There are some good golf websites available. For me, the official golf websites are well worth visiting. Here are a few that are recommended.
PGA of America
Let us start with the PGA of America website. This pro golfers web-site has excellent resources and presentation. From golf tips, to golf travel as well as coverage of the professional game. The website also includes a number of video clips and equipment guide.
St Andrews Links
This is the websites of the St Andrews Links. It has good presentation, and a variety of details relating to St Andrews Links. Included on the website is a picture gallery of the courses, including wallpaper and screen-saver. Also included is accommodation of the town, and details of other local sites of St Andrews.
Golf.com
This is a general golf site. It covers most areas, including golf tips, equipment guides, golf course details and course rankings as well as the pro game. Golf.com also includes video.
USGA
This is the official site of the US Golf Association. While the site does include registration and membership, quite a lot is available without. The site includes guides on USGA championships, clubs and courses. In addition to this, the site also links to the USGA museum, which seemingly is another website.
USGA Museum
As mentioned, this is linked to on the USGA site. The USGA Museum site, provides details of the museum, and is also interactive. With good presentation, it includes a Hall of Champions, exhibits and artifacts of the museum, a photo gallery and film archive covering golfing heritage.
The Masters
The official site of the Masters is the best site for this most prestigious Major. Aside from the event, it provides an Augusta course guide with details on each of the 18 holes and landmarks. In addition, the site includes three golf related games, such as the putting game. This site also includes Master's records and stats. Overall, it has good presentation and content.
Overall, these are a few recommended golf sites. Official websites such as The Masters, St Andrews Links, along with PGA of America, PGAE of Europe, USGA and Golf.com.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Golf vacations in Europe
If you are keen on a golf vacation, then Europe has a good few destinations for these. Consider the likes of Spain, Portugal or the UK for a golf trip.
Indeed, the Iberian Peninsula is recommended. Here, Portugal and Lisboa provide a good vacation for golf. In fact, Lisboa has been regarded as the best in Europe for golf vacations.
Alternatively, consider the Western Algarve, and the Parque da Floresta Golf resort. Aside from a par 71 golf course, the resort also has spa and gym. In addition, the resort is well placed in the Algarve alongside beaches and villages. So, do consider some of the Floresta packages subject to availability.
The overall Mediterranean climate is better suited to golf. Likewise, its natural surroundings alongside beaches like the Cascais make Lisboa a good vacation spot.
In Spain, you cannot ignore the Costa del Sol. Or, should that be the Costa del Golf? For it is here, that some of Europe's best golf courses are. For example, the Valderamma golf course is one such.
The Marbella resort has some packages. For example, unlimited green fees on 18 & 9-hole golf courses at Marbella Club Golf a Spa resort. In addition to these golf courses you will find spa, and gourmet dining facilities.
Aside from Marbella, you may consider other Spanish courses. The PGA Catalunya is a 36-hole resort just off Barcelona. Here, it has two golf courses: the Tour and the Stadium. Overall, it has various current packages like the 2 tee and 3 PGA package. Both offer various green fees in addition with accommodation.
In Wales, the Marriott St Pierre Country Club has the championship Old Course. In addition, other facilities like Tennis, fitness club and pool are provided.
Alternatively, you might consider St Andrew's golf club. This historic course has hosted a number of championships, and there are other golf courses with modest fees. Aside from the golf, the British Golf Museum is worth a visit.
So overall, European golf vacations of the Iberian Peninsula and the United Kingdom are certainly worth noting. Beyond, the likes of France & Germany can also provide some possibilities for golf vacations. However, climates are better suited in those Mediterranean countries.
Monday, February 22, 2010
The Physics of Golf
The Physics of Golf, is a title that a popular book goes by on the subject. Theodore Jorensen's book provides players with a guide to how physics relates to the game. Ultimately, it relates to the ball & club design, ball trajectory (or flight) and swing dynamics.Looking at the swing itself first which is a great example of angular motion. Here, study of the swing has pointed to some sound swing principles that allow for better shots. Ultimately, club head velocity (speed) will determine a good amount of the distance. For, with greater velocity, greater kinetic energy will be transferred to the ball. Little wonder that golf pros with 100-mph swings can get the ball further than players who have slower swing speeds. Ultimately, the formula: distance = mass x acceleration, is a good summary.
The angle by which the club strikes the ball can also have an important effect. Some research carried out has suggested that there is also an optimum lie angle between club shaft and face for ball striking, relating to club head speed.
In addition, there we have that key term known as backspin. Without it, the ball will not go very far! Ultimately, backspin allows the ball to gain loft and stay longer in the air. At any rate, different backspin applied to the ball, will indeed, translate to different ball trajectory. For example, with insufficient backspin it will drop sooner, and not go so far. Ultimately, backspin relates to ball aerodynamics.
Moreover, with that, you cannot ignore the design of the ball itself. Today, golf ball design is dimpled. As such, a dimpled ball will travel a good deal further than a smooth one. This is because the ball dimples create turbulence, which prevents air pressure behind the ball from dropping. So better golf balls can give players an advantage.Golf clubs also have more advanced designs too. Their lighter-weight shafts, such as graphite, can allow for faster swings, and those long distance clubs do tend to have big club heads. Remember the part of mass in the distance formula?
In fact, the USPGA (United States Professional Golf Association) now give guidelines on golf ball as well as club design. Simply because, while the study of physics has greatly enhanced the design of clubs, it must remain the case that one club does not provide too much of a disparity over another club. As such, things like balls have a distance measurement.
Overall, golf physics make an interesting study for any golfer. For more on the subject, Jorenson's book could be well worth a look.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Top rated golf bags
Golf bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From cart bags, stand and carry bags and tour bags for on course. So, which can be said are the best bags?
Looking at the tour bags to begin with. The Nike SQ Sumo Tour Staff bag is worth a look, and will provide you with a top quality, top performance bag that gives value to boot. As the name suggests, the bag is linked to the Sumo line of Nike products. The bag accommodates all club sizes, and weighs in at 12.2 Ibs. It has 5 zippered pockets, 2 mesh water bottle packets and versatile cabinet door storage.
Alternatively, Callaway 10.5 inch PGA Championship Tour Staff Bag will give you another top quality choice. It offers supreme durability and a lot of storage space. A new power handle improves functionality and reduces weight to 10 Ibs only, which is 2.2 Ibs less than the Nike Sumo.
When we talk about stand bags, you cannot do better than the Wilson Feather Series 3LB Stand Bag for performance and value. It is an extremely light bag that weights in at 3Ibs, with a new stand that is integrated to the top to keep weight minimal. It also has a lightweight Swivelmax double strap, along with water-resistant fabric that will keep your clubs dry.
Kart bags are carried on golf trolleys and come in larger sizes. The PowaKaddy 7 Way Sport Cart Bag is a top quality bag in sports design, with both lightness and strength. This has been designed for carts and buggies. It has substantial rain-hood, a scuff protector and 4 grab handles. The PowaKaddy gets 5 star reviews, particularly for performance and value.
Or, you could take a look at the Ram Fxi Golf Cart bag. This gives you an 18 inch and 14 way divider top. It's a lightweight back that provides stability on a golf car and is certainly well worth considering.
So certainly, the Nike Sumo tour bag, Callaway Championship Tour Staff Bag, Wilson Feather Series, PowaKaddy and Ram Fxi are amongst the best on course bags available in their various forms. Used by professional tour staff, they seem the best choice. They all score highly for quality, performance and value and have positive customer reviews. They are indeed, top rated golf bags.
Looking at the tour bags to begin with. The Nike SQ Sumo Tour Staff bag is worth a look, and will provide you with a top quality, top performance bag that gives value to boot. As the name suggests, the bag is linked to the Sumo line of Nike products. The bag accommodates all club sizes, and weighs in at 12.2 Ibs. It has 5 zippered pockets, 2 mesh water bottle packets and versatile cabinet door storage.
Alternatively, Callaway 10.5 inch PGA Championship Tour Staff Bag will give you another top quality choice. It offers supreme durability and a lot of storage space. A new power handle improves functionality and reduces weight to 10 Ibs only, which is 2.2 Ibs less than the Nike Sumo.
When we talk about stand bags, you cannot do better than the Wilson Feather Series 3LB Stand Bag for performance and value. It is an extremely light bag that weights in at 3Ibs, with a new stand that is integrated to the top to keep weight minimal. It also has a lightweight Swivelmax double strap, along with water-resistant fabric that will keep your clubs dry.
Kart bags are carried on golf trolleys and come in larger sizes. The PowaKaddy 7 Way Sport Cart Bag is a top quality bag in sports design, with both lightness and strength. This has been designed for carts and buggies. It has substantial rain-hood, a scuff protector and 4 grab handles. The PowaKaddy gets 5 star reviews, particularly for performance and value.
Or, you could take a look at the Ram Fxi Golf Cart bag. This gives you an 18 inch and 14 way divider top. It's a lightweight back that provides stability on a golf car and is certainly well worth considering.
So certainly, the Nike Sumo tour bag, Callaway Championship Tour Staff Bag, Wilson Feather Series, PowaKaddy and Ram Fxi are amongst the best on course bags available in their various forms. Used by professional tour staff, they seem the best choice. They all score highly for quality, performance and value and have positive customer reviews. They are indeed, top rated golf bags.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Guide to stroke-play and match-play golf
In the game of golf today, stroke-play and match-play are two golf scoring systems. They are used in the professional championships, and more team based golf. Overall, they are not entirely similar.
To begin with stroke-play, which is the best established golf scoring. Stroke play relates to how many shots, or strokes are taken per each hole. So one stroke is one shot. A shot can be any putt, tee shot, fairway or bunker play. Even if no contact with the ball is made or the ball hardly moves, that is recorded as a shot. In addition to this, penalty strokes can also be added if the player needs to move the ball, drop ball or retake a shot.
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As such, stroke-play records how many shots for a golfer to finish a hole and then the golf course. For each hole, a par score is listed which can be par 3, 4 or 5 strokes. This relates to the hole's distance, with shorter holes par 3 and longer par 5. Overall, the par scores are good scores for any hole and scoring is measured with that.
(above) A golf scorecard
For example, a golfer can finish above or below par on any given hole. There are actually terms for a few scores above or below par. If a golfer finishes one over par, then that is a bogey. If the score is two over it is a double bogey and if three over par, then that is a triple bogey. However, one under the par score is a birdie, if two under then possibly an eagle on par 4 holes. A hole-in-one is when the hole is finished in one shot!
The overall par score for a golf course is the par sum of all the holes. It could be, for example, 31 or 35 over nine and 62 or 70 for an 18-hole golf course. A player may finish any number of strokes above par, or perhaps even a few under. Alternatively, to make par will finish exactly even.
To keep scores, players can note scores on the score card after each hole. Then these scores can be tallied for an overall total.
Golf stroke-play is universal in the game and is used for all the major championships such as US Open, The Masters, PGA Championship or UK Open. The players with the lowest scores for the golf round will win the championship.
However, match-play is used for the more team based Ryder Cup. In match-play, players can win, lose or tie a hole. Here, the players' scores for a hole are compared and the lowest score wins the hole, or alternatively if tied then half a hole is given to both players. For example, if nine holes were drawn then that would be 4.5 holes each. In addition, a further 5 holes won by a player would give a total score of 9.5-8.5. The player or team that wins the most holes wins the round.
So match-play is not won by the overall lowest scores, but for the more specific scores on holes. It is possible for a player to have more strokes overall, but still win a round with match-play.
Overall, either stroke-play or match-play can be used between players. Generally, stroke-play is better suited for non-team golf, while match-play is better for team events and can make for closer games overall.
To begin with stroke-play, which is the best established golf scoring. Stroke play relates to how many shots, or strokes are taken per each hole. So one stroke is one shot. A shot can be any putt, tee shot, fairway or bunker play. Even if no contact with the ball is made or the ball hardly moves, that is recorded as a shot. In addition to this, penalty strokes can also be added if the player needs to move the ball, drop ball or retake a shot.
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As such, stroke-play records how many shots for a golfer to finish a hole and then the golf course. For each hole, a par score is listed which can be par 3, 4 or 5 strokes. This relates to the hole's distance, with shorter holes par 3 and longer par 5. Overall, the par scores are good scores for any hole and scoring is measured with that.
(above) A golf scorecardFor example, a golfer can finish above or below par on any given hole. There are actually terms for a few scores above or below par. If a golfer finishes one over par, then that is a bogey. If the score is two over it is a double bogey and if three over par, then that is a triple bogey. However, one under the par score is a birdie, if two under then possibly an eagle on par 4 holes. A hole-in-one is when the hole is finished in one shot!
The overall par score for a golf course is the par sum of all the holes. It could be, for example, 31 or 35 over nine and 62 or 70 for an 18-hole golf course. A player may finish any number of strokes above par, or perhaps even a few under. Alternatively, to make par will finish exactly even.
To keep scores, players can note scores on the score card after each hole. Then these scores can be tallied for an overall total.
Golf stroke-play is universal in the game and is used for all the major championships such as US Open, The Masters, PGA Championship or UK Open. The players with the lowest scores for the golf round will win the championship.
However, match-play is used for the more team based Ryder Cup. In match-play, players can win, lose or tie a hole. Here, the players' scores for a hole are compared and the lowest score wins the hole, or alternatively if tied then half a hole is given to both players. For example, if nine holes were drawn then that would be 4.5 holes each. In addition, a further 5 holes won by a player would give a total score of 9.5-8.5. The player or team that wins the most holes wins the round.
So match-play is not won by the overall lowest scores, but for the more specific scores on holes. It is possible for a player to have more strokes overall, but still win a round with match-play.
Overall, either stroke-play or match-play can be used between players. Generally, stroke-play is better suited for non-team golf, while match-play is better for team events and can make for closer games overall.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Golf tips for Tee shots
The golf tee shot is the one that will likely cover most distance. For a par three, four or five hole it can make some difference. An ideal tee shot will go far and land on the fairway or green.
A suitable golf club for tee shots can be from a nine iron right to the longest clubs in the bag. This of course, relates to the holes' yardage and distance. However, it should be noted that shorter clubs can be more accurate. So consider using a slightly shorter club for the hole if there are trees, long rough etc.
Also consider a shorter tee shot, if it will be clear of the bunkers, rough etc. A longer tee shot that could fall in a bunker or rough may well do. You will need to aim away from such terrain.
For any hole, take note of the overall yardage. For this, a scorecard or even a course yardage book is good for reference. Yardage books can give more detailed guides, but at any rate the scorecard will list hole yardage from variable tees, and possibly some other details.
To tee up, there may be variable tee positions for the golf hole. To begin with, tee markers like red, yellow and white may be on the golf course. Red tees are the shortest distance tees and are most suitable for players who do not hit so far. White tees are longer markers, and are better for players that feel that a little more distance is suitable. You will likely do best with a red marker, but at any rate, tee up from a suitable tee marker.
Also worth noting is the tee position. You can tee off from the left or right side. Overall, if you tend to hit the ball more to the right then teeing from the left may be best. If the opposite, more leftward, then you can consider the right side. If one side of the hole seems better, then tee up from there.
The two types of tee are the wooden and plastic tees. These can be larger or smaller tees. Really, smaller tees are better for the more lofted clubs such as shorter irons, and then the longer tees are more suitable for less lofted clubs such as the woods. The longer clubs, the more tee is needed. While wooden tees are less durable than plastic tees, some favor them.
Overall, you will find that these tips could make some difference. So now it is time to tee off!
A suitable golf club for tee shots can be from a nine iron right to the longest clubs in the bag. This of course, relates to the holes' yardage and distance. However, it should be noted that shorter clubs can be more accurate. So consider using a slightly shorter club for the hole if there are trees, long rough etc.
Also consider a shorter tee shot, if it will be clear of the bunkers, rough etc. A longer tee shot that could fall in a bunker or rough may well do. You will need to aim away from such terrain.
For any hole, take note of the overall yardage. For this, a scorecard or even a course yardage book is good for reference. Yardage books can give more detailed guides, but at any rate the scorecard will list hole yardage from variable tees, and possibly some other details.
To tee up, there may be variable tee positions for the golf hole. To begin with, tee markers like red, yellow and white may be on the golf course. Red tees are the shortest distance tees and are most suitable for players who do not hit so far. White tees are longer markers, and are better for players that feel that a little more distance is suitable. You will likely do best with a red marker, but at any rate, tee up from a suitable tee marker.
Also worth noting is the tee position. You can tee off from the left or right side. Overall, if you tend to hit the ball more to the right then teeing from the left may be best. If the opposite, more leftward, then you can consider the right side. If one side of the hole seems better, then tee up from there.
The two types of tee are the wooden and plastic tees. These can be larger or smaller tees. Really, smaller tees are better for the more lofted clubs such as shorter irons, and then the longer tees are more suitable for less lofted clubs such as the woods. The longer clubs, the more tee is needed. While wooden tees are less durable than plastic tees, some favor them.
Overall, you will find that these tips could make some difference. So now it is time to tee off!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Golf Vacations
If you are interested in a golf vacation, then there are a few resort and courses that you may consider. Here are a few worth noting:
PGA Catalunya
Mediterranean golf vacation resorts can be popular. The Spanish PGA Catalunya is certainly a vacation resort that golfers should consider. The resort has two golf courses. The first is the Tour, which has broader fairways, and the Stadium course, which is more of a championship course.
Overall, the resort has additional amenities, and currently a 2-tee and 3 PGA package. The 2-tee package is shorter, while the 3 PGA is a longer package with three golf courses included.
Marbella Club Golf resort
Golf resorts of the Costa del Sol include the Marbella Club Golf & Spa Resort. This resort has an 18-hole course and a shorter 9-hole golf course. The 18-hole par 73 is on a 1000-acre estate. The resort also has various amenities.
Marbella has a 'Golf Unlimited' package. This includes green fees for both its longer and shorter golf courses as well as accommodation.
Pinehurst Country Club
This US golf resort includes some excellent courses. Championship calibre courses such as the par 72, Pinehurst Country Club's 2nd course is recommended. Other courses like the 7th also have some excellent holes and higher ratings.
Pebble Beach
Located on the Pacific coast-line of California the courses of Pebble Beach Resort make an excellent golf vacation. Pebble Beach is a great golf course, and includes some excellent holes like the 18th hole. Neighbouring Spy Glass Hill golf course is a sloped course, and has some good holes. Overall, two great golf courses for a vacation.
Parque Da Floresta resort
In the Western Algarve the resort of Parque Da Floresta is well placed, and includes a par 71 golf course layout amongst hilly terrain. In addition, it also includes other amenities such as spa and gym. Surrounding sandy beaches and villages are also nearby. Overall, with various packages and offers Parque Da Floresta is a good resort.
So overall, for golf vacations these are good resorts. They feature some great courses, packages, and amenities for golf vacations.
PGA Catalunya
Mediterranean golf vacation resorts can be popular. The Spanish PGA Catalunya is certainly a vacation resort that golfers should consider. The resort has two golf courses. The first is the Tour, which has broader fairways, and the Stadium course, which is more of a championship course.
Overall, the resort has additional amenities, and currently a 2-tee and 3 PGA package. The 2-tee package is shorter, while the 3 PGA is a longer package with three golf courses included.
Marbella Club Golf resort
Golf resorts of the Costa del Sol include the Marbella Club Golf & Spa Resort. This resort has an 18-hole course and a shorter 9-hole golf course. The 18-hole par 73 is on a 1000-acre estate. The resort also has various amenities.
Marbella has a 'Golf Unlimited' package. This includes green fees for both its longer and shorter golf courses as well as accommodation.
Pinehurst Country Club
This US golf resort includes some excellent courses. Championship calibre courses such as the par 72, Pinehurst Country Club's 2nd course is recommended. Other courses like the 7th also have some excellent holes and higher ratings.
Pebble Beach
Located on the Pacific coast-line of California the courses of Pebble Beach Resort make an excellent golf vacation. Pebble Beach is a great golf course, and includes some excellent holes like the 18th hole. Neighbouring Spy Glass Hill golf course is a sloped course, and has some good holes. Overall, two great golf courses for a vacation.
Parque Da Floresta resort
In the Western Algarve the resort of Parque Da Floresta is well placed, and includes a par 71 golf course layout amongst hilly terrain. In addition, it also includes other amenities such as spa and gym. Surrounding sandy beaches and villages are also nearby. Overall, with various packages and offers Parque Da Floresta is a good resort.
So overall, for golf vacations these are good resorts. They feature some great courses, packages, and amenities for golf vacations.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Recommended Golf Courses
Great golf courses, can be public venues or private. At any rate, there are some fine public courses as well as private for players to attempt. Here are a few golf courses, which are recommended:
Pebble Beach:
The golf course of Pebble Beach, in California, is well regarded. Located by the Pacific Ocean, this course has plenty to offer and some excellent holes. Consider the 18th golf hole, which curves around Monetary Bay. It has staged some big golfing events, and is a course of championship calibre. However, Pebble Beach is not strictly private, and the public can play it.
Bethpage State Golf Course:
Bethpage is a public golf course, which has also staged the US Open of 2002. As such, as one might gather, it has a higher course rating and is a tricky course to play at up to 7,000 yards. The golf course features some great holes, like the 13th-hole par 5.
Pinon Hills Golf Course:
Pinon Hills golf course, in New Mexico, is open to the public and is good value. With a more desert setting and good design; the golf course is considered a must-play.
The Links at Spanish Bay:
This golf course near to Pebble Beach is a Trent Jones course. Another exciting ocean course on the Monterey coast, it is a recommended golf course that some may consider playing on. Open to the public, it has some great holes such as the 14th which has well-placed bunkers.
The Ocean Course:
The Ocean Course is another resort golf course. This golf course is a coastal course, alongside the Atlantic. It is a links style golf course, with prevalent winds presenting a test. With some particularly good holes, such as the second, it is another recommended golf course.
So overall, these golf courses are open to play and are great courses. From Pebble Beach, to Bethpage, Pinon Hills, Spanish Bay and the Ocean Course are all recommended golf courses. Others like the Ocean Course can also be good vacation spots.
Pebble Beach:
The golf course of Pebble Beach, in California, is well regarded. Located by the Pacific Ocean, this course has plenty to offer and some excellent holes. Consider the 18th golf hole, which curves around Monetary Bay. It has staged some big golfing events, and is a course of championship calibre. However, Pebble Beach is not strictly private, and the public can play it.
Bethpage State Golf Course:
Bethpage is a public golf course, which has also staged the US Open of 2002. As such, as one might gather, it has a higher course rating and is a tricky course to play at up to 7,000 yards. The golf course features some great holes, like the 13th-hole par 5.
Pinon Hills Golf Course:
Pinon Hills golf course, in New Mexico, is open to the public and is good value. With a more desert setting and good design; the golf course is considered a must-play.
The Links at Spanish Bay:
This golf course near to Pebble Beach is a Trent Jones course. Another exciting ocean course on the Monterey coast, it is a recommended golf course that some may consider playing on. Open to the public, it has some great holes such as the 14th which has well-placed bunkers.
The Ocean Course:
The Ocean Course is another resort golf course. This golf course is a coastal course, alongside the Atlantic. It is a links style golf course, with prevalent winds presenting a test. With some particularly good holes, such as the second, it is another recommended golf course.
So overall, these golf courses are open to play and are great courses. From Pebble Beach, to Bethpage, Pinon Hills, Spanish Bay and the Ocean Course are all recommended golf courses. Others like the Ocean Course can also be good vacation spots.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Guide to the Iron clubs
The iron golf clubs make up much of a standard set of clubs. They can range from a two iron up to nine irons. Overall, the iron clubs can be suitable for either short play or long play.
The iron clubs are numbered with the higher number clubs having the most loft and least distance overall. Lower numbered iron clubs have progressively less loft and more distance. Generally, the shorter clubs can also be more accurate than longer irons.
To begin with the nine and eight iron golf clubs. These are the short irons, and as such have the least distance. They are more suitable for shorter fairway shots to the green. For tee shots, they are only really suitable for the shortest golf holes, with average distances ranging from 100 to 150 yards. These iron clubs are also better for longer grass, with their higher loft.
The seven and six iron golf clubs are more mid-distance clubs for perhaps one-hundred-twenty-five yards to one-hundred-seventy-five or possibly higher still. They are flexible iron clubs, and can be used for tee shots of up to and over hundred-fifty yards on par three golf holes. On par four and five golf holes, the clubs are good for the fairway. The clubs can also be used for chip shots and shorter play.
The longer iron clubs, from here are more like the five, four and three iron. These iron clubs can cover up to a possible two-hundred yards and are best for longer par three holes or possible par four. They are best for tee shots, and also longer fairway shots. Overall, they have little loft, and are not ideal for shorter play.
In relation to short play, the iron clubs can also be used for chip shots around the green. The shorter irons such as nine and eight, or even the wedges, will chip the ball with a little more loft and less roll on the green. Iron clubs such as the seven or even six will chip the ball with less loft and more roll on the green, up to perhaps fifty yards. So if further from the hole they are more suitable for chipping. Longer iron clubs do not really have enough loft for chipping.
So overall the iron clubs can be suitable for longer or shorter play on a golf hole, either off the tee, or around the green. With a variable selection of iron clubs, it is advised that at least the nine, seven and five irons be taken onto the golf course.
The iron clubs are numbered with the higher number clubs having the most loft and least distance overall. Lower numbered iron clubs have progressively less loft and more distance. Generally, the shorter clubs can also be more accurate than longer irons.
To begin with the nine and eight iron golf clubs. These are the short irons, and as such have the least distance. They are more suitable for shorter fairway shots to the green. For tee shots, they are only really suitable for the shortest golf holes, with average distances ranging from 100 to 150 yards. These iron clubs are also better for longer grass, with their higher loft.
The seven and six iron golf clubs are more mid-distance clubs for perhaps one-hundred-twenty-five yards to one-hundred-seventy-five or possibly higher still. They are flexible iron clubs, and can be used for tee shots of up to and over hundred-fifty yards on par three golf holes. On par four and five golf holes, the clubs are good for the fairway. The clubs can also be used for chip shots and shorter play.
The longer iron clubs, from here are more like the five, four and three iron. These iron clubs can cover up to a possible two-hundred yards and are best for longer par three holes or possible par four. They are best for tee shots, and also longer fairway shots. Overall, they have little loft, and are not ideal for shorter play.
In relation to short play, the iron clubs can also be used for chip shots around the green. The shorter irons such as nine and eight, or even the wedges, will chip the ball with a little more loft and less roll on the green. Iron clubs such as the seven or even six will chip the ball with less loft and more roll on the green, up to perhaps fifty yards. So if further from the hole they are more suitable for chipping. Longer iron clubs do not really have enough loft for chipping.
So overall the iron clubs can be suitable for longer or shorter play on a golf hole, either off the tee, or around the green. With a variable selection of iron clubs, it is advised that at least the nine, seven and five irons be taken onto the golf course.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Golf Books
Golf has a good range of books covering the sport. Here are some recommended titles:
1001 Golf Holes: Jeff Barr (£20)
This golf book by Jeff Barr, and with input from others, provides an excellent collection of some of golf's best holes. Listed in order of play, from hole 1 to hole 18, the collection is carefully selected and includes such classic holes as those featured at St Andrews, Augusta and Pebble Beach amongst others.
The book gives about a half, or up to a full page of coverage for each hole. The hole par, length, course and designer are all listed for the holes included. Overall, the book weighs in at up to 950 pages.
In addition, some background is given to the golf courses as well as their holes mentioned. Overall, you will find golf courses like Pebble Beach and Augusta have a few of their holes covered in the book. However, the book keeps the emphasis on the holes.
KISS Guide to Golf: Steve Duno (DK publication, $20)
The KISS Guide to Golf, by Steve Duno, is a general guide to the game. From the golf clubs, to all aspects of the game, including short and long game and course strategy.
The book has a foreword, and is supported by PGA tour player, Colin Montgomerie. So, one would assume provided expertise for a good deal of the book's content.
Aside from playing guide, the book provides additional extras such as golf vacation tips, and golf course suggestions and listings. In addition to this, additional listings for other golf books, golf magazines and golf schools are also included.
The book also includes some extras, such as golfing trivia. Then likewise, additional hints and tips and summaries.
Overall, at 400 pages in total, the book is a reasonably comprehensive guide for the sport. So it is recommended.
Aside from these two golf books there is a few other golf books, which might be considered. Golf books like The Physics of Golf, cover a scientific basis for the sport. Alternatively Ultimate golf techniques is another golf book worth considering.
So overall, these golf books are recommended. 1001 Golf Holes, is an excellent compilation of golf holes. And the KISS Guide to Golf is a good golfing guide. In addition, you may also want to consider such books as The Physics of Golf and Ultimate golf techniques, which are good books.
1001 Golf Holes: Jeff Barr (£20)
This golf book by Jeff Barr, and with input from others, provides an excellent collection of some of golf's best holes. Listed in order of play, from hole 1 to hole 18, the collection is carefully selected and includes such classic holes as those featured at St Andrews, Augusta and Pebble Beach amongst others.
The book gives about a half, or up to a full page of coverage for each hole. The hole par, length, course and designer are all listed for the holes included. Overall, the book weighs in at up to 950 pages.
In addition, some background is given to the golf courses as well as their holes mentioned. Overall, you will find golf courses like Pebble Beach and Augusta have a few of their holes covered in the book. However, the book keeps the emphasis on the holes.
KISS Guide to Golf: Steve Duno (DK publication, $20)
The KISS Guide to Golf, by Steve Duno, is a general guide to the game. From the golf clubs, to all aspects of the game, including short and long game and course strategy.
The book has a foreword, and is supported by PGA tour player, Colin Montgomerie. So, one would assume provided expertise for a good deal of the book's content.
Aside from playing guide, the book provides additional extras such as golf vacation tips, and golf course suggestions and listings. In addition to this, additional listings for other golf books, golf magazines and golf schools are also included.
The book also includes some extras, such as golfing trivia. Then likewise, additional hints and tips and summaries.
Overall, at 400 pages in total, the book is a reasonably comprehensive guide for the sport. So it is recommended.
Aside from these two golf books there is a few other golf books, which might be considered. Golf books like The Physics of Golf, cover a scientific basis for the sport. Alternatively Ultimate golf techniques is another golf book worth considering.
So overall, these golf books are recommended. 1001 Golf Holes, is an excellent compilation of golf holes. And the KISS Guide to Golf is a good golfing guide. In addition, you may also want to consider such books as The Physics of Golf and Ultimate golf techniques, which are good books.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Top 100 Golf courses
As of yet, no posts on this blog. So if you're reading, let yourself be heard! Here's an interesting list of Golf Magazine's top 100 golf courses. The links provided will take you to course information.
Rank
Course
Opened
1
Pine Valley Golf Club
1922
2
Cypress Point Club
1928
3
Pebble Beach Golf Links
1919
4
Augusta National Golf Club
1933
5
St. Andrews - Old
1400
6
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
1931
7
Pinehurst Country Club - #2
1935
8
Muirfield
1744
9
Royal Melbourne - Composite
1926
10
Royal County Down
1898
11
Ballybunion - Old
1893
12
Royal Portrush
1888
13
Merion Golf Club - East
1912
14
Sand Hills Golf Club
1995
15
Oakmont Country Club
1903
16
Royal Dornoch
1877
17
Seminole Golf Club
1929
18
Crystal Downs Country Club
1931
19
Turnberry - Ailsa
1897
20
Winged Foot Golf Club - West
1923
21
National Golf Links of America
1911
22
Carnoustie - Championship
1842
23
San Francisco Golf Club
1918
24
Prairie Dunes Country Club
1937
25
Oakland Hills Country Club - South
1918
26
Royal St. George's
1887
27
Kingston Heath
1887
28
Casa de Campo
1971
29
The Olympic Club - Lake Course
1924
30
Royal Birkdale
1889
31
Muirfield Village Golf Club
1974
32
The Country Club - Open Course
1895
33
Woodall Spa
1926
34
Royal Troon
1878
35
Chicago Golf Club
1894
36
Oak Hill Country Club - East Course
1925
37
Baltusrol Golf Club - Lower Course
1922
38
Portmarnock Golf Club
1894
39
Fishers Island Club
1927
40
Sunningdale Golf Club - Old
1985
41
Southern Hills Country Club
1935
42
Hirono
1932
43
New South Wales
1928
44
Loch Lomond
1995
45
Morfontaine Golf Club
1927
46
Camargo Club
1921
47
Riviera Country Club
1926
48
The Golf Club
1967
49
Bethpage State Park - Black
1936
50
Royal Lytham and St. Annes
1886
51
Garden City Golf Club
1899
52
Cruden Bay
1899
53
Medinah Country Club - #3
1928
54
Kawana Hotel
1936
55
Shadow Creek Golf Club
1989
56
Maidstone Club
1891
57
Highlands Links
1996
58
TPC at Sawgrass - Stadium
1981
59
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
1916
60
El Saler
1967
61
Ganton
1891
62
Los Angeles Country Club - North
1897
63
Winged Foot Golf Club - East
1921
64
San Lorenzo
1987
65
Whistling Straits
1998
66
Wentworth - West
1924
67
Naruo
1904
68
World Woods - Pine Barrens
1993
69
Royal Liverpool
1869
70
Lahinch
1892
71
Inverness Club
1903
72
The Honors Course
1983
73
Valderrama
1975
74
Harbour Town Golf Links
1969
75
The Homestead - Cascades
1925
76
Walton Heath
1904
77
Scioto Country Club
1916
78
Cabo del Sol
1993
79
Paraparaumu Beach
1949
80
Bandon Dunes
1999
81
Ocean Forest
1995
82
Shoreacres
1918
83
Cherry Hills Country Club
1922
84
Wade Hampton Golf Club
1987
85
Royal Adelaide
1892
86
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
1966
87
Peachtree Golf Club
1947
88
St. George's
1929
89
Durban Country Club
1922
90
Somerset Hills Country Club
1918
91
Colonial Country Club
1936
92
Kasumigaseki - East
1929
93
Congressional Country Club - Blue Course
1924
94
East Lake
1904
95
Valley Club of Montecito
1929
96
Old Head
1997
97
Shoal Creek
1977
98
The Nantucket Golf Club
1998
99
Canterbury Golf Club
1921
100
Double Eagle Club
1992
Not a bad list, I hope you will agree.
Rank
Course
Opened
1
Pine Valley Golf Club
1922
2
Cypress Point Club
1928
3
Pebble Beach Golf Links
1919
4
Augusta National Golf Club
1933
5
St. Andrews - Old
1400
6
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
1931
7
Pinehurst Country Club - #2
1935
8
Muirfield
1744
9
Royal Melbourne - Composite
1926
10
Royal County Down
1898
11
Ballybunion - Old
1893
12
Royal Portrush
1888
13
Merion Golf Club - East
1912
14
Sand Hills Golf Club
1995
15
Oakmont Country Club
1903
16
Royal Dornoch
1877
17
Seminole Golf Club
1929
18
Crystal Downs Country Club
1931
19
Turnberry - Ailsa
1897
20
Winged Foot Golf Club - West
1923
21
National Golf Links of America
1911
22
Carnoustie - Championship
1842
23
San Francisco Golf Club
1918
24
Prairie Dunes Country Club
1937
25
Oakland Hills Country Club - South
1918
26
Royal St. George's
1887
27
Kingston Heath
1887
28
Casa de Campo
1971
29
The Olympic Club - Lake Course
1924
30
Royal Birkdale
1889
31
Muirfield Village Golf Club
1974
32
The Country Club - Open Course
1895
33
Woodall Spa
1926
34
Royal Troon
1878
35
Chicago Golf Club
1894
36
Oak Hill Country Club - East Course
1925
37
Baltusrol Golf Club - Lower Course
1922
38
Portmarnock Golf Club
1894
39
Fishers Island Club
1927
40
Sunningdale Golf Club - Old
1985
41
Southern Hills Country Club
1935
42
Hirono
1932
43
New South Wales
1928
44
Loch Lomond
1995
45
Morfontaine Golf Club
1927
46
Camargo Club
1921
47
Riviera Country Club
1926
48
The Golf Club
1967
49
Bethpage State Park - Black
1936
50
Royal Lytham and St. Annes
1886
51
Garden City Golf Club
1899
52
Cruden Bay
1899
53
Medinah Country Club - #3
1928
54
Kawana Hotel
1936
55
Shadow Creek Golf Club
1989
56
Maidstone Club
1891
57
Highlands Links
1996
58
TPC at Sawgrass - Stadium
1981
59
Quaker Ridge Golf Club
1916
60
El Saler
1967
61
Ganton
1891
62
Los Angeles Country Club - North
1897
63
Winged Foot Golf Club - East
1921
64
San Lorenzo
1987
65
Whistling Straits
1998
66
Wentworth - West
1924
67
Naruo
1904
68
World Woods - Pine Barrens
1993
69
Royal Liverpool
1869
70
Lahinch
1892
71
Inverness Club
1903
72
The Honors Course
1983
73
Valderrama
1975
74
Harbour Town Golf Links
1969
75
The Homestead - Cascades
1925
76
Walton Heath
1904
77
Scioto Country Club
1916
78
Cabo del Sol
1993
79
Paraparaumu Beach
1949
80
Bandon Dunes
1999
81
Ocean Forest
1995
82
Shoreacres
1918
83
Cherry Hills Country Club
1922
84
Wade Hampton Golf Club
1987
85
Royal Adelaide
1892
86
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
1966
87
Peachtree Golf Club
1947
88
St. George's
1929
89
Durban Country Club
1922
90
Somerset Hills Country Club
1918
91
Colonial Country Club
1936
92
Kasumigaseki - East
1929
93
Congressional Country Club - Blue Course
1924
94
East Lake
1904
95
Valley Club of Montecito
1929
96
Old Head
1997
97
Shoal Creek
1977
98
The Nantucket Golf Club
1998
99
Canterbury Golf Club
1921
100
Double Eagle Club
1992
Not a bad list, I hope you will agree.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Practise Putting
The complete beginner might not put putting at the top of the priority list. This is understandable, for it is less technical than driving and iron shots.
However, it would be a mistake to completely overlook it. Just do the maths, you will be required to make at least one putt on each hole (unless you hole in one). Usually, you will probably need to make 2. On a par 4, this would contitute 50% of the number of strokes if you made it to the green in two shots. On a par 3 two putts would be 66% of strokes if you made par.
For this reason, half your time should be spent on getting a feel for putting. A good drill I do for short putts is to measure out a club length (approach 3 feet) away from the hole and then proceed to putt 10 in a row from this distance, but rotating to different angles (usually 90 degrees) from the hole after each putt. The same putt should never be attempted twice in a row.
This is a challenging drill and will help to ensure that you become consistent at short putting. Thus eliminating any chance of missing from short range.
However, it would be a mistake to completely overlook it. Just do the maths, you will be required to make at least one putt on each hole (unless you hole in one). Usually, you will probably need to make 2. On a par 4, this would contitute 50% of the number of strokes if you made it to the green in two shots. On a par 3 two putts would be 66% of strokes if you made par.
For this reason, half your time should be spent on getting a feel for putting. A good drill I do for short putts is to measure out a club length (approach 3 feet) away from the hole and then proceed to putt 10 in a row from this distance, but rotating to different angles (usually 90 degrees) from the hole after each putt. The same putt should never be attempted twice in a row.
This is a challenging drill and will help to ensure that you become consistent at short putting. Thus eliminating any chance of missing from short range.
(When this close, you can't afford to miss)
Friday, March 30, 2007
Expect to make mistakes
In golf, for the amateur starting out, the one thing you should expect on your first attempts at the golf course is to make mistakes. And indeed, generally.
There's no two ways about it. Even if you attempt the course only after having some introductory lessons (as you should) and a good practise on the driving range - you will still make mistakes. It's a part of the game.
Even the best players make mistakes, albeit far fewer. On the professional circuit, the tee to fairway average is still only around the 70-80% mark. Once you recognise this, you should find your first few rounds somewhat better. If you can't accept that, then maybe Golf is not so much the game for you. Good luck!
There's no two ways about it. Even if you attempt the course only after having some introductory lessons (as you should) and a good practise on the driving range - you will still make mistakes. It's a part of the game.
Even the best players make mistakes, albeit far fewer. On the professional circuit, the tee to fairway average is still only around the 70-80% mark. Once you recognise this, you should find your first few rounds somewhat better. If you can't accept that, then maybe Golf is not so much the game for you. Good luck!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Welcome to Amateur Golfer
Greetings, and welcome to Amateur Golfer. A golf blog written by an amateur golfer for amateur golfers.
This blog will cover all aspects of the game and should, I hope, make a good read. As stated, I am not a professional but play for the mere fun. Like yourself I should guess. This will not so much provide coverage of the professional game, but will relate more to amateur players.
The golf season is beginning so now is a good time to tee off, so to speak.
This blog will cover all aspects of the game and should, I hope, make a good read. As stated, I am not a professional but play for the mere fun. Like yourself I should guess. This will not so much provide coverage of the professional game, but will relate more to amateur players.
The golf season is beginning so now is a good time to tee off, so to speak.
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