Essex Golfer

Archive for December, 2009

Golf fitness exercises can be very beneficial in getting you ready for the upcoming golf season. Golf exercises with swing drills can prepare you for a successful year on the links right from the start.

The PGA Golf Tour is in full swing and for many parts of the country and world the golf season is upon us. Many of you are anxious to dust off the golf clubs and get out to the golf course for your first round of golf. A question that may be on your mind is how do I get ready? How do I knock off 6 months of rust on my golf swing, feel comfortable with my driver on the first tee, and post a good golf score at the end of the round?

All questions that are asked often in the world of professional golf and this article will provide you with the answers. Answers to these questions and many more fall under the category of how do I prepare myself for the golf season?

Interesting enough if the guidelines from this article are followed the golf score you post for your first round of the year may be lower than you ever expected, the distance of your drives may well be farther than you imagined, and the number of accurate golf shots you hit may be even more surprising!

The answer to all the questions on how to get ready for the upcoming golf season centers on preparation. Preparation is the key to a successful first round of golf and every round you play in the upcoming golf season.

We all probably understand the definition of preparation but lets take a quick look in order for us to all be on the same page. Preparation can be defined as the work or planning involved in making something or somebody ready or putting something together in advance (Encarta Dictionary, MSN.com).

A definition that sheds light on getting ready for the upcoming golf season. Using the above definition we can see the process of preparing for the upcoming golf season does not begin 10 minutes before your first tee time, but rather in advance of when you get ready to hit driver off the first tee. Bottom line the process of getting ready for the upcoming golf season begins weeks or even months before your’ first round of golf of the year.

To have a successful first round of golf and a good season of golf you must begin the process of preparation well in advance of your first time on the golf course. If you look at professional golfers they begin the process of preparing for the upcoming golf season months in advanced. I would suggest doing the same. Develop a plan that will get your golf swing ready once the snow thaws, the birds are chirping, and the greens are ready for putting.

What does such a plan contain? This type of “golf preparation plan” would contain drills, exercises, and programs to improve and prepare every aspect of your golf game. If we break down the game of golf into categories the “golf program” becomes much easier to understand. Obviously, we have the different shots made on the course. A brief breakdown would indicate the need to implement swing drills to work on the full swing, short game, and putting. We could obviously get a little more detailed than a breakdown of the golf game into three different categories, but lets’ keep it simple.

Now that we have this breakdown of the game of golf into full swing, short game, and putting the next step is to implement a series of drills to work on each of these aspects. Simply put I would suggest devising a series of drills to work on each part of the golf game/swing. This can easily be accomplished by purchasing a few books or videos from one of the top-teaching professionals in the world of golf.

Each one of these qualified golf instructors have numerous materials available to help you with your golf swing. And if you are one of those individuals that lives in a cold climate and is unable to get to a driving range or practice facility, no need to worry. Most all of the instructional videos/books available have drills that can be performed in the comfort of your own home.

At this point we have a couple of bases covered in the “preparation plan” for the upcoming golf season. We understand preparation is key to a successful year on the golf course, the “preparation plan” begins well in advance of the first tee time of the year, and a portion of the plan consists of swing drills. This brings us to final part of your “preparation plan” for the upcoming golf season.

This part of the plan centers on the implementation of golf fitness exercises to go along with your swing drills. We must understand the concept of your body and the golf swing. The golf swing is executed in its’ entirety by your body. In order for your body to execute the golf swing correctly. It requires you to have certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power within it. If you are lacking in any one of these physical areas compensations will occur in your golf swing.

It comes down to this: In order to be prepared for the upcoming golf season and to improve your golf swing. The implementation of golf fitness exercises geared towards developing your body around the golf swing is necessary. This type of program will prepare the body for the golf swing and the upcoming golf season.

To summarize, the process of preparing yourself for the upcoming golf season begins with a “preparation plan”. This plan begins weeks to months in advance of your first time out on the golf course. Additionally, this “preparation plan” for the upcoming golf season contains a series of golf training drills to prepare your golf swing. The golf training drills break down the golf game into three sections; full swing, short game, and putting. A series of swing drills are implemented to work on each one of these parts of your golf game. In addition golf fitness exercises are implemented into the golf-training program to develop your body around your golf swing. Put all these pieces together and your first time out on the golf course this year should be an enjoyable one.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with Masters and PGA Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

Earl Woods explains why Tiger is the most focused golfer in the world.

Golf fitness exercises can be beneficial for the woman golfer in terms of improving the foundation of the swing, rotation in the backswing, speed development in the downswing, and a consistent finish position. Learn how golf fitness exercises can benefit the woman golfer. Lowering golf scores and making the game more enjoyable.

It is well known in professional golf how integral golf fitness exercises are for success at the highest level of golf. Men on the PGA Tour and women on the LPGA Tour understand the benefits of golf fitness exercises in achieving success. Outside the circles of professional golf many questions exist about golf fitness exercises. Questions such as; what are the best exercises to improve golf fitness levels, are flexibility exercises and stretches better than other forms of golf fitness exercises, and what are the benefits of golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer?

These and many questions surround the topic of golf fitness. This article is to provide some answers for you on the topic of golf fitness exercises for woman. It has been well documented in magazines and television how LPGA women such as Annika Sorenstam utilize golf fitness programs to benefit their play on the golf course. Is there a difference between the LPGA player and the amateur woman golfer in relation to golf fitness training? The answer is no. Yes, the women on the LPGA Tour are the best women golfers in the world, but the physiology of the LPGA player and amateur are the same. The skeletal, muscular, and neural systems are the same. The professional golfer has the same number of muscles in their bodies as the amateur. The woman’s professional golfer has the same skeletal structure as the female amateur, and nervous system as well. Granted the LPGA player has more refined and efficient swing mechanics, but the body is the same.

As a result of the body being the same, the principles and structure of a golf fitness program for any woman is similar. Before discussing the specifics of a golf fitness program for women it is necessary to understand a few important principles. The first principle to understand about a golf fitness program is sports specific. Sports specific is a term describing the type of training utilized in a golf fitness program. Sport specific training simply states the program utilized by the woman athlete is geared towards improving them in their chosen sport.

A second principle closely related to sports specific training is cross specificity training. Cross specificity training is the utilization of exercises to develop the woman golfer in the positions, movements, and actions incorporated in the golf swing. The goal of cross specificity training is a transfer of training effect to the field of competition. Simply stated, a transfer of training effect is the ability of exercises utilized to train the female golfer having a direct benefit on their performance during a round of golf.

For example, golf fitness flexibility exercises will attempt to improve the flexibility within the woman golfer. As the woman golfer improves her flexibility parameters in relation to the golf swing. She may be able to create a bigger shoulder turn, which may increase the distance of her drives. This benefit is an example of a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. In summary, the three principles that assist in the development of a golf fitness program for women are; sports specific, cross specificity training, and transfer of training effect. Many additional principles exist that are used as guidelines in the development of a golf fitness program, but these are three essential ones.

Outside of the guidelines governing the development of a golf fitness program for woman. Specific physical components within the body are needed within the body to execute the golf swing correctly. Remember, it is the body performing the biomechanics of the golf swing. In order for the golf swing to be executed correctly and efficiently certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power are required. These are the actual physical components within the woman golfer a golf specific fitness program looks to develop and enhance in relation to the golf swing.

The golf swing requires the body to move through a long range of motion for an efficient movement to occur. Much of this is contingent upon the ability of the core to coil and uncoil during the swing. In order for these two biomechanical actions to occur efficiently, the development of proper flexibility in the core is necessary.

We utilize flexibility exercises that are cross-specific to the movements in the golf swing to develop flexibility. The majority of these flexibility exercises are rotational and dynamic.

The golf swing is a dynamic movement, indicating that the body is in constant motion. It is crucial to develop a range of motion for the swing in a dynamic rather than a static (not moving) method. The goal of these exercises is to create a range of motion in the core for the golf swing. Flexibility is the first physical component requiring development within the woman golfer.

One needs to maintain, dynamically, a stable body throughout the entire swing. We have all hit balls at the range and know what happens when we do not stay balanced during the swing. Improving the balance and stabilization capabilities of the core translates into a better golf swing. Better Balance equals a Better Swing. Even subtle movements are consistency killers; thus we need to develop and maintain balance for a consistent swing.

Balance is connected to the efficiency of the nervous system and strength of the muscular system working together. The development of greater balance in the core and swing is the result of two types of specific exercise. The first challenges the nervous system creating greater efficiency. The second are exercises that create increased strength in the core. The combination of these two types of exercises permit for the body to maintain posture, promote efficient weight transfer, and create power in the swing. The result is a more consistent, accurate, and powerful swing. This is the second component included with a golf fitness program for women

Remember that the golf swing is a repetitive movement. The mechanics of the swing repeat with each stroke. This process can be repeated hundreds of times in a round of golf. Ever go to the range and hit two buckets of balls? At some point the body starts to tire, and shots scatter.

Proper endurance training enables us to repeat a sound swing. We produce this through a series of exercises developing endurance in the entire body. This nets us a consistent swing through eighteen holes. Increasing endurance leads to lower scores. This is the third physical component of the golf fitness program for women.

Club head speed is a function of power. The more power generated by the body, the greater speed at which a club head impacts the ball. More power to the ball equals longer drives. Developing higher levels of power within the muscular system of the body is achieved through the implementation of power exercises. These types of exercise assist in creating higher power outputs of the muscles involved in the golf swing. Power training is the final component found in a golf fitness program for women.

In summary a golf fitness program for the LPGA or amateur woman golfer is relatively the same. Golf fitness exercises for the woman golfer are sports specific. The exercises contained within the golf fitness program are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and requirements of the golf swing. The exercises within a woman’s golf fitness program induce a transfer of training effect onto the golf course. The golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. A golf fitness program for women will look to enhance these physical components of the body. The end result is an improved golf swing equating to lower scores and more enjoyment on the golf course.

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notably Masters and PGA Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

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Now day golf is becoming game of even common man. In past only rich people fond of playing golf but now its popularity increasing in average people. Because now playing golf become not that much costly. Golf is quite a popular sport in many countries and golf players seem to enjoy this sport very much and to do their best to excel when practicing it. Nonetheless, a good golf player needs the best equipment, since it is known that this is the sport where the equipment you use can make a difference. If you like playing golf and being better than your opponents, the suggestion for you that making sure that you have adequate equipment. Selecting better golf equipments are matter of expertise. You can not choose golf equipments vaguely, because it can affect your game. Whether you have to take an advice from veterans or professional golf player. This helps you in selecting better golf equipments which best fits you for better golfing. Golf equipments also depend on for which purpose you want to play golf, for pleasure or you wish to play golf professionally. Golf equipments may be differing to your purpose of playing golf. So you have to take great care in choosing right golf equipments for you.

Golf driver or golf club is important golf equipment. Golf driver comes in different varieties because golf courses have different landscapes and different golf clubs are required to make the proper drive. Depending on a golf course either grass, sand or cement, a golf club is essential to make the perfect drive. Professional golfers all kinds of golf clubs in their bag for such types of golf courses. If you want to become professional golf player then you also have to keep the varieties of golf clubs for different golf courses. Golf shoes are also very important golf equipment. A better golf shoes are needed for better golfing. It should be durable enough to fight against the any weather conditions. You have to walk long on golf courses so your golf shoes are durable and it should be comfortable for your feet. A golf bag is also an important golf equipment to keep your golf clubs. Others important golf equipments are tees, golf cart and golf balls. They are having equal importance like golf clubs and golf bags. You have taken immense care to choose different golf equipments because these all golf equipments can affect your game and charm of your golfing. If you want to purchase your kind of golf equipments form better online golf store then visit www.golf247.co.uk. 

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John Lubin of The John Lubin Golf School (www.johnlubingolf.com) shows us the proper grip technique.

Swinging on plane is a big key to hitting solid golf shots.  The first thing that needs to be correct is your setup.  A good setup position with a correct grip, good angles, and proper alignment will all aid you in swinging on plane correctly.  Starting your backswing on plane requires a slow smooth takeaway with the arms and shoulders.  At the point where the golf club is parallel to the ground in the beginning of your backswing, the golf club should cover up your hands if you were looking in a mirror or someone was standing behind you this is what you would see.  If the clubhead is too far in front of your hands, it is too far outside the plane line.  If the clubhead is too far behind your hands, the club will be inside too much.  Both of these incorrect positions will cause problems with keeping the club on the correct swing plane during the rest of your swing.  Halfway into the backswing, your hands should be set in the middle of your chest.  Also, from this halfway back position, if you drew a straight line down from your left elbow (for the right handed golfer), it should point right at the golf ball.  If your left elbow is pointing more towards your feet, your swing plane is too steep.  If your elbow is pointing too far out away from the ball, your swing plane is going to be too laid off or flat.  This is a great drill you can use to make sure you are starting your backswing on plane correctly.

A very brief pointer from the man himself.

For many golfers, a big concern is how to hit the ball farther.  Typically, a good swing with solid fundamentals will naturally allow you to hit the ball far provided you have good strength.  There are a few important keys that you can specifically work on to hit it farther.The first key I recommend is having good angles in your setup or swing.  A good setup will have good knee flex and a correct bend from the hips with the weight on the balls of your feet.  A good setup is a critical component to not only swinging more on the correct path but also hitting it farther.  You want to have a good shoulder turn on the backswing where your shoulders turn a full 90 degrees.  This will allow you to swing the golf club over your shoulder and maintain good angles at the top of your backswing as well.  From there, you’ll be in a powerful position to swing back down through the golf ball.

Second key is swing speed.  You want to make sure you are swinging fastest at the point of impact.  Many golfers make the mistake of rushing their backswing, making it too fast and then from their it is forced to slow down coming into the golf ball when it should be speeding up at this point.  One key on timing of your swing is the backswing should be three times as long as the downswing.  Tour players were studied and it was recorded that they all have this correct tempo where their backswing all are three times as long as their downswings.  Make sure not to try to swing too hard from the top of your backswing.  Often times golfers try to hit the ball too hard resulting in lots of problems when hitting the golf ball.  You want to have a nice and smooth transition and allow the swing speed to increase as you are nearing the impact position.  This will maximize your chances of hitting the ball longer and straighter.  Third key is creating lag in your swing.  You do this by hinging your wrists in the backswing which allows you to build up “leverage”.  Then on the downswing your hands will actually lead into the golf ball before the club hits the ball.  With the hands slightly ahead at impact, you’ll be assured of a solid strike which will make the golf ball travel farther.

Funny golf bloopers

All great golfers will do certain things really well in their setup and their golf swing.  Common elements that all the pros have include a good setup.  A fundamentally correct setup consists of having a good grip, correct alignment, good posture, as well as having good ball position in your stance.  Often times just making adjustments in your setup will be half the battle in getting your swing more on the correct path.  When you are misaligned in your setup, you’ll have to make compensations in your swing to offset it which will never really allow you to reach your potential.  The swing plane is a common thing many golf instructors talk about when referring to the path of the golf swing.  Basically, swinging the club on plane correctly consists of a good takeaway and wrist set, and then swinging the club over the right shoulder in the backswing(for the right-handed golfer).  The impact position should mirror the setup position other than the hips will be slightly open and the hands forwards and a little ahead of the golf ball through the hit.  After impact, the club continues to swing all the way over the left shoulder and the body should end up facing directly towards the target.  I like to encourage my students to swing with good balance and smooth rhythm.  You never want to swing so hard that you find yourself off balance anytime during your golf swing.  Typically the backswing will be about three times as long as the downswing.  You want the club to swing fastest right when it is at the bottom of the swing arc hitting the golf ball.