Magic Golf Move - The Early Backward Wrist Break

A couple of years back my brother in law Steve told me how one simple golf move he employed early in his backswing totally changed his golf game. He went on to say this one "magic move" is so suttle, he couldn't believe what a difference it made in his golf swing.

Steve told me he had been sitting at an 8 handicap for about 4 years and was getting very frustrated at his lack of improvement. He practiced diligently however he had truly reached a plateau in his golf game.

He went through about 4 golf pros during this time and every one of them told him there was nothing wrong with his golf swing. Eventually he started playing less and less golf and was about ready to give it up altogether.

Steve said while on vacation with his family he was browsing through an old book store on Martha's Vineyard when he came across a used copy of Joe Dante's "Four Magic Moves to Winning Golf" written in 1972. He said he couldn't put the book down so out of courtesy to the store owner he bought it.

Steve showed me the book and as I leafed through it I was amazed at all the beautifully drawn illustrations showing how to swing a golf club properly. Andy Brown has since revised this book for the 21st century and offers many media formats to read or listen to the book.

Steve turned to the chapter that explains "the early backward wrist break" and told me this one magic move has totally transformed his golf game! "You know John", my brother in law said, "golf teachers don't tell you anything about how to break the wrists in the golf swing". Steve believes the first 18 inches of the backswing are the most critical.

The majority of amatuer golfers turn their wrists in a way that opens or closes the clubface when they first start their backswing...This fatal move immediately puts your golf swing off the proper plane. Golfers then usually spend the rest of the golf swing trying to adjust so they can just make contact with the ball...not a good recipe for success!

This book explains how the clubhead should not open or close in the early part of the backswing...if you correctly perform the early backward wrist break your swing will be on plane early in the swing...Steve says he feels like the club is swinging itself...a truly effortless swing!

I am happy to say that my brother in law Steve is now a scratch golfer, thanks to this one magic move that has transformed his golf game!

When you make the backward wrist break perfectly - only one knuckle of your left hand (right handed golfers) and two knuckles of your right hand should be visible and the golf club should be parallel to your target line.

(Photo courtesy of The New Four Magic Moves to Winning Golf by Andy Brown and Joe Dante.)

You pay a lot of money to play this great game of golf...so why not enjoy it more by playing the golf you are capable of?

Try this golf swing takeaway tip and build the early backward wrist break into your golf swing and I promise you will halve your handicap in 2 weeks!

Hit 'em Long and Straight!

John Lynch


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To learn more about this astounding break through in learning the golf swing, John recommends you visit: GolfSwingSecretsRevealed.com

Become a More Athletic Golfer to Improve Your Golf Game

target="_blank" href="http://www.yourfirstcommissions.com/link.php?l=10396"> golf and Fitness are two terms that can finally go hand in hand, thanks to one Tiger Woods and his famous mystery workout routine, and the other professional and amateur players who have followed his lead. Once an activity perhaps identified more with pot bellies, motorized carts and cups of beer on the course than physical strength and a good physique, there is now no question that golf has entered the world of a full fledged sport that requires physical training to perform at its best. Golfers on the professional tours look like athletes now, with more and more toned athletic bodies being seen on TV crushing the ball down the longest, most difficult courses in the world. Spending some time in the gym has been shown that it can make as big a difference in a golfer's score as time on the range or putting green. The game itself has changed, and the way players approach it has changed, as well.

As a personal trainer and avid golfer, the relationship between fitness and golf is a natural one to maintain, but it wasn't that way when I started playing the game as a junior. I first picked up clubs when I was about 5, then started playing seriously by about the seventh grade. By seriously I mean it had become the obsession that many golfers feel when they realize they would rather be golfing than just about anything else. A group of friends and I played regularly, and by high school, we were not only on our golf team together, we were some of the best players in our entire small town.

I was never able to hit the ball as far as my friends on the team, and one thing they told me over and over was that I should lift weights and get stronger, which at the time they did because they also played on the basketball team in the winter. As a skinny cross country runner at the time, I saw no need nor had any interest in lifting, as the weight room intimidated me in high school. I look back almost 30 years later as a much stronger, longer and better player than I was then (because I lift weights!) and wonder what might have been had I listened to them.

What my friends on the golf team did in the high school weight room in the early 80's was primitive to the workout science and programs that are available to golfers now, but they were definitely on to something. One way to look at it was that before it became popular, they were athletes who happened to play golf, and it showed in the length they had off the tee. This athletic approach can be applied to any golfer's game in the present day and immediately improve their ability to play better. With some examination, it is easy to see why.

The golf swing itself is actually an incredibly complex movement that combines virtually every muscle in the body into one coordinated action. The requirements of balance, coordination, flexibility, stability, strength and power all come into play in just one swing. Over the course of a practice session or round, endurance becomes a factor as well. Having some physical fitness in all of these areas can make for a much more effective swing. It is a bit ironic that golf itself does not require you to be in shape to play (unlike running a 10 k race, for example, which needs a level of fitness to even be attempted), nor will it really get you in shape by playing regularly (unless you walk rather than ride a cart). Yet working out overall dramatically increases the ability to perform the golf swing itself. So many players look to the next big expensive driver to add yardage off the tee. Well, what it they could hit it harder by being in better shape, and straighter, too?

Getting into the specifics of golf fitness, flexibility is paramount in the modern golf swing. The ability to turn the body through the trunk away from the ball, storing potential energy on the backswing, while maintaining an anchored, solid stance through the legs and hips, is what has been shown to generate the most power. Tiger Woods has a tremendous shoulder turn on his backswing which sets him up to uncoil with great speed through the ball on the downswing.

A person taking golf lessons and attempting to emulate Tiger's shoulder turn typically doesn't even have a body physically capable of doing that motion effectively! They may be taking lessons, yet are prevented from practicing the motion that they are learning by a lack of flexibility and fitness in the muscles of the trunk and back. Only by improving their fitness in these areas through proper training can they then expect to perform the proper motion.

In addition to flexibility, core strength and stability throughout the body are essential as well. These fitness terms refer to the body's strength in the trunk and the ability of the muscles of the entire body to operate in a coordinated, athletic way, which provide a stable "platform" in the body for hitting the golf ball. The more coordinated and stable the body is, the less motion is wasted during the swing and the more effort goes straight into hitting the ball where it is meant to go.

After flexibility is attained and a good amount of core strength and stability as well, more basic strength can then be added into a fitness routine. This could be along the lines of the classic term "lifting weights" that my high school buddies wanted me to do. A flexible and stable body that gets stronger, as long as the flexibility is not lost, can add significantly more effort to the golf swing, especially in situations where the ball may be in the rough or have a lie that requires more effort than the typical swing. If you watched Tiger Woods during the US Open in June, 2007, his physique from his fitness routine looked more muscular than ever, yet was very flexible. There were comments from the TV announcers many times on the level of his fitness and how it played out in making his game more effective. He is quite capable of hitting shots no one else on earth can because of his fitness level. As a result, he has more shots available to him to help him score.

So we know now how fitness has changed the game of golf and what is available to the player who chooses to add more fitness to their routine and golf game. Anyone can benefit from some exercise that is golf specific, and can participate at the level that they want. A person doesn't have to workout like Tiger Woods to get better. Sometimes even just working out regularly itself can make all the difference.

Copyright (c) 2007 Charles Carter

Improve Golf Swing With Good Posture

The significance of your posture goes far beyond daily life. Your posture can change, how you play your favorite sports. Actually, most sports require numerous types of posture in order to successful achieve, the goal of winning the game. The sport of golf is not different, if you have bad posture within your golf game, than this will have a negative effect on your golf swing.

One of the best golf swing tips that anyone can receive is how to correct, their posture to improve their golf game. The power, intensity and accuracy of your golf swing lays within your posture, however, if your posture does not meet proper guidelines, than your overall game will be affected.

Now that you recognize the importance of posture in your golf game, how can you attain the ideal posture? More importantly, what is the ideal golf posture? While many people feel that splendid golfing posture is simply lowering their chin to view the golf ball, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Never has there been a golfing method that has the ability to be interpreted in such a wide variety of ways. While some feel that keeping your body drastically relaxed and unrestricted will give you perfect golfing posture, other believe that a firm stance and stony upper body movement is the ideal posture. However, both of these beliefs are half true and half false.

The optimal golfing posture is notably easy to find, all it takes is an awareness of how your body is positioned. To set your body up for good posture, you must remember three key elements. The first is always keeping your back straight. This will allow you to actively involve all of your core muscles that are found in your torso.

Never allow your back to bend, or hunch over. This will actually weaken your golf swing, and throw your accuracy completely off. Next, always make sure that you bend your upper body at the hips. How you can accomplish this is by sticking out your backside as if you are going to be sitting in a chair and then bend slightly forward. Make sure that you don’t arch your back, always keeping a strong and aligned spine. After performing this, allow your arms to hang down in front of you.

Always make sure that you evenly divide your weight throughout your legs. Keep your knees bent, but allow them to be flexible enough to give your legs a spring to them. It is common for this posture to feel unrefined at first; however, appropriate posture always feels more dynamic than it really is. Although, if you are feeling any pain in your lower back, make sure that your quadriceps are absorbing all of your body’s weight. Keep your feet extremely sturdy, and your shoulders and arms unconstrained and in a natural state.

Golf swing tips are a dime a dozen, however, here comes a tip that many people aren’t aware of, and that is what do you do with your head? Never allow your head to stay focused on the ground the entire time. This will ruin your golf game, and cause you to have horrid shots. Instead, always let your head follow the ball. Whenever the ball leaves the ground so should your head. Your head is attached to your body, thus allow it to be as free as your arms, legs, hips and feet. It’s okay for your head to move with the golf ball, actually, it’s recommended.

Better Golf... Through Knowledge

Better Golf... Through Knowledge

It is said that "What you don't know can't hurt you". In golf, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Let’s take a look at a few things the average golfer probably doesn't know about and how these things are probably costing you strokes.

Practice makes perfect... Not!

Practice only makes perfect if you are reinforcing proper swing techniques. For most golfers, a practice session consists of ripping through a bucket of balls on their lunch break or on the way home from work. A trip to the range will not help you unless you are going to spend the time to "work" on your swing, and not just reinforce those bad habits you've already developed. Use the following suggestions to help you turn that grip it and rip it pit stop at the range into a true practice session.

1. Only bring one club to the range with you at a time.

2. Hit a small bucket of balls and take your time with each swing.

3. Slow down your swing and try to hit the ball straight, not far.

Go ahead, blame your clubs!

There's a good chance that your clubs could be at fault for all those miss hits, even if they are brand new and cost you over $2000. The problem is, if they don't fit you and your swing, then even when you make that perfect swing the ball isn't going to end up where you wanted it to be. Club length, shaft flex, lie angle, and grip size will each greatly affect your golf game if they are not properly fitted to you. Get custom fitted for clubs and see what the difference is compared to what you have now. You could be losing a lot of strokes because of them.

Get some balls!

But don't get just any golf balls. And that doesn't mean that you should run out and buy the most expensive ball on the market. You need to get the right kind of ball for your game. Do you need extra distance? How about stopping power? Or soft feel? With so many different types of balls on the market today it makes it difficult to find a ball that suits your game. Here are a few tips on what different caliber golfers should look for in a ball.

1. Beginner - Distance, Durability, $

2. Intermediate - Higher Spin, Softer Feel, $$

3. Advanced - Tour Quality, Distance, Spin, Feel, $$$

There are a lot of little things that go into making a great golfer. Having a great swing helps, but that is the hardest part to get right. The easiest way to cut strokes is to learn about golf club fitting, ball selection, and practice routines and how they can improve your game. You’ll be surprised by the results.

The Attributes of a Confident Athlete

"Most people assume confidence is an attitude which exudes a strong faith in one's ability, skill or appearance. But in sports, confidence is far more than simply an attitude; it is a critical piece of performing at full athletic potential.

The definition of confidence is the state of mind that develops as a result of a ""task specific"" repetitive process. For example, pitching a baseball, swinging a golf club, swimming a lap, and so forth are considered repetitive processes in sports. Each of these skills is made up of a series of specific tasks. These repetitive processes instill success by creating competency and skill mastery. The better the skill is mastered, the greater the level of success which leads to higher levels of confidence. For example: A golfer may have confidence in his ability to execute bunker shots, but may not have confidence with putting. If the golfer rarely questions his bunker execution he is said to believe, and therefore “trust” in his ability. However, if the golfer questions, thinks, or worries about putting execution, he is said to be lacking in confidence. To be successful in task execution, regardless of the sport, an athlete needs to trust that he/she has the skill level/ability to execute a task (meet the challenge) to completion.

Trust, then, is the automatic feeling that comes from ""knowing"" that subconsciously the brain has been trained to execute without thought. Without trust in one's performance, an athlete lacks the ability to consistently perform well because he or she is thinking too much about mechanics, technique or execution. When thinking enters into the picture and takes over what should be automatic execution, the athlete’s confidence level is not where it needs to be for successful execution of the task.

Confidence can further be impacted when an athlete is insecure about his or her ability to perform. He worries about what others may think, and therefore is concerned about embarrassing himself or others because he is not able to live up to previously established high expectations for performance. These expectations could have been set by the athlete or by someone else for the athlete. When fear of embarrassment becomes part of the equation, the athlete will then play tentatively and with limited freedom. Worry creates tension and anxiety which, in turn, cause muscles to be tense and inflexible.

Professional athletes exude high levels of self-trust and confidence. They aren't discouraged by mistakes, hung up on the comments of others (coaches, parents, teammates), or fear competitors because they trust in their skills and abilities. This strong level of confidence is what separates the good athletes from the ""great"" athletes.

=== Defining the Attributes of a Confident Athlete ===

The main attributes of a confident athlete are:

1) Trusts in one's skills and abilities
2) Believes in oneself as a winner
3) Accepts that mistakes will happen and do not doubt or dwell on them
4) Sets realistic goals designed to foster success
5) Draws confidence from past success
6) Has the ability to “see/visualize/anticipate” success
7) Has a success plan and the ability to execute the plan
8) Doesn't rely on the opinions/input of others to determine performance
9) Sees success as a “process” and strives to achieve excellence

All of the above attributes mentioned thus far are necessary components of confidence and a precursor to achieving peak performance in sports. Without them, an athlete may perform inconsistently, perform better at practice than in competition or may let a mistake hinder the outcome.

=== Are You a Confident Athlete? ===

Many athletes with inconsistent performances often attribute their lack of success to things or elements that are not in their control, like the weather, sporting arena conditions, officiating, pressure from others; or they blame themselves for not practicing enough. These are often symptoms of confidence related issues.

Confidence issues manifest during competition when an athlete gets stuck on a mistake, begins to think about mechanics, or technique, or worries about what others might think about him/her, wants to impress the team/coach/parent, or sets unrealistic goals – sometimes called “expectations.” Any one of these sets the athlete up for an ""all or nothing"" mentality. This type of inflexibility about performance very often produces failure because the previously set expectations are too far out of reach or simply do not match with the athletes skill level.

The first step in resolving a performance issue is to identify the cause of the problem. The following assessment is designed to help you determine whether or not confidence may be impacting your performance.

1) What kind of goals do you set for yourself? Can you achieve them, or are they based on the mindset that if you can't reach them, you've failed?

2) Do you worry about what others think about your performance? Are you concerned about playing to be perfect at your sport (e.g. the perfect swing, the perfect landing, the perfect stroke, etc.)?

3) Do others impact your performance (e.g. crowd hecklers, screaming coaches, demanding parents, shouting teammates)?

4) Do you fear your competition, or do you fear that you aren't up for the challenge?

5) Do you trust your skills in practice but have trouble applying them in competition? Do you possess the necessary skill level to meet the challenge?

If you've answered yes to even one of the above, then your sport performance may be plagued by confidence related issues and may benefit from taking my “Mini Assessment” (click here).

=== Four Methods to Boost Confidence ===

• Creating more realistic process oriented goals which ensure higher probabilities of success. (SMART Goals)
• Having an execution plan
• Not worrying about what others say and or do about your performance
• Trusting in your skills so you can boost your confidence.

=== Homework Assignment ===

Take time over the next few days to think about and write down three process oriented performance goals you wish to accomplish in your sport. Be sure to write them down on paper and make the goals specific and task related. Also, be sure they are a challenge to achieve (meet with or slightly exceed your skills levels), yet are achievable, have a time limit to them, and can be measured.

Example: By the end of the first half of the golf season, I will strive to achieve success from the t-box with my driver by hitting between 10-13 of 18 fairways.

Drive For Show...Putt For Dough

A popular golf cliche that seems to appear in print and video often is “Drive For Show and Putt for Dough.” If you play regularly, you’ve probably heard it uttered by your playing companions, probably the one who has just drained a long putt to win the weekend wagers or someone who can't keep up off the tee... but is it really true?

On the surface, you might say that putting is far more important than driving the golf ball simply due to the fact that the average person in the course of a round generally has only 14 attempts to hit a drive, while the same player player will attempt somewhere in the neighborhood of 32 putts per round. I believe this analysis is misleading especially for mid to high handicappers and beginners.

Here’s why!

Your tee shot sets you up on every hole up to either post a good score or a bad one. Nowhere in golf, are the penalties more severe than when you’re driving the golf ball.

For example..you’re playing a 300 yard par four hole, straight away, no trouble to speak of except out of bounds to the right side of the fairway. If you hit a good tee shot, 200 yards down the middle of the fairway, you have set yourself up for a short iron approach which should yield a score of at worst 5 and possibly even a 3 or 4.

BUT....if you slice the ball out of bounds to the right, you’re still standing there with your driver in hand but now you’re playing your third shot from the tee box. You have effectively, with a poor tee shot, taken a sure 5 or a probable 4 and turned it into at least 6, more likely 7, or even worse 8, 9, or 10 should you drive the ball out of bounds again.

The stroke and distance penalty imposed for driving the ball out of bounds and for losing your golf ball make accurate tee shots an absolute necessity if you want to shoot good scores.

This is why it’s so important to drive the golf ball well.

Having said that, there is no part of the game that will allow you to shave strokes off your score like good putting. Most players can save at least 5 shots per round just by avoiding 3 putts and making everything from 3 feet in.

Bottom line, both aspects of the game, driving and putting, are essential to shooting good scores and you should work equally hard on your full swing and short game.

Four Steps To Building a Better Backswing

The golf swing is basically a chain reaction, as I've said before. One good move leads naturally to another. Obviously, the first few "links" in the chain are critical, since they determine the quality and the shape of the swing. If you make a proper backswing, as I often write in my golf tips, you'll develop power, accuracy, and consistency in your swing.

Unfortunately, some golfers take their backswing lightly. Instead of taking the club back slowly and smoothly, they rush it and find themselves in a poor position to start their forwardswing. A poor backswing requires complex adjustments during the swing, which can throw it off. The end result is a slice, a hook, or an otherwise ugly shot. If you want to develop consistency and power-while improving your golf handicap-you must build a better backswing.

Make a Preflight Check

Get in the habit of making a preflight check before starting your backswing. A good set-up increases the chances of starting off right. Check for correct posture, the right weight distribution, and the proper ball position, which should be just inside the left heel when using longer clubs and toward the middle of your stance for shorter clubs. Also, check to see that the club's shaft is an extension of the left arm (right-handers) and that you have a neutral grip.

In addition, check your tee-height. As a general rule, the top edge of the driver should be level with the ball's equator, irrespective of the clubhead's size and design. This rule also applies to the 3-wood when used from the tee. The design of this club hasn't changed significantly over the years. Its clubhead is smaller than almost all drivers' clubheads, especially the new ones. You need to tee the ball lower to achieve the right height for the 3-wood.

Shift Weight Properly

Allowing your weight to move back and forth in harmony with the swing's direction generates power. If the upper body coil and the weight shift are both correct in the backswing, the natural movement is a lateral one onto the right foot (right-handers), preparing the golfer for a forceful forwardswing. This is followed by a weight shift to the front foot.

Annika Sorenstam, considered by many as the number one ranked woman golfer on the pro tour, presents a good example of someone whose weight shifts properly during her backswing. Watch her when she swings. If you compare her head position at the top of backswing with her head position at the start of her backswing, you'll see that it has moved a good 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) to the right, enabling her to "get behind the ball."

Think "All Arms"

A proper takeaway is critical to a good swing. The catalyst for the chain reaction, the takeaway starts everything in motion, as I stress in my golf lessons. It introduces width and coordination in the swing, and determines the quality and shape of the shot. The first 30 inches of the takeaway is perhaps the most crucial point in the swing. The goal is a one-piece takeaway.

To achieve a one-piece takeaway, sweep the club back low and slow as your left knee, hip, and shoulder turn to the right. Shift your weight slightly onto the right foot (for right-handers), creating the feeling as if the move was "all arms." And hold your chin up as you take the club away to allow for a full left shoulder turn.

Turn and Set

The turn and set is the final element of the backswing. Once the takeaway is complete, the wrists hinge as the body continues to turn and the arms swing the club up on plane. A useful checkpoint in the swing occurs at the halfway point in the backswing. In a properly executed backswing, the club points toward the sky. From there on, it's a simple movement to the top of the backswing.

Watch the takeaway of Ernie Els when opportunity permits. His upper body, hands, arms, and the club all move away from the ball in harmony. The wrists are almost completely passive. They only start to hinge as the hands reach a point just beyond the right hip, the ideal takeaway to emulate. Notice also that he lifts his left heel slightly as he takes the club back. There's no hard and fast rule on this, as I've said in my golf tips. If you need to lift it slightly to complete a full body turn, then do so.

One last tip on building a better backswing: As you begin, try thinking "low and smooth." Maintaining this swing thought as you start your swing encourages you take the club back in a deliberate manner.

Building a better backswing is a key to generating a consistent, repeatable swing-the hallmark of players with low golf handicaps. Work on your backswing in practice. You'll see a difference in your swing on the course.

Copyright (c) 2006 Jack Moorehouse

Caddie Tips For The Beginner

Caddying for a golfer is not a lot of work, and could be quite enjoyable, especially if you hook up with a good golfer. Like the old saying goes. Watch and learn. There are 8 main job tasks that a caddie must do. We will try and take a look at them briefly.

Carrying golf clubs

This task could very well be the toughest of the eight, especially if the golf bag is heavy. Knowledge is not a factor hears, but carrying them properly is. Try resting the golf bag on the small of your back, may be the most comfortable position. Adjust the strap of the bag to accomplish this position. When you carry a golfer’s clubs, you should hold the irons steady with your hand. Try to prevent them from clanging together by placing your wrist at the edge top of the bag and reaching over them with the palm of your hand.

Placing the golf bag down around greens, fairways, and tee boxes, should be done gently. By doing this routinely, will prevent noise of the clubs around golf greens, tee boxes, and other players. Do not drop clubs.

Washing players golf clubs

This is a fairly simple task, but you have to stay on top of it. Keep a wet towel with you at all times. You may want to keep half of it dry, if you want to carry it with you. Make sure the golfer’s clubs are clean and dry at all times. Do not hand your golfer a dirty club. Keep a tee in your pocket to clean the grooves of the clubface and wipe clean with the towel. Make sure golf clubs are dry and clean before every hole. When the golfer is finished with the club. Clean them right away and place in golf bag gently. If you do not put them back in the bag right away, you may forget them on the ground, and find out later the golfer may need that particular club. When you happen to remember leaving one behind. Mention it to your golfer immediately. He or She will give you instructions on what to do.

Washing players golf ball

Ask the golfer well in advance, if he or she would like their golf ball cleaned. Do not wait until the last minute before their shot. Have other golf balls clean and ready, just in case they decide to change golf balls. Do not pick up your golfer’s ball, when on the tee box, fairway, bunker, rough, and green to clean it. The ball must be cleaned before the tee shot, and after the ball is marked on the green. The golfer will know the playing rules. Let them give it to you to clean.

Replace golfer’s divot

Typically you will find divots on fairway shots. That is not always the case. Sometimes they will have to be replaced on tee boxes. Wait for all golfers to finish their shot, if they are behind you. When everyone starts to march out to his or her next shot. Simply run out and pick up the turf and place back in divot hole, and pack down with foot. Replace a couple of divots, if you have time.

Repair ball marks on green

The golfer should do this task. The golfer may ask you to repair the ball mark, if he or she is lining up their putt. Simply prop up the grass around the hole with a tee and pack down with a flat surface, such as a putter or sole of foot.

Tending the flagstick

Wait for the golfer to ask you to either pull the pin, or tend it. Be nearby to keep play up to speed. Stay off of all golfers’ lines to the hole, and keep the flag from waving in the wind if holding the flagstick for the golfer. Also keep your shadow away from golfers's line. Make sure the flagstick is pulled when the ball is rolling towards the hole. The golfer may occur a penalty stroke, if they hit the pin when putting. The golfer has the option to leave the flagstick in when off the green. Some golfers like it out. Wait for instructions when another player is off the green. Try to stand still when a golfer is putting. After all golfers are finished putting, replace the flagstick and check for golf clubs left behind.

Club selection advice

This particular task is for the experienced caddie, and or caddie that has been with the same golfer for a while. Try to memorize the distance of your golfer’s shots and what club he or she used. They may ask you for advice on what club to use on any given hole. You may surprise them with your choice of clubs. Let’s hope it’s a good surprise. If your not sure, do not guess. Just remember. It’s only advice. When your not sure of the distance and club selection, encourage them on making the right decision.

Keep sight of golfer’s ball

When your golfer and other golfers are taking a golf shot, always watch where the ball lands. Always keep a marker, like a bush or particular size tree when it lands. This particular task is very important. Your responsibility is for the golfer you are caddying for. Try to look out for other players as well. This could be the single most important task. No golfer wants to lose a golf ball. When you can always find the golf ball, the golfer will almost always want you to caddie for them again.

North Carolina Golf Club Communities: The Finest Places To Reside

North Carolina’s golf communities are as good (or better) than most other state’s offerings.

If you love golf, the best places as a retiree or to relocate in North Carolina are its golf paradises of Aberdeen, Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Should you choose to reside in the Pinewild Country Club community, you are within striking distance of all three. It is where you can play forty eight holes of golf of the highest quality. There are 2 full courses, the first planned by Gene Hamm and the 2nd by the legendary Gary Player, a nine-hole par three course, and 3 holes just tfor practice within the Pinewild Golf Academy. Enjoy some tennis or the pool, social events such as Fall Fest & Jazz Fest, and the cuisine at the clubhouse.

The most recent Zagat’s Golf Guide judged the Tiger’s Eye course at this Carolina golf club community of Ocean Ridge Plantation one of the most excellent in North Carolina. The community comprises over 3,000 acres and approximately 2,800 homes, a majority of them are single family homes. Five clubhouses are there with restaurants and conference rooms and over 50 clubs and organizations including book clubs, card games and bible study groups, indoor or outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a gymnasium providing Pilates, aerobics lessons and yoga.

Up the hills, you have the Trillium North Carolina golf club community. It offers an 18-hole course, designed by Morris Hatalsky with a pro-shop, classes and workshops. Enjoy a round of “Garden Golf,” (hike, chip, putt course), trek, play tennis inside or outside, go to the fitness center, sauna or massage studio. There are weekly classes from fly fishing to watercolor painting and gardening. You may go fishing or for a boat-ride on Lake Glenville’s fifteen hundred acres, or enjoy an evening cocktail and hors d’oeuvres cruise, the epicurean delights of the clubhouse, or grilled food. Inhabitants of this community have complementary facilities at Chinquapin, which is 10 miles away.

Situated just south of Wilmington is the Winding River Plantation. It mixes fantastic surrounding, living opportunities and inexpensive golf. This North Carolina golf club's joining fees are $6,000, with all the amenities you would expect for far more. They include tennis courts, walking and biking trails, bridge games, a clubhouse with informal dining, exercise classes, pools, a Fred Couples designed 27 hole course, gym, an exclusive beach club with a walkway to Holden Beach, a pro shop, putting green and practice area.

Another North Carolina golf club community near the coast is Cypress Landing, located in Chocowinity. Using the 222 slip marina on the Pamlico River, you may gain entry to the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean. Bill Love designed the community’s eighteen-hole course, driving range, putting green, pro-shop and practice area. The facilities comprise an eighteen thousand square foot gym, pool, grill style restaurant, bar, library, lounge and patio. You’ll also have craft lessons, card games and book and garden clubs.

In North Carolina, “Zagat’s 2007-2008 guide to America’s Top Golf Courses,” ranks Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst No. 8, Pine Needles Lodge, Tiger’s Eye, and Oyster Bay the five best golf courses in the state.

To get a FREE REPORT on “Affordable Best Places In The Carolinas”, and find the best place for you visit: http://www.PlacesOfValue.com/page/best_places.php

How To Choose The Right Shaft Flex For Your Golf Clubs

All low handicappers and golfers who are serious about shooting the lowest scores possible consider flex in their clubs. It makes the science of hitting the ball so much easier, which translates to more enjoyment on the course.

Now, when I say "flex", I am referring to the ability of a golf shaft to bend as forces are applied to it during the golf swing. Just go ahead and “waggle” your club a little and see how much the shaft bends and you will get an idea of what “flex” is.

There are five basic categories or types of shaft flex:

1. Extra Stiff
2. Stiff
3. Regular
4. Senior
5. Ladies

Why is the flex in your shaft important? Well, when you have a flex that doesn't match the needs of your swing, the result is the clubface being misaligned at impact, causing your shots to go off-target. Not good. To be more specific, your flex will impact how straight you hit the ball, how high or low it goes and how long or short it travels.

Keep in mind one very important thing about the shaft of your club and its flex. As the shaft flexes throughout the swing, the position of the clubhead will change. This means you need a shaft that will properly match your swing type and speed so that it can deliver the clubface back to a square position at impact.

For example, if the flex of your clubs is too stiff, the clubface will tend to be open, sending the ball in a slicing direction. Or, if you have clubs with a shaft flex that is not very stiff, the clubhead will be tend to be closed at impact, resulting in a hook.

Choose Your Flex Type

I always am experimenting with different shafts and flex types because I know that if my swing is on plane and accurate, my shaft flex type can be adversely affecting my results.

Here’s what I do:

• Your driver will be your best gauge on which flex you need. Not 100% accurate but the best club to use for this purpose. If you can carry you driver 250 yards or more, go with Stiff; 230-250 yards, Regular; 200-230 yards, Senior; less than 200 yards, Ladies. What about Extra Stiff? I can count the number of people on one hand that actually need or use an Extra Stiff shaft. Only guys like John Daily and Long Drive Champions need that type.

• If shots with your driver tend to go left, you might benefit from a stiffer flex; if your drives go right, you might benefit from a softer flex.

• If you know (or have been told) you have a very smooth swing, you might benefit from a softer flex even if you swing very fast. Further, if you have a swing that gets jerky at the top, especially starting the downswing, you’ll probably need a stiffer shaft.

The Best (and most accurate way) to Choose Flex Type

If you are not comfortable determining which flex you should choose on your own, go see your local pro at the course you play at or your driving range. This will take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation.

A good pro will take a lot of measurements, watch your swing, measure your swing speed, watch your ball flight and be able to tell you with certainty which flex is right for you.

What you want to do is to experiment by hitting lots of different clubs and watching the effects on your shots of changing shaft flex.

If you find a flex that feels good and produces a good ball flight, there's a good chance that's the right flex for you.

And lastly, here’s the best advice I can give on choosing flex. Most high-handicappers (especially men) tend to over-swing. If this describes you (and you know who you are), you should consider a softer flex to help you slow your swing down. Slowing down the swing will certainly produce more accurate shots and better distance control.

What is Professionalism

Much is spoken about behaving professionally. Most people can actively recognise professionalism or the lack of it in others, but find it extremely difficult to define it, or model it when considering their own behaviour.

So lets unpick exactly what we mean by professionalism.

Think about the people you respect most because they are the consummate professional. Can you identify the elements that made them so good?

I've asked this question of so many groups of people and the replies have included the following:

* A good role model for others including, their behaviour, attitude and relationships
* Good Time Keepers - always in before time, uses time well
* Dresses appropriately for the role
* Speaks in a way which is appropriate to each different audience without being patronising or putting people down.
* Knowledgeable about the job, organization, etc.
*Good with people
*Communicate effectively, whatever the circumstances - actively listens
*Manages their time well
*Works well under pressure
*Fulfils deadlines
*Prioritises effectively - Is prepared to put in the time and effort to get things done, but also manages to have a reasonable work life balance
*Is accountable and takes responsibility for what they do and say, and for what they leave undone

Look more deeply into the issue of professionalism and you begin to realise that professionalism includes all of those strands above but also so much more.

Those who are thoroughly professional, demonstrate a rounded personality. They are able to act as a good role model for their colleagues. They have the ability to take the rough with the smooth, and are always consistent with others whatever their personal circumstance or problems may be. They never take their frustrations out on others.

The experienced professional behaves appropriately in all situations:
They know when it is appropriate to have a laugh over a coffee and when to behave formally. They are able to run effective meetings. They are well versed in when to speak out and when to bite their tongue. They do not feel the need to be seen to be always right or stand on their dignity. They are prepared to play the long game and wait for time and experience to prove their point. They do not dodge the issues but tackle them without aggression or anger. They can always say hand on heart "I expect high standards from my team and I demonstrate the same high standards at all times".

The consummate professional demonstrates a generosity of spirit, there is no need for their own ego to take centre stage, they allow the credit to be taken where it is deserved.

The professional person is open to the views of others and the possibility that there might be a better way. They make decisions based on the best interest of the organisation. They are fair and even handed to all people even those they do not particularly like. The professional evaluates their own performance, has high expectations of themselves and others and constantly strives to improve.

Professionals see them selves as part of the solution rather than the problem.

If you are keen to succeed in any business you need to demonstrate the appropriate levels of professionalism. If you want promotion in the future start to demonstrate that you have the potential to fulfil that role. Just wanting the job, the title, status and financial reward is simply not enough.

Show your commitment, your ability to come up with the goods, others will begin to notice and it will hold you in good stead whether you go for an internal promotion or need a reference for an external promotion.

You will also gain a huge amount of personal satisfaction in knowing you have what it takes to be a great professional.

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www.recoveringworkaholics.com

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How To Increase Your Golf Training Accuracy And Become A Better Golfer

How To Become A Better Golfer You won't be able to attain great golf training accuracy by simply reading books. This is because the books may give you a few handy tips to improve your stance and swing, but you'll only be able to assess your accuracy and power when you're on the course. So what are the ways in which you can become an ace golfer, with both swing power as well as accuracy? Well, experts are of the opinion that there is no written or used formula for improving the accuracy of your golf game. In fact, this is a very subjective area where every person might find his own technique that will help him perform better in his game.

Though there are thousands of products available in the market, which claim to make you an accurate golfer. It's so rightly said that " the proof is in the pudding". Similarly, it is up to you to experiment with the thousands of products and decide which one suits you the best. But on second thought, is it possible for an individual to try out all the products that the market has to offer? Not only are they going to cost you a huge sum of money, but they will also cost you a lot of time and energy.

Lets have a look at the low cost means of bringing about accuracy in golf. Physical training and muscle building is perhaps a great way of improving your golf game. Working on improving the flexibility of the body as well as toning the golf specific muscles may some times bring about a vast amount of improvement in a golfer.

In order to work on the right muscles you must obviously take the help of a professional coach who will be able to guide you better in this field and set you up on the right programs.

Golf Accuracy Training Aids You can also find golf accuracy training aids in the market that do look very promising and have certainly helped a lot of golfers to improve their games. The training kits generally have swing trainers that help you to hit straighter, powerful and more accurate shots. However, before making a considerable amount of investment in the training kits, the golfer should also know the right way to use them.

Since the key ingredient of every sport is physical flexibility, we must get into the habit of including regular exercise in our daily regime. It goes without saying that golf is one such sport where accuracy ranks high because a golfer just can't be content with a powerful swing, but he also has to work hard on putting the balls accurately. Work both on your golf training accuracy and golf excercises to increase your power and you'll become a better golfer!

Training Aids To Help You Feel Lag In A Golf Swing

Many students ask us about lag in the golf swing and for some suggestions for some suggestions for golf lag training aids. It seems to me that lag in the golf swing seems to be very mysterious and/or misunderstood by most amateurs. Here is what the big secret is about lag and some golf lag training aids to help you feel lag in your golf swing:

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Lag is created in the golf swing when the golf club is being pulled through the impact area as opposed to being pushed through impact. Without tension in your wrists, elbows and shoulders, the pulling action of the golf club will place your grip ahead of the club head through impact. If you use muscles in your hands and arms to push the golf club at the golf ball then the arc will bottom out earlier and in turn your club head will be coming up at the ball as opposed to trapping the golf ball into the ground and creating a divot.



So now that you have a better understanding about how to achieve lag in the golf swing, what are some golf lag training aids that can help you accomplish obtaining lag and using it to better your golf swing?



Golf Lag Training Aids - GolfGym Club 38

On of the most useful golf training aids to create lag is the GolfGym Club 38. The GolfGym Club 38 is a weighted golf club, also called a weighted practice club, the extra weight of the training aid will allow you to feel how the golf club should drop from the top of your golf swing as opposed to gripping the golf club and moving your shoulder towards the golf ball. This move is commonly known as coming over the top. Regardless, with this move you will not be able to create lag in your golf swing.



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Golf Lag Training Aids - Swing Mirror By Izzo Golf

The Golf Swing Mirror will allow you to improve your golf swing almost anywhere. With the size of the Swing Mirror you can take it with you wherever you go. You can use the swing mirror to check your address position as well as your impact position on the driving range, at home, in your office or when you travel.



Golf Lag Training Aids - Callaway Golf Impact Bag

The Callaway Golf impact bag helps you to create lag in the golf swing and trains you to have a flat left wrist and develops correct muscle memory as well as better precision, swing rhythm and endurance. Practicing your golf swing for fifteen minutes daily using the Impact Bag you will improve you impact position which will lead to better iron shots and longer drives.



In this article we have discussed what lag in the golf swing is and how it is created. Simply put the grip or handle of your golf club MUST be ahead of the golf ball at impact in order to hit a solid golf shot with an iron or your driver. We have also given you suggestions for golf lag training aids to help you improve your golf swing.

Golf Swing Tempo vs Golf Swing Speed

Are you told by your golf buddies that you swing too fast?
Do you think Ernie Els swings nice and slow?

The chances are that Ernie's smooth swing is WAY faster than yours. It's not the speed, but the tempo, that separate you from Ernie, because Golf Swing Speed and Golf Swing Tempo are fundamentally different.

Quite often a golfers swing can appear extremely fast, because they don't have the correct swing tempo. They usually have a very deliberate take away and back swing, where they are trying to 'Place' the club head in the correct position. There may even be a deliberate pause at the top.
This is then followed by a rush, down towards the ball, trying to gain the momentum that was lost during the back swing phase.

The chances are that all of the PGA tour players swing faster than you. What separates them, from us, is that they do it with a swing tempo that is fluid not disjointed. They also swing to an exact tempo ratio.

I've read many articles, allegedly about Golf Swing Tempo, that start to talk about components of the swing. Swing plane, take away, ball position, alignment. These are fundamentals and separate parts of the swing. These are the individual parts that you learn, which when combined, give you a complete golf swing.
Golf swing tempo, is the glue that holds all of these constituent parts together. In fact, the more you swing, with the correct swing tempo, the more stable all of those swing components become.

So what is Swing Speed? Well it's simply the amount of time you take to get from the start of your takeaway to the point of impact. But let's say for simplicity sake, that for you, this takes 4 seconds. (And it better not! Otherwise you and I won't be playing together anytime soon!) If you take 2 seconds getting to the top of your back swing and then 2 seconds getting the club head to the ball, you really are not going to generate any club head speed.

So what is Swing Tempo? Let's take the same 4 second swing OK?
This time you take 3 Seconds getting to the top, but 1 second on the way down, and what do you have? Well you have a very slow swing, but you have PERFECT Golf Swing Tempo.....Why?

Because all PRO's swing at this exact tempo ratio. 3 To 1. So you can swing as fast as you like..Really! As long as you do it using the 3 to 1 ratio. Now all you have to do is achieve this tempo using one of the many training aids available. Most of which are audio cue devices. When you do what you will find (As I did), is that you will swing faster than you ever have, but with a tempo and a consistency, that is going to stay solid throughout your next round of golf. Also, when you use one of these aids, your mind tends to focus on waiting for an audio cue, which eliminates those mind games you tend to start playing when you are addressing the ball. You know, the ones that get you all tensed up and anxious, the ones that took away any chance you ever had of a good smooth swing tempo.
Your golf buddies will probably make comments like, "Wow, Your swing is so much smoother". They won't notice 'Faster'.
Because as I said...Golf Swing Speed and Golf Swing Tempo are two different things.

Whether you share this secret with them....Is up to you!

Steve Snead lives in Youngstown Ohio. Married with 5 children, Steve teaches golf to children of all ages. Steve Snead's
Golf Swing Aid Blog

Golf Fitness Helps Generate More Speed in Your Swing!

The golfing industry speaks about clubhead speed constantly. We see advertised in the golf magazines all the time. We hear about it on the Golf Channel endlessly

Clubhead speed is more a result of what you do with the golf club than an entity of its own. A driver is not going to generate clubhead speed on its’ own! Someone has to swing it!

Clubhead speed is contingent upon swing speed. Swing speed is directly related to the person swinging the golf club. So the question to really ask is:

How Do I Develop Huge Gains in My Swing Speed?

Another term directly related to swing speed and clubhead speed is power.

More Power = More Swing Speed = More Clubhead Speed

Bottom line is we are looking to increasing the power outputs of your golf swing. This will allow for an increase in swing speed. An increase in swing speed translates to more clubhead speed.

So how do we increase the power in our golf swing?

Two aspects require tuning and development of you wish to improve the power in your golf swing.

§ Number One: Improve Your Swing Mechanics
§ Number Two: Improve Your Body

Developing optimal swing mechanics is the first part of the equation to great power.

The golf swing is one of the most difficult, finite, and complex athletic movements performed. As a result, it requires time spent on the refinement of the movements involved.

Any athletic movement, the golf swing included, can be performed efficiently or inefficiently.

An efficient golf swing allows for the highest percentage of power generated by the golfer to be translated into the club, and delivered into the golf ball. An inefficient golf swing decreases the amount of power delivered to golf swing.

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics = High Power Outputs

Inefficient Golf Swing Mechanics = Low Power Outputs

A pretty simple equation if you think about it.

Now how do you develop efficient golf swing mechanics?

Through a process of proper instruction, proper practice, and time. The body can learn either the correct or incorrect way to swing a golf club. In order to learn the correct way to swing a golf club, proper instruction is required.

Secondly, the body learns through repetition. In order to learn efficient golf swing mechanics it is necessary to practice the correct way to swing. Finally, this process takes time.

The body will not learn how swing a golf club correctly in a day. It takes consistent time spent on the swing.

Putting it in math terms, the equation for efficient golf swing mechanics is:

Proper Instruction + Proper Practice + Time = Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics

Unfortunately, efficient golf swing mechanics is only one-half of the equation to increasing clubhead speed, swing speed, and power.

The second half is your body.

The golf club cannot develop power on its own. It is a combination of developing efficient golf swing mechanics and a body that can generate power.

A Body that can Generate Power = Increased Clubhead Speed

Your body swings the club through the mechanics of the golf swing. In order to perform this efficiently and powerfully requires the development of certain disciplines within your body.

Generating power in the golf swing requires your body to be:

§ Flexible
§ Strong
§ Powerful

The development of these three disciplines within your body allows the foundation to swing the golf club with more power.

If your body is inflexible, weak, and powerless, generating clubhead speed will be very difficult, let alone performing the mechanics of the golf swing correctly. How do you develop such a body for the golf swing?

Quite simply by implementing a golf fitness program. A golf fitness program will develop the required flexibility, strength, and power required of the golf swing.

It comes down to this equation:

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics + A Flexible, Strong, & Powerful Body = Increased Clubhead Speed

Put in place a plan to develop efficient golf swing mechanics and a powerful body. The swing speed and clubhead speed you desire can be a reality. Remember; proper instruction, practice, time, and golf fitness training are the keys to more power, more swing speed, and more clubhead speed.

Sean

Training Aids - Three Different Categories

Practice aids or training aids are available to you to improve any part of your golf game. In listening to the questions that are received about them, it seems that amateurs are just a little confused. In this article we will break practice aids into three categories, give you some examples as well as the ailments that they will fix.

First if you are already taking lessons, you should simply ask your golf instructor. They may give you a discount if it is purchased through them. In addition, they may have practice aids that you can make with things that you already own.

The three categories that we have broken the training aids into are:

Putting Training Aids

Many amateurs simply do not realize that they need to be careful when selecting a putting training aid. The reason is that they must know if they make their putting stroke in an arc or make their putting stroke on a straight line. If you make a putting stroke in an arc then you would benefit from a Learning Curve. The dimensions of the curve are set you give you the proper feeling every single time.

If you have made the decision that your putting stroke need to go in a straight line, then you would need to look at the putting square system or the putting plane alignment system. Both are railed systems that insure your putter moves straight back and through.

Full Swing Training Aids

Most players struggle with finding a good impact position. An impact bag will put you in the correct impact position. An impact bag does this by teaching you how the shaft needs to be leaning towards the target at impact and not away from the target.

Another full swing training aid is a balance rod. Balance is one of the most important things to have in your golf swing and talked about the least by golf instructors. A balance rod is placed under your feet as you swing the golf and gives you instant feedback on your balance. If you make swing that arte out of balance, you can slice or hook the ball. You never know where it is going.

Golf Fitness Training Aids

Again, if you are already working with a fitness trainer, it would be best to discuss with them on which golf fitness aids would work best for you. A weighted golf club will help you build strength as well as flexibility. You will need to make sure that you swing it equally right-handed and left-handed as you do not want to overbuild one side over the other.

A swiss ball or balance ball is a very flexible piece of equipment as well. With a balance ball, you can increase your flexibility with various stretches. In addition, you can build your core muscles by doing many of your strength exercises on the ball.

Listed above are the three main categories of training aids. Obviously, you can drill down as far as you would like and create sub-categories for swing plane for example. Keep in mind as you are buying the practice aid, will this help me and my current ailment or is this just what everyone else is buying?

Ways To Construct Your Golf Training Schedule

Training correctly is the most important part of your training routine. The most commonly forgotten part of golf training is shots near the green. Spending hours at the driving range hitting arrow straight drive might be exciting, but working on shots in the 100 yard range improves your scores faster.

For and training regiment to be effective, you must keep a regular routine. Golf training time should be shared equally between driving and approaches. An hour pounding drives should at least equal an hour on the putting green.

Do not neglect approach shots either, or chip shots and or shots out of the sand. A long, arrow straight drive is a thing of beauty to watch, but an accurate chip shot will save two-puts and win matches. When training, it is best to simulate real world conditions. Sure, you could rake the sand perfectly smooth for each and every practice shot and place ball gently on top, but that will never happen on the course. Toss the ball straight up in the air to simulate the dreaded fried egg flop. Set your practice shots up right against the wall of the sand trap practice high angle outs, or the smart shot off to the side.

Has it been a while since the grass was trimmed somewhere? Practice saving your game from the cabbage. Just because you cannot spend all of your time at the driving range does not mean you can practice. If you spent an hour at the driving range this morning, then you owe yourself an hour of short game practice. Take a bucket of balls to the local park and practice chipping from the tan bark, or the untrimmed edges of the grass.

Incorporating your putter into your training routine will prove the most important thing you can do. More matches are decided on the green than any other part of the course. Practice the long shots, the short taps and even a few from the fringe while on the putting green.

Do not forget that you can practice at home too. You can chip from the garden and weed at the same time. Refrain from mowing the back yard another week and practice some light chip shots. Find a neighbor and take turns hitting practice balls into each other yard to work on blind chip shots.

Regular practice is the most important element in your training routine. You will be better off with an hour, three times a day than four hours on a Sunday. Most important, enjoy your time. Golf is no fun if becomes work.