All About Golf!

Patrick Carpen asked:


One of the most elegant and prolific games of this century, golf has a fascinating trail of history running behind. The word ”golf” is actually a modification of the Dutch word “kolf” which simply means a “bat,” “stick,” or “club”. If defined literally, the game is all about striking a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes while complying with the rules of the game. It is one of those rare games which do not require playing area; rather golf is played on golf “courses.” The competitions of golf are based on stroke play, where the individual or team posts with lowest score on the most individual for a full round, wins the game. Some other team games of golf such as fourball have been pioneered, and are played either using matchplay format or stroke. Several alternative styles of golf playing have been introduced like disc golf and miniature golf. However, it is still interesting to find out the History of golf.

Most scholars agree with the “fact” that the Scots were first to popularize the game of golf. However, there exists no common consensus in the history of golf about the inventors of the classy sport. The records suggest a golf-like game was played in a city called Loenen aan de Vecht, Netherlands, on 26 February 1297. The Dutchmen played this game with leather ball and a stick. Actually, the game required the players to hit the ball into a target situated several hundreds of meters away.

The emphasis on golf’s Scottish origin is contributed to the fact that the game was mentioned in two 15th-century Acts of the Scottish Parliament. Further, there are evidences that in A.D 1456, the first game of golf was played at Bruntsfield Links, in Edinburgh, Scotland, as recorded in the archives of The Royal Burgess Golfing Society.

There are some reports which record evidences of golf from continental Europe. Different forms of sports similar to golf were played in 14th century in the countries of France, Belgium, and Holland, apart from Scotland. However, the game was introduced in England by a keen Scottish Baron, James VI, after succeeding on the English throne in 1603.

In the early years of golf, the players never thought of forming a club or society until in 1744 a group of Edinburgh golfers united into a club named Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. It was here that the first 13 rules of golf were drawn up for an annual contest. In 1766, Royal Blackheath Golf Club was formed in England - the first golf club formed outside Scotland.

Although traces of golf can be encountered in 18th century United States, however the game was still waiting to be popularized. The history of golf in North America began with its roots in Canada. In 1873, The Royal Montreal Club was formed, which was followed by the Quebec Golf Club in 1875 and the golf club in Toronto a year later. It was in 1888 that golf re-emerged in the United States. For the first time the “three-hole golf course” was built in Yonkers, New York by a Scotsman, John Reid on a 30-acre site. From a modest beginning, golf emerged as the new national pastime in the United States.

In the recent times golf has become a complete spectators’ game, involving professionals at different levels and amateur tours across various terrains of the world. Not only the game, but the golf players -Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and Jack Nicklaus to name a few, have gained worldwide recognition as great sports personalities. Engrossingly huge sponsorships and new technologies being developed to assist golfers and dedication and raw talent from the emerging players all suggest a luminous new chapter in the “history of golf”.



Samantha

legoisaac asked:


Ok, so ive seen youtube videos of people putting golf balls in someones locker, and they open it and they all fall out, and im planning on doing this.

But, how do they get the gofl balls in there without having them dump out while they put them in there?

Thanks
I am in middle school, its the long lockers so i would need a big piece of card board.

Also theres cameras…so it would be kinda hard to do it without being caught but, ima try to do it.

Richard

J. Brian Keith asked:


Current info about Golf Bags is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest info about Golf Bags available.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of weight loss Success is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about weight loss Success.

You might be a golf beginner looking for your first set of golf clubs and equipment or a pro shopping for upgrades, but all will agree that golf bags are essential in the game. Next to golf clubs, a golf bag is one of the most important golfing equipment there is.

It is considered a necessity. A good golf bag will lessen your worries on the golf course, (i.e. all your clubs are in their proper place) and you can focus on your teeing.

If you’re a beginner golfer, then golf bags are definitely a must. However, there are things that you should know before going to the nearest golf store and buying a golf bag on impulse. First, there are two types of golf bags? carry bags and cart bags.

Carry bags are golf bags that are used when you are planning to have a lot of walking on the golf course. Cart golf bags are those that you use when walking is not possible (as some golf courses prohibit walking), and riding a golf cart is your option. A beginner golfer will most definitely buy a walking bag at first, although if you are a serious beginner of the game, then you will eventually buy both types of golf bags.

If you are a newbie in the game, you might ask “What is a golf bag for? I only have four golf clubs.” A golf bag is a functional equipment rather than a fashion statement. It is not just for your golf clubs, but it can also hold your other golf equipment and accessories. Some advanced golf bags even have pocket coolers that can keep your drink ice-cold even for hours! You might want to consider that, especially when you will buy a carry golf bag.

When buying a golf bag, especially a carry golf bag, find a comfortable one. One should check the straps to see if it fits comfortably and whether it can be carried easily. Remember that your golf bag will be one of your trusted companions on the greens, and that you will spend hours with it. So choose wisely. Don’t buy low quality bags, because you will end up purchasing another bag in the next few months if your old golf bag tears up. You should also buy your golf bag depending on the number of golf clubs that you have. Most golf bags can carry up to 15 golf clubs. A tournament however limits the number of golf clubs in your golf bag.

Another important thing to consider when purchasing a golf bag is its weight. This is one of the most important things to know. Golf bags should be light enough to be carried or carted easily, but sturdy enough to hold your clubs and protect them. Some golf bags are even water resistant, and are rain proofed for the protection of your clubs. Most of these golf bags have 8 or 9 dividers or pockets. Again, the number of dividers that you will need depend on the amount of clubs and accessories you will carry. If you have many golf clubs then choose a golf bag with many dividers. However, these types of golf bags have the tendency to be heavier. Some bags can weigh less than 5 pounds! These types of bags are made up of space-age materials such as graphite, however, they more expensive.

Remember that when buying golf bags, the lighter it is, the better and more comfortable it will be.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.



Christopher

Matt Chang asked:


What I am about to tell you may sound like common sense, but I need to say it anyway. If you want to score better on the green and improve your overall golf game, focus on working on your golf swing. Many golfers out there think that power is the answer to the golf swing, and don’t realize that the accuracy in the golf swing is where it is at. There are many places where you can find golf swing instructions: golf professionals, golf web sites, golf books and golf magazines, to name a few. Let’s take a look at some great places to get golf swing instruction.

You can improve your golf swing by following golf swing instructions from professional golf trainers. Professional golf trainers are a reliable source of golf swing instructions. He or she can personally look at your golf swing, analyze it and provide you with specific golf swing instructions on how to improve it. A professional golf trainer can tell you which area of your golf swing needs to be improved and he or she can come up with specific golf swing instructions that you need to follow. Your golf swing can improve after a lesson or two provided by a professional golf trainer. The benefit is the one on one training, while the downside can be the cost. Professional training is not cheap, but for the devoted and serious golfer, the lessons can be invaluable.

As stated above, getting golf swing instructions from a professional golf trainer doesn’t come cheap, however, and not all golfers can afford to hire one. You can still work on improving your golf swing inexpensively. For online savvy golfers, golf web sites provide golf swing instructions ranging from articles, short tips and videos. One really great resource to take advantage of is the golf online forum. Here you can meet up with other like minded golfers and share tips and information.

You can also check out the golf books and golf magazines in your local library. You can subscribe to one or two golf magazines and receive up-to-date golf swing instructions from leading golf professionals for a fraction of the cost. There are also golf DVDs you can either rent or purchase. You can follow the golf swing instructions from these inexpensive sources in your own time and right in your own home.

Lastly, here are some tips you can take with you right now and we hope that can help you improve your golf game.

Tip 1. Did you know that your grip — how you hold the golf club — is a factor that can affect your golf swing? Your top thumb must point up directly at you and comfortably grip the golf club.

Tip 2. If you find your hands hurting while you golf or after the game, you may be gripping the golf club too tightly. Loosen your grip a little and relax. If you can’t relax, your tension will affect your game.

Tip 3. Having an even golf swing plane also contributes to the success of your golf swing. The club face must be square with the golf ball upon impact if you want to hit the golf ball straight.

Tip 4. Consistency and persistence is the key. The only way to get better is to do the same thing over and over with a concerted effort to following the basics.



Walter

bkm4653 asked:


We are a family of (4) considering relocating to the Bellevue, Kirkland, are of Washington. We love to golf and belong to an affordable golf club in the twin cities. Is there something affordable out in the Seattle area that would offer housing close by, or possibly on the golf course?

Loretta

Lind Golf asked:


We all know that Golf is a game that’s difficulties can induce high levels of frustrations. So the one piece of advice we have is to make sure you have the right equipment. Don’t make it more difficult for yourself by using clubs that just don’t feel right.

Every golfer’s body and swing are unique to that individual and that’s what custom fitting is all about. Custom fitting golf clubs involves a quick self assessment of your game and several easy measurements. To custom fit your golf clubs, the following information is needed:

• Your gender (male or female)

• Your height in your stockings or socks

• The distance from your wrist (where it bends) to the floor (without shoes)

• What club you use at the 135 meter marker

• Handicap, age, swing speed

Firstly, your gender is used to put you into the correct fitting scale. Then, your height and the distance in inches from your wrist to the floor are used together to determine the length of golf club that is appropriate for you. (About 80% of golfers are Standard length.)

Your age, handicap, estimated golf swing speed and club you use at the 135 meter marker are all combined to determine the shaft flex that is appropriate for you.

Club Length & Flex

With regards to the length of your club there’s one main point you should consider: a longer golf club will hit further given the same swing speed - so length can be a good thing. But, as I’m sure you’re thinking, it can’t be that simple. And you’re right! Since the swing arc is longer, it often is also harder to keep under control - so length can be a bad thing. All things being equal, most golfers will opt for longer length to the sacrifice of greater control. But there’s still a decision to be made!

The standard length of a steel shafted Driver for a man is 44 inches. Graphite shafted drivers are manufactured 1 inch longer than steel shafted clubs because graphite shafts weigh less than steel shafts allowing us to produce a longer club with the same swing . The proper length of a golf club is a function of your height and the length of your arms. Some golf shop provide a Custom Fitting Wizard that determines the correct length for you with just a few simple measurements.

Flex is the torsional stiffness of the golf club, which is provided by the type of golf club shaft that is used. Generally, stiffer shafts are better for stronger hitting golfers.

The proper flex of a golf club is a function of your strength and golfing skills. Determining the correct flex is most important for your Woods and longer Irons. Short irons, wedges and putters are not impacted very much by the different flexes as the differences between flexes becomes very small in the shorter clubs.

Loft & Lie Adjustments

A lie adjustment requires bending the hardened metal in which an iron is cast. We strongly advise getting your lie fitting done in person. Online fittings while accurate do not take into account your natural ball address. Some players are more naturally upright and some like to lean into the ball. Once you have lie adjusted a club it is usually not a good idea to re-adjust if you later find it was the wrong adjustment.

From years of building experience we find it rare to need more than a 2 degree adjustment upright or flat, therefore we only perform lie adjustments to either extreme.

Woods, hybrid clubs and putters can not be adjusted. The reason these clubs can not be adjusted is because the hosel of each is cast in a way where physically bending the head at all will cause damage. In woods and hybrids it will ***** or bend the crown of the club, and putter hosels are not made with the strength required for adjustment after the casting process.

Loft adjustments require a different type of bend than a lie adjustment. Some people receive advice in which they require a certain loft adjustment. We have never understood loft adjustments since it merely changes the loft of the club. We recommend buying golf clubs matching the loft you seek and avoid custom loft adjustments. Bending the loft of an iron weakens the hardened metal and can lead to future metal fatigue, since the actual bend twists the metal to an extent. If the loft of your 5 iron is too strong, use a 6 iron. If it is too weak, use a 4 iron.



Clyde

GRUMP asked:


I just finished up a golf class last week put on by ESPN in which they gave you a set of Nike Ignite clubs to get started, namely; 4-9 irons, pw, 3-hybrid and a putter. I added a cheap driver (which I’m planning on upgrading to a Nike Summo) and a Wilson 58 deg sand wedge as well. I have played the past two months with this set and feel that I may need more fairway clubs especially for the 5 pars. I’m getting mixed up between some saying I need a 3 and a 5 wood while others say I need 5, 7 and 9 wood. As well, I’m mixed up whether I should get hybrids (like the #3 that I have) to take the place of the woods. Does anyone have suggestions on what I should get to complete my set? BTW, I do like wedges and would like to add either a LW or a GW to my set. Thanks!

Judith

Sean Cochran asked:


Are you too confused about weight training for golf?

There are many opinions in the golf world on whether weight training is beneficial or counter-productive to the golf swing.

On the PGA Tour it is a well-known fact that the majority of professional golfers are implementing golf fitness exercises into their training regimen. The goal of such golf fitness exercises is to improve their play on the golf course.

First and foremost, as a professional strength and conditioning coach on the PGA Tour, I see the benefits of a golf specific exercise program are well documented.

The confusion for most amateur golfers probably centers around what specific training modalities and exercises should they include in their golf fitness programs and what are the professional golfers doing.

I get a lot of questions on how are the professional golfers programs set-up, what specific exercises do they incorporate in their programs, and are the exercises in such programs similar to those found in local health clubs. A lot of people ask me if they should include actual dumbbell and barbell exercises into their golf exercise program.

The goal of this article is to provide you information on what the components, modalities, and exercises that compromise a good golf fitness program.

I will also provide you with a breakdown and sequence of a good golf fitness program.

First and foremost, I need to define a few terms to help you create an understanding of the basic goals of a golf fitness program. The main goal of a golf fitness program should be to improve your golf game through the development of your physical body. In order for you to meet this goal, the golf exercises within your program must develop the body relative to the golf swing.

At this point, I must explain a few things about the biomechanics of the golf swing. The golf swing is a total body athletic activity. Meaning the entire body is utilized to swing the golf club. Just as in baseball, you do not throw with only you’re your, but rather your entire body. The same is true of the golf swing; you swing the golf club with your entire body. This in the world of strength and conditioning is defined as an “integrated total body athletic action”.

The golf swing is easily defined as an athletic action incorporating the entire body to execute. Knowing this point, a golf fitness program must incorporate exercises for the entire body. A term we like to call “integration”. Integration is the utilization of exercises that incorporate the entire body. For example, the golf swing incorporates a rotational movement of the core (abdominals, lower back, hips, and obliques). An integrated golf specific exercise incorporating all these muscles would be a physio-ball Russian Twist in which all these muscles are working in a rotational pattern.

This is very different than isolating each muscle of the core and training them separately with isolation exercises such as abdominal crunches. The point to be made is; integrate the muscles of the body rather than isolating each muscle in a golf fitness program.

Secondly, the exercises within a golf fitness program must be “cross-specific” to the anatomical positions, movement patterns, and energy requirements of the golf swing. Simply stated this means train your body with exercises that place your body in the position your perform the golf swing, utilize exercises that move your body through the ranges of motion of the golf swing, and develop the needed energy requirements of golf.

For example, a golf swing is performed in a standing “athletic position”. Knowing this fact, it would probably be of greater benefit to perform a physio-ball squat rather than a seated leg extension for the golf swing, why? Because the physio-ball squat places your body in a position similar to a position in which the golf swing is executed. A leg extension isolates the quadriceps in a seated position, which does not train the body in an integrated movement pattern, nor in a position similar to the golf swing.

Cross-specific training results in a “transfer of training effect” onto to golf swing. This simply means the exercises you are performing directly affect your golf swing in a positive manner. One goal of a golf fitness program is to get the greatest amount of benefit from each of your exercises.

If you keep these two principles integration and cross-specific in mind when developing your golf fitness program. The choices made in the selection of exercises will undoubtedly be better for your golf swing.

Once these basic principles are understood you may begin the process of developing a golf fitness program. A golf fitness program consists of a series of modules. The modules are essentially different pieces of the program geared towards developing a specific improvement within the body. As a whole, the separate modules together comprise a golf fitness program. For example, flexibility training is one module that is contained within a golf fitness program. The goal of the flexibility module is to develop the flexibility parameters within the body required of the golf swing. Listed below in sequential order with a brief definition are the modules that comprise a comprehensive golf fitness program.

1. Flexibility Training: exercises to develop flexibility within the body required of the golf swing.

2. Balance Training: modalities geared toward improving your balance capacities in relation to the golf swing.

3. Joint Integrity Training: Exercises to develop strength and endurance in the joints of the body. Injury prevention based exercises for the shoulders, hips, and knees.

4. Core Training: Exercises to develop the required stabilization, strength, and endurance in the core region of the body for the golf swing. Utilizes a variety of modalities and equipment such as physio-balls, medicine balls, tubing, and dumbbells.

5. Total Body Training: Integrated total body strength, endurance, and power training exercises. Geared towards developing the needed strength, endurance, and power within the body in a cross-specific manner relative to the golf swing.

The most important principle to remember relative to the modules comprising a golf fitness program are the goals of each module and the order.

Training order is of the greatest importance with a golf fitness program.

Often times the golfer will attempt to develop power within their muscles before achieving the proper levels of flexibility that the demanding golf swing requires.

If you train this way, you will most likely develop power in the body, but you will likely not be able to use it effectively.

For example, if you develop greater amounts of power in the core region of the body, but don’t have the flexibility to execute a full shoulder turn. The ability of your body to utilize your increased power will be less than optimal. I can’t emphasize to you enough, keep the training order consistent as I outlined above.

Finally, the number of exercise choices you have in terms of flexibility, balance, joint integrity, core training, and total body exercises for the golf swing are too many to count.

There is also many types of equipment you can use for each component of your golf exercise program.

You can use stretch cords, tubing, medicine balls, dumbbells, and all other types of equipment within a golf fitness program. The points to keep in mind when choosing the actual exercises for your program are: 1) Do the exercises train the body in the anatomical positions of the golf swing? 2) Do the exercises take the body through the ranges of motion entailed within the golf swing? And 3) Do the exercises develop the required energy requirements of the golf swing?

If you use these questions in the decision making process of exercise selection, the final program you develop will most certainly be beneficial to your golf swing.

Sean Cochran

** The contents of this article are not to be considered as medical advice. Always consult a physician before beginning or changing any fitness program.**

This article is protected by copyright, 2006, BioForce, Ltd. All rights reserved.



Herman

Signilda asked:


I just read that some business school is requiring that its grad students learn golf since many business deals are made on the gofl course. Is this true? Does it just hold true for men? Is is a ‘boys club’ or are business women on the golf courses too?

Mario

The Sports HQ asked:


Sets for Beginners

You’ve decided to start playing golf for the first time and have booked your first golf lesson at the local driving range.

Before your first lesson the most important thing to do is purchase a suitable set of golf clubs; a golf set is the most cost-effective addition to your setup at the beginning of your golf career instead of purchasing golf clubs individually and a golf bag to store and transport the clubs to and from the golf course or driving range.

Which items of golf equipment are included in a beginner’s golf set? Four types of golf club are usually included; these are known as woods, irons and putters in addition to hybrid golf clubs which is a cross between an iron and a golf wood. In the game of golf a player is allowed to carry up to 14 golf clubs in their bag – in any combination. The cost of golf lessons from a professional can be expensive in addition to purchasing new golf clubs and equipment. If you’ve considered purchasing a set of used golf clubs before your first lesson – be cautious. Used golf clubs can work out to be a false economy if the items arrive with worn grips, fractured shafts (graphite) or missing head-covers. The cost of purchasing new golf clubs for beginners has fallen drastically in recent years with online retailers like The Sports HQ supplying factory direct golf equipment – offering typical savings of up to 85% - compared to the traditional retail store.

The Sports HQ for example manufacturers and supplies beginners golf sets in men’s, ladies and junior editions – with prices starting as low as £29.99 for a junior golf set to £49.99 for a beginner’s set of adult golf clubs. New golf sets from The Sports HQ all carry a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty for extra piece of mind; each golf set is tailored for the specific requirements of the player – for example lady flex shafts in graphite and stainless steel are fitted to all clubs included in the ladies golf set. The Texan Classics Junior Golf Set from The Sports HQ features junior flex shafts on all clubs including a titanium 3-wood, 7-8-iron and putter. All beginners’ golf sets include a deluxe stand bag to securely store each club to and from the golf course.

The Chicago SGS Complete Golf Clubs Set in men’s, ladies and left-handed includes a titanium 3-wood, a 3/4 hybrid rescue club which replaces the 3 and 4 long irons, in addition to 7 cavity back titanium reinforced irons (5-6-7-8-9-PW-SW) – all fitted with stainless steel shafts; the set is completed with a heel and toe balanced putter. All woods and irons included in the Chicago SGS set for beginners feature oversized club-heads for increased forgiveness on off-centre shots – this also inspires confidence and motivation to continue learning and practicing.

After progressing from the driving range to your first outing to a pitch and putt or actual golf course you’ll also require a number of inexpensive golf balls for the duration of the course. All players lose the odd golf ball here and there in the beginning; the transition from driving range to golf course is a big one – suddenly a number of environmental factors like wind speed and direction come into play, and for the newcomer this can translate into the occasionally lost golf ball. The addition of water and sand hazards can also play a main role in losing golf balls. There are two inexpensive solutions to replacing lost golf balls; lake balls are used golf balls which are salvaged from the bottom of vast lakes across the world and reconditioned to a Grade A standard; lake balls offer players the chance to play top brands including Titliest, Noodle and Strata at a fraction of the cost of brand new golf balls. A 2-dozen mix of grade A golf balls can be purchased for £4.99 from The Sports HQ. If you’re determined to play new golf balls – a 2-dozen box of Prosimmon Tour golf balls can be picked up from the same online retailer for £5.99.



Cindy