A Windy Day At The Golf Course

Many golf aficionados know that wind and golf don’t exactly go together. This is especially true for windstorms.

You see, a windstorm and other strong gusts can send your golf ball in all directions. And normally, it goes in the direction that you aren’t aiming for. This is why it is strongly recommended that you avoid playing when there are strong headwinds. This not only sends your ball flying off. It may even cause a few sand storms and what-have-you.

You needn’t worry though should you find yourself on the golf course on a windy day. Here are some techniques that may just save your game—and your day:

It isn’t just the ball that can fly off. Your lightweight club is likewise prone to strong gusts of wind. To prevent this from ruining your game further, try and hold it an inch lower than you normally do. This way, you have more control as you hit that ball. Albeit at the expense of some badly needed distance. But in these conditions, just be thankful you are able to hit at all.

Think that you’re less prone to headwinds? A lot of people tend to think that their heavier weight (relative to the ball and club) makes them less susceptible to those strong gusts. They have it all wrong. On the contrary, a stationary object such as a person setting up for shot (stance and all) can be easily disturbed by these windy conditions. You may not be blown away. You will however, find it rather difficult to make that shot. Try to widen your stance a bit. The lower center of gravity makes for more control and less susceptibility to winds.

Maybe the wind isn’t all that bad. Did we hear a few protestations back there? But if you think about it, it’s true. Why not try and aim your ball into the direction of the wind. And see how the wind helps it land better by pushing it back a bit.

While you’re at it, you may want to take your shots “behind the wind”. This way, you can again use the wind to bring your ball a lot further downrange.

Admittedly, not everyone likes playing golf in windy conditions. And with good reason for it can get messy indeed. This is especially true when it comes to scoring. Scores and handicaps aside, a round of golf on a windy day can actually be quite an interesting experience. Just make sure you know how.

Dealing With Problems With Your Golf Club Driver

Problems with golf club drivers are common. Be it their slice or hook, golfers everywhere are looking for ways to improve their game. We’ve compiled some tips that could that could help you reduce the slice or hook and effectively help you score better.

It is important to practise your swing. I know, you must be saying that you practise your swing several times, every day. Have you tried practising to swing your club “easier and more fluid”? Concentrating on swinging easy can drastically improve your performance. It will improve your ability to position yourself for a good approach shot. Your swings will also make more consistent impacts with the ball. This will reduce the amount of side-spin.

Try to switch to a low spin ball. With a lower spin off the tee, your ball is going to go in more straight regardless of whether your ball moves right or left. Some good examples of low spin ball are the Titleist DT SoLO, the Maxfli Noodle and the Precept Laddie. Low spin balls will be a huge help in reducing the side spin that is placed on the ball.

Again, the best way to address your problems with your golf club driver is practise, practise and more practise. Practise even without a club in your hand. During quiet or free times in your day, close your eyes and visualise yourself holding the club.

Visualisation is a very powerful tool. You must have heard the story of the POW who was holed up in Vietnam years ago. The driving force that made him survive his ordeal was his constant visualisation and concentration on practising his shots. He would close his eyes and shut himself off from the rest of the world. In his mind, he was back on the golfing greens making perfect shot after shot. When he and his mates were finally released and he was able to head back home, his first shot was a hole in one. Visualisation is indeed a very powerful tool. And so is the will to succeed.

So don’t give up just yet. The tips above, practise and visualisation can help you with your slice and hook. And before you know it, your troubles with your golf club driver will be a thing of the past.

Preparing For A Relaxing Round Of Golf

A lot of people consider a round of golf a fantastic way to relax. This is especially true for the company presidents, doctors, lawyers and other busy and stressed out executives.

Think about it. You’re stressed out from all the week’s pressures and problems at the office. Add to this, the domestic squabbles at home. This makes that round of nine- or 18-hole golf a truly welcome change. The relaxed walks on the greens, the swings that allow you to release all that tension. Even that putt can help melt away all that stress.

In order to achieve a stress-free game however, some preparation is in order. We aren’t simply talking about that golf swing. We’re pretty certain you’ve been practising long and hard for it. Here are the other things we are referring to:

1. It is always advisable to start early. We don’t necessarily mean “early morning” By early, we mean getting to the course way ahead of time. At least half an hour would be sufficient. Don’t simply go the course and start playing. This makes for more stress. Take the time to check your equipment at the golf shop (if you’ll be renting). You may likewise want to use the lavatory first. Remember that the game can last for hours. And restrooms are few and far between out on the green. It is likewise advisable to do some stretching before the game. A simple warm up can go a long way.

2. An excellent place to begin your warm up is on the putting green. Remember that this is where games are won or lost. You may already be a pro when it comes to putting. It is still a good idea though, to do a few practise putts before the game begins. This can actually get you “into the groove of the game”.

3. You may likewise want to practise chipping and swinging while you’re putting away. Chipping helps you determine how smoothly the ball will roll on the course. And a few practice swings helps you loosen up for that upcoming round.

4. You can sometimes get so preoccupied with practising that you tend to lose track of the time. It is therefore advisable to keep track of how long you practise. Make sure that you give a few minutes in between your warm up and tee time. This way, you can walk up to the tee off area as leisurely as possible.

5. Be prepared for all weathers! Dress for rain, sun and maybe even snow. Most golf clothing for men is specially designed to be used out on the course and so is waterproof.

The last thing you need is to scurry to the golf course. Haven’t you done enough scurrying already? Relax and have a wonderful round of golf. It can sure go a long way in recharging your tired old body.