Here's a simple technique to improve your putting.
Before you can expect to putt well on greens with a slope, you need to learn to putt well on the flat.
This will train you to swing your putter through a straight line and hit the ball squarely on the face of the putter.
Now you need to get a putter that has a line on it that you can see clearly, as this will be the line that you will follow through to the center of the ball.
On the practice green (preferably one that you have at home, as this technique might not be appreciated) you will mark straight lines with a builders chalk line in several directions from the center of the hole spanning out around the green.
Getting someone to hold the chalk line at the center of the cup will make the process easier.
Now move around the green flicking the line to leave chalk marks along the ground.
Next - place your golf ball on the line leaving some of the line on the ground visible behind the ball. This will help you to guide your swing.
You will then be able to swing your putter using the line on the ground as a guide and the line on the putter itself to connect with the center of the ball.
In a very short time you should find that you are managing to putt from a relatively good distance and get the ball in the hole most of the time.
This will help you to develop the correct posture and consistency to putt well.
After doing this for a while from different positions on the green, move the ball off the line and visualize that there is still a line on the ground by creating it in your mind, looking from the ball to the cup and back again several times.
Line up your putter as before and look at the line on your putter to hit the center of the ball with this spot on your club.
You are now retraining yourself to see an invisible line from the ball to the cup that you can use on any green you play on.
A Unique Putting Tip
A Few More Putting Tips
How often have you been frustratingly close to sinking a putt only to come up short?
Or maybe you have only just missed the hole to see your ball go sailing past adding too much distance for the return putt.
A lot of games have been lost on the putting green and in most instances it has been due to the wrong distance, rather than the direction of the ball.
Most beginners quickly get a feel for the direction the ball will travel, even on sloping greens.
You've probably seen it yourself when a newcomer to the game places the ball within inches of the hole on a sloping green time and time again.
What you won't see quite so often is the ball stopping a few inches past the hole when they miss.
There are many factors that come into account when determining the distance a ball will travel on the green, from the slope, to the preparation of the green and whether it is wet and slow or dry and fast.
It can make a huge difference depending on the time of the day with greens getting faster as they dry off in the afternoon sun.
So reading the distance of a putt is what you really need to concentrate on to get your ball to drop in that hole.
Once again it all comes back to practice and there is no better practice than on the day of the tournament in the conditions that you will be playing in.
Always take some time to have a few practice putts before you start play to 'dial in' your distance.
One thing you must always remember; the golf ball will never drop if it doesn't reach the hole.
Sounds too obvious to even need mentioning doesn't it, but more often that not putts will come up short.
Always aim for the back of the cup so that, provided you have your direction right, you are going to have a chance of making the putt.
A Balanced Approach
Golf is all about balance. You need to get the right balance on your feet, in the movement of your body, in the swing of the clubs and so on.
Balance goes further than just the body however.
You need a balanced approach to the game with your mind in sync with your body.
You need to only consider the one stroke that you are playing and not let other holes impact on your balance.
When we get golf lessons we're taught about the distribution of weight on our feet and the weight distribution when we swing to strike the ball.
Many of the techniques seem foreign to the beginner but it is all about training the player to find balance in their game so the actions are effortless and natural.
Our balance should flow through with the movement of the swing in one fluid action to the striking of the ball and even after the ball has been hit with a balanced follow through.
It is a natural feeling that will become second nature with practice.
It is through finding balance in your mind and body that you will start hitting consistently good shots.
Without this it will be very difficult to find any consistency in your game.
Once you get your upper body correctly positioned behind the ball, you will find that you are naturally placing more weight on the back foot.
Try it next time you have a practice swing.
Stand balanced on your feet with no more pressure on the front of the foot than the back.
Position yourself behind the ball and gently swing through without making any effort to concentrate on the distribution of the weight on you feet.
You will find that this will come naturally with no effort at all and that is precisely how you should feel when you are striking the ball.
How To Hit Out Of A Golf Bunker
Until you discover how to hit out of a golf bunker, golf can be a very frustrating game. Of course ideally you would not hit into the bunker in the beginning, but even the champions find their balls rolling into sand from time to time. Some courses have so many bunkers that there seems to be no other place for the ball to go.
Even on a course that has only a few bunkers, many golfers find that their balls seem to be attracted to them as if they were magnetic. What is sometimes happening here is that even if consciously we are thinking that we must avoid it, focusing our minds on the bunker leads our body to direct the shot there. Therefore, when you are playing past or over a bunker, ignore it and keep your focus fixed on the flag.
If your ball does land in the sand in spite of your best efforts, here is how to get it out. As ever, the stance is vital. To avoid your feet sinking or slipping, work them into the sand a little to have a firm stance. Keep the weight more toward the left leg if you are right handed, or the right leg if you are left handed.
If you have an open lie, take a sand wedge and keep its face square to the flag as you swing down steeply. Swing and follow-through are smooth and equal. Have the club enter the sand around two inches ahead of the ball and exit an equal distance beyond the ball. The exit must be correct in order to send the ball flying straight up out of the bunker.
To practice this shot, start by marking two lines in the sand, around 4 inches apart. Without using a ball, practice having your sand wedge enter the sand on the first line and exiting on the second line. The depth should be just about a half inch. When you are consistently taking out sand at the right depth and distance, place the ball and repeat the shot so that the ball is simply carried out with the sand.
A buried lie in the bunker can be helped by closing the club face when entering the sand, still two inches ahead of the ball. Practice with a pitching wedge and 9 iron as well as the sand wedge to find which works best for you in this situation. Keep in mind that once on the green, the ball will travel further because the sand has absorbed any backspin.
Another shot that you can learn to handle with practice is a buried lie in the bank. Many beginning golfers instinctively try to scoop the ball out with an upward swing but that will create an ineffective, haphazard shot. Instead, send the sand wedge into the bank just under the ball, and the ball should soar up out of the golf bunker onto the green.
How To Correct Your Golf Slice
Most beginning and more experienced amateur golfers need to know how to correct golf slice from time to time. It is the most common mistake in the swing and even after correction, can reappear with frustrating frequency.
Many problems like this would be avoided if everybody took professional lessons right at the beginning of their golfing, but of course most of us didn't do that. Most golfers start out playing in a casual way and only take lessons after they find that they enjoy the game. At that time, many bad habits have already developed.
Slicing the ball creates a side spin that sends the ball away from the intended direction of the shot. It is a very common mistake because it is difficult to correct.
It is possible to buy a wrist band or elbow strap that will restrain the arm so that it follows a more correct path during the swing. This will often help and it is worth trying these restraints, which you can easily find online.
You can also practice some drills for the swing which have been developed by researchers at the University of Southern Carolina. These exercises divide the swing into a number of different sections which are practiced separately. After the body has learnt the correct movement for each part, they are put together to form a full swing. The theory is that the brain learns the individual actions more easily this way, and will co-ordinate them better.
Often a golfer will find that they have particular trouble with just one part of the swing. In that case, the drill for that section can be worked on by itself. Many golfers know from friends or a coach that they have a particular swing fault. There is the 'toe-in' drill that affects the position of the body during the swing. The 'split hand' drill allows the golfer to correct the release by becoming aware of the path of the swing.
Seeing the path of the swing can be very effective as a corrective measure, especially if you swing from outside in. Here is how to do it. Stand in front of a mirror so that you can clearly see, without being so close that you risk breaking it in the follow-through. Take a club - but not a ball - and swing very slowly as if you wanted to drive a ball through the center of the mirror. Stop at the half way point of the follow through. Without moving your head, look to see if you can see your nose. You should not be able to see it, because the head of the club should cover your view of it in the mirror.
Another drill involves looking at the mirror right through the swing. You should see the image of the club going through the line of your eyes in the mirror, on both the swing and the follow-through. Practice your swing until this happens consistently.
Maintaining good flexibility in your body can have a very beneficial effect on the swing. The back, hips and shoulders are particularly important. If you are stiff or have restricted movement in any joints, your game will suffer. Yoga exercises are very good for improving flexibility, or ask your coach to suggest some exercises to help you loosen up and correct golf slice.
Golf Putting Tips: Improve Your Game Today
Most putting tips that you will find in golf books or online concentrate on improving your aim. This is not the only thing that you can do to boost your putting technique, but of course accuracy is important.
The best way to increase the accuracy of your aim is to improve the contact between the putter head and the ball, so that it is straight and you are using the right area of the putter head. If you are constantly compensating for a tendency to hit the ball slightly off, this makes every putt a hit-and-miss affair.
Something that you can do when practicing (and even in a match, under most rules) is to draw two parallel lines on the ball with about a half inch between them, and corresponding lines on your putter. Practice until you can hit the ball so that the lines exactly meet, every time. You are pretty sure to find that this increases the accuracy of your putts, and when it has become natural you can stop drawing the lines with equal success.
It is often worth trying a new putter. Even if you are very happy with your current club you could maybe borrow or rent a couple of different ones and try them out. If you have had yours for a long time, your game has probably changed and another type of putter could be better for you now. Give them try before deciding whether to stand or switch.
Most professionals advise taking a bold approach to putting, and shoot strongly. Even on a fast smooth green you should not make your shot too soft. Generally it is better to send the ball past the hole than to stop before it.
Keep in mind that if your putt is accurate, but not strong enough, it will always miss the hole. But if your putt is accurate and too strong, it will probably go in. Dave Pelz (aka Professor Putt) used a robot to carry out a study that proved that the best putts were strong enough to have carried the ball as far as 17 inches beyond the hole, if they had not been sunk.
A strong putt that misses the hole will also tell you a lot about the green. You can learn from this to have a better chance of sinking the return shot. You will also find out more about your style and any tendencies or bad habits that you are developing. If your putt stops short of the hole, on the other hand, you learn almost nothing.
With all golf shots, practice is vital, and never more so than with putting. This does not mean you have to hit the ball exactly the same way over and over. Your practice sessions can bring flexibility and new ideas to your game, because you can vary your usual style in practice time and try out all the putting tips that you find.
Your Own Personal Golf Pro at Every Outing
Have you ever considered what the source of your problems might have been when you just finished a poor round of golf?
Many people will be surprised to know that most of their problems stemmed from the way they were holding their clubs.
You probably already know the situation I am about to describe. You hit a bad shot and then you tell yourself that the next shot has to be better to compensate and the pressure begins to grow.
Along with the increasing pressure is a tendency to grip the clubs too hard. Tension has a tendency to make us do that. Along with this tight grip we have on the club goes a corresponding loss of control.
The ball starts flying in all directions, and the tension builds ever more, until you look at your knuckles and they are white from the pressure.
If your clubs had to breath you would have choked them by now.
I had a playing partner who had a simple list of instructions that he would read when his game started to fall apart and at the top of that list was 'don't strangle the clubs'.
It's simple and we all know about it, but this visual reminder was all that it would take to get his game back on course and ensure that the tension wasn't there in the rest of his game.
This technique of having written guidelines was so powerful that several other people started using it. It's like having your own personal golf pro walking with you and giving you the necessary instructions when things started to go wrong.
Those words would allow him to focus on the next shot and release all the tension that would have otherwise crept into his game.
Try carrying your own list of 'game savers' around with you next time and don't hesitate to read them at the first sign your game might be falling apart.
It is an incredibly powerful technique.
Get Away At Pinehurst Resort
If you really want to savor atmosphere on your next trip away from home, the Pinehurst Resort is a likely option to really make you feel as though you’re experiencing something fresh and new. Located in North Carolina, you’ll enjoy the ambiance of the south, while indulging in all this great resort has to offer.
Open for over 100 years, the Pinehurst Resort is the ultimate when it comes to luxury and style. The accommodations are above and beyond necessity and provide that something extra you want on a vacation.
The Carolina
The plantation-esque design will leave you feeling very much at home in this southern luxury hotel. It includes 220 guest rooms and suites included for the conscious traveler. Guests have access to business and meeting rooms, shopping centers and restaurants. You can dine in style and purchase the latest gear to improve your golf game. Regardless of what it is you want, The Carolina has it available to you, from room service to bike rentals, from valet parking to dining services.
The Holly Inn
The Holly Inn is a beautiful place to stay that captures the essence of history all within a hotel. By taking you back in time, you can let go of all of your modern day worries and frustrations. The Holly Inn has 82 guest rooms and suites and conference rooms for those can’t wait business needs. You can’t pass up the 1895 Grille, which is a fantastic restaurant that specializes in southern food. Likewise, The Tavern—a Scottish bar—is a great place to visit after a long day.
Once more, all of the fabulous amenities and accommodations themselves are located a reasonable distance from the Pinehurst Resort facilities.
The Manor
The Manor has a very “lodge-y” feel and will suit the sports enthusiast’s taste for the outdoors. Frill and fanciness are great for some people, but The Manor brings it all home, leaving you feeling comfortable and relaxed in this getaway spot. With 45 guest rooms and suites, you’re bound to find something that suits your tastes. The Pine Room is a great place to relax and enjoy a communal environment, while the Hackers Bar and Grill offers a casual dining experience for all. Stay at The Manor and enjoy your home away from home!
While You’re Here
There are tons of things you can do while staying at the Pinehurst Resort. If you love being outdoors or just want to melt away your stress, there’s something here for you.
There are 8 golf courses nestled onto the grounds of Pinehurst—that’s more than any other resort in the U.S.! Spanning from over a hundred years old to just a decade, courses 1-8 each bring something special to the golfing experience. Not suited for any one particular type of golfer, these courses challenge all types of players and help you improve your game.
You can even take golf lessons at the Golf Advantage School right on the grounds of Pinehurst. Improve your game on the spot where champions have played.
There are also tons of golf packages available so you can enjoy your stay and play at a reasonable rate. Or, if kicking back and relaxing is more you’re thing, The Spa at Pinehurst is a must-visit. Offering the latest in massage therapy and treatments, you can be sure that your money will be well spent here. Spa packages are available.
While quite pricey, The Pinehurst Resort gives you your money’s worth by means of excellent rooms, fantastic greens and top-notch relaxation.
Golfing in Ireland - Ballybunion Old
Ballybunion is a fantastic golf club located in Kerry, Ireland. Consisting of two courses—the Old course and the Cashen course, Ballybunion Golf Club is intended for committed golfers with a need for a challenge and some serious patience.
One thing that’s truly fantastic about Ballybunion is that the courses are set right into nature—the dunes were naturally present in the rolling area of Kerry, so it only took a little bit of craftwork to shape and form the area into the golf courses you can visit today.
The Old Course
It’s just a fact: most people come to Ballybunion Golf Club for the Old Course. It’s located on the Shannon estuary and is right by the seashore, provided players with a wonderful view and inspiring location to make the most of their game.
It is said that this course is great for all different types of golfers that practice different methods of play. The course is difficult but fair, according to the official website—http://www.ballybuniongolfclub.ie
The course also looks very natural and has grass-covered dunes and uphill, downhill and sidehill shots. It may seem very difficult—because it is—but it’s also a lot of fun and a real challenge to dedicated golfers from all around the world.
The Cashen Course
Since that it is the newer course, the Cashen Course has a lot to measure up to, considering it is a part of the Ballybunion Golf Club and has the Old Course as its competition. But this course stands on it’s own and is a great golf attraction in its own right.
Surrounded by the ocean and a river, The Cashen Course is unique and inviting to all who play on its rolling green. According to the official website, all 18 holes are uniquely challenging and make for an exciting game every time. By the time you finish, you’ll be planning your next trip to Ballybunion Golf Club just so you can play on the spectacular greens!
Since it is a members only golf club, there are specified times when you can play during the week and then even more limited playing options on the weekends. The rules are also quite strict with a dress code and other stipulations you should be aware of before booking a reservation. Keep also in mind that these golf courses have a handicap of 24 for men and 36 for women, of which you’ll need to supply proof.
Even with the rules and hefty price tag, Ballybunion is a fantastic place to visit. The views are spectacular and the golfing experience is one-of-a-kind. Nowhere else can you experience such a close bond to nature and practice your back swing at the same time!
Be sure to check out the guest houses on the Cashen Course and the surrounding accommodations such as The Manor Inn, The 19th Golf Lodge and Cliff House Hotel to ensure you’re right in the heart of the action. Some of these hotels may also provide “stay and play” packages aimed at saving you money and encouraging you to check out the golf links in the area.
After all, there’s no place more beautiful that overlooking the ocean from the coast of Ireland. Why not throw golf into the mix and enjoy your favorite game AND your favorite view?
All About Pebble Beach
Surrounded by Monterey Bay, Carmel and Monterey, you can already pretty much tell just how beautiful Pebble Beach is. With scenic views and inspiring sights, this town has all you need for a fantastic getaway.
In fact, Pebble Beach is often frequented by celebrities that love to play a round of golf now and again. Jack Nicholson is even quoted on the official Pebble Beach website—www.pebblebeach.com—stating that the golf courses at these resorts are his favorite.
But enough of celebrity endorsement. You’re probably wondering why these resorts are perfect for you and your vacation plans. Home to three fantastic resorts, Pebble Beach offers the best of luxury and golf for those who want it the most.
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Providing some of the finest accommodations available, The Lodge at Pebble Beach offers luxury and comfort wrapped up in a traditional package. The guest rooms offer beautiful views of the gardens, the ocean and even the spectacular sight of Carmel Bay. There are also spa rooms and suites available for those individuals that wish to indulge themselves in luxury. Each suite is equipped with an outdoor whirlpool and garden.
You certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do at The Lodge. Clay tennis courts, fitness rooms and classes, the spa, equestrian center and kayak tours all make The Lodge the “it” place for luxurious travelers that want to make the most of their stay.
A whole array of dining options are available as well. Stillwater Bar & Grill, Club XIX and The Tap Room are just a few of the restaurants meant to indulge your taste buds.
Not to mention you can shop like a pro at one of the dozens of shops that line the walkways of the resort. You can buy everything you need for the ultimate golf game, purchase gear for your next tennis match or deck yourself out in the latest duds. Regardless, The Lodge offers nothing but the best when it comes to luxury.
The Inn at Spanish Bay
You can think of The Inn as a getaway from all of the hustle and bustle of the world. Whether you prefer a view of the forest, the golf courses or the ocean, the guest rooms at The Inn are sure to satisfy your desires. However, if you’re true wish is to entertain, then a suite is more up your alley. The luxury suites have massive floor plans designed just for those illustrious guests that prefer throwing parties for their closest friends.
With an exclusive tennis club, fitness rooms and heated freshwater pool, you’ll be sure to soak up the life with the recreation activities at The Inn. Take tennis lessons or soak in the spa. Follow one of the beautiful paths for a hike or go horseback riding. Regardless of what you enjoy doing, there’s something for everyone here.
And don’t forget the lovely meals you can indulge in at Spanish Bay. Restaurants such as Peppoli, Roy’s and Sticks are all excellent choices to try while staying at The Inn. You can even get some shopping done for some souvenirs or a few items to enhance your golf game.
Casa Palmero
Designed in Mediterranean style, Casa Palmero is a great place to get away from it all. With only 24 rooms, you’re guaranteed to have your every need taken care of and your comfort treated with the utmost seriousness.
You have your choice of several different types of rooms and suites when staying at the Casa Palmero. There are estate rooms, estate studios, spa rooms, courtyard suites and even the Palmero Suite, which is an exclusive place to stay with a living room, fireplace and even a courtyard.
As a guest at the Casa Palmero, you get exclusive access to the Beach & Tennis club wherein you can play tennis for leisure or even have lessons to improve your skills. The fitness center offers an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, weights and even yoga classes for guests.
And for your dining pleasure, be sure to check out Traps, SpyGlass Hill Grill and Del Monte Bar & Grill to satisfy your appetite. You certainly can’t forget the shopping options, either, as many shops surround all of the Pebble Beach resorts and are easy to walk to during your stay.
The Golf Courses
Of course, no trip to Pebble Beach would be complete without a round of golf or ten! Each of the resorts offer “Stay and Play” packages that provide you with a discount for staying there and playing golf at a couple of the courses in Pebble Beach.
There are several golf courses in Pebble Beach including:
-Pebble Beach Golf Links
-The Links at Spanish Bay
-Spyglass Hill Golf Course
-Del Monte Golf Course
-Peter Hay
You can even attend the Pebble Beach Golf Academy for expert tips on improving your game. Or, if you prefer a one-on-one approach, there are private lessons available.
Pebble Beach is also the site of several golf tournaments and events including the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, New Year’s Tournament and the First Tee Open.
Often at the top of the golf course lists—it was ranked number one in Golf Digest Magazine in 2004—Pebble Beach is the place to go for a fantastic golf experience. Whether you’re very experienced or just enthusiastic, Pebble Beach is, at the very least, a great place to stay to enjoy the view and get away from it all.
