Save Money on Golf Clubs

Golf clubs are expensive. Irons, woods and putters are all necessary to play the game, but how to save cash on them? In this article, we'll take a look at a few ways you can play better equipment without paying the price.

First off, let me start by saying that you should try to find a matched set of brand name clubs. In golf we're looking for consistency and you can't achieve it with mismatched clubs. Golf clubs from a well known brand are also worth the money. The time and research companies like Titleist or Callaway put into their products are the main reason for the price. Let's try to get the quality without the price tag. So, where to look?

Yard Sales
Among the cheapest places to find golf clubs are at yard sales. Often when players upgrade their clubs, they hang on to the old set. Then they get thrown into the yard sale.

Thrift Stores
The Salvation Army, Goodwill, local pawn shops or local consignment shops can often have really good deals on clubs. Often, you'll be able to haggle with the pricing. Just because the price tag says $200 doesn't mean that's what they'll take. Just ask if they'll take $150. If not, walk away.

Online
Craigslist, eBay your local media outlets websites' classified section, online there are so many places to look for deals on good, cheap equipment. Just be careful. Seeing those clubs in person before you fork over your cash wouldn't hurt. There are other sites that offer discount new clubs like Golfsmith and others, but somebody has already paid retail, so let's find them instead.

The largest one-time equipment expense for any golfer is their golf clubs. Finding ways to play better equipment at a lower price will save you enough money to go get a lesson or two and really improve your game.

Used Golf Ball Store - Helping you save money on golf. Lost golf balls account for the majority of a golfer's equipment expense. Visit http://usedgolfballstore.com to cut that expense in half. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Burkhart

Golf Shoe Tips For Golfers Who Walk

Walking the golf course has many benefits compared with riding in a cart. Exercise is the most obvious, followed by less tangible pluses like getting a better feel for the course or avoiding being stuck in a cart with an annoying partner. Some golfers believe their scores improve when walking.

Then again, hauling one's golf bag for 5-7 miles does have drawbacks. The possibility of developing blisters or the painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis, for starters. Fatigue is another, especially for those who play in hot weather or on hilly courses. A properly fitting pair of lightweight golf shoes is one solution to these issues, but there are others.

Let's survey a few ways to combat the potential negative effects of walking the course.

Golf Shoes that are Roomy Yet Snug

Help prevent: Blisters, discomfort

This should go without saying, but how often have you bought a pair of golf shoes - or any shoes - that were a little too loose in the middle, or a bit tight in the toes?

Your golf shoes should have ample room in the toe box. Here's a literal rule of thumb: Make sure there's about one thumbnail's distance (a half-inch or so) between the longest toe's tip and the end of the shoe. Your heel should remain firmly in place as well.

Golfers require extra mid-foot security for stability in the swing; walking golfers, test to ensure your shoes are tight enough in the middle without squeezing the foot.

Golf Shoes with Excellent Support

Help prevent: Plantar fasciitis

Here's the No. 1 thing to know about plantar fasciitis: You don't want it.

Plantar fasciitis (PF) occurs when the plantar fascia tissue, which runs the length of the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed, causing pain in the heel. Once you've got it, PF can prove difficult to overcome given the amount of time most people spend on their feet.

Walking golfers are certainly susceptible to PF, but it's easily prevented. Test any pair of shoes for plentiful supportive cushioning in the heel, arch and ball of the foot. This keeps the weight distributed evenly and relieves stress on the plantar fascia.

The dedicated walker's golf shoes should also be flexible at the midsole so that the foot rolls naturally from heel to toe, rather than slapping the ground. Another good way to stave off PF is by stretching the feet prior to your round. It's a worthwhile way to spend five minutes.

Breathable, Seamless Shoes and Socks

Help prevent: Blisters

Blisters are bad enough when you've got a cart for carriage. Woe to the golfer who develops a blister while walking 18.

The primary causes of blisters are friction, excess heat and sweaty feet. Friction can be minimized by choosing shoes that fit snugly enough (but not too snugly) to prevent rubbing, feature a soft interior surface and few or no raised seams. Breathability is also key, so look for shoes with a combination of mesh and leather that allow air to pass in and out.

Socks are important, too. Invest in a few pair made from technical, moisture-wicking fabric, rather than absorbent cotton. Leave the frazzled, worn-out socks in the drawer, and apply foot or talcum powder to keep the feet dry.

We offer a wide range of golf shoes on our site including all the top brands, so we can help people find the golf shoes they want and need. If you wish to, take a look at our golf shoes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Mennell

2010 Groove Regulations - Are the Grooves on Your Wedges Legal Or Do You Need to Buy New Wedges Now?

By now you will have heard (or have you?) about the change in the rules governing the grooves in golf clubs that comes into effect on 1st January 2010. Do you know how these rules will affect you and your golf equipment?

The R & A and USGA carried out extensive research on grooves based on what was happening on tour. The new V groove configuration was resulting in golfers generating the same amount of spin from the rough as they were from the fairway! This was effectively diminishing the penalty of being in the rough.

In order to reward straight shots and make life more difficult if you missed a fairway or green and had to play from the rough the R & A and USGA are now going to limit groove volume and edge sharpness on all clubs excepting drivers and putters with lofts greater than or equal to 25 deg. As a general rule this translates to applying to your 5 iron to wedges. All the existing limitations on grooves and face texture will remain.

The new rules apply to new models of clubs made on or after 1st January 2010. Existing models as of that date will still be allowed to be manufactured until end 2010.

Now you would be forgiven in asking, "Won't pro's just stick to the models made before January 1st 2010? Well they can try but it's not going to work. The R & A and USGA clearly thought of that and have countered it by making it a "Condition of Competition" that pro's use clubs manufactured according to the new rules.

So what does this all mean for you? are you going to have to fork out for a new set of clubs or face banning from the club competitions? Fortunately you don't have anything to worry about unless that is you are playing golf at the top amateur or professional level.

Any clubs existing on December 31st 2009 and made up until December 31st 2010 that meet the current requirements will still be legal until at least 2024. There is a review of this by the two bodies planned for 2020 when they will decide whether to extend the date even further than 2024.

So you can relax and continue to fondle your favourite crocodile teeth clubs with pride while understanding that playing great golf is more to do with the mind than the equipment, that is presuming you have half decent equipment to start with.

If this article has been of interest to you, you can find out more on the mental side of golf and how it can dramatically improve your game when you apply some easy techniques by going to my website at http://www.golfmindshop.com. Play better golf by applying "think like the pro's" techniques to your game, guaranteed. Wishing you FIR's, GIR's & Blue Skies. Mark - The Golfersmind PS - You can also get your FREE copy of golf ebooks by clicking on The Golf Mind Shop Links here. Reviews of Golf Training Programs are now available online so you can read up on a system before deciding if it's right for you. http://www.golfmindshop.com. Mark Wright is a Master Coach and Sport Psychologist. He can be contacted via his website where you can get free advice on your golf swing or mental game just for the asking. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_H_Wright

Golf Clubs For Learners

When you start to play golf it often seems a bit weird to many that you need 14 different clubs to get round a golf course; surely you just grab a club, give the ball a whack then chase after it. As you play the game more and more you will begin to appreciate what each different club offers and how it will be useful to you at some stage during your round.

After you understand what each club does, you can start to work on your own technique and be able to choose the type of club you need in each situation you are faced with. This aligned to a good swing should help you perfect your game. OK, so what does each club do?

Well the first type of club to describe is a wood, which funnily enough isn't made of wood but used to be. Woods are normally made out of hollow steel or titanium and are designed to get maximum distance. You would usually have two or three woods in your golf bag as you don't use them as much as other clubs. They will normally be used where you need a long shot but where accuracy isn't the biggest factor. Woods may hit the ball a long way but are not the most accurate of clubs; they take a lot of practice to master.

Irons are the next golf clubs to look at, they are perhaps used more frequently than any others during your game. They come in more variety than other types of club and their versatility means that they will make up the majority of the clubs in your golf bag. Depending on the type of iron you use they can be used for long distances or shorter shots. They can hit the ball high or low and can be very accurate (if used correctly). Irons can be designed to hit the ball long and low, to escape out of a sand bunker or hit the ball very high to clear an obstacle.

The last golf club we will look at is the putter; you will only have one of these in your golf bag. They are used on the putting green at the end of each hole and are used solely to get the golf ball in the hole. They need to be deadly accurate as the putting green can be the place where you gain or lose most shots. The putter will have an almost straight face as the ball does not need to get airborne but just roll along the grass on the green. As this club is arguably the most important golf club in your bag you should try out enough to ensure that you get one that suits your style and enables you to get the ball in the hole as often as possible.

Get to know these three types of club and then you will slowly gain understanding of what each can offer you. This will allow you to move onto more specialised versions of each and maybe even master the game of golf.

Carl Liver Copywriter for Golfonline Golf Clubs and Golf bags supplier. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carl_Liver

Fix Your Shanks With 3 Simple Golf Swing Tips

Arnold Palmer once said: "I've always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn't have a chance to win."

Your mentality on the course is crucial to your success. When the odds seem against the average golfer, generally, the tendency is to fall apart. A few bad holes can be the start of a disastrous round... that is why it is important to maintain a positive mental attitude.

If you should find yourself racking up a double or triple bogey on a hole that you would normally par or birdie, there is definitely going to be some frustration inside of you. But in order to make up those strokes, you need to brush it off, and pretend like it never happened. Reflecting back on those bad shots is only going to drive you deeper into frustration, and will certainly effect the next few holes if you don't let it go.

Here are some golf swing tips to utilize if you find yourself "falling apart" in the middle of a round:


Make Club Adjustments During The Round

After putting up a big number, take a deep breath, and analyze your scorecard to see if you are able to make up the strokes on the upcoming holes. If your driver isn't working on that particular day, but you've been "scorching" your 3 wood... keep the driver in the bag! Tee off with your 3 wood... or your 5 iron (or whatever club you've been hitting well that day). Hitting a solid shot off the tee will immediately put you in a positive frame of mind. You might not hit the ball as far off the tee blocks, but it's better than duck-hooking it out of bounds, or slicing it into the woods.


Analyze Your Form

Another common reason for golfers falling apart, are the little "quirks" that sneak up on you during a round. Maybe you're pulling your head, or your feet are lined up entirely wrong. Perhaps you're swinging to fast, or not fast enough. Take a few moments during your practice swings to analyze your form from head to toe. If you're playing a "friendly round" with some buddies, ask them to watch your swing to see if they notice anything obviously wrong with your swing. They might be able to give you a quick tip that immediately corrects the problem. Here is an example:

Just recently, I was shanking evey single one of my chip shots to the green. I could not figure out what was going on, and was really beginning to get frustrated. I asked one of the gentleman that I was playing with if he noticed anything with my chip shots. He noticed that my hands were falling behind as I struck the ball. After that tip, I was right back on track! My frustration had gotten the best of me, and I wasn't relaxed enough to realize this simple adjustment to my swing.

Always Make A "Total Effort"

Just as Arnold Palmer said, you should never feel like the odds are against you. If you can decipher what is "wrong" with your golf swing, you can easily make adjustments around that particular area. Like I said before, if your driver isn't working, you are going to feel hesitant about hitting it. This will put you in a negative frame of mind during your approach, and will certainly not help you hit the "skyrocket" you're hoping for. If your wedge isn't working on close chip shots... break out the 5/7 iron and start using "bump and runs" up to the green. They won't be as accurate, but at least you will be on the green, and not shanking the ball over/under the green (driving you deeper into frustration).

If you have time to hit the driving range after your round, then that is the time to practice those "trouble clubs." You can take time out to try different techniques and swing mechanics where the stakes aren't nearly as high. Take it slow, and try to decipher what is going on with those particular clubs.

WARNING!

If you are continually hitting bad shots, it could be a case of fatigue setting in. Recently, I fell into a rut on the course, and eventually realized that I was physically exhausted due to excessive heat. The temperature was well into the upper 90's, and I was swinging extremely hard on my drives. After I realized this, I simply "took it easy", hitting my 3 wood off the tee, and using some easy irons to get to the green. It wasn't my best round, but I took note of what my body was telling me, and adjusted accordingly. Had I not done this, I'm certain that I would have had a horrible round (and would have probably come unglued!)

So there are a few golf swing tips that will surely get you going in the right direction if you are willing to make adjustments during the round. Pay attention to what is working for you that day, and exploit those strengths with the upcoming shots. Never quit trying, and try to stay in a positive mental state. If you can achieve this, you will have a lot more fun playing your round, and will certainly be able leave the frustration on the last hole.

Zac Cole is a successful Webmaster and publisher of http://www.breakthrough-golf-swing.com He provides many more golf swing tips and golf swing instruction methods on his website that you can research anytime (even if you're in your pajamas).

3 Easy Golf Grip

There are three basic golf grips that you can use: the overlapping grip, the baseball grip, and the interlocking grip. We’ll cover each of those in a minute. Here’s the basic rule for gripping a golf club.

Start by holding the club directly in front of you with your right hand with the club head pointing away from you at about a 45 degree angle.

Next grip the club with your left hand. The club will be mainly in the palm across the pads at the base of the fingers. However, the club will lie across the first section of the index finger. The thumb will be positioned straight on top of the golf club shaft. Relative to the golf club, the thumb will be in the twelve o’clock position.

Now, with your right hand, grip the golf club just above your left hand with the fingers, not the palm, of your right hand. The thumb will be positioned slightly off to the left. Relative to the golf club, the thumb will be in an eleven o’clock position.

If you have gripped the golf club correctly, only the first two knuckles of your left hand will be visible. Also, your left thumb should be completely hidden under your right hand. The index finger position of your right hand will look and feel like a gun trigger finger. Here are three of the most common golf grips and how to use them:

1- The overlapping grip is the most common golf grip used. It is used mostly by male golfers and those with strong wrists and forearms. The little finger of the right hand lies on top of or overlaps the index finger on the left hand.

2- The baseball grip is most commonly used by younger golfers, females, seniors, and those with weaker wrists and arms. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand meet but do not overlap or interlock.

3- An interlocking grip will be used by golfers with shorter hands and fingers, those with thicker or chunkier palms, and golfers who have difficulty with the overlapping grip. The index finger of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand overlap each other and interlock.

If your golf grip pressure is right, the club could almost be pulled out of your hands, but not quite. A correct golf grip will make you feel as if you are holding the club mostly in the palm and last three fingers of your left hand. Regardless, both hands should hold the club with equal pressure. A correct golf grip doesn’t guarantee a successful golf swing, however, a defective golf grip will almost always result in a failed golf swing.

Patrick is a golf enthusiast since 12 years and love to help others learn the ropes of this awesome sport that is golf. For a limited time he is giving away a free report on how to improve your Golf Swing and get additional tricks and tips in his newsletter.

Click here to visit his website

4 Golf Driver Tips

Very often golfers ask me this question…

"I can hit my irons well but I greatly lack consistency with my driver. Can you give me some advice on what I need to do to hit my driver like my irons?"

If you resonate with that question then you'll want to read this entire article now. Because in it I'm going to give you some simple tips to improve your driving off the tee. And the first thing we're going to look at is your equipment. Specifically, the shaft in your driver.

You see, the shaft of any club is the most important aspect of the club that will affect performance. If the shaft that is in your golf driver is not suited to you and your golf swing then you'll always struggle to hit that golf club consistently well.

So when a golfer comes to me complaining about great inconsistency with their driver over their irons I routinely ask this question…

"Does your driver have a different shaft than your irons?"


And normally I get an answer back like this…

"Yes, but my irons have steel shafts in them and my golf driver has a graphite shaft in it. Although they are all regular shafts."

Now what most golfers don't understand is that because a shaft has regular on it does NOT mean it is the same flex as another brand of shaft that has regular on it. There are no standards as far as golf flex is concerned. So please don't ever think that one shaft flex from one company is going to be like a shaft with the same shaft flex from another company.

So my first advice to people that can hit their irons well but not their driver is to get the exact same shaft as is in their irons put in their driver. And 9 times out of 10 just doing this solves there driving problem.

Now in case that doesn't solve your golf driver problem here are three more tips to help you to hit the ball better and further off the tee.

1. Before you take some full swings with a driver you should always warm up by doing some stretches. The golf swing is incredibly hard on the body and you'll only do yourself damage by trying to swing a driver hard without warming up your muscles first.

2. If you tend to fight a slice with a driver you should tee the ball higher as this helps to promote a draw. Conversely if your problem shot with a driver is a hook you should tee the ball lower.

3. When you're teeing up to hit a golf driver you need to take into account the shape of shot you've been hitting with the driver and then tee the ball up on the best side of the tee to allow for that shape.

For example, if you've been fading your driver (and other shots) and you're faced with a long par 4 that doglegs to the left then you're going to be in trouble if you leave your ball on the left of the fairway. So for the most chance of success you should tee the ball up on the same side as you most want to avoid. And in this case you don't want to go left as you'll be forced to hit a draw for your second shot and that's not a shot you're hitting well.

So for this example you should tee the ball up on the left-hand side of the tee box. This way you're going to be aiming away from the left-hand side and straight down the middle of the fairway. So then if you hit the ball straight it will be in the middle of the fairway. If you hit a fade you'll be in the right hand side of the fairway and if you hit a little slice you'll be in the right rough still with a good shot to the green.

You see, you've got to be smart when you're teeing up your ball. To help you do this here's a general rule to remember...tee up your golf ball on the same side as the trouble is on and then aim away from it.

If you're struggling to hit your golf driver well I'm sure if you put these tips into action you'll hit your driver longer and straighter.

The professional golfer Nick Bayley has discovered from extensive analysis just one golf swing fault that could be stopping you from ball striking consistency and success. And now you can take a simple 2 minute golf swing test to see if you have this swing fault or not. To take the The Golf Swing Test go here now