Better Golf Through Knowledge
by Keith LaBrunda, GolfSpyder.com
It is said that "What you don't know can't hurt you". In golf, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Let's take a look at a few things the average golfer probably doesn't know about and how these things are probably costing you strokes.
Go ahead, blame your clubs!
There's a good chance that your clubs could be at fault for all those miss hits, even if they are brand new and cost you over $2000. The problem is, if they don't fit you and your swing, then even when you make that perfect swing the ball isn't going to end up where you wanted it to be. Club Length, Shaft Flex, Lie Angle, and Grip Size will each greatly affect your golf game if they are not properly fitted to you. Get custom fitted for clubs and see what the difference is compared to what you have now. You could be losing a lot of strokes because of them.
For more information on how modern golf club design can affect you game visit our Golf Club Design section. We've got all the information you need to learn about golf club length, shafts, grips, lie angle, loft, bounce, and the impact that these features can have on your swing if they are not properly fitted to you.
Get some balls!
But don't get just any golf balls. And that doesn't mean that you should run out and buy the most expensive ball on the market. You need to get the right kind of ball for your game. Do you need extra distance? How about stopping power? Or soft feel? With so many different types of balls on the market today it makes it difficult to find a ball that suits your game. Here are a few tips on what different caliber golfers should look for in a ball.
- Beginner
- Distance
- Durability
- $
- Intermediate
- Higher Spin
- Softer Feel
- $$
- Advanced
- Tour Quality
- Distance
- Spin
- Feel
- $$$
Practice makes perfect... Not!
Practice only makes perfect if you are reinforcing proper swing techniques. For most golfers, a practice session consists of ripping through a bucket of balls on their lunch break or on the way home from work. A trip to the range will not help you unless you are going to spend the time to "work" on your swing, and not just reinforce those bad habits you've already developed. Visit our Golf Swing section to learn all about the golf swing and how you can work on improving all aspects of your golf game.
Once you've learned how to swing a golf club properly, it is important to practice in a manner that will benefit your game and not hurt it. Use the following suggestions to help you turn that grip it and rip it pit stop at the range into a true practice session.
- Only bring one club to the range with you at a time.
- Hit a small bucket of balls and take your time with each swing.
- Slow down your swing and try to hit the ball straight, not far.
There are a lot of little things that go into making a great golfer. Having a great swing helps, but that is often the hardest part to get right. The easiest way to cut strokes is to learn about golf club fitting, ball selection, proper swing techniques, and practice routines and how they can improve your game. You'll be surprised by the results.