How To Buy A Beginner Set Of Golf Clubsby Al Scillitani I was recently looking for golf club sets. As some of you may know, golf clubs can be very expensive. Here is how to purchase a great set of quality clubs for a very low price. What I was looking for? I am new to golf. I was looking for a set that would not cost a lot of money in case I did not like the game. I was also looking for a set that was of high quality and did not fall apart or greatly affect my game because of the poor quality. I would prefer not to buy new name brand clubs because of price, so I bought used. I want a quality used set that will let me get a good feel for the game without costing a ton of money. I would like to keep all the irons the same brand. Having the brand for my driver, woods, and hybrids different from my irons would not be an issue for me. Having a different brand of sand wedge and putter would not be a problem either. What’s in my bag? Irons: Tommy Armour 855 Tommy Armour because of the brand and reputation for quality clubs. This set of Irons was my first purchase. The set was used, in good condition, and was only $99 on GlobalGolf.com. The set includes irons 3 thru 9 and a pitching wedge. New would probably be around $300. Driver: MacGregor MacTec NVG2 Graphite shaft, 11.5 degree loft. Graphite again because of the flexibility. I bought the 11.5 degree loft because it will help with getting the ball in the air. As a beginner, getting the ball in the air may be your biggest challenge. Drivers may be your most expensive purchase. Some new drivers can be $500 or more. I felt the MacGregor MacTec NVG2 was the best bang for the buck. This club new would be $299, used is only $59.99 in mint condition. You can’t beat that! Wood: MacGregor MacTec Again, 3 Wood Same reasons as my driver choice – graphite, regular shafts. The quality to price ratio can’t be beat. I chose a 3 wood with 15 degree loft, $29.99 in very good condition (new $199). This was my only wood because I will be purchasing 2 hybrids (2 and 5). A #2 hybrid is very close to a 5 wood. Hybrids: MacGregor MacTec #2 and #5 For consistency, I would like to keep my hybrids MacGregors as well. Graphite and regular stiffness to go with the rest of my clubs. The #2 hybrid was orig $199, used was only $29.99 and the #5 Hybrid was $199 new, used was only $34.99. Sand Wedge and Putter: Cleveland 900 Sand Wedge and Odyssey Dual Force Putter Cleveland is known for excellent wedges and Odyssey is known for excellent putters. The wedge is 56 degrees and has a steel shaft. The wedge new would be $49.99, used in very good condition $29.99. The putter also has a steel shaft and new would be $39.99 and used in very good condition $29.99. The Bag: For me, I am not too interested flashy bells and whistles for my bag. I am sure when I get better, I will change my mind. I found an inexpensive stand bag for only $39.99, normally $59.99. Summary of Beginner Golf Set: Iron Set Tommy Armour Total Cost Used: $353.93, Total Cost New: $1345.97 for a savings of $990 Al Scillitani Article Source: http://www.bettergolfarticles.com Golf Instruction 101by Dane Stanton The game of golf is much harder than people give it credit for. Looking on the surface, you wouldn’t think that a game where you’re required to hit a ball into a hole would need any sort of skill. If this is what you thought than I guarantee you are mistaken. Before you can run you first need to learn how to walk. The “walking” of golf instruction includes three fundamentals of the game. Three areas of golf instruction 101 include the basic fundamentals, equipment and etiquette. The Basic FundamentalsThe basic fundamental of golf instruction is to hit a golf ball with a golf club towards a hole that is located hundreds of feet away with the purpose of putting the golf ball into the hole. Being a competitive sport the number of times you strike or attempt to strike the ball is counted as one-stroke. The strokes are kept track of by the individual golfer and recorded on the scorecard at the end of each hole. Generally, golfers play 18 holes and the golfer with the least amount of strokes recorded is declared the winner. Golf instruction states play starts at the first hole with the first player hitting the ball as far as they can towards the first pin. The next player then takes their turn and so forth. When each member of the group is finished they proceed to the point where their golf ball has landed and repeat the process. The player who has their ball furthest away from the pin is required to play first. This includes play on the fairway and on the green. Play then continues on to the second tee where the process is repeated. The player who begins the next round is that player who took the least amount of shots to sink the golf ball into the hole. EquipmentThe basics of golf instruction 101 are that in order to play the game a player needs basic equipment. That equipment includes golf clubs and bag, golf balls, and tees. Generally the golf clubs consist of a couple of drivers, irons and a putter. The driver is generally used on par 4 and par 5 holes where distance is required. The contact portion of the driver is flat in nature. The irons are numbered from two to nine with the contact area varying at different angles. The nine irons are designed with the greatest angle. Golf instruction also requires standardization. Therefore, the golf ball must weigh 1.62 ounces, be circular in shape and be no larger than 1.68 inches in diameter. Generally, the balls are marked with a brand name and number so that there is no confusion as to which player is playing which ball. The golf tee can be made of various materials including wood and plastic. Golf tees are basically miniature platforms for the golf ball when teeing off. One end of the tee is spike like and is put into the ground with the other end of the tee shaped like a small platform to hold the golf ball. Golfing EtiquetteAny golf instruction should include the basics of golfing etiquette. Golfing etiquette, as part of a golf and has always been since its birth many years ago. It should be the first instruction taught in golf for every new beginner starting the game. Two basic rules of golfing etiquette include allowing players behind you to play through. Perhaps there are four players who are ready to tee off and a golfing party of two arrives at the same time or the team of four is delayed on the fairway for whatever reason. Golfing etiquette suggests that the two players be allowed to play through or play ahead of the team consisting of four. This courtesy allows for the smaller team’s play not to be held up. The second rule of etiquette requires players to make sure that other players in front of them are safely far enough away so that they are not in any danger of being struck by their ball. If however you decide to take a shot and their is a chance that ball ball may hit a player in front of you, you must call out “fore” so that they are given the chance to duck for cover. Dane Stanton is the owner of GolfShopReview.com which is an extensive review of the top Online Golf Shops on the internet. Find which course is best for you and your Game! http://www.GolfShopReview.com Article Source: http://www.bettergolfarticles.com Things to Know Before Getting on the CourseBecause most of the time that you are on the golf course you will be playing with others it’s a good idea to follow some simple guidelines to ensure that everyone has a good time. Regardless of your skill level everyone will enjoy you more if you follow some simple golf etiquette while out on the course. It doesn’t matter what your handicap is people will enjoy playing with you if you are out there to have fun. Here are a few things to know before getting out on the course. 1. Always keep up with your group. Taking to much time looking for balls, being indecisive about what club to use, taking to many practice swings etc. are all unnecessary and are a waste of time. If you’ll playing with friends that are a lot better than you take a few shots and pick up the ball. Your first few times out you shouldn’t worry about keeping score, instead concentrate on making constant contact with the ball. 2. Always leave things the way that you found them or as close as you can. If you hit a ball in the sand trap be sure to rake it when you’re done. Throw your trash in the receptacles provided. Don’t treat the golf carts like they are a toy because someone could get hurt. 3. You are going to make some good shots and some bad shots so take the good with the bad. You’ll out there to have fun so don’t take things so seriously, it’s only a game. Don’t get grumpy if you make a bad shot just try and make a good one the next time. No one will want to play with you if you’re a grumpy old man. 4. Never talk or make noise when someone goes up to take a shot. There’s nothing more frustrating than someone playing around, talking or messing with someone when they’re trying to take a shot. Once a person goes up and gets in their stance it should be complete silence until after their swing is completed. 5. Always play from the proper tees. Play according to your skill level. The only one playing from the farthest tees should be ones playing at a professional level or close to it. Playing from there will only inflate your score and waste time. 6. Finally, relax and have fun. After all golf is a game not a job. You’re out there with friends to enjoy their company and the outdoors so chill out and enjoy yourself. Ronald Reynolds is the owner of Ron Reynolds Enterprises and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about how to improve your golf game visit: http://www.rreynoldsenterprises.org or visit my blog for a golf tip of the day at http://www.mrron1.wordpress.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronald_Reynolds How to Hold a Golf Club Properly - Holding Your Gold Club Correctly Will Improve Your Swing!As you may know, it is now springtime; this is the perfect time to take out your golf clubs and start swinging them. One thing that you can be sure of is that this season is a completely new season, a fresh start for you to play. The most important factor of golf is how you hold the golf club. Remember when you are trying out different hand positions that you should never hold a golf club the “proper” way if it means it will cause you discomfort. You should start by holding the golf club face open to the ball. If you are a righty, place your left hand on the club first and grip it with a moderate grip. Make sure that there is enough room at the top of the club so that you can place your right hand on. Once you have the club with your left hand, place your right hand on the club and make sure that your pinky, middle, and ring fingers cover the thumb of your left hand. If you are a lefty, simply switch hands. Make sure that when you swing the golf club you have minimal movement in your wrists. To prevent any unwanted wrist movement, point your left thumb down the shaft of the golf club. Try swinging a couple of times to make sure that your wrists are locked. Many people play with a golf glove for the mere fact that it will give you a bit of an edge; not to mention it prevents your hands from getting sore and ripped up. A golf glove will help to increase your grip and let you figure out the most comfortable position to hold the club. Always make sure that you are holding the club properly and your game will improve dramatically. Another tip I can give you is make sure that the clubs you play with are the right size for you. To test this, stand the club straight up and down; it should come up to your waist. Remember to always keep your head down when swinging at the ball or you will have a horrible shot each time. For more golf tips visit: How To Hold A Golf Club Properly Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Rinehart |