Sunday, 16 January 2011

Golf Grip

A good golf grip is for sure one of the most important fundamentals of golf.

Since the hands have direct contact with the club it always amazes me the little attention most golfers give to it. I know a lot of my fellow golfers

just grab a club and move forward just because it is comfortable.

The problem with this is that in most cases their grip is not correct resulting in many problems in hitting the ball correctly. Even though they may be satisfied with their grip and game it is always a good policy to evaluate all the fundamentals involved and make necessary changes as warranted.

Correcting the grip can result in a much improved game. But, changing your grip is not necessarily an easy thing to do and it will take much practice and dedication to be successful.

In Ben Hogan's book he commented that "If it doesn't feel like your grip changed it probably hasn't.".When you first make a change it will naturally be a little uncomfortable until you practice with it for a few days. Continue with your waggle and a few practice swings and see how it feels. The more you practice, the new grip will become more comfortable. Spending the time in becoming familiar and comfortable will eventually pay off.

A good proper grip will help set up the club face during your swing and reduce the need to make adjustments.

There have been three accepted grips.

1. The baseball grip which I use and is good for young golfer or with arthritic problems.
2. The overlapping grip.
3. The interlocking grip.

Ok! here we go.

The following describes the "overlapping grip".


If you are right handed hold the end of the club with the left hand steady and bring the club handle across your palm from the index finger through the middle of the palm. Now close your fingers with the thumb sitting a little to the right of center on the handle.
The palm of your right hand should mirror the position of the clubface, in other words it should face the target. Start by holding our right hand flat against the club's grip. Then fed the club into your hand, alone the base of your middle two fingers.
Close the fingers of your right hand around the grip. Your forefinger should adopt a "trigger position." Since this an overlapping grip the little finger of your right hand overlaps the left forefinger. Your right thumb should run diagonally down the side of the club's grip. You should be able to see two of the knuckles of your right hand.

For more information and explicit instructions on the golf grip and the fundamentals of golf I would suggest Ben Hogan's book " Five Lessons:" The Modern Fundamentals of Golf.

Saturday, 8 January 2011

Replacing Your Golf Grips

Golf can be an expensive sport. It seems like there's always an extra expense when I step out on the course.

My most recent problem had to do with my golf grips. After a few years of playing frequent golf, my grips get worn out. It becomes a hassle to spend money on an expense that shouldn't be. So I have found the solution.

There's a company called Quick Grip Golf that manufacturers a product called Quick Grip. It's an invisible Non-Sticky spray. What I mean by Non-Sticky is that there's no reminisce of the product after application. It actually reduces moisture instead of making your hands tacky. So the grip you get stepping on the first tee with no exertion is the same grip you have throughout the round.

No only is the spray good for golf grips, but it can be applied to your hands and gloves as well. I actually tried Quick Grip on all three and these were the results.

Golf Grips: Noticed the biggest increase in distance. It really allowed my club to stay square to the ball on contact, giving me a more crisp shots. The occurrence of hitting a crisp golf shot is indescribable.

Hands and Gloves: Spraying Quick Grip on my hands and gloves seemed to be the best application method. Not many people like to apply products to their hands, but this was the exception. After a few seconds, the product goes unnoticed. I noticed the biggest difference in accuracy and feel. Spraying it on my glove really made a difference. It felt like I had extra traction on my glove without the adhesive feeling.

I'm not sure how the product holds up in the rain, but I never play in the rain anyway. I would rather lower my scores in nice weather than in poor weather.

I've passed the product on to my buddies and they feel the same way about it. They won't play without it. All of us have seen the biggest improvement in accuracy. If you're an experienced golfer, you come to realize the importance of accuracy over distance.

To test the product even further, I tested the spray on a set of older golf clubs with worn out golf grips. Surprisingly, Quick Grip did the job. That's not to say the grips shouldn't be replaced, but if you're really looking to save money, this is the product to do so.

Where To Get Quick Grip:
I purchased Quick Grip at my local Golf USA golf shop. Many other retailers and golf pro shops carry the product. Ask your golf professional if they carry it in the shop. If not, try a larger retailer.

Monday, 3 January 2011

Review of Golf Training Aids - Can They Really Help Lower Your Scores?

Today's marketplace is flooded with training aids. You can find one for nearly every part of the game. And more and more are being introduced every day. While a training aid won't lower your golf handicap overnight or replace golf tips, it will help improve your golf game if you work with it faithfully.

Below are five training aids golfers often ask about in my golf lessons. Designed to improve your swing or a phase of your swing, these products help correct faults, groove mechanics, and/or ingrain the feel of swing. The key, as always, is finding a training aid that works for you before investing your hard-earned money.

(And incidentally, I am in no way affiliated with these companies nor do I make money from these reviews.)

Amazing Assist Swing Trainer (www.matzie.com)

Available from Gibas & Matzie Golf Products, the Amazing ASSIST training club improves your swing and increases strength. It's like getting a golf lesson free of charge. Its weighted head and bent shaft teaches the correct hand action. The ASSIST improves muscle memory, extension, and weight transfer as well as tempo and timing.

As the club is swung, the proper release action is exaggerated to eliminate slicing, increase clubhead speed, and produce straight shots. In addition, the training grip places the thumbs and index fingers Vs of your hands in the traditional 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions. You can use it at home, on the range, or before your golf lessons.

The Amazing ASSIST is ideal for pre-game or pre-practice warm-ups or for everyday use to improve your swing. The ASSIST is available for men, women, and juniors, and for right-handers and left-handers. An instructional video comes with the product. The cost is $70.

The Elbow Tac-Tic (www.4golftraining.com)

Maintaining one's left elbow (for right-handers) as straight as comfortably possible determines the width of your swing arc, as I've explained in my golf tips. The wider the swing arc, the greater the power. The Elbow Tac-Tic sleeve clicks when the elbow breaks down, providing the instant feedback needed to correct the swing and keep the left elbow extended. The Tac-tic also works on the right arm, clicking when the elbow bends at the proper point in the backswing. Cost: 39.95.

The Speed Stik (www.speedstik.com)

Most golf instruction will tell you that clubhead speed determines the distance a ball is hit. The faster the clubhead speed, the farther the ball goes. Working out with the Speed Stik increases a golfer's clubhead speed and trains proper balance and on-plane swing. Swing the Speed Stick in a continuous motion back and forth, keeping it about 18 inches off the ground. Start slowly at first, and then build momentum. Check the speed gauge for your MPHs. Every increase of 1 MPH equals three more yards of distance. Repeat a few days a week and chart your distance. Cost: $99.99

The Impact Ball (www.theimpactball.com)

The Impact Ball develops the feel of hitting a ball properly. Available from To-M-Pact Golf, Inc., it's easy to use and understand. It's based on the idea that many recreational players have certain swing faults (chicken wing, flying elbows, etc.) or that they try to scoop the ball off the ground when hitting. Sometimes, even the best golf instruction can't rid a player of certain faults.

The Impact Ball works. It's placed between the forearms and held there through your swing. The ball is bi-colored, and the only thought to focus on is to getting the ball to change colors as the club moves through the impact area. The product trains golfers to strike the ball solidly with a square clubface, eliminating any attempts to flip or scoop the ball during the shot.

The Impact Ball addresses every phase of the game--chipping, pitching, putting, driving, and bunker play. You can hit balls on the range with the Impact Ball or practice swinging the club with it at home. The cost: $39.95 + shipping and handling.

The Swing Magic Driver (www.swingmagic.com)

Training with Kallassy's Swing Magic Driver ingrains the proper motion into your swing. Designed to improve timing, tempo, and rhythm, the Swing Magic synchronizes the movement of your arms, hands, and body. A sliding training clip enables you to separate your right hand (for right handers) during the backswing. By separating the right hand on the backswing and reconnecting it on the downswing imprints an on-plane golf swing, essential for consistent ball striking. It prevents you from coming "over the top" as well. Cost: $89.95.

Remember, a training aid is not a panacea, as I often mention in my golf tips. It won't dramatically improve your game overnight. It won't make up for good course management. And it won't take the place of a one-on-one golf lesson. But it will ingrain the fundamentals of a good swing, cut strokes off your scores, and lower your golf handicap, if you practice with it faithfully. Just make sure the training aid is right for you before buying.

Saturday, 1 January 2011

How to Hold a Golf Club - 4 Grip Styles

To be a good golf player, you must incorporate within yourself the proper motivation. You are required to practice more to improve your grips and swing as well as your techniques for both skills. These things are not easy to do, but not that complex also. It is always good to start a fight with knowledge of the basics details about these things. There are four grips on how to hold golf club, but any grip you chose to use is all the same.

To start off with the four styles, let us discuss the first one: the top hand. In doing this grip style, you have to loosen your hand control. This means that you do not need to hold the grip tightly, instead allow your arms to fall in nature. Just keep your hands comfortable when trying to hit the ball. Put down the grip cross-ways your palm of the upper hand. The point of your fingers should feel the end of the other palm.

The next how to hold golf club grip position is using the bottom hand. This style should use your palms whichever surface of the grip facing each other and remember to seal your fingers all around the grip. Notice if the V formation is pointing toward your right shoulder.

The next grip is the Overlapping which is the most used by the golf players. Usually, if you are observant, the players use this grip style in almost their games or tournament because it is the most comfortable style for them and for all the golf players. You can try this how to hold golf club-grip style by taking the little finger of the right hand keen on the channel produced by the two fingers of the left hand initially used.

The fourth grip is the interlocking which is used mostly by players who has small hands. This is done by letting the little fingers lie in the middle of the index and the middle fingers as with the grip lying on the top.

Tuesday, 28 December 2010

4 of the Best Golf Grip Tips

Get your grip right if you want to increase your golf scores! Yes the golf grip is a very important aspect for you to get those high points that you aspire for once on the ground. The golf grip needs to be done properly to get the best edge in the game. It plays a very significant role in the success of the golfer's shots. You should pay attention to your golf grip ion order to score high and be satisfied with your shots.

The golf club is the extension of your hand and it is very important for you have a firm grip over it so that you do not face any problems getting your dream score. The following tips will help you get the best golf grip and ensure your success without many efforts!

1. You should place your right hand on the very tip of the handle of your golf club. You should allow your left hand to hang loosely from your shoulder along the side of your golf club's grip. This helps your left hand to naturally turn with your palm facing the body.

2. From this hanging position you should place your left hand along the extension of the club. The grip should be from the base of your little finger to your index finger at mid joint. The grip should be kept at a diagonal angle with the fleshy part of your hand.

3. Once you have positioned your hand in this manner the next step is to close your hand around the grip. The grip should not be too tight. It should be relaxed but firm around the handle. It should be like you gripping toothpaste instead of a golf club. Too much pressure will hamper your shot.

4. You should position your thumb and fingers in a proper manner so that you can shoot well. Keep your left thumb on the top of the grip, right at the center. Keep your right thumb and finger in a position as if you are about to pull the trigger of a gun. The little finger should be hooked between the index finger and the middle finger of your left hand.

These golf grip tips help you to get the shots you want. You need to make them perfect with lots of practice. When you attempt them for the first time they are not easy and difficult to master. They help you to improve your swing and if you practice them for two weeks you will find a marked improvement in your swing and shots. You do not need to be a professional to know about these tips as they can be easily picked up by anybody.

Thus, if you aspire to be another Tiger Woods in the making just follow and practice the above golf grip tips that will help you get the best shots that you are really looking for. Remember the techniques and try to practice daily so that you can master them at your fingertips.

Monday, 20 December 2010

Replacing Your Own Golf Club Grips

How often you replace your grips depends on how often you play and what climate you live in. It may also depend on where you keep your clubs stored.

If you play four times a week or more in extreme temperatures and humidity, then you will likely need to change the grips every six months or so because the sweat, heat, humidity, dirt and sand will all tend to break down the grip finish. They will lose their elasticity quickly when you use them that much. If you leave your clubs in the trunk of your car on a hot day the extreme heat will deteriorate material even more quickly. If you only play occasionally and store your clubs away you can go longer but most golf experts indicate that you should replace the grips every 18 months to two years at the longest.

Replacing your own grips is fairly easy repair, you just need a few simple tools. Replacing grips is not expensive even when you take them in to your local golf shop, but if you are like me its the taking them in and waiting the two or three days for them to come back that is the problem. Now I simply select the grips that I want at my local golf shop and then make the repair myself.

Materials required:

- New grips.
- A tee.
- Bench vise (will make it easier).
- Rubber shaft holder for the vice to protect them from damage while the shaft is clamped in the vise.
- Double-sided grip tape.
- Scissors.
- A grip tape scraper.
- Utility knife with a hooked, rather than a pointed, blade (pointed blade might damage graphite shafts.
- Grip solvent.
- Container to catch the solvent.
- Old rag.

Preparation:

Pick out the grips that you like at your local golf shop, you can pick up double sided grip tape and any other materials that you need.

The first time I replaced my grips I was slightly nervous about cutting my grips off, I started with my least used club which for me is my 3 iron, my thinking was that if I messed it up, I could at least still play and take the one club in to repair at the shop. After the first 3 iron I realized it was fairly simple, but if you have the same concern go ahead and try just one first.

The process is fairly simple but its important to plan out the steps. The grips are held on with double sided tape, the tricky part is sliding the new grip over this tape, and for that you simply use grip solvent which allows the grip to slide onto the sticky tape and then it quickly evaporates.

STEP 1

Hold one end of the golf club securely under your arm, grip end facing forward. Hook the utility knife under the grip (remember to use a hooked blade) and cut away from the shaft. Be careful not to nick the shaft, particularly if it is graphite. Peel off the old grip.

Caution: Ensure that no part of your body is in the way in case the knife slips, and that nobody is in front of you or to your side. Always cut away from your body.

STEP 2

Remove the old grip tape underneath, this will mean peeling and scraping. You may also use solvent, such as grip solvent or paint thinner, to wipe off any remaining residue.

STEP 3

Allow the shaft to completely dry.

STEP 4

Place the golf club into the vice ensure that you use a rubber shaft holder so as not to damage the finish. Be careful not to over tighten, especially if you are working with graphite shafts. Just make sure the shaft does not move. Position the club perpendicular to the floor.

Apply the double sided grip tape to the shaft the same length as the new grip. Wrap around the shaft, and leave a half-inch overhanging the end.

Remove the backing from the double sided tape. Twist the overhanging half-inch and push inside of the shaft.

STEP 6

Push a golf tee into the vent hole of your new grip and pour grip solvent into the the other (open) end.

Now pour the solvent from the grip over the entire length of the new grip tape (you will need a container under the club to catch the excess solvent).

Remove tee from grip hole

STEP 7

Quickly position the opening of the new grip over the shaft (align carefully facing up). Squeeze the grip and slide the grip onto the shaft. Continue sliding and pushing until you feel the end of shaft against the end.

STEP 8

Remove your re-gripped club from the bench vise. Hold the club in your normal playing stance and position and ensure that the grip is on straight. If adjustments need to be made, twist the grip to achieve the desired alignments.

Wipe the grip and shaft with a clean cloth.

STEP 9

Let the re-gripped club sit and dry out. I always let my clubs sit for 12 hours to ensure that they are completely set.

That's it, you now have a whole new feel for your clubs. Once you realize how easy it is you will likely replace them more often, and that should help you lower you golf scores.

Friday, 17 December 2010

Golf Swing Tip Instructions - How To Draw The Ball

If you want to learn the secret to drawing the ball, then these golf swing tip instructions will give you some much needed help.

If you're like most golfers, slicing the ball has never been a part of your golf game that you've needed to practice on, it's just come naturally. But, drawing the ball is a different story. You're not alone though, as upwards of 90% of all golfers have problems with slicing the ball.

So, how do you go about changing that and start hitting a draw? Here are some quick tips.

1. We're going to assume that you are right-handed. If not you just need to reverse these instructions. You begin by taking a 5-iron and setting up to the ball as you normally do.

2. Now, you will need to move your feet to the right of your intended target area. To get the correct angle is going to take some practice, but begin with 10 degrees right of your target. If that's not enough, then you can simply make more adjustments.

3. Next, you will maintain the face of your 5-iron pointing at your intended target.

4. Maintain your normal golf grip and swing at the ball. Keep your regular follow through.

If you have several balls in a row that hook too much, or not enough, make some additional adjustments with your stance.

As with any golf swing tip instructions, the key to success is practice. With that in mind, keep these points in mind:

-Practice drawing the golf ball with every club in your bag.

-Don't change your regular golf swing. Make the adjustments with your stance or grip, but you don't want to change your golf swing.

-Start out drawing the ball slightly to allow your body and your mind to get a feel for it. You can always practice more serious draws in due time.

-Consider taking a golf lesson if you can. You can find more information on golf tips and lessons at the end of this article.

Learning to hit a simple draw is not difficult if you put these golf swing tip instructions to work for you. In fact, I believe you can be hitting it consistently in a short amount of time. As you do, you'll start to notice increased distance and no more slices.

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