on a carpeted floor, practice, practice, practice. Experiment with different speeds and distances. Set goals as to the number of balls you can sink in succession and then gradually increase your limit as you improve. Take note of the techniques that bring you the most excellent results.
By constantly challenging yourself and refining your methods, youll eventually discover the rhythm that works best for you. Once you have that down pat, youll be able to compose and orchestrate a symphony of putting perfection.
Jasmine Ong is a staff writer for http://www.golfing-advice.com- Jasmine, a pro golfer herself has also written a free ecourse available on her site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)