by Tatya H.P.
No matter how long you have been golfing, it is likely that you have heard of the Callaway brand of golf clubs and accessories. They are one of the top suppliers for the entire golf industry. If you are in the market for new golf clubs, you will likely want to consider Callaway products at some point. They are certainly not for everyone (as no golf club is), but they offer a large enough range of products that you might just be able to find something that you would like to use. Here I will describe some of the things offered by Callaway clubs, and what sorts of golfers use them.
Callaway is very famous for its drivers that are able to hit balls further than any other drivers. Most of the time these are against regulation for actual official golf games, but if you are just going out to the driving range then there shouldn’t be a problem. The engineers at Callaway spend literally years developing the drivers, and adjusting every little piece of it to make it into the perfect piece of golf equipment. Usually the shaft is very light, while the head of the golf club is shaped perfectly and given a good amount of weight. The specifications depend on the model that you choose, but most of the time their super drivers have hollow heads (making them technically Woods).
While Callaway offers products that could be used by the most professional of golfers, they also have quite a few that are more geared towards beginners. You can use some of these specially designed clubs or club sets to familiarize yourself with the game and become very proficient with your strokes. This will allow you to become an excellent player before you even begin to spend huge amounts of money on your items. Some of the best items include the adjustable golf clubs, or the half-set that leaves you with just the basic choices to familiarize yourself with. Look for these products are your local club store, or in an online Callaway catalog.
Callaway’s product line doesn’t end at golf clubs. Everything else you need for the game, you will have the option of buying through Callaway. This includes golf apparel, which everyone knows is a must-have when you are going to spend a day on the course. Golf shoes are the best for moving across the grass that makes up the ground of the golf courses, and other golf apparel such as hats and shirts will protect you from the brutal elements involved in the game. If you are an easily sunburned person, then you should find the proper shading and protection in order to avoid having your skin burned while you play.
As with any company, Callaway sells a large range of golfing products. Whether you are a beginner or an expert or somewhere in between, you will be able to find a product that works for you. Figure out what exactly you are looking for out of a golf club set, and bring these requirements with you when you go shopping. This will allow those who are helping you to narrow things down much faster and help you more efficiently for a better end result for everyone involved.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Accessories To Personalize Your Golf Bag
by Tatya H.P.
A golf bag full of golf clubs might just be a golfer’s most prized possession. Vast amounts of money can be invested into the contents of a golf bag, and so you should keep it as safe and as treasured as you possibly can. When you first get your golf bag and golf clubs, you should do everything you can to personalize it and make it your own. This will lead to familiarity with your clubs and therefore more efficiency when you are out playing the game. It will also give you a real sense of ownership. Here I will discuss some of the accessories you can buy for your golf bag in order to increase its aesthetic appeal or its functionality and usefulness.
By putting all of your clubs into the golf bag, it is highly unlikely that you have filled it all the way up. There will be more room in the various compartments and pockets that decorate the outside of the bag. You should not leave these empty. Instead, fill them up with anything you could need out on the course. Put an extra water bottle in one of the pockets for when you get thirsty. Put a first aid kit in another pocket just in case something should happen. You should also include all of the obvious choices if you didn’t already – golf balls in large quantities, tees, and any other items you frequently use when golfing.
Once you have all of the practical accessories for golf bags taken care of, you can start to get into the more “fun” novelty items. There is no shortage of things you can attach to your golf club, whether it’s to get a laugh from your friends or simply to remind you of something. Little plush keychain-like items can be attached at many points all across the golf bag. This could be a small stuffed golf ball, or some sort of figurine. If there is something that you would like to have, it should come to mind immediately. You shouldn’t have to strain yourself to think of something to decorate your golf bag with.
If you want an easy way to identify your golf bag, you can have your name attached to it somehow. This could be in the form of some sort of embroidery project (do you have a girlfriend, wife, or daughter who embroiders as a hobby? Maybe it’s time to ask for a favor) or simply some scribbles with a sharpie. It doesn’t matter how you get it done, but it’s very important that you have some indication that the golf bag is yours in the event that it gets lost on the golf course. When someone recognizes your name and returns your expensive clubs, you will be glad that you put the name on the bag.
There is no limit to the ways that you can personalize your golf bag with accessories. However, the keyword here is “personalize”. If you are taking all of your ideas from something you read on the internet, then that isn’t very personal, is it? All I can do is offer you a few hints to get you started in the right direction, and from there you can decide on what exactly defines you as a person and what can help you out while you are golfing.
A golf bag full of golf clubs might just be a golfer’s most prized possession. Vast amounts of money can be invested into the contents of a golf bag, and so you should keep it as safe and as treasured as you possibly can. When you first get your golf bag and golf clubs, you should do everything you can to personalize it and make it your own. This will lead to familiarity with your clubs and therefore more efficiency when you are out playing the game. It will also give you a real sense of ownership. Here I will discuss some of the accessories you can buy for your golf bag in order to increase its aesthetic appeal or its functionality and usefulness.
By putting all of your clubs into the golf bag, it is highly unlikely that you have filled it all the way up. There will be more room in the various compartments and pockets that decorate the outside of the bag. You should not leave these empty. Instead, fill them up with anything you could need out on the course. Put an extra water bottle in one of the pockets for when you get thirsty. Put a first aid kit in another pocket just in case something should happen. You should also include all of the obvious choices if you didn’t already – golf balls in large quantities, tees, and any other items you frequently use when golfing.
Once you have all of the practical accessories for golf bags taken care of, you can start to get into the more “fun” novelty items. There is no shortage of things you can attach to your golf club, whether it’s to get a laugh from your friends or simply to remind you of something. Little plush keychain-like items can be attached at many points all across the golf bag. This could be a small stuffed golf ball, or some sort of figurine. If there is something that you would like to have, it should come to mind immediately. You shouldn’t have to strain yourself to think of something to decorate your golf bag with.
If you want an easy way to identify your golf bag, you can have your name attached to it somehow. This could be in the form of some sort of embroidery project (do you have a girlfriend, wife, or daughter who embroiders as a hobby? Maybe it’s time to ask for a favor) or simply some scribbles with a sharpie. It doesn’t matter how you get it done, but it’s very important that you have some indication that the golf bag is yours in the event that it gets lost on the golf course. When someone recognizes your name and returns your expensive clubs, you will be glad that you put the name on the bag.
There is no limit to the ways that you can personalize your golf bag with accessories. However, the keyword here is “personalize”. If you are taking all of your ideas from something you read on the internet, then that isn’t very personal, is it? All I can do is offer you a few hints to get you started in the right direction, and from there you can decide on what exactly defines you as a person and what can help you out while you are golfing.
9 Tips for playing well under pressure
by Tatya H.P.
Get Every Putt to the Hole
In team formats, it pays to get the ball to the hole, if only to give your partners a good read. Most putts come up short because the player decelerates on the through-stroke. Instead, make sure your through-stroke is as long or slightly longer than your backstroke.
Minimize Your Swing Thoughts
Keep your game plan simple. Put it on a piece of paper on the cart steering wheel and refer to it before each full shot.
Preshot: Visualize what you want the ball to do.
Address: Align the clubface where you want the ball to go.
Swing thought: Freely swing the clubhead.
Survive The First-tee Jitters
Nervousness makes you speed up your tempo, which affects consistency and accuracy. Take several deep breaths as you get ready to hit, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Swing your driver smoothly, like you want to hit it only 100 yards.
Make More Tough Short Putts
Playing a format that requires you to putt everything out? Set your putterface square to the desired line, then square your feet and shoulders to that line. Make a smooth stroke while looking at the target, not at the ball.
Take More Club on Par 3s
Few amateurs hit the ball over or through the green on par 3s; most come up short. Select a club that will get you to the yardage at the back of the green. If you hit it flush, you're on; if you hit it less than solidly, you still might make it to the putting surface.
Score Lower on Par 5s
Take a "do the math" approach. Most par 5s are 500 yards or more. Make the last shot your favorite yardage into the green. Subtract that yardage, then divide the difference by two. With this strategy, you're hitting lofted clubs that are easier to hit and more accurate.
Get Out of the Sand in One Try
Good greenside bunker players accelerate the clubhead through the shot, letting the sand "splash" the ball out. Set up with the face of your sand wedge slightly open, the ball slightly forward in your stance. Hit the sand behind the ball, and finish your swing like you're hitting a full 5-iron.
Chip with Your Putting Stroke
To avoid chunking or skulling your chip shots, take a lofted club like a 7-, 8- or 9-iron and grip it like your putter. Lean the shaft and your body toward the target for a slightly descending blow. Make your putting stroke, allowing the loft of the club to carry the ball over the unpredictable turf onto the green.
Get Your Irons Airborne
Most topped shots occur when you try to help the ball into the air with a scooping motion. To hit down on the ball, set up with more weight on your left foot than your right. Take the club back more vertically and return it on a downward angle of attack.
Get Every Putt to the Hole
In team formats, it pays to get the ball to the hole, if only to give your partners a good read. Most putts come up short because the player decelerates on the through-stroke. Instead, make sure your through-stroke is as long or slightly longer than your backstroke.
Minimize Your Swing Thoughts
Keep your game plan simple. Put it on a piece of paper on the cart steering wheel and refer to it before each full shot.
Preshot: Visualize what you want the ball to do.
Address: Align the clubface where you want the ball to go.
Swing thought: Freely swing the clubhead.
Survive The First-tee Jitters
Nervousness makes you speed up your tempo, which affects consistency and accuracy. Take several deep breaths as you get ready to hit, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Swing your driver smoothly, like you want to hit it only 100 yards.
Make More Tough Short Putts
Playing a format that requires you to putt everything out? Set your putterface square to the desired line, then square your feet and shoulders to that line. Make a smooth stroke while looking at the target, not at the ball.
Take More Club on Par 3s
Few amateurs hit the ball over or through the green on par 3s; most come up short. Select a club that will get you to the yardage at the back of the green. If you hit it flush, you're on; if you hit it less than solidly, you still might make it to the putting surface.
Score Lower on Par 5s
Take a "do the math" approach. Most par 5s are 500 yards or more. Make the last shot your favorite yardage into the green. Subtract that yardage, then divide the difference by two. With this strategy, you're hitting lofted clubs that are easier to hit and more accurate.
Get Out of the Sand in One Try
Good greenside bunker players accelerate the clubhead through the shot, letting the sand "splash" the ball out. Set up with the face of your sand wedge slightly open, the ball slightly forward in your stance. Hit the sand behind the ball, and finish your swing like you're hitting a full 5-iron.
Chip with Your Putting Stroke
To avoid chunking or skulling your chip shots, take a lofted club like a 7-, 8- or 9-iron and grip it like your putter. Lean the shaft and your body toward the target for a slightly descending blow. Make your putting stroke, allowing the loft of the club to carry the ball over the unpredictable turf onto the green.
Get Your Irons Airborne
Most topped shots occur when you try to help the ball into the air with a scooping motion. To hit down on the ball, set up with more weight on your left foot than your right. Take the club back more vertically and return it on a downward angle of attack.
6 Keys to Selecting The Right Golf School
by Tatya H.P.
There are many criteria to selecting the school that is worthy of the investment, and this is not an exhaustive list. However, consider these to get you focused on what is important to you.
Key #1) Golfing style
As with any topic or subject matter to learn, golf can be played in many styles. Most of them based on your personality and skill level. Some play aggressively, others, like me, more conservatively. But ultimately you have to choose a school or instructor that matches you.
Your skills, your personality, your style.
Key #2) Problem areas
I have trouble with slicing. Consistently I find that my shots slice to the right. You, to be sure, have at least one issue with your game or specific shots. You may want to find a school to address and help correct that shortcoming. If you come back from a long weekend and your slice has vanished, you would have had time (and money) well spent.
Key #3) Instructor to class-size ratio
This is a personal preference item. Some people learn in a group setting (even craze the interaction). Others of you need the attention that a one or two person class offers. It may also depend on what you are trying to gain from the school which one you actually choose.
Key #4) Price
For some this may not be an issue. Golf is your life and no amount of money is too much if you improve your game, and thus your enjoyment. For others, big obstacle. If you are considering a golf school then you know that most start above $1500. There are some “big name” instructors offering half day lessons for $10,000.
You know your budget. If you are price sensitive then, by all means, do not forget to add in travel, lodging, and food costs. Many times these “incidentals” can double the overall cost.
Key #5) Proximity
What is your traveling distance? Is your schedule tight so slipping off within 100 miles for a half day lesson is all you can squeeze. Or, are you planning your school around a vacation so distance is not really an issue. One plus of keeping tabs on those schools “in your own backyard” is when these offer last-minute specials you can jump on those quickly.
Key #6) Length of training
How long can you take off from your profession to pursue your passion? Like any good consultant would answer, it depends. It depends on whether you are looking for a long weekend, a one day seminar, or wrapping a vacation around your training. This is an important factor in choosing a school so compare wisely.
There are many criteria to selecting the school that is worthy of the investment, and this is not an exhaustive list. However, consider these to get you focused on what is important to you.
Key #1) Golfing style
As with any topic or subject matter to learn, golf can be played in many styles. Most of them based on your personality and skill level. Some play aggressively, others, like me, more conservatively. But ultimately you have to choose a school or instructor that matches you.
Your skills, your personality, your style.
Key #2) Problem areas
I have trouble with slicing. Consistently I find that my shots slice to the right. You, to be sure, have at least one issue with your game or specific shots. You may want to find a school to address and help correct that shortcoming. If you come back from a long weekend and your slice has vanished, you would have had time (and money) well spent.
Key #3) Instructor to class-size ratio
This is a personal preference item. Some people learn in a group setting (even craze the interaction). Others of you need the attention that a one or two person class offers. It may also depend on what you are trying to gain from the school which one you actually choose.
Key #4) Price
For some this may not be an issue. Golf is your life and no amount of money is too much if you improve your game, and thus your enjoyment. For others, big obstacle. If you are considering a golf school then you know that most start above $1500. There are some “big name” instructors offering half day lessons for $10,000.
You know your budget. If you are price sensitive then, by all means, do not forget to add in travel, lodging, and food costs. Many times these “incidentals” can double the overall cost.
Key #5) Proximity
What is your traveling distance? Is your schedule tight so slipping off within 100 miles for a half day lesson is all you can squeeze. Or, are you planning your school around a vacation so distance is not really an issue. One plus of keeping tabs on those schools “in your own backyard” is when these offer last-minute specials you can jump on those quickly.
Key #6) Length of training
How long can you take off from your profession to pursue your passion? Like any good consultant would answer, it depends. It depends on whether you are looking for a long weekend, a one day seminar, or wrapping a vacation around your training. This is an important factor in choosing a school so compare wisely.
5 Ways To Enjoy Golf More
by Tatya H.P.
We all love the game of golf, but some times it is just as they say, a good walk spoiled. Here are a few ways to enjoy golf more.
1 Don't play the blue tees.
Unless you are at least a 10 handicap or lower, why bother making the golf course even harder than it has to be. If you are shooting in the 90's or triple digits, it makes no sense making a conscious decision to making the course more difficult. Play the white tees and take the extra level of anxiety out of the equation.
2 Improve your lie
When you are having a recreational round of golf, there is no way you should be playing the strict rules of golf. The average round of golf would be at least 6 hours at courses all over the world. Golfers would be returning to the tees all day after hitting there first ball out bounds, or searching for every lost ball for 5 minutes. So if we are bending the rules to save time, why not bend them to improve your lie, something you can actually benefit from. Play winter rules all the time.
3. Play different games
Instead playing the same match with your buddies, compete in other categories other than score. Some examples would be:
Most fairways hit
Least amount of 3 putts
Most 1 putts
4 If it is your honor, take it.
You just birdie the hardest (or easiest) hole on the golf course, it's your tee, you earned it, take it. Challenge yourself to get another one, you will be surprised how often you can have two birdies in a row if you are actually trying to get two birdies in a row.
5 Lower your expectations.
If you are a average golfer you play golf twice per week if you're lucky, on top of that, you don't practice as much as you should.. You can't honestly think that your game is not exactly what it should be. Just enjoy the game itself, don't be so hard on yourself when you're not playing well. Even the pros have bad days
We all love the game of golf, but some times it is just as they say, a good walk spoiled. Here are a few ways to enjoy golf more.
1 Don't play the blue tees.
Unless you are at least a 10 handicap or lower, why bother making the golf course even harder than it has to be. If you are shooting in the 90's or triple digits, it makes no sense making a conscious decision to making the course more difficult. Play the white tees and take the extra level of anxiety out of the equation.
2 Improve your lie
When you are having a recreational round of golf, there is no way you should be playing the strict rules of golf. The average round of golf would be at least 6 hours at courses all over the world. Golfers would be returning to the tees all day after hitting there first ball out bounds, or searching for every lost ball for 5 minutes. So if we are bending the rules to save time, why not bend them to improve your lie, something you can actually benefit from. Play winter rules all the time.
3. Play different games
Instead playing the same match with your buddies, compete in other categories other than score. Some examples would be:
Most fairways hit
Least amount of 3 putts
Most 1 putts
4 If it is your honor, take it.
You just birdie the hardest (or easiest) hole on the golf course, it's your tee, you earned it, take it. Challenge yourself to get another one, you will be surprised how often you can have two birdies in a row if you are actually trying to get two birdies in a row.
5 Lower your expectations.
If you are a average golfer you play golf twice per week if you're lucky, on top of that, you don't practice as much as you should.. You can't honestly think that your game is not exactly what it should be. Just enjoy the game itself, don't be so hard on yourself when you're not playing well. Even the pros have bad days
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