Thursday, December 18, 2008

End Your Slicing Problems Forever With These Basic Golf Tips

End Your Slicing Problems Forever With These Basic Golf Tips by Johny

Slicing is the most common problem made by golfers, especially beginners, it kills the joy of the game altogether. This article will help you fixing your slicing problem forever.
Tip for Preventing The Slice
1.
Relax your mind and body, especially the arms and hands.
2. Do not worry about getting enough distance on the ball. The proper amount of distance will come in time. Your goal at the moment is to stop causing the ball to veer severely to the right, or left, depending on whether or not you are right-handed or left-handed.
3. Strengthen up your grip as much as possible, but without adding too much tension. Set up your stance, address the ball, then take a look at how many of your knuckles are visible with your left hand. If you can only see one knuckle and a tad bit of the second knuckle, it means that your grip is weak.
You can fix this weak grip by changing things up a bit. Grip your golf club so that at least two or three knuckles are visible. Now place the other hand so that each palm is facing one another. This new grip should now close up the clubface more, so that when impact occurs, your chances of slicing the ball is greatly reduced.
4. If you are a right-handed golfer, adjust your stance so that it is slightly closed, with the feet pointing just a few degrees towards the right of your target line. This will help aid in a longer backswing so that the club can get inside the target line and preventing you from swinging the club outside-in.
A Practice Drill
Here is one simple drill that can be used to fix your slice. It is called the Pencil Drill:
Step 1: Take a pencil and stick it into the ground, approximately 2 feet outside of your right, between your stance line and the target line.
Step 2: Now start practicing your in-to-out swing. Swing the club back in a straight line, keeping it outside of the pencil. Now on your downswing, allow the club to pass inside of the pencil, forcing the club head to make the desired in-to-outside swing path.
About the Author
Johny is an average golfer who is seeking the way to improve his golf game and reduce his handicap. His review on The Simple Golf Swing can be found here: www.golfswinggurureview.com

Beginner Golf Tip

Beginner Golf Tip by John
There are many reasons that make golf more difficult than the other sports. One of them is the accuracy. In golf, you only have a small margin of error compared to sport like football. To become a good golfer, you must minimize this margin of error as much as possible.
One of the keys is "taking it slow", you should take time to follow a few basic golf tips that every experienced golfer adhered to when they first started playing golf. Golf is a mental game with the intensity of concentration, focus, and pressure from an audience, one of the best tips that you can appreciate is to simply take it slow.
Most of beginner golfers tend to go out and buy a new club set and start by hitting a few buckets of ball in driving range then go out and play 18 holes in the next day. This is wrong, moving too fast will only lead to frustration and eventually you will quit playing soon. So spend your time in driving range and take a few golf lessons can help you understand the basic of golf. Do not try to push yourself too hard, before you knew how to swim, did you just dive into the deep section of your local swimming pool? Of course not. How could you expect to do the same with golf?
Here is one simple beginner golf tip that can be used to improve your golf basic.
Learning To Keep Your Golf Swing Simple There are many different methods to make your swing simple and more comfortable whether you are hitting a driver or iron. One of the keys is the balance in golf swing, will help you bring the club back down as though with one smooth motion can help set the rhythm for the swing and produce good club speed at impact.
If you ever have the chance to watch professional golfers, you will notice that there are not two swings exactly the same. Most of what is taught during beginner golf lesson is the basics to allow the club head to be squared with the ball at impact to avoid slicing to the right or hooking to the left.
To help you save time from finding the ball in the woods, a basic golf lesson can help you hit straight and make you feel more confident.
About the Author
Did you know that there is a simple golf swing system that will help you drop at least 7 strokes in 2 weeks? Find out how simple golf swing can improve your golf game at: The Simple Golf Swing Guru

Basic Rules of Learning Golf

Basic Rules of Learning Golf by Karl Lee

The objective of golf is to hit a ball using a club into a hole. A game of golf is about hitting the ball into a set of holes; one set usually consist 18 holes. The area where the ball is hit by the club is called teeing ground. From the teeing ground, the ball will travel across the fairway onto a prepared area where the next hole is. This prepared area is called the putting green. To win the game, one has to hit the ball into all the holes in as little strokes as possible.
There are two kinds of play which golfers can compete in, the stroke play or the match play. The stroke play is when golfers compete to finish the game in the least number of strokes. The match play is when the winner is determined by the holes that are lost and won. There are also two simple rules to remember when playing golf. Play the course as it is and play the ball as it lies. If this is hard to follow, try your best then to do what is fair.
When it comes to basic golf courtesy, here are some tips to follow. Play with as little delay as possible. If the other players in your group have left, you should also do the same. Remove any footprints found in the bunkers and as much as possible, replace the divots. When on the putting green, don't drop your clubs and avoid standing too close to a player who is making a stroke.
There are also a few things to remember before actual play starts. Remember to count your clubs; you should not have more than 14 clubs. Label your golf ball that you will be using so that when it gets placed among other balls, you would have no problem knowing which is yours. Also, read the local rules stated on the score card which you will be holding.
When actual play starts, you must play in the appropriate area. If you play outside the specific area, you will be given a penalty of two strokes if you are in a stroke play. For the same scenario, though you do not incur a penalty in a match play, your opponent can ask you to repeat the stroke. When teeing off, it is best to tee off in front of the tee markers.
You can lift your ball to clean it before placing it on the exact spot where it was. You can also lift your ball if it is to assist another player. You may lift any other ball too as long as it interferes with another player's play or your play. When dropping the ball, stand erect and hold the ball at the length of your shoulder before dropping it. If for any reason it hits someone, the ball must be dropped again. There is no penalty for this.
About the Author
To summarized, knowing the golf rules is essential to play a proper game of golf. (Learn more at http://www.EssentialGolfTips.com)

The Perfect Golf Swing- 4 Essential Tips For Improving Balance

The Perfect Golf Swing- 4 Essential Tips For Improving Balance by Michael Hutchins

First and foremost, simply because your stance is correct, it does not automatically mean you have proper balance. Balance is crucial to your golf swing because it dictates how your weight transfers and the tempo of your swing. These 4 key tips will help improve your balance, which will enable you to improve your game.
1) Medications Can Effect Proper Balance
The correct functioning of the inner ear is important for proper balance. Some medications cause what is known as "ear poisoning." Nearly 1/2 of people taking certain forms of anti-biotics experience the dizzying side effects of "ear poisoning". Balance can be effected by taking diuretics. Diuretics cause a loss of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which can cause dizziness and effect balance. Should dizziness persist, be sure to consult a physician. Migraine headaches can affect balance as well.
2) Loosen Up And keep Your Head Still
Keeping your head still during your golf swing is critical for proper balance. When the head moves during the swing, the brain has difficulty keeping the body centered and balanced. Similarly, when muscles are tense, balance is negatively affected. Learning basic stretches, and applying them prior to playing, can help improve balance. In fact, learning some basic Yoga or Pilates, can improve flexibility and improve balance.
3) Try Some Balance Exercises
A very simple, but effective balance exercise, is to close your eyes and stand on 1 leg. The objective is to gradually increase the length of time you can stand without losing balance. Try it, it is harder than it sounds!
Another great way to improve balance is to kick a soccer ball around a backyard obstacle course. Set up some chairs and weave around them while gently kicking the ball. Start off very slowly and gradually pick up your pace. Do not worry about how "good" you look, simply perform at your own pace, and strive for improvement. An improvement in your golf swing is well worth looking a bit awkward.
4) Start Using A Balance Board And/Or an Exercise Ball
To find out about purchasing either a balance board or an exercise ball, simply "Google" in those terms while performing a Google search. Practice sitting for extended periods of time on the exercise ball. Sitting on the ball is excellent for strengthening the core muscles and improving balance. Your posture will improve, too!
The balance board is challenging to use, but using it regularly will greatly improve your center of gravity. A well aligned center of gravity is crucial for your golf swing.
Hopefully, these 4 tips will improve your balance. Just remember, practicing for hours on your golf game will be unproductive if you do not work on improving balance. No other single factor will do more to improve your golf swing.
About the Author
My Number 1 Secret For MAXIMUM Distance- Delivered FREE to your inbox in 2 minutes! Learn How To Make Solid Impact With The Ball With My Unique Set-Up- You won't Find It ANYWHERE else- GUARANTEED! Your Distance Will Improve In 30 MinutesClick Here!

Golf Tips- 5 Fun Tips For Teaching Golf To Kids

Golf Tips- 5 Fun Tips For Teaching Golf To Kids by Michael Hutchins

Golf tips for teaching golf to kids should always revolve around making sure that the kids have fun. Sure, it would be great if your son became the next Tiger Woods, but golf should be treated as a game, not a life or death struggle. These 5 tips will ensure that a child learns golf and enjoys it at the same time!
Tip 1) Keep Your Instructions Simple
If a parent is a golfer themselves, they have a tendancy to be technical about elements of the game. Trying to explain concepts like "tempo' or "swing plane" will only confuse a child. A confused child is easily frustrated. Start by taking the child to a driving range, and start practicing putting. The child will gain confidence by successfully making contact with the ball.
Next, teach the child how to chip the ball. This is a good second step, because chips require little backswing. The child has a good chance of success striking the ball.
Finally the child will progress to the driving range area. When instructing a child on a full golf swing, it is important to make sure they keep their feet on the ground, watch the ball, and strike it. Keep your golf tips on taking a full swing VERY simple.
Tip 2) Let The Child Progress At Their Own Pace
One of the best golf tips I ever recieved as a child was to practice most frequently the parts of the game that I enjoyed most. This advice ensured that I would stay with the game long enough to see success. Once I saw success with the elements of the game I enjoyed most, I ventured out to practice new areas of the game. Never push a child to improve too quickly. Patience is the name of the game with children.
Tip 3) Have Fun!
Once a child senses that golf is no longer fun, they have a much greater chance of losing interest. Try to structure competitive, but enjoyable games. It is important to make sure that all the children are winners. Constantly praise and encourage the participants.
Tip 4) Use Good Judgement In Purchasing Golf Equipment
Buying a child expensive golf equipment is a risky decision. Children tend to lose interest in new areas very quickly. The wisest decision is to purchase a used set of clubs intended for women. The clubs will be light weight, and easy for a child to control. If the child has demonstrated that they will continue to play golf, professional instruction might be appropriate. Just make sure the child is getting golf tips from a pro who has lots of experience teaching kids.
Tip 5) Teach Golf Etiquette
Children should learn golf etiquette very early in the teaching process. They should understand very basic rules such as standing still when another golfer is striking the ball. Certainly they should learn never to speak when a fellow player is putting etc.
Hopefully, these golf tips for kids will enhance the possibility that a child will not only get involved with the game, but enjoy it as well!
About the Author
My Number 1 Secret For MAXIMUM Distance- Delivered FREE to your inbox in 2 minutes! Learn How To Make Solid Impact With The Ball With My Unique Set-Up- You won't Find It ANYWHERE else- GUARANTEED! Your Distance Will Improve In 30 MinutesClick Here!

Tips to Finding the Best Deals in Golf Apparel

Tips to Finding the Best Deals in Golf Apparel by Sam Brown

A golf caddy can make toting around these basic items and many others a lot easier, and much more convenient. And if you plan on spending any time on the green and on a regular golf course, then you'll want some golf apparel to make playing your game more enjoyable, while looking stylish and feeling comfortable.
There are two pieces of golf equipment that you can't play the game without: the golf ball and the golf club. There are thousands of other golf accessories out there, but these are the two that the game cannot proceed without.
The golf ball is available in a dozen different varieties, if not more, but the standard ball will be 1.62" in diameter, and weigh no more than 1.68 ounces. The golf ball should also be approved by the United States Golf Association if you plan on participating in tournaments or professional games. If not, then you're free to use any type of golf ball that you wish.
The golf club comes in a variety of styles, from the driver to the wood, and many others in between. It may be made out of metal or wood, with a heavy, thick plastic or metal bottom -- the wedge. The handle is referred to as the shaft, and may have rubber grips for comfort and ease of use attached to the top third or quarter of it.
A golf club may be referred to as a driver. Golf drivers are the most important clubs you'll be using. These come in stainless steel or titanium, have different angles and sweet spots, and are comprised of different materials for the heads and the wedges.
Play your game of golf in style with golf apparel. Your basic wardrobe should consist of comfortable, cotton blend pants, shorts or a skirt (many ladies may prefer what's known as a skort; this piece of golf apparel features a skirt with attached shorts beneath), and of course, the golf shirt. The golf short is a soft, cotton blend, is good at wicking moisture and also repelling damaging UVA and UVB sun rays.
About the Author
Sam Brown is a personal shopper with an eye for spotting deals in golf apparel, golf drivers and golf equipment

Monday, December 15, 2008

Digging deep into the Golf Swing

Digging deep into the Golf Swing by Kevin White

The basic golf swing is simple - yes?
Turn, turn back and in the meantime hit the ball… add good rhythm and swing wideness, and the ball is going to go a very long way.
So why can't I do that? When I see the pros play, it looks so easy, they don't even hit the ball hard but it flies a mile every time.
Bare with me now, I am going to reveal the most common reasons for poor golf swing and how to correct them, starting at the basics;
Good rhythm is one thing that all good golfers have - what then is good rhythm?
Rhythm is when you accelerate through the ball, you start from the top and your swing accelerates all the time and through the ball. You are not hitting at the ball, your swing is accelerating through!
You can't get good rhythm if your muscles are tight and if you try to hit the ball with pure power. Gripping the club too tight is going to ruin your rhythm and you will find yourself hitting at the ball instead of through it.
This very important and I suggest you spend one day at the range with only this one thought in mind - accelerate through the ball, and keep all muscles loose, so that they can work together to create speed and power.
Ok, fair enough you probably think, but what about my slice or hook, or all the thick shots, thin shots, my bad bunker play, what about them?
Now very carefully pay attention and read the following:
When you have a target on the golf course, and you set your body to swing a golf club towards that target, and if you set yourself incorrectly, your body is not going to be able to produce rhythm, timing or power!
Your body is going to feel consciously or unconsciously awkward and you are going to either hook, slice, hit it fat or thin.
On a good day you might get it right few times, but on a bad day, you are going to be all over the place all the time.
The big question therefore is; are you aiming correctly?
Chances are your aiming is invalid, and because of that one thing, all kinds of faults creep into your swing.
Believe me when I say, that I have discussed this with tour pros and working pros and they all agree on this one, but very seldom you go out on a round with a pro, so he/she will be able to see how you really aim. You take your lessons on the practice range, you get your tips and off you go - and you will continue to aim badly.
You might even know this, and you aim pretty well, but if your BODY DOESN'T SEE AND FEEL that the aim is correct, you will be either slicing or hooking the ball plus all kinds of other errors creep in.
So now go the practice range and concentrate on only one thing: getting the aim correct. Pick a target, go behind the ball and visualize a straight line from your ball to the target - ok, that is pretty easy. Now go and address the ball but try to see that same line. You will find that from behind the ball it's very easy to visualize a straight line to the target, but from the address position, it's much harder, you probably see the line wrong and it feels like you will be hitting to the left or to the right.
This feel is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING in a sound golf swing. Aim correctly and feel with your body that you are aiming towards the target.If you really want to improve your golf, you need to be able to aim correctly every shot!
If you skip this and continue the way you have, you will not be able to find rhythm, power and accuracy.
But when you get it right, you will feel how your body works correctly, effortlessly and you will produce good rhythm and generate much more power
than ever before - guaranteed!
Go to the range and pick new targets every five shots or so, visualize the line, and don't give up until you can see it from your address position. If you find it very hard to do - try turning your head a little at the time when staying in your address position, chances are your eyes might be away from the line because of bad habit and you need to adjust your eyes to see the line correctly.
You will maybe feel weird at first, but stick to it relentlessly and results will come.
That's it for now - hope you put these things to practice and I invite you to visit my website where I will be introducing a system that will help you in every field of your golf.
Kevin White "the guy who wants to go all the way"
About the Author
Kevin White's golfing cures for all your golfing needs, visit; http://www.kevinwhiteproducts.com/secretgolfz.htm

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

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

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

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

Golf Bags: Tips on Making the Right Choice

Golf Bags: Tips on Making the Right Choice by Lyle Richards

The main kinds of golf bags are cart bags, carry bags, staff bags and travel bags.
If you like to walk, then carry bags are for you. These bags don't weigh too much and are the ideal option if you want to stroll from one part of the golf course to another. Such bags are usually composed canvas, plastic, or nylon. They are simple and small. They can be used to carry basic clubs, balls, tees and perhaps a towel or two. You can get a stand for these bags as well. This way, you can keep your bag upright while you're taking your turn.
These days, cart bags are the most popular kind of bag. These bags are perfect for putting on the back of a golf cart. This kind of bag is not the right choice if you're a walker though. They are made for carrying all the clubs a golfer possesses. They fit neatly on the frame of a hand-pushed cart. The extra space in these bags is a great help. Not only can you bring all your golf clubs, there's space enough for a pair of shoes and some towels as well. An empty cart bag is fairly light, but a full one can be a strain on your back.
Professional golfers prefer to use what is known as a staff bag. These bags have great capacity. You can literally fit every kind of golf club conceivable into them. Believe it or not, you can put up to 14 golf clubs in a staff bag, and still have space for anything else you might need on the golf course. They are designed to be easy to carry and can be carried by your caddy. However, considering the weight and size of the bag, golfers usually keep them on a golf cart. The greatest advantage of these bags is that you can take everything you need onto the course at one time.
Pockets are must on your golf bag. The more pockets they have, the better it is. Just think of all the things you need to carry! Golf clubs, golf balls, extra tees, towels, a divot tool, an umbrella, they're all useful things you might need. So it makes sense to have pockets on your bag where you can keep these things.
A hood on your bag might be useful. After all, if it rains, you don't want your clubs getting wet. So if you find a bag with a hood on it, it might be a smart buy.
You should make sure your golf bag is well compartmentalized. If it's not, the golf clubs will be battling it out for space in there and the grips will get worn down. Separate compartments for each club will help to keep your bag organized.
Another factor you should keep in mind is the stand. Given a choice between a bag that comes with a stand and one that doesn't come with a stand, go for the former. This will allow you to conveniently pick out a club while the bag is standing.
Don't forget the style factor either. You want to look good and feel good. You bag reflects on you. The colors, shapes, and design should suit your tastes.
So if you're thinking about getting into golf, you have to get yourself the right kind of golf bag. It's a must. Buy the right back and enjoy your golf without putting a strain on your back. You can start with a simple carry-bag and can progress to staff bag with time.
About the Author
The Top Golf Drivers guide provides news and reviews of the top golf drivers available today. Like the TaylorMade R7 SuperQuad or the Cobra Speed Pro. The Top Golf Drivers guide also provides information on where to find used golf club drivers.

Athletic Bodybuilding

Athletic Bodybuilding by Tony Schwartz

If you have been working out to gain muscle size for awhile you may find yourself getting bored with the monotony of lifting weights. The basic fact is that working out in a gym with heavy weights several times per week can take its toll on your mental state.
To avoid this problem it is important to go back to the root of why so many of us began working out in the first place: to enhance your athleticism. Sure you've always wanted to look great, but performing great is also a part of the picture.
So if you have been stuck with a singular focus on building muscle mass it may be time to incorporate some workouts for athleticism into your plan. Combining the pursuit of muscle mass and the pursuit of athleticism is what is known as athletic bodybuilding. Not only is it fun, it may also help you to gain more muscle mass in the long run.
1. Learn basic skills One of the keys to enjoying sports is knowing how to play them, at least at a decent level. For this reason it is necessary that you be proficient in a few basic sports skills. Namely, throwing, hitting, kicking, and catching.
Even if you happen to be good at one sport, it doesn't necessarily mean that you are good at another. So if you already know how to hit a baseball then why not try golf or tennis to expand your skills? Or if you know how to throw a baseball then why not try throwing a football or shooting a basketball?
If you haven't had much experience with these skills in the past then they may be difficult at first, but nothing improves your athleticism like learning a new skill.
2. Learn gymnastics Similar to the above, tumbling is a great skill to learn if you don't know how to do it already. It builds kinesthetic awareness and explosiveness that transfer over to sports and to the weight room. I have found that gymnasts are often the fastest learners in the weight room because they understand how to move their bodies due to their tumbling experience.
Begin with simple moves like somersaults and cartwheels before progressing to more advanced moves like handsprings and flips. If you really want to improve your skills it is highly suggested that you seek the services of a qualified gymnastics coach.
And I know you may be saying, "I'm a grown man, there is no way I'm doing this." But that is exactly the close-minded mentality that makes training boring and leads to stagnation in your progress.
3. Building your aerobic base If you have been weight training for any prolonged period of time then there is a decent chance that you are already plenty strong enough to execute most sports skills on an intermediate level. But if you have been avoiding endurance work in pursuit of more muscle mass then you might be limited in your sporting capacity.
There are many scientific workout programs that can greatly enhance your sport-specific endurance, but the simplest solution is simply to undertake a basic cardiovascular training program and to play your sport on a regular basis. This will gradually allow you to develop at least a basic level of endurance.
Remember that working out doesn't have to be boring. Being athletic and muscular is much better than just looking like an athlete. Use these tips and you will be on your way to building a more athletic physique, and that is what athletic bodybuilding is all about.
About the Author
Learn about muscle gain nutrition and athletic bodybuilding in your FREE ebook!

3 Easy Steps To Mastering Greenside Bunkers

"3 Easy Steps To Mastering Greenside Bunkers" by Mike Kuechler

"3 Easy Steps To Mastering Greenside Bunkers"
A fried egg in the greenside bunker is probably the most intimidating shot in all of golf to the amateur golfer. This is mainly due to "over thinking" the shot. By the time you are actually ready to swing, the mechanics of the shot have taken your focus away from the actual shot, and often it ends up "skulled" over the green or staying in the bunker rather than where it should be...on the green. The reason virtually every amateur over thinks the sand shot is because that is what they have read in magazines and articles, or been taught by their "golf pro friends" (no offense intended, friends). They end up with information overload, which defeats the basic simplicity of the shot itself.
1. "The Basic Greenside Bunker Shot"
The best solution I've found for the basic greenside sand shot is to get into a simple square set-up. This means feet parallel to the target line and club face straight. Keep your focus on swinging the club head under the ball. The resulting sand blast is what actually propels the ball. As long as your focus is in check, you will instinctively swing at a sharper down angle and get the club head under the ball. A full follow through is undesirable here. The sand will slow the club and a full follow through probably means you're swinging way too hard. Practice will help you learn how much force is required to "blast" the ball out of the sand and onto the green. Keep your head clear and focus on getting the center of the club face under the center of the ball. The blast of sand will launch the ball with enough loft to get out of most situations. Keep in mind that your sand wedge has been designed to produce the correct amount of angle and spin. There are situations where swing mechanics are required for added loft or backspin, but for a basic sand shot, keep it basic and practice, practice, practice.
2. "The Greenside Bunker Wet or Hard Packed Sand Shot"
Hitting out of wet or hard-packed sand actually sounds worse than it is. The shot is the same as the basic bunker shot, but you will need to swing with a bit more force to get through the heavier sand. Again, with practice, you will learn how hard to swing, but, for the love of Pete, keep it simple!
3. "Adding Backspin To Your Sand Shot"
This really isn't as difficult as it sound either. It basically boils down to this. "The more sand you take, the less loft and backspin you will produce." The converse is also true. "The less sand you take, the more loft and backspin you will produce." "Great. But how the h%*#@! do I do that?!!" I know you just asked that question. This will take a lot more practice to perfect, but can be well worth it for the 'WOW' factor. The straighter the club face, the more it will dig into the sand. Thereby taking more sand and producing less backspin and loft. However, by opening the club face by varying degrees, you will discover that the more open the face, the LESS sand is taken, producing MORE backspin and loft. As I said, though, it will take considerably more practice to become accustomed to what works best for the situations you find yourself in. Also, you will learn just how 'open' the face can be before it starts to have a negative effect on the shot. Hopefully this will simplify things somewhat. Just remember to keep your head clear and don't over think the swing mechanics. Once you've mastered the basics, you may find yourself having fun with sand shots and challenging yourself.
Of course the best sand shot is still the one you don't have to make.
Enjoy.
Click Here to find many more simple golf tips and tricks to help shave strokes off of your game!
About the Author
Just an ordinary father of three teenage boys who like to write about things I enjoy or am passionate about.