Golf and Arthritis

Golf and Arthritis




Good news! If you're an arthritis sufferer, you don't have to give up your golf game! In fact, playing golf can add strength and mobility to your body overall and improve your range of motion.

Research shows that one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis is exercise. It can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight, and promote general physical fitness.

Usually, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) comes on slowly. Early in the disease, joints may ache after physical work or exercise. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint. Most often it occurs at the hands, hips, knees, or spine.

Right. All those areas used in playing the game of golf.

No worries, though. Golf actually helps increase your range of motion and your balance as well. And the walking, if you can do it, will benefit your health in numerous ways. In short, golf is one of the perfect exercises for someone with osteoarthritis!

Now here's the key - you are probably going to need some special products to make golf a little easier on your joints.

At arthritis.org, the Arthritis Foundation shares some tips for golfers to help you keep enjoying this wonderful sport and suggests some products that might help you.

For instance, it's a good idea to wear wrist braces and gloves when you play. This will help stabilize the joints in your wrists and hands. Both these items are inexpensive.

Try using a lower compression ball.

Golf shoes without spikes will likely be more comfortable for you.

Ask your local golf store specialist about the latest helps for making golfing easier on your joints. New products are coming out all the time.

Always warm up before you play. Do some basic stretches, take some practice swings. Start out swinging about half strength. Never try to hit the ball too hard. This one goes for everyone - not just folks with arthritis. It's accuracy that counts!

Using tees will help.

Drink water while you're playing. (again, a tip for everyone)

If you feel tired, listen to your body and rest a bit. It's not a mortal sin to play less than 18 holes. The key is to enjoy the game.

Now, if you’re feeling sore after play, here are some things to try.

• Take a warm shower.
• Do some gentle stretching exercises.
• Use an ice pack on the sore area.
• Rest the sore joint.
• Try magnetic therapy.
• Try to keep your weight down. Too much weight can make your knees and hips hurt


If playing golf causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it’s too much. Work with your physical therapist or doctor to adjust your game when you notice any of the following signs of too much exercise:

Unusual or persistent fatigue

Increased weakness

Decreased range of motion

Increased joint swelling

Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1 hour after exercising)

Really, when it comes right down to it, playing golf (along with warming up for your game with range of motion exercises) may be just what the doctor orders for arthritis help!

Improving Your Balance

Improving Your Balance

Balance - it sounds so simple! As a golfer, you know that maintaining a proper balance is key to your game. And it's more than just having the correct stance.

Optimal balance depends on three aspects - your visual perception, the signals from the inner ear, and signals from your muscles and joints. Sometimes these aspects get out of sync, causing a balance disorder.

A lack of balance usually occurs when your head position changes - which is a good reason to keep your head still during your swing!

Migraines can attribute to a balance disorder. So if you have frequent migraines, seek medical attention. These headaches can affect your golf game in ways you may never have thought of.

Don’t spend a fortune on new golf equipment hoping for better play before you check your medicine cabinet to see if any drugs you’re taking affect your balance. The condition “ear poisoning” seriously affects your balance. Ear poisoning is usually caused by side effects of some medications - notably the antibiotic gentamicin. Up to 50 % of people who take this drug experience some sort of ear poisoning.

Diuretics can pose a problem as well. So if you're on any medicine and you start feeling dizzy, get medical help! Sometimes the dizziness can literally become a lifelong problem, so don’t delay in seeking help.

If your balance is a little off in your game, you may want to do some simple exercises to improve it. Just kicking a ball around your backyard can help. You can also set up a little obstacle course and weave in and out of it to improve your balance. Your kids will have fun with the course, too! In fact, they may even set up one for you!

You can also buy a balance board to help you with your center of gravity. We found a handmade, well-crafted balance board on eBay. These boards are challenging and fun to use!

In addition, working with flexibility exercises helps increase your balance by releasing muscle tension. Try some simple yoga stretches to help with loosening up tight muscles.

Another useful item is a yoga ball or exercise ball. Even just sitting on one of these balls requires balance - so try using one for part of the day. Work up gradually until you can sit on the ball for 30 minutes at a time. These ball exercises can help you develop proper posture, increase the mobility of your lower back, and develop overall control of your body core.

Since balance is fundamental to every aspect of your golf game, spend some time each day working on developing it. Who knows? You could find your swing and your score improving dramatically!

Chiropractic - An Adjustment in Your Game

Chiropractic - An Adjustment in Your Game

Chiropractic care is standard for many pro golfers. Professional golfer Lori West attributes the reason she’s playing today to chiropractic. Nearly two decades ago, she began visiting a chiropractor for pain in her shoulders and neck. According to West, the care has infinitely improved her golf game.

According to Dr. Travis Ruda, chiropractor and golf enthusiast, the golf swing in and of itself isn’t conducive to having a healthy back. To have a good swing you create tension in your spine. (this enables you to get good distance). The tension comes from the hips stopping and the shoulders continuing to rotate. Basically, you make a coil. You’re uncoiling when you start your downswing. Since that’s an awkward movement for your back, many golfers end up with lower back problems.

Here’s some chiropractic advice.

• Before your game, do some basic stretches. Stretch out hamstrings and groin area.

• Put a club across your shoulders and lean left and right.

• Get in a position of where you would be in a swing and bend left and right.

• Grab a club behind your back and raise it up, stretching your shoulder muscles.

• Grab the club backwards – so if you normally swing right-handed, you’d grab it like you’d be swinging left-handed- and take 10 practice swings that way. You’re stretching different muscles and it will help you loosen up considerably.

• You can do neck stretches if it’s tight. Stiff neck muscles inhibit the rest of the body from turning freely.

• Golfer’s elbow is a painful condition in which your arm bone becomes sore and tender. Chiropractors can adjust the over-rotated bone.

• Orthodic stabilizers for your shoes can help improve balance so your swing is better.

• Anything that helps with flexibility eventually helps with your game. As you get older, your swing naturally shortens since the muscles aren’t as supple. Flexibility is very important for older golfers.

• You have to have good balance if you want to hit the golf ball consistently. A healthy spine is paramount to proper balance and posture. Improve your balance and you’ll improve your consistency.

• During the winter, work on stretching the muscles of the arms, shoulders and back.

Chiropractors care for your body structure overall, not just the back. So if your muscles are feeling out of sync, chiropractic may be the just the adjustment your body and game needs!

Being Fitted for the Game

Being Fitted for the Game


Generally, a set of clubs off the shelf isn’t likely to be a perfect fit for you. Manufacturers create clubs for folks of average build – whatever that is! Not only is everyone different in their physical make-up, but no two players swing exactly the same. So one golf club size definitely does not fit all.

If your clubs are too long or too short, you're likely to have problems. To find the right size clubs for you, try swinging with a few different lengths. Basically, you choose clubs that are about as long as the distance from your navel to the floor. You don't need to decide right away—lots of courses and driving ranges have sample clubs that you can practice with until you find the perfect fit!

You can rent different kinds of equipment, too. Before you invest in a set of expensive clubs, try a variety of types at your local golf course. Test the waters for a few months. See what feels best for your game.

Now, if after you’ve tried out several brands of clubs, and you’re getting serious about the game, it’s a good idea to get custom fitted by a PGA professional at a golf range. Don’t do this until you’re able to consistently repeat a swing. Bottom line – if you can’t hit worth a nickel, you don’t need to be fitted for clubs yet!

A golf pro can help you find which clubs are best for you. As previously stated, everyone has a different physique. Some clubs just aren’t going to feel right to you. This is no reflection on your game and certainly no reason to quit playing. By getting custom fitted for your clubs, you will likely hit the ball more consistently and accurately.

First, the fitter will have you hit a few balls. This is no time to try to impress. Just hit normally, and try to loosen up. Your swing speed will be recorded to determine the right flex of shaft.

Fitters will take into account the length of the club so that it’s comfortable for you. They’ll look at your hands to determine if you need special grip fitting. You may need longer or shorter clubs.

The angle of the club may be adjusted for you as well. When you’re done with the “fitting”, specific recommendations will be made regarding

• Length of club
• Size and design of clubhead
• Lie angle
• Shaft type
• Grip type
• Set make-up

Then you can make a wise decision on exactly what clubs to purchase. You will likely see an improvement in your game overall when you have the right equipment, tailor-fitted for you.

Developing Your Own Style

Developing Your Own Style

Some beginners think that all they have to do is mimic V.J. Singh’s or Tiger Woods’ every move and voila! Instant golf success!

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.

Really, no two people ever swing at the ball in the same way. Because of your unique body build, you develop your own individual set of muscles. A method of golf used by one person who’s of a different build and has developed a different set of muscles may not be of value to you. Golf will always be individual. Find a method of playing that produces results for you, and then go with it.

While it’s often a waste of time to try to copy someone else’s style or imitate someone else to a T, coaching by a professional can help in finding a fault that you've developed and getting suggestions on how to make corrections. But you want to hire someone who works with the natural swing you have rather than a teacher who tries to teach you something totally different.

If you hire a pro, make sure he is a top notch player. You don’t just want him to stand there and watch you swing either. Have him actually show you how to get out of sand, mud, and water and the principles of some less obvious shots. Then you’ll really be getting value for your money!

When you’re ready to play a game, and you’re faced with a shot - make your decision on how you're going to do things. Don’t be persuaded to change your methods every time you have a bad game.

Granted, some techniques really are fundamental principles and need to be observed. But it’s impossible to make a shot and the whole time be thinking of seven or eight things like your grip, where your feet are, where the ball is, keep your eye on the ball, follow through, keep your head straight, etc.

Here are two basic tips to improve your individual game.

The one foundation you need no matter what stroke you’re making, no matter what club you’re playing with, is balance. You must keep balanced during the striking of the ball.

Another basic tip is to always keep your eye on the ball. Make sure any stance you take allows you to see the ball from every point of the stroke.

Take your time and develop your own methods that work for you. And when you’re doing well, be sure to give the kid who’s trying to mimic you the advice above!

Fearless Golf

Fearless Golf

The person who is relaxed and confident plays a better game of golf than one whose knees are shaking at the thought of sand traps. Fear is one thing you never want to take with you to the driving range.

Problems with a good player are almost always mental in nature. Thinking clearly really is the name of the game. And a clear head is impossible when fear reigns.

So if you change how you think, you change your game. Don’t worry why the ball flew where it did. Just keep your mind focused on the next shot.

One of the big problems for some folks is that they constantly worry about what others will think of them if they make a bad shot. If you’re thinking about how someone else is going to perceive you, you’re not concentrating on the ball, on your swing, on the basics.

Must you have the approval of others? In the grand scheme of life, is hitting a bad shot truly a disaster you can never overcome?

Psychologists tell us that we tend to become a composite of the five persons we’re around the most. Maybe you need to find some more relaxed folks to practice with.

Playing with a perfectionist translates into “no fun”. Why ruin the joy of the game for yourself? Find friends you can play the game with just for the pure enjoyment. Your game will likely improve as you’re less tense and able to swing more freely.

One help in this aspect of overcoming fear is to concentrate solely on your game. Ben Hogan wrote that “to ignore the gallery and the other golfers, and to shut my mind against everything but my own game” was key to his concentration.

If you’re worried about what others think, chances are your game is really inconsistent. You’re overly aggressive one second and overly conservative the next.

The key? Focus on the target, not the situation. Ignore the stakes. Just concentrate on your game.

Perfectionism not only causes ulcers, but it ruins the joy of the game. Top players refine their skills every year. They’re always improving in little ways that add up. You’re not always going to play your best game, and you’ll never play a perfect one - no matter how skilled you are. Work to improve little faults and your game will gradually get better and better.

Smiling widely relaxes your facial muscles, and serves you well in overcoming anxiety. Get into the habit of smiling before hitting the ball instead of furrowing your brow.

Don’t dwell on mistakes. As Tiger Woods says, “I hit it and forget it.” You can’t go back in time and replay a shot, so just forget about it and move on.

Don’t worry about what others think of your shot making. Overcoming that fear alone will improve your game vastly! And when you’re ready to play your next game – think confidently and stay focused.

You’ll soon become a master of fearless golf!

The Feel of Good Golf

The Feel of Good Golf

You’ve heard it said dozens of times. Golf is a game of “feel”. You just know instinctively when something’s right or wrong for you.

It sounds a little confusing, doesn’t it? Let’s try to take that vague feeling and put it into words and action.

First off, let’s address the technique of swinging with all your might. If you swing really hard, then you can’t get the feel of a correctly hit ball and your muscles don’t learn the feel of correct balance. When players have the feel of the shot, their muscles and sense of touch are tuned in to the correct gauge and balance and they just know they can hit the ball.

When you want to lunge at the ball, your power should be developed by twisting your body. If you learn this, it won’t take 3 or 4 years before you’re hitting the ball a good distance. When you keep failing with a certain shot, just stop and think what you’re doing, what you’re trying to accomplish. Don’t try any certain method unless you have a definite purpose for using it.

Always remember the basics. Think in your mind how it feels to prepare properly for a shot.

One important point is that it’s not necessary to feel the power during the stroke. You want to swing easily. It’s the energy that’s transferred to the ball that counts. Get rid of every little detail that destroys your balance and you’ll get on the right track. Cut out everything that’s not comfortable. Your ability to keep your balance and be comfortable is the measure of the amount of power you can use successfully. Many players lift their heads at the last instant. This doesn’t add power to the stroke. It actually takes power away from it.

It may sound tricky but you really want to be as comfortable as possible while playing a game and to do things as easily, flexibly and fluidly as possible. Much of this comfortability is purely mental.

Make sure you keep your eye on the ball while you’re moving. That’s what counts. When you’re doing things comfortably your strength is being properly applied.

The second you brace your muscles, you’re moving away from the correct way of playing. If you want to see if your method is right, check your comfortability level. If you get better results with your own method then follow your own method and don’t try to imitate someone else. If you want to learn from someone, ask them why they’re swinging in a certain way and if you can learn the reason then you can apply the knowledge in your own way. Just trying to imitate someone else’s swing doesn’t benefit you.

Over time, you’ll acquire the ability to know what shot feels right, what club feels best, what decision you should make. That’s the feel. The instinct. The touch of greatness!

Golf Basics for Kids

Golf Basics for Kids

When teaching golf to kids, FUN is the name of the game. Throw in all the technical jargon at the beginning and you will effectively kill a child's desire to learn. Allow a child to “play” golf for enjoyment, and he’ll become a life-long convert of the game!

Hours of practice will only overwhelm a child, so just allow him or her to practice a little bit at first, say 30 minutes. This will keep motivation for practice high.

And it's okay to let them start by hitting the ball hard. That's part of the fun! Don't worry about their grip right off the bat. Just have them keep the right hand under the left and then swing away!

I’d also make sure the child keeps his or her feet on the ground while following through.

Now, if you want to buy a child's set of clubs, that's fine, but you're likely to do just as well with a used set of women's clubs. They're lighter and nice for kids. All you need is a women's 9 iron, a 6 iron, 3-wood and a putter.

Let your child start out with little chipping and putting games. This play will help him or her get the feel for the club and the ball. Kids can bounce the ball off the face of a wedge and try hitting leaves or twigs.

Little contests and games keep motivation high. Avoid pressure or competition early on. You want your child to enjoy the game and want to play it every chance they get, not end up so confused and unfocused that they can't figure out what to do and just quit in frustration.

If you’re encouraging, your child will love for you to play alongside of them. Just don't start demanding wins and emphasizing competition, or you'll pop the enthusiasm really fast.

Children will move along as they're ready. Letting them progress at their own pace prevents future burnout. Never make a child play the game, unless he wants to. The game should be fun, and a simple joy. Laugh and have a blast yourself!

If your child's interest increases, you might consider golf camp or some private lessons with someone experienced in teaching children. If you do seek a personal instructor for your child, watch how the person teaches first. You really want an encouraging person with a knack for teaching kids.

Also, please remember to teach your child the etiquette of golf. Little things are very important, like… Don’t talk while someone else is swinging. Don’t step in front of someone while they’re swinging. Stand still. Don’t walk in front of someone else’s line or through line.

Finally, never criticize. Praise their shots and swings. Encourage them to correct certain moves, but don't dwell on what was done incorrectly.

If you concentrate on the most important aspects of golf – the enjoyment and the basics – you may end up with a child who rivals you on the range and who enjoys a lifelong love for the game.

Golf on a Budget

Golf on a Budget

I know what you’re thinking – golf on a budget! Can there be such a thing? Well, it is possible, if you take a balanced, objective look at the strategies used in marketing golf products.

Case in point – I just interviewed a local golf shop owner today. We were talking about the new golf balls, and he was telling me that representatives from different companies send him golf balls to use, hoping that he’ll recommend them to his customers.

Well, he said he’s tried just about everything, and in his opinion, they all play about the same now. Picking up a box of 12 Titleist balls, he said, “This one is probably the best.” They cost $24.99 for the dozen. Then he laughed and picked up another box. “But this one is our best seller.”

The box was priced $44.99 for the dozen. I looked surprised. He shook his head and said, “It’s all hype. People think that if the balls cost double, they’re bound to play better.”

Now we have the new hybrid ironwoods. Are they really going to change your game that much? Or is it all a part of the marketing pitch?

I heard one marketer say that since the golf market was so saturated, he priced his clubs at three times the price of anyone else’s. And he sold hundreds of thousands of dollars worth. The clubs weren’t any more expensive to make than other clubs. It was just a “market test”. And folks bought like crazy.

Since no two people play golf the same - and everyone has an individual physique and swing – a product that adds distance for one player may not help another player at all.

Think about something you do very well that requires a piece of equipment. You’re the expert in this area. Should everyone who attempts your job then buy the exact same equipment as you have? Will that mean they’ll be able to do the job better or as well as you?

Food for thought, isn’t it? I enjoy gardening, and have a lovely flower garden. But I only have one or two garden tools that are considered the best. The other things I use because that’s what I’ve always used.

So just because one golf pro buys one kind of ball or club doesn’t mean that it’s the best for you.

The sales pitches that swear you’re going to add 30 yards and never hit another slice entice us to shell out the big bucks. But if you’re careful and have a healthy dose of skepticism, you’ll save both time and money in the long run.

Remember, in the golf world, just because a product is more expensive, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily any better.

Golf Tips from Harvey Penick

Golf Tips from Harvey Penick

I picked up a delightful little book from the library this week entitled And If You Play Golf, You’re My Friend by Harvey Penick. Not only was the style warm and humorous, but the book was filled with valuable tips!

Dubbed America’s best Loved Golf Teacher, Penick offers golfers the following advice.

• Practice without a ball. Try swinging your 7-iron at a certain blade of grass until you can consistently hit that spot.

• Don’t be nervous about playing your game. Change your vocabulary from, “I have to play today.” to “I get to play today!” Enjoy the game!

• When you’re trying to decide which putter to use to chip, try this. Toss a ball underhanded close to the hole. Then ask yourself, “Which club would create the same flight and result of the toss?” Then pick that club for the job.

• Use your intuition. The first club that comes to your mind to hit a certain shot is the right club to use. Don’t second guess yourself.

• Don’t listen to a word your opponents say. Think only about your game.

• Most of the problems golfers have with swings result from a faulty grip or stance. Practice these two basics when your game is off.

• Practicing hitting leaves and twigs can alleviate the tension and help with your concentration.

• Don’t make an adjustment immediately after hitting a bad shot. If a pattern begins to show, then change your grip.

• Take your time. Never rush a shot. Hit the ball only when you’re ready.

• Be decisive. When your mind is confident of the shot you’re going to make, your muscles will follow through with what they’re expected to do.

• Keep your eye on the ball as a whole, not just a part of it.

• Have regular eye check ups.

• One common golf ailment is shoulder pain in the rotator cuff area. Penick advises to ice it after you’re done playing. It also helps to swing your arms in circles (slowly) throughout the game. This will prevent muscle tightness.

• Don’t try to hit the ball hard or far. Develop a strong belief that your ball will go a long distance without you really trying. Mysteriously, that’s what happens!

• Absolutely, positively keep your left arm straight at impact.

If you want a fun and inspiring read about your favorite sport, check out Penick’s Little Red Book as well. Warm and witty, Penick’s books will bring a smile to your face and you’ll get some priceless playing tips in the process!

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

You hear this mantra in every sport – keep your eye on the ball! It’s a perfect chant for the golf player at every turn. If you can’t see the ball clearly, your chances of hitting it are slim to none!

When you look at the ball, you want to keep your eyes on one spot. Don’t look at your club to see if it’s squared to the ball. Don’t let your eye follow the club as you draw it away

Just focus on the ball – nothing else.

Also, when you look at the ball, try to get a bird’s eye view of it. Your eyes are about a foot above the pivotal center so raising your shoulders isn’t going to help you see the ball better. Don’t gaze at the ball along the line of the shaft of your club. Look down on the ball rather than get your angles along the shaft. This will give you much better results and you won’t have a tendency to look up too soon.

Now, there’s a natural tendency in everyone to look away when you start to draw the club back. Ignore that tendency and just keep looking down on top of the ball.

When you’re looking down you’ll notice that (if you’re leaning over properly) the only way you can keep the club head in the line of flight is to keep your hands moving along parallel with that line. Sweep your hands along with the club head while the ball and head are in contact.

Mastering the skill of seeing the ball clearly until you hit it is true of every kind of shot. Whether the ball is in long grass, on an up or down slope, no matter what’s around you -the main thing is to see the ball clearly to hit it accurately.

Very few golfers stand still when looking at the ball and concentrate their attention on seeing the ball clearly. A lot of the times people will give a glance in the direction they want the ball to go, then they look back at the ball. Many golfers would be shocked to find out that they don’t stand still and keep their eye on the ball. The second your gaze shifts from the ball during any part of the swing, problems occur.

Really, a lack of concentration is responsible for most golfing mistakes. You can hit the ball well when you can clearly see the ball at every point in your swing from start to finish.

If you want to wipe out one of the worst golf faults, determine that from the top of your swing until you hit the ball you will keep your eye clearly on the ball. You’ll find your golf game improving so significantly – your friends may start asking you for lessons!

It’s All in Your Head

It’s All in Your Head

Have you ever read one golf player’s valuable advice, only to find the next day a different professional vehemently disagreeing and advocating the exact opposite? One pro fanatically advises to keep your head straight. Later, another person comes along and gives completely contradictory advice.

What’s a golfer to do?

Listen to me, of course. 

We’re all different, and no two people play exactly alike. So don’t get too caught up in this or that different method.

But there are some basic fundamentals that can make you or break you. And I’m advising – fanatically – that you keep your head absolutely still and not move it from the spot in which you start.

You can’t keep your head still if you stiffen your muscles. By keeping your head still, you loosen up and this allows you to finish your stroke smoothly and naturally. Keeping your head still also prevents slicing since you don’t have to draw your hands in to keep your balance.

One championship winner admitted that every time he stepped up to the ball, at every shot he repeated to himself, “Keep your head still. Keep your head still.” It’s a vital aspect to the game too many players overlook.

You will find yourself improving rapidly if you just master this one detail. If you happen to make a terrible stroke then focus on keeping your head still on the next stroke and you’ll do better.

See, when your head is still, your ability to see the ball at every point in the swing is enhanced. How can you watch the ball if your head is jerking here and there?

This is one sure way to build confidence in your golf game. Keep your head so still that you wouldn’t jar a glass of water perched on top of it, and look at the ball when you make your stroke. You’ll see the ball clearly and hit it more accurately.

No matter how nervous you are when you’re playing, these two tips - keeping your head still and your eye on the ball - will help you play a better game.

The Key to Better Golf

The Key to Better Golf

Golf experts do agree on something. It’s not possible to play a good stroke if your balance isn’t maintained throughout the swing. Keeping your balance sounds pretty simple. But it’s nigh impossible when you have a death grip on the club, your arms and shoulders are stiff and you’re trying to hit the ball with every ounce of strength can muster.

Beginners are often warned to not try to hit the ball so hard. A little energy well directed and smoothly applied will drive the ball father than a monstrous effort that ends up not connecting the ball at the center of the club. If you’re balanced, you have more freedom when hitting the ball.

You want to keep your head in one spot, your eyes on the ball clearly. Actually the steadier you keep your head in one spot, the better you see the ball. This is all part of creating your foundation of balance. Anything that tips you off balance makes it impossible to see the ball clearly. You must keep your head still and not move it from the spot in which you start.

You can’t have your body rigid and your muscles tensed if you’re wanting to maintain your balance. Unless you relax your muscles, your head is going to move.

Practice in front of a mirror and you will see that your muscles really do need to be relaxed in order for you to keep your head still during a swing. No two people have the same frame or physique. So you have to work out some things for yourself. But always start with the foundation of keeping your head in one position. If your head is still, you can see the ball clearly and you will turn your hands at the right instant.

Just by keeping your head perfectly still you’ll correct a lot of faults. You can’t grip your club incorrectly without at some point disturbing your balance and moving your head.
And you can’t keep your balance unless you follow through correctly.

If your mind is concentrated on keeping your balance and keeping your head still, you won’t overswing or jerk your club away. You won’t put forth too much effort forth at any one point. You won’t be stiff and you’ll have a smooth, even rhythm to your swing and a nice finish.

Balance really is the cure-all for many faults of golf. It takes time before you see improvement, so be patient. Think about keeping your head still and maintaining your balance at all times and you will have a foundation for an excellent golf game.

Making Awkward Shots

Making Awkward Shots

For some of us, they come way too often. Shots that leave you wondering how on earth you’re going to stay balanced enough to hit the ball. Shots that aren’t as simple as the instruction videos make them appear. Let’s look at some ways to handle some of these tricky shots.

If you have to make an awkward shot, first think about how you can swing without losing your balance and moving your head. Secondly, think of the line your club travels along.

Before assuming your stance, note where the club head will travel for the greatest distance along a straight line. Remember that the ball is in contact with the club head for several inches. After a few practice swings you can see what relation your feet have with regard to this line and then determine your stance.

When you’re about to hit the ball, don’t sway from one leg to another. When you’re about to swing, check to see if there’s the slightest difficulty in keeping your balance. If so, keep shifting your position slightly until you feel comfortable and are sure there won’t be any stiffness in your swing. You want to feel as free as possible in your muscles and in your mind so you won’t be disturbed during the swing. If you wiggle and move your weight from one leg to another as you address the ball, you’re likely not going to see the ball clearly. Keep your feet still.

No matter what kind of shot you’re attempting, to make sure you control your effort to the point where you actually see the ball from the start until you hit it. Don’t shift your gaze – not for an instant. Then you’ll not have any trouble hitting the ball.

Your swing won’t be stiff, or back too far or too short. The ball won’t be hit too soon. Remember, don’t look up for one second or shift your gaze until your club head reaches the ball. If you have a hard shot to make, put your whole mind on just watching the ball. Practice this and you’ll quickly gain confidence.

Now let’s talk weather – which can make any shot awkward! When the wind is blowing hard, you should bring your feet closer together. You might think that you just need to hit the ball harder when driving into the wind. But the key is to be more careful at this point to hit perfectly true.

The more difficult the shot, the greater freedom you need for the play of the muscles to bring it off. Here’s a tip. The shorter the shot the nearer your feet should be brought together. The key is not to hit the ball as hard as you can. If you hit the ball hard when you first meet it with the club head, it will bounce away quicker. This reduces your distance.

Uncomfortable shots plague every golfer from time to time. Learn the basics of handling them, and you’ll be swinging with more confidence and lowering your score significantly.

379 words Putting - The Magic Bullet

379 words
Putting - The Magic Bullet

When you’re on , you’re on. The world is your oyster. When you’re off… well, it seems even a preschooler has more of a chance to get the ball in the hole than you do.

You’d swear you have the same stance, the same putter, the same “feel” as the times you made the shot easily. What happened?

Is putting merely a game of luck?

Not a chance. It may seem that there’s no real key to putting successfully. And granted, putting isn’t an exact science.

But if you’re having a poor game due to putting problems, it all can be summed up in one simple word.

Tension.

The more you relax your muscles during your putting, the more accurate your shots will be.

You make the game hard for yourself when you stiffen your muscles. The basis of good putting, as with all other shots, is absolute relaxation of the muscles. Fluid movement allows for perfect freedom and play. If you’re trying to brace yourself to keep your balance, you’re courting disaster.

When you’re putting well, your movement is free and your confidence high. The second you miss an easy putt, you become anxious and brace yourself to try more carefully. The more you brace yourself, the worse the tension in your body becomes. Consequently, your putting suffers.

You can change putters, change your stance, and mimic every pro player you’ve ever watched. But it all comes down to loosening up. Make your muscles go flabby and limp, loose and free. Pretend your muscles are jelly.

Tension kills good shots. When you furrow your brow and set your muscles in a rigid fashion, you lose the freedom necessary in successful putting. Now you may make several shots in a row, but the time will come that no matter what you try, nothing seems to work. That’s the time to gelatin-ize your body. Relax your whole body as if you’re about to fall to the ground. (But stay standing!)

The extra bonus here is that as you use this method of relaxation and putt more successfully, your confidence will increase and you’ll be even more relaxed on the green.

Loosening those muscles really is the magic bullet when it comes to putting!

The Art of Focus

The Art of Focus

Ninety percent of golf is mental. Oh heck, make that 95%! Arnold Palmer stated, “The toughest 6 inches in the game of golf is between a player’s ears”.

The fastest way to lower your score is to master the ability to focus.

Most golfers tend to think they must practice more, find a new instructor, buy more videos, get the swing right, change those clubs. But one of the often overlooked and most important mental aspects of the game is focus.

Now you want to make sure you focus on the result you want. In golf the shot is determined by your level of concentration. You’ve likely just rushed right in and played shots without concentrating. No wonder the ball ended up going haywire!

It’s better to make ten focused swings than 100 quick, thoughtless ones. Your swing will naturally break down when you’re fatigued. So be sure to take a break when you’re practicing. Brain breaks give your mind and body a chance to implement what you’re learning.

One way to practice the art of focusing is to light a candle and stare into the flame, only thinking of the flame. Every time your mind starts to move to any other thought, bring it back to the flame. Think of the dancing orange colors, how they melt inside of each other.

The first time you do this, you might be hard –pressed to last for 3 minutes. Work up to 20 minutes, and your ability to focus on anything will have improved immensely. You’ll be able to take this enhanced skill to the golf course.

When you’re playing, just think about the next shot. During down time, allow your mind to relax and wander for a few minutes. Don’t try to concentrate the entire game, or you’ll get very fatigued, very quickly. Save the mental workout for thoughtful shot decisions and center on what shot you’re going to play next.

Also, keep your cool and behave in an emotionally controlled manner. You will perform more effectively. In the great game of golf, emotions soar and fall quickly. You can go from totally happy to totally ticked off in no time at all. In fact, the feeling of anger is actually a series of reactions that happen in just 1/30th of a second.

Stop it at the first spark. The important thing is to figure out what is really making you angry. Think of the grand scheme of life and how today is just a speck. Your golf game is a speck on a speck. It helps to minimize the situation and look at the big picture of what’s really important in life.

Master the mental art of focus, and you’ve got 95% of the game of golf all figured out!

Swing Easy

Swing Easy

The second I get a golf club in my hand I want to knock the fire right out of the ball. It just plain feels good to send that sucker as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately, being able to hit the ball hard doesn’t equal good golf.

If you’re just needing a little stress relief, go for it! If you want to play a good game of golf, however, you’re going to have to erase the “homerun” mentality.

See, one of the roots of golfing mistakes is that tendency to swing hard. A violent swing shows power, but power isn’t what wins the game. It’s accuracy and control.

You want to swing easily and freely at the ball. If you bring your feet together you will reduce your ability to swing hard. If you brace yourself, you’re probably going to use too much effort. Just relax and swing easily.

You also want to keep your center of gravity the same. Do this by keeping both of your feet on the ground in approximately the same position as when you start. Keep your head still and your center of gravity won’t change.

A sudden effort made with one of your legs or both will cause your head to move. Then you can’t see the ball clearly and you change the position of the pivotal center with relation to the ball. Keep both feet planted on the ground so your weight is supported on the flat of your feet when you connect with ball.

When you hit the ball properly everything is so smooth. You’re conscious of very little effort.

Now, don’t brace yourself for the effort of hitting the ball. Don’t be stiff. The slightest tendency to stiffen your muscles will destroy your balance. You want to make your club head go along a straight line while in contact with the ball.

Try to see how low you can send the ball and how clear on the center of the club you can connect with it. This will help to correct slicing. A ball that goes too high is at the mercy of the wind and can kick off to the right or left on rough ground.

When you hit the ball, remember - you only want to use the power you’re able to control. You’re not going to be bothered by a lack of power but by a lack of accuracy. You want perfect control at every instant during your swing. So there shouldn’t be a violent effort keep your head still and make sure your club head is going straight when you meet the ball.

Your longest drives aren’t usually going to come when you’re trying for distance but if you’re just trying to put the ball down the line you’re aiming at, the distance will come naturally.

What you want to try to do is get a gradually increasing speed until you connect with the ball and then press steadily. If you’re jerky anywhere in the swing it’s because you’re pulling in your hands somewhere. In regard to keeping your head still, imagine that you have a glass of water balanced on your head and when you swing you don’t want to spill one drop of water out of the glass.

You want to swing at a fairly decent speed throughout so you don’t stiffen up. Don’t swing back too slowly then. Basically don’t swing so hard that you’re conscious of the effort.

How much energy can you apply to a ball? It doesn’t matter. It’s the power you can control that counts.

Putting

Putting

The majority of the game of golf is putting – pure and simple.

It looks so easy – rolling that little ball into a nearby hole. But mastering the skill has threatened many a golfer’s sanity.

Here are a few tips to help improve your putting skills.

• Use just one ball when you practice your putting. This is closer to what a real game is like. You tend to concentrate better this way than if you have a bucket of balls to keep digging into. And be sure to practice your putting daily.

• Putting isn’t all in the wrists. When you’re putting, the palms of your hands face each other. This prevents one hand from dominating and ensures that both work together for you.

• Make sure you’re totally relaxed before you strike the ball. Loosen up your muscles so they feel flabby and jelly-like. Never tense up your muscles when putting!

• Make your back and follow through strokes the same length.

• Keep your putter face square by weakening your left hand and strengthening your right.

• Rely less on your wrists and more on your shoulders when putting.

• Keep that left wrist firm.

• Relax your knees a little. Don’t lock up.

• Your heels should be shoulder-width apart.

• Gary McCord advises that on curved putts, keep your feel parallel to the line you’ve chosen, not parallel to the hole.

• As you make contact with the ball, you want to accelerate the putter. Keep the putter grip moving toward your target.

• It’s better to miss a putt by sending it beyond the hole than by having it come up short. Finishing off the shot will be easier.

• Practice your putt at home on your carpet when the weather is bad or you can’t get to the golf course.

• Find a putter that works well for you and stay with it.

• Have something at stake at every hole so you become accustomed to putting under pressure.

The Free Swing

The Free Swing

Every golf player knows it from experience. Tensing up during play courts disaster. Your golf swing should be easy and fluid. But just how do you develop that kind of free swing?

The real pivotal center of the stroke isn’t the hands wrist or head. It’s the point exactly between the two shoulders. All of the muscles of the body are below that pivotal center in action and putting energy in propelling the club forward.

Now let’s address the muscles that are controlling the head. If you keep your head still, you can preserve the pivotal center constant in relation to the ball. Balance is paramount and if your arms are straight, the elbows are bent and you hit the ball at the toe of the club instead of the center of the face, this will give you the correct distance.

When you come back to the ball, there’s more power transferred to the arms by the shoulders and back when the arms are extended than when they are bent. So you have more narrowly a fixed guide for guiding the club and the club shaft when the club shaft and the left arm are in line.

When making the swing most players spend too much time on their address thinking about this angle and that angle. What results is they move their heads and stiffen their muscles. Where’s the freedom in this swing? You will be a better golf player the second you find the muscles getting tense at any point in the stroke find a way to loosen up because the tension will destroy your accuracy and reduce the power of your swing.

It’s an advantage to you to keep your arms well in toward the body, because it’s easier to control the amount of play you will allow the arms in the downward stroke if you’re
coming down inside the ball than if you’re going beyond it. So you’ll only have to yield a little to reach the ball. But if you’re going beyond the ball you have to overcome the centrifugal force) (force which tends to pull the club outward) when pulling in the hands. So it’s a good idea to keep your arms in toward the body.

Let the centrifugal force carry your club out in the downward swing until it reaches the ball. Then you can put all your energy in to propelling the club. You won’t need much effort to guide it.

Also, make sure that you don’t reach for the ball in the address because that will stiffen your muscles.

Beginners usually swing too short. Because the amount of centrifugal force is so great, the beginner will involuntarily pull in his hands because he’s scared he’ll go beyond the ball.

If your hands and arms were in motion in the address it would be necessary to have them reaching for the ball. But since they’re still, the idea should be to obtain the easiest and most comfortable position so that as the player reaches the top of his swing his muscles won’t be tired from holding a set position. The angles at which you address the ball have little influence. It’s the way you take your gauge at the top of the swing that counts.

I also advise my students to keep their arms close to the body and both of them straight. The club shaft and left arm should be in line and kept parallel to the right leg. This will give you firmer control of the club with your left arm or guiding arm than if your left arm was bent.

If you practice these tips, your swing should become more fluid and free. Above all, relax. Breathe deeply. Approaching the game with a fun spirit encourages freedom of movement!

The Process of Golf

The Process of Golf (353 words)

Golf is learned little by little one step at a time.

Not exactly a modern American game, is it?

Well, if your heart is set on “convenience” sports, you might want to consider kickball or four-square. Golf isn’t learned in a day. Or even a year. According to some players – even a decade is too short! There’s no such thing as a perfect golf game. That’s all part of the “beauty and beast” nature that makes up this simple, complicated game.

There are some fundamental tips, though, that can shave a few years of frustration off your career! Some golfers disagree on even the basics. So I guarantee you’ll find somewhere someone who will disagree with me. But here’s what I’ve found to help golfers tremendously in improving their game.

The three most important steps that you want to keep in mind all the time are
• keep your head still
• keep your club head traveling in a straight line while in contact with the ball
• relax your muscles.


I really can’t say enough about the importance of keeping your head perfectly still throughout your shot. I’ve seen frustrated golfers of all sizes improve immediately upon concentrating on this one step.

When your head is still, you can see the ball clearly. And how can you hit something that you can’t see?

Keeping your club head traveling in a straight line while in contact with the ball will help you avoid slicing and a host of other ills.

Relaxation of your muscles aids tremendously in keeping your balance. Balance is paramount to a good golf game and you don’t want to have to brace your muscles all over your body. Stand comfortably so you can reach the ball easily. As far as propelling the ball is concerned. the muscles which add to the force are the muscles which twist the body around. They’re the most powerful. So relax those arms!

If your game is off, go back to these three important steps. Don’t change your stance or swing. Just go back to the three basics and you’ll get back on track.

Golf and Yoga

Golf and Yoga (588 Words)

Yoga’s power to create a state of mental and physical well being may also rev up your golf game.

Yoga promotes increased flexibility and range of motion, and when combined with regular golf practice may show exceptional results. By practicing yoga you will also experience an increased ability to concentrate and focus, you’ll have better balance during your swing, a higher resistance to stress factors and an all round healthier way of living.

Don’t worry. You don’t have to be able to twist yourself into a pretzel in order to enjoy the benefits of yoga. If you're just getting into yoga, it's important to start off slowly. Over time your body will become more flexible and you'll be able to achieve more difficult poses.

Lots of physical activities build your muscles and strength, but many times other parts of your body are left out. Because yoga is a full body workout, it can help to check any imbalance in your muscles.

Yoga also strengthens, tones, and stretches your muscles, helping to increase your flexibility. If your body is flexible you will be less likely to get injured during your swing.
Your yoga practice will lead to improved physical fitness, increased ability to concentrate, and decreased stress. It helps both your body and mind work a little better.
And that translates into a better golf game!
Ready to start?

You’ll want comfortable clothing that won't get in the way of your stretching.
Bare feet are ideal when you practice yoga, both for the traction they give you for standing poses, as well as the workout your feet will get!
If you don’t have an exercise mat, use a firm pillow or folded up blanket.
It's important to make sure your muscles are warmed up before you begin your yoga routine. Never force your body into a posture or try to go beyond your limits—you could strain your muscles. Using the correct form is also key to getting the most out of your yoga experience, so get into a class that's right for you (whether you're a beginner or an expert). And, don't be afraid to ask your teacher for help! Learning the correct way to do each pose is important for overall mind and body development.
If you are feeling sore, you've overdone it!

When to Practice
Yoga can fit easily into your schedule—taking 10-15 minutes each day to practice can make a difference (just make sure to wait at least two to three hours after you've eaten)
Where to Practice
Find a quiet spot where you won't be distracted. You’ll need an area that’s large enough for you to stretch upwards as well as to the sides.
How to Practice
Always warm up first! Plan a well-rounded workout that includes lots of different positions from all of the major muscle groups (arms, legs, abs, back, chest). Most importantly, remember to breathe! Inhale when you try upward and expanded movements, and exhale during downward or forward bending motions.
Focus on each position—move slowly making controlled movements until you feel your muscles tensing and resisting (you should feel your muscles stretching, not straining). Each pose in yoga is an experiment, so go slowly and listen to your body. Know when you are pushing yourself too hard or need to challenge yourself a little more.
Finally, remember to take 5-10 minutes to relax your body at the end of your workout. This will help to prevent sore muscles and keep them supple and ready for your next game.