Golfers Style Blog
Life, Culture, Golf, and Style

Archive for the ‘Golf Swing’ Category

How To Swing A Golf Club: Some Simple Tips To Get You Started

Posted in Golf Swing  by bobby
February 21st, 2008

how-to-swing-a-golf-club_12.jpg

While we cannot possibly discuss every possible aspect of what goes into a good golf swing, we would like to give you some simple advice — that would be useful to any beginner in the game — on how to swing a golf club. So let’s get started!

“S” — First, SET The Tee Properly

You don’t always hear about the necessity of setting the tee in discussions on how to swing a golf club, yet this is essential. Setting the tee too high (too much of the tee showing) will cause you to hit the ball too high - this causes many golfers to hook the ball when they swing the club. On the other hand if you set the tee too low, you will hit the ball too low, and this can result in a slice. Learning how to swing a golf club properly begins with learning to place the tee to get maximum yardage.

“W” — Second, COCK Your Wrists

In learning how to swing a golf club, you need to remember that movement of your wrist — especially trying to hit the ball with wrist-power — is a no-no. The hands and wrists must be placed properly, and then you must train those wrists not to move. If you take lessons on how to swing a golf club with a golf pro, this is one area where they will spend a lot of time working with you. You MUST learn to cock your wrists as you swing your club.

“I” — It’s Not Just About Driving

Learning how to swing a golf club is not just about your long game — whacking the ball down the fairway — it’s also about how you swing the club when you’re on the green. In other words, when you take those lessons on how to swing a golf club, don’t just concentrate on learning how to tee-off, or on using your irons — you need to learn how to move that putter when you get in close to the cup!

“N” — NOT In Your Arms, But Back (Power)

As a newbie you thought that all you needed to know about how to swing a golf club was to flail your arms about, using them like some sort of souped-up weed-wacker. Now you know better (don’t you?) — how to swing a golf club has much, much more to do with your back power than your arms. If you rely on your arms you will never learn how to swing a golf club properly, as your arm strength will soon give out. Learn to rely on the muscles of your back - when properly trained, they will enable you to swing a golf club time-after-time with power and accuracy, through all 18 holes.

“G” — Get A Proper GRIP

Essential in learning how to swing a golf club is learning how to hold it properly — and this means learning the proper grip for you. I say ‘proper for you,’ as there are several different types, and a grip that works for one may not work for another. Again, a good golf pro will spend much time with you, helping you find a comfortable grip. When you have found the best one for you, use it consistently whenever you play the game.

No Comments »

Archive for the ‘Golf Swing’ Category

How To Swing A Golf Club: Some Simple Tips To Get You Started

Posted in Golf Swing  by bobby
February 21st, 2008

golf-swing-teaching-aids_1.jpg

So, you finally have come to admit it: your golf swing could stand some improvement — some major improvement! Well, we’ve got some tips and suggestions to help you as you look at the various golf swing teaching aids that are available. Read on for some good information!

Indoor or Outdoor? That Is The (First) Question

If you are considering the purchase of golf swing teaching aids, you first need to consider: do you want something that will help you perfect your game when you are inside, or a golf swing teaching aid that can only be used out-of-doors?

A good example of the indoor type of golf swing teaching aid is the P3ProSwing. It incorporates and combines computer technology with special equipment that actually allows you to play a full round of golf - indoors - taking your normal strokes, making puts, handling hazards - all the while your golf performance is being recorded and analyzed. With this golf swing teaching aid you can access all data related to your game, pinpointing areas that are weak for further improvement.

Obviously one of the major advantages of this type of golf swing teaching aid is that you can practice and improve your golf game at any time of the year. That means when the weather turns cold, rainy or snowy — when other golfers are not playing at all — you will be improving your game.

Of course, because the indoor types often incorporate high-tech features, this means a higher price tag as well - but for the golfer who is serious about improving their game, this type of golf swing teaching aid is very useful.

Out On The Course - What Golf Swing Teaching Aids Are Available To Help You?

One of the most innovative on-the-course golf swing teaching aids ever developed is the Medicus dual hinge club. This is a basic golf club (driver or iron) that incorporates a dual hinge on the shaft of the club. When you swing and hit the ball incorrectly, the shaft bends or ‘breaks’ near the club. The goal with this type of golf swing teaching aid is to learn to hit the ball so that it will not break. When you can do this, you know that your swing is correct. This is a great golf aid - highly recommended!

There are other golf swing teaching aids that could be used either indoors or outdoors - even in conjunction with other training aids. These include restrictive straps for knees, elbows, hands and wrists, weighted clubs, practice mats, training videos and audio CD’s full of instruction.

Stock Your Shelves: Written Resources

If you would like to read about how to improve your game, there are a multitude of books, e-books, magazine articles and other printed guides you can investigate for good golf swing teaching aids. But beware: not every golfing ‘expert’ really has the experience and know-how to help you better yourself; you need to investigate these resources carefully. Find out what the author did in the world of golf before they wrote their golfing manual. Golf swing teaching aids produced by those with a solid background in the game will usually prove to be helpful — those hawked by snake-oil salesmen with no real knowledge will invariably turn out to be worthless.

No Comments »

Archive for the ‘Golf Swing’ Category

How To Swing A Golf Club: Some Simple Tips To Get You Started

Posted in Golf Swing  by bobby
February 21st, 2008

biomechanics-of-the-golf-swing_1.jpg

You are not just a ‘weekend duffer’ — you have a sincere, and intense, interest in the game of golf. You understand the basics of hitting that little white ball, and now you need some help in understanding the biomechanics of the golf swing - how all the parts of your body must function together in order to achieve the straightest, longest and most-controlled swing possible. This information on the biomechanics of the golf swing is for YOU.

Understanding the biomechanics of the golf swing begins with remembering this word: NATURAL. Your body was not made to function in strange, unnatural positions. The problem with most golf swings is that the body is forced to assume some sort of position that is not natural. If you think that twisting yourself up into some sort of pretzel is the key to achieving a great golf swing, think again!. If a golf swing position seems unnatural to you (or worse, even hurts) then ABANDON it in favor of a more natural position. This is perhaps the biggest key to improving the biomechanics of your golf swing.

Imagine Yourself As A Coiled Snake

If you want to get a handle on the proper biomechanics of the golf swing, imagine yourself as a coiled snake - curled up, ready to release its energy when it attacks. You want to get the proper stance before the ball, curl up (the back swing), then release (the down swing). You will, of course, need to practice using the right type of club grip (baseball, overlapping or finger-linked), experimenting with each to determine which one works best for you — this is fundamental to good biomechanics of the golf swing.

So, get next to the ball, feet spread apart (about a shoulder-width apart). The proper biomechanics of the golf swing requires that your body weight be distributed equally on both feet. You don’t want more of your body weight placed on one foot than another. Grip the club in a firm, yet relaxed manner, knees slightly bent. You can remember that, can’t you? (Don’t believe your buddies when they try to tell you that this ‘biomechanics’ of the golf swing thing is super-complicated - it isn’t.)

Now, remembering that snake, begin to take your backswing - SLOWLY. When it comes to the back swing, proper biomechanics of the golf swing dictates that you don’t go swinging the club quickly up into the air, but rather that you are simply placing the club behind you, twisting your back muscles to lock in that energy.

Now you’re ready for the down swing. You are going to be like that snake - unwinding yourself on that unsuspecting ball. Again, consideration for the proper biomechanics of the golf swing requires that you begin the down swing by moving your arms into action, followed by your shoulders bringing you around, with the movement spreading to the hips, then right on through with your legs.

Equipment Considerations

At this stage in your development as a golfer, you should give some consideration to purchasing a custom-made set of golf clubs. They should be tailored to your size (especially height) and strength. Trying to use clubs that were originally designed for another body-type will mess up the biomechanics of the golf swing every time, as you will be forcing your body to assume unnatural positions and movements, in order to accommodate the equipment. Many golfers take lots of expensive lessons, learning everything they can about the fundamental principles of the biomechanics of the golf swing, then go out and play a game using cheap clubs that they bought second-hand — and even worse yet, rented clubs!

If you are a bit short of cash, you can purchase a half-set of clubs - this will save you money because it only includes 2-3 woods, probably 5 different irons, and a putter. If you desire you can purchase a smaller golf bag as well, because you are not yet using a full set of clubs. But the important thing here is to learn to accommodate the biomechanics of the golf swing by using the proper size and type of gear.

2 Comments »