Help With Golf Swing - Fighting in the Trenches!

Welcome to Help With Golf Swing Articles. Today I would like to cover some sand trap techniques that we can use to help us all in great game of golf. So let us get started.
You find yourself with a perfect form, staring down the Par 4 315 yard hole with a slight breeze. You just hit the best shot you've hit in a very long time, your follow through was perfect, head kept down, hips clicked. You say to yourself, "That show has I am a professional written all over it." All the sudden, you notice the ball landing on the fairway, and some brown thing in the distance pulling it with amazing force. Say it with me, "stupid sand trap!"
We've all been there, whether it's an amazing shot, or absolutely horrible, the sand trap owns every single golfer in the world. For some reason, it is my worst nightmare. You would not figure that a small sand trap way left of the hole would even be an issue, but long and behold, it ate my golf ball!
I'm sure every single person reading this article feels like I've been watching them on the course. Whoever decided to add the magnetic sand traps to the game of golf has me a little confused. But, since we can't keep from finding it all the time, I've got some tips that will help your visit to the sand trap much more pleasant.
1.) Hold your tongue. No, seriously, don't say what you're thinking. The moment you do, your emotions run wild and your focused is as good as gone. You need it to get out of the sand traps.
If You Are Hitting From A Wet or Shallow Sand Trap
1.) Set up on the golf ball like you normally do. Now, you want to do everything in your power to refrain from bouncing off the sand. Do this, take a dollar bill and place it under the golf ball. Practice hitting the ball and not moving the dollar bill. When the sand trap is wet, the dirt if packed tighter. If you take out the sand, there's a high chance for 1 of 2 things to happen. One being that you will balloon the golf ball, leaving your shot with little control or two, you won't make it out of the sand trap. That's so frustrating ... 2.) Keep your club head square, like usual. 3.) You want to the club head to start elevating 2 inches behind the ball. That will help with control and ball elevation. 4.) Don't sway left. Ever. Just, don't do it. That will cause all types of mistakes. 5.) Follow through.
For Normal Sand Trap Shot
1.) Line up with your feet spread apart. 2.) Keep your club head open. 3.) Don't sway left! 4.) Here, you're approach is going to be to hit the sand and not the ball. Got it? 5.) Ball should be lined up with front heel. 6.) Swing, hitting the sane 4 to 6 inches behind the ball. 7.) Practice on swinging through the ball rather than down. 8.) Follow through.
Fairway Bunker Shots
1.) Choose a club with plenty of loft to clear the lip of the bunker. 2.) You're going to need hit the ball a good distance, because you're probably more than 150 yards out, so ... This is where we really want to put that dollar under the golf ball swing into practice. 3.) Stand tall, and grip the club handle a couple of inches down. 4.) Don't bury your feet in the sand. 5.) Play the ball an inch back in you stance, this will help you hit the ball and not the sand. 6.) Keep the swing short and quiet. Not large swings, no lunges, no fancy stuff. Keep it smooth.
Go give these tips some practice, let's see if we can't help eliminate your bad days on the golf course with the sand traps.
Franklin Simpson has a CCNP for Cisco and also has an MCSA/MCSE for Microsoft Servers and is the founder of Help With Golf Swing Articles.

Golf Mental Game Strategies to Help You Shoot Low Scores Fast

Shooting low golf scores is a great challenge and few people ever learn how to break 80 never mind breaking 70. The mental game can play a big role in helping you to shoot really low scores especially if you already have good swing mechanics and a solid short game. Too many golfers do not have a plan mentally to approach the game and this costs them an unnecessary number of strokes each round. Here are some tips on the mental game that can help you play better golf:
Tip 1: Execute Proper Course Management
Most amateurs are very poor at managing a golf course and try to play the heroic shots that the commentators on television talk about and some of the professionals on tour like to hit from difficult situations. The best approach as far as course management is to have a conservative strategy but an aggressive swing. You need to know what you are capable of doing and play within yourself and only hit the high percentage shots. Do not let what other people in your group are doing influence your decision off the tee. Remember that your main competitor is the golf course itself and your goal is to post the lowest score you are capable of on that day.
Tip 2: Develop a Solid Pre Shot Routine
Having a good pre shot routine will help you to be a more consistent player since it will help to get you physically and mentally prepared for every shot. There are 2 aspects to the routine and they include the mental and physical routine. The mental routine is more important however a consistent physical routine can aid and support the mental routine also. Try to be flexible in your physical routine and allow yourself to take extra practice swings if necessary at times. The key aspect of the mental routine is how you think before you strike the ball.
It is important to clear your mind and focus only on the target when you swing the club. You need to trust that you have trained your swing enough on the range to be able to hit the ball well on the course. If you constantly think about swing mechanics then this will affect your ability to play well especially under pressure. Do not worry if you find your heart racing and even your hand shaking a little during a competition as this is normal and you should even try to enjoy it as it is simply a surge of adrenalin going through your system. Just look and react to your targets and this will allow you to hit the best shots in those situations.
Tip 3: Think Positive
You know you need to do this but most people have a bad habit of dwelling on their bad shots. This can really suck the enjoyment out the game so relax and even laugh a little when you find yourself hitting some bad shots. Remember that golf is a game of mistakes and then recovering from those mistakes as fast as possible. Try some of these golf mental game strategies to help you reduce your handicap faster.
by Joe Kensingtons

Why You Need A Preshot Routine to Improve Your Golf Game

One thing I have noticed about professional golfers is they have a consistent preshot routine. The routines may very from golfer to golfer but they are each consistent with their own routine.
A preshot routine helps you prepare to hit a shot the same way every time. A consistent routine can help a golfer get comfortable and in a rhythm. However, another major benefit of a consistent preshot routine is it helps get you into the proper ball position and accurate alignment.
The routine I follow is almost the same as Fred Funk's routine. First, stand behind the ball and look, I mean really focus to where you want to hit the ball. While focusing on that point make a couple of easy practice swings to get loose and comfortable. This will help get rid of any nervousness you may have. Next, find a spot or some object on the ground between your ball and the spot where you want to hit the ball. This spot can be a broken tee, a divot, or even a leaf, as long as it is between you and the target. As you walk up to the ball, you can use that spot to square up you club head to where you want to hit the ball. Next, you need to place your back foot perpendicular to the target line. Next, bring in your front foot to get the desired ball position between your stance. Lastly, if necessary you can shift you back foot a little to correct the width of your stance.
Develop a routine that will become natural and automatic to you and you will make a step in the right direction in achieving a more consistent golf game and lowering your golf scores.
by Rick Byrd

Controlling Your Distance on Bunker Shots

Most golfers try to control the distance they want to hit the ball with their length of backswing and swing speed. This is not the correct way to control distance of your bunker shots. Your speed can and will vary a little with each shot.
You control the distance of your bunker shots with the amount of loft you have on your sand wedge at impact. Notice I said at impact.
I divide greenside bunker shots into three lengths, short, medium, and long. For longer greenside bunker shots you should keep your clubface square to your target. For medium length greenside bunker shots you should open your club face 5 degrees. For short greenside bunker shots you should open your club face 10 degrees. When I refer to opening the club face you should turn the club open 5 or 10 degrees and then grip the club.
As for the swing, it does not matter how long the greenside bunker shot is, you should always make a full golf swing. Again, let the club face control the distance of your shots. Do not slow down your swing as you approach the sand. You need to accelerate all the way through to your follow-through.
I will tell now that you need to practice these shots. You will not be able to go out on the course and knock down all of these greenside bunker shots. Once you practice these shots you will be amazed at how much control you will have.
Remember, regardless of your distance you need to take a full swing at the golf ball.
by Rick Byrd

Why You Need A Preshot Routine to Improve Your Golf Game

One thing I have noticed about professional golfers is they have a consistent preshot routine. The routines may very from golfer to golfer but they are each consistent with their own routine.
A preshot routine helps you prepare to hit a shot the same way every time. A consistent routine can help a golfer get comfortable and in a rhythm. However, another major benefit of a consistent preshot routine is it helps get you into the proper ball position and accurate alignment.
The routine I follow is almost the same as Fred Funk's routine. First, stand behind the ball and look, I mean really focus to where you want to hit the ball. While focusing on that point make a couple of easy practice swings to get loose and comfortable. This will help get rid of any nervousness you may have. Next, find a spot or some object on the ground between your ball and the spot where you want to hit the ball. This spot can be a broken tee, a divot, or even a leaf, as long as it is between you and the target. As you walk up to the ball, you can use that spot to square up you club head to where you want to hit the ball. Next, you need to place your back foot perpendicular to the target line. Next, bring in your front foot to get the desired ball position between your stance. Lastly, if necessary you can shift you back foot a little to correct the width of your stance.
Develop a routine that will become natural and automatic to you and you will make a step in the right direction in achieving a more consistent golf game and lowering your golf scores.
by Rick Byrd

5 Tips to Help Your Plan For Those Par-3 Holes

Some people do not realize that the stakes are higher for par-3 holes than par-4 and par-5 holes. Think about it, hit the ball poorly and you can easily end up with a bogey, double bogey or even worse.
Many par-3 holes are harder than they seem. Many are surrounded by hazards that can cost you strokes if you hit into them.
Below are 5 tips that can help you play those par-3 holes:
Always use a tee
Use a divot hole
Use one more club
Take an easy swing
Aim for the fattest part of the green
Start by always using a tee, even if the tee is no higher than the turf. This will improve the ball contact and lessens the chance of catching to much of the grass behind the ball.
Use a divot hole to align your clubface and then align your body to the clubface.
Because there a many hazards on the par-3 holes you should take one more club than you typically use. By this I mean, if you are thinking of using a 9-iron, use an 8-iron instead. With the extra club you can take a more relaxed and easy swing. This also gives you the knowledge that you will be able to hit over any hazards at the front of the green.
Lastly, aim for the fattest part of the green. Aim for the part of the green that gives you the largest margin of error and chances are you will end up in good shape.
Remember that it does not take much to go from potential birdie to a bogey or double bogey on the par-3 holes. Follow the tips above and stay focused from the tee box and you will increase your chances of making a birdie and lowering your golf scores.
by Rick Byrd

Golf Driving Tips to Help You Hit the Ball Far and Straight

Driving the golf ball well can be a great challenge and requires mastery of basic swing mechanics as even the slightest deviation from a good swing can send the ball significantly off target. Also the fact that the driver is the longest club in the bag as far as length is concerned also makes the club more difficult to hit than the others in your bag. Here are some tips to help you hit straighter and longer drives:
Tip 1: Swing freely
Tension can ruin a great golf swing so make sure for every swing you are relaxed and simply grip it and rip it. This is mostly a mental challenge so you need to not get concerned about hitting a bad drive and tense up but instead just look at the targets and let the shot go without caring too much about immediate results. If you consistently are hitting bad shots then try to figure out quickly what you might be doing wrong but be sure to swing just as freely on the next drive off the tee.
Tip 2: Keep the right hand passive
If you are a right handed player it is very important to not get the right hand overly involved in the golf swing otherwise this can result in casting the club which can cause all kinds of problems including major loss of distance and accuracy. Use a light grip with the fingers of your left hand applying most of the pressure.
Tip 3: Use a light grip
There is no need to choke the club as that can add more tension to the swing and cause many swing flaws. Instead grip the club lightly and allow it to swing back and through fully. Using a light grip pressure also promotes greater use or leverage or lag which will help to increase club head speed and overall distance.
Tip 4: Get proper equipment for your swing type
If you swing the club at high club head speeds over 120mph then you need to get a stiff shaft or even super stiff and a loft of 8.5 degrees or 9 degrees. However if you have a club head speed under 100 mph then you need a regular flex shaft and a loft greater than 10 degrees to maximize the distance from your driver.
Tip 5: Stand the proper distance from the ball
Many new players like to use a baseball grip and extend their arms out too much which results in them standing farther from the ball than they should for optimal contact. The best grip for most players is the interlocking grip and the club should be gripped at a point where the arms would naturally hang to. This usually means the club is gripped fairly close to the body which promotes a steeper swing path however this is the ideal way to make the best contact. Consider implementing some of these simple golf driving tips to help you become a better ball striker more quickly.
by Joe Kensingtons

A Golf School for the Best of the Best

Have you ever dreamt of becoming the next Tiger Woods or the next Karrie Webb? Have you gone to the golf range determined to be the best but never quite know how to become the best? Do not fret because help is now available for everyone and anyone who wants to turn their passion for golf into a successful career. A large number of golf academies and golf schools have emerged since the 1970s to help the golfer who works hard to change from an amateur to a professional, but finding the right golf school for you is the greater task at hand.
Golf.com has listed the top 25 schools in the US, according to a pre-determined criterion for judging. Scattered all over the US, these schools teach the best of the best from the best in the field. Some of these schools offer workshops, learning group programs, golf outings, private lessons and intensive courses.
What happens in each of these programs?
One-day programs are recommended for players in all levels, but especially with players in the beginning until intermediate level, because it teaches students the basics of playing golf. These programs are conducted by separating players into small groups with other players from their own playing level. This way, everybody's on level footing and nobody gets left behind. Depending on the arranged lessons, these programs can run from one day to two days to three days.
There are one-on-one programs or private instruction lessons, designed to improve the student's current level of performance. Depending on the school, these lessons are, most of the time, taught by a professional golfer. What to teach about golf and how to teach it to the student will be determined by his abilities and playing level. These programs are designed to help the golfer achieve that perfect swing and lower their score.
Big or small companies can also book golf outings at golf schools for their employees. Depending on the number of employees and their level of abilities and commitment in golf, golf schools and golf academy can design a program to fit their needs. These programs can provide clinics and small learning groups for the employees. Most golf academy even offers lodging so that employees be able to enjoy playing golf uninterrupted.
There are also golf schools that offer more intensive courses for golfers who want to turn their passion into a successful career. These are longer programs that cater to people who want to play golf for a living and want to work in the golf business. These are the people who want to specialize in golf operations and golf management. This mostly concentrates on the business side of golf and not just the professional game of golf.
Which one is best for you?
The best thing about a lot of these programs is that golf schools and golf academy do not put too many students in a program. This enables the instructor or teacher to concentrate on the issues of his every student and the student can concentrate on his playing game without having to compete for the attention of his instructor. Having low teacher to student ratios is important during your overall study of golf.
Have you chosen a golf school yet?
Another good thing about these schools is that a potential student does not have to worry about moving to the other side of the country to be able to attend a program at a specific golf school. Most golf academy has different locations all over the country, both on the East, West and all states in between.
No matter what golf school you decide on, you'll be sure to learn a lot from the professional golfers these schools have employed as instructors. To be the best, you have to learn from the professional golfers these schools have employed as instructors. To be the best, you have to learn from the best.
by Andy West

How Wholesale Golf Clubs Have Changed the Sport

One cannot help but admit that golf is a pricey sport. After all, no one can play golf without having the right equipment, for one thing. All golfers have no choice but to buy the correct golf clubs, as well as a golfing bag, golfing shoes, golf balls, and the list goes on. They even need those expensive branded clothing that are especially designed for walking around under the sun all day and swinging a club. Lastly, lessons are expensive, and so is using a golf course. Often, one needs to be a member of a club or a resort in order to be able to play. It is a good thing, though, that times are changing. Golf is becoming more affordable and thus accesible to many who have always wanted to try it out. Lessons are becoming cheaper (and are even offered to children now), and so is the equipment. Want proof? Wholesale golf clubs are revolutionizing the sport in the way that it is now possible for anyone (no matter what social class) to play!
What are wholesale golf clubs? Well, wholesale is the act of selling goods in big quantities, in order to be resold by retailers. That is what is done to golf clubs that are largely unsold by a certain company. They are bought by bulk by a smaller company at lower prices, so that the smaller company can resell them at around the same price they were bought for. That way, retailers can make money from buying golf clubs in bulk, and consumers get a nice opportunity to buy individual golf clubs at a cheaper price. The best part is that wholesale golf clubs still retain their topnotch quality, and become more affordable in the long run.
Wholesale golf clubs are not the only discounted golf equipment available. Sometimes, retailers end up reselling individual components too, so that anyone can even create their own custom golf club at affordable prices. This is particularly advantageous to those who wouldn't normally be able to afford the high costs of golfing equipment. Thanks to wholesale, golf is more accesible to everyone, and talent can now be discovered almost anywhere.
Discounted golf clubs have been available since the early nineties, but it is only now that the prices have decreased drastically. Retail companies that specialize in wholesale can easily be found as any golf equipment store nearby, and they can also be accessed online. One can easily order the wholesale golf club that they prefer, or they can buy component parts for cheap in order to create their own dream golf club. The quality is still excellent, and some companies even offer more customization opportunities: one can even brand their equipment with a personal or company logo.
It is thanks to wholesale golf clubs that the sport is now easily available to the masses. One will no longer need to worry about the costs too much, for golf clubs and other equipment are no longer items used exclusively by those who are rich. Getting a golf club, wholesale or not, means that one will be one step closer to becoming a master golfer.
by video.marketiwek

Golf Bags - Choosing a Women's Bag

If you're looking for a women-specific golf bag follow this guide to choosing the right one for you
Women's Golf Bags: How to Choose One
Your golf bag is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you will buy for your game. You could have the most expensive and professional set of golf clubs, but if you don't have a good bag you won't be able to use them! The key thing to remember when choosing a golf bag is that it is there to help you protect your clubs as well as help you carry them around. So ensure the material is a high-quality, waterproof fabric, and that the bag is well padded. Women's golf bag designers are being much more creative with their products, so you can now choose your golf bag in pretty much any colour you like, from bright pink to olive green, or more traditional black or white. Some even come with matching rain hoods so you will look stylish as you stay dry. Many women's golf bags now come with their own stand, so you can set it up and have easy access to your clubs anywhere.
Women's Golf Bags: What to Pack in Yours
Whilst packing your golf bag, it is worth remembering that you will have to carry or pull it around a course for a few hours, so keep it to a minimum. These are just some ideas of what to pack in your golf bag:
•Golf Balls
Beginners will be looking to carry about 10-12 golf balls in their bag, whilst more experienced swingers should pack five or six.
•Golf Glove
You will need a good quality golf glove to help you grip your club and protect your hands (especially if you've recently treated yourself to a manicure!)
•Tools and Tees
Always carry a divot repair tool with you, and several different tees for your golf balls. These are so lightweight that you can afford to pack more than you need in your golf bag.
•Health & Safety Kit
During summer make sure you put a high protection sunscreen in your golf bag, and an umbrella and waterproof gear all-year round in case of rain. Band-aids are also handy in case of injury, and a bottle of water or isotonic drink is essential to keep you hydrated.
Women's Golf Bags: What the Pros Carry
If you need some inspiration of what to pack in your golf bag, this is the list of clubs that female champ Annika Sorenstam packed in her bag for the 2006 US Women's Open:
• Callaway Big Bertha Fusion
• Callaway X-Tour
• Callaway Steelhead X-18
• Callaway Forged+ 48°
• Callaway Forged+ 54°
• Nike Forged 60°
• Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Blade
• Callaway HX Tour
Forgan Golf Established St Andrews in 1860. Get here complete range of golf bags, equipment, clubs and golf sets. Specialize in custom golf clubs fitting built and made. You can also learn how to built or fit your own golf clubs
by Duncan White

Golf Cages -Tips For Finding the Cage to Scratch Your Golf Itch

Golf cages can be a very effective way to improve your game quickly. Golf cages (also called netting) are just something that you hit the ball into, whether it be in your yard or house, and it catches the ball.
Therefore, you can take full swings in very small spaces, because you don't have to worry about the ball going very far. These come in very handy in the colder months when you can't play outdoors, and you don't want to wait in line at the indoor driving range, since everybody else will have the same idea.
A pretty simple concept, right? Of course, the idea is easy to understand, but finding the best golf cages can be another matter. Let's face it, there are so many for sale online and offline, finding the best one at an affordable price can be somewhat challenging.
Also, some of them can be quite difficult to install, and you obviously want one that is easy to get into the area you need it. Finally, you want to be sure you get one of that is the right size for the space you have available, as some are simply too big to be practical.
First of all, while the prices may vary tremendously from one cage to another, generally you can expect to pay around two hundred to three hundred dollars for a high quality cage. Many of them are around ten by ten by ten feet, although the sizes do vary as well.
To find the top golf cages, I would start out online, and do your search this way, as there will be many sites that come up who retail these. Be sure to measure the area you have available first, find out how much room you have available for the cage, and then confine your search to cages that are the right size for your home.
Don't ever order a cage before knowing it's size, as these are very difficult to send back, so be sure you have this right. I'd recommend you go to the local golf store and see which cages the experts there would recommend, just so you can know you are getting the best.
If you want to be extra sure you are getting the top quality, read reviews of the top golf cages online, and see which ones the experts recommend. These are people who have tested out the various cages and will give you tips on finding the best one for the money.
Also, try and get as many things in the package as you can. For example, many companies offer you the mat, the cage of course, and impact panel. Finally, make sure it's easy to assemble. Quite simply, some of them are not all that simple to put together, and you might be in for a surprise when you order one, if you aren't careful.
When you follow these simple tips, you will be have find golf cages that allow you to take full swings no matter how confined your area, and even if its' in the dead of winter, you can still improve your golf game.
by Jimmy Harris

Golf Short Game Tips to Help You Become a Better Player Fast

Many amateurs get caught up in trying to be the longest hitter of the golf ball in their group. The truth is that low scores can be produced without really needing to hit the ball very far. Yes, there is a great deal of pleasure that can be gained from seeing the stunned look in your playing partners faces as you bomb a drive over 300 yard down the fairway however if your short game is weak then you will never be able to capitalize on the advantage that you have off the tee.
The professionals on tour spend a lot of time working on their short game because they know that even on their best rounds they will probably miss a few greens and will need to rely on the short game to help them recover. Here are some simple short game tips to help you shoot lower scores fast:
Tip 1: Hit lots of wedge shots from 40 to 120 yards.
This distance can really make a big difference in your scores especially if you are sharp with your wedges here. Instead of a 30 foot putt for par or birdie, you can find yourself facing much simpler putts from inside 20 feet so you can save par more easily or make the occasional birdie.
Tip 2: Practice from very tough and awkward lies
Do not be afraid to practice from very awkward and difficult lies and situations. This will make the shots you face on the course seem simple by comparison. Look for bare lies or buried lies, uphill and downhill lies and stances and learn to hit chips and flop shots from these lies. Always aim for a tiny target and always focus on holing the shot. With every short game shot the target is to hole the shot not just get it inside some 3 foot circle.
Tip 3: Practice a lot of short putts
Short putting is critical to shooting good scores and being a great putter overall. If you are confident with the short putts then you will naturally be more free and confident with the longer putts which will only help you to make more of these kinds of putts. Line up short putts from 3 to 6 feet from various lines around the hole and focus on a small target and then just looking and reacting. Do think too much when putting or hitting any golf shot for that matter, you need to turn golf into a reaction sport so that you can take advantage of your natural athletic ability.
Tip 4: Build an effective mental routine
Many teachers talk about routines and they are important in order to be a better player. There are two aspects to the golf routine and they are the physical and mental routine. Both are important however the mental routine is more important. It is best to allow yourself to have some flexibility in your physical routine as far as the number of practice swings you take and such. The key element of the mental routine is to reach that moment of decisiveness where you know you will hit a great shot. Try some of these golf short game tips to help you become a better golfer quickly.
by Joe Kensingtons