Practice makes better. You’ve all heard this before. Like any other sport, golfers need to practice as often as possible to be able to hit less shots on the golf course and get their golf handicap down.
As you know, the golf swing is very complex and needs lots of attention. The time it will take you to get better depends on how often you practice, the way you practice and how.
Let's start with the frequency of your practice: ideally, the more the better. But most of us cannot spend hours at a driving range hitting golf balls. This is why Blooming Golf offers a range of golf training accessories which you can use at home or at your office. You can then practice as often as you like each week and see the improvements during your round of golf at the week-end.
What do you need to practice? Depending on how long you have been playing golf for, your level of golf, your targets, your budget or your willingness to get better, every golfer has a different part of their swing to work on. But the common part of the golf swing which needs to be worked on is the fundamentals. To get a consistent golf swing, some of the basics; the grip, stance, posture, take away, follow through and many others need to be as good as possible. After learning these basics, you need to work on your weaknesses but also the strong part of your swing or golf game too. The best way to find out which part of your golf swing needs attention is to get a golf lesson with a PGA qualified golf professional.
And last, how to practice? Once you know which part of your golf swing or your golf game needs to be worked on, you can then find the tools to help you improve. Blooming Golf stocks training golf tools for improving your golf swing, putting stroke and more. But most importantly it is the way you use them. Some of these training aids will improve different parts at the same time, however, try to practice one thing at a time. Once one problem is sorted, move on to the next one.
Another way to improve your golf is to play with a better player, that will make you concentrate and try to hit the golf ball as good as they do. Even watching golf professionals on TV or on a golf course can help, you will be able to see the ultimate golf swing you are aiming for.
Golf Tip 201150:
Gift ideas. If you are looking for golf gifts, then Blooming Golf is the place to get them. Check our latest Junior Kit: the PGA TOUR Deluxe Jr Golf Set , ideal for kids from age 3 and comes with a FREE Training DVD. Also new to our range, the PGA TOUR Golf Travel Cover , ideal for the golfer always on the go! Don’t forget the non-golfers, our best selling products, the Trion:Z bracelets and Necklace , this will be a great present for someone. We also stock ideal golf items for your Christmas stockings: Golf tees, with our funny SECOND CHANCE Nuddie Golf tees ; and many more golf gifts under $10.00. So place your order NOW and get a FREE PGA TOUR Golf Glove with any order over $100.00. Have a Great Christmas!
Golf Tip 201149:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rule 28: Ball Unplayable. If your golf ball is in a water hazard, the unplayable rule does not apply and you must proceed under the water hazard rule if taking relief. Elsewhere on the course, if you believe your golf ball is unplayable, you may under one stroke penalty: A: Play a ball from where the last shot was played, or B: drop a ball any distance behind the point where the ball lay keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball lay and the spot on which the ball is dropped, or C: Drop a ball within two club-lengths of where the ball lies not nearer the hole. If your golf ball is in a bunker, you may proceed as above, except that if you are dropping back on a line or within two club-lengths, you must drop in the bunker - For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201148:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rule 27: Ball lost or Out of Bounds, Provisional Ball. Always check your local Rules on the score card to identify the boundaries of the golf course. If your golf ball is lost in a water hazard or out of bounds, you must play another ball from the same spot where the last shot was played, under penalty of one stroke (I.e. stroke and distance). You are allowed up to 5mns to search for your ball, after which, if it is not found or identified, it is lost.
If after playing a shot, you think your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, you should play a ‘provisional ball’. you must state that it is a provisional ball and play it before you go forward to search for your original ball. If the original ball is lost, you must continue with your provisional ball, under penalty of one stroke. If your original ball is found in bounds, you must continue play of the hole with it and stop playing with the provisional ball. - For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201147:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rules about Relief Situations & Procedures (Rules 22, 23, 24 and 25): When playing golf, you must play the golf ball as it lies, whether your ball is in a good lie or a bad lie, unless the rules allow you to do otherwise. For example, the Rules allow you to move natural objects like leaves and twigs - these are called: loose impediments. The Rules also permit you to lift and move your ball if you have interference from certain conditions. Sometimes you can move your ball without penalty, e.g. when you have interference due to a man-made object - called ’obstructions’ - such as road or path, or an abnormal ground condition, such as casual water and ground under repair. At other times, you may incur a penalty if you wish to move your ball, e.g. when your ball is in a water hazard. - For more details about: Loose Impediments, Ball Assisting or Interfering with play, Movable Instructions, Immovable Obstructions and Abnormal Ground Conditions, Water Hazards, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201146:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rule 19: Ball in motion deflected or stopped. If a ball struck by you is deflected or stopped by you, your partner, your caddie or your equipment, you must add a penalty stroke and play the ball as it lies. If a ball struck by you is deflected or stopped by another ball at rest, there is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies, except in stroke play where you incur a two-stroke penalty if your ball and the other ball were on the putting green before you played. - For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201145:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rule 18: Ball at rest moved. Generally, when your golf ball is in play, if you accidentally cause your ball to move, lift it when not permitted or it moves after you have addressed it, add a penalty stroke and replace your ball. If someone else moves your ball at rest or it is moved by another ball, replace it without penalty to you. Do not forget to replace the moved golf ball. If the ball has been moved by an opponent, a caddie or equipment not during search, then the opponent incurs one stroke penalty and replace the ball. If the same happens during search, then there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced - For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201144:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rules 16 and 17: On the Putting Green. A few rules apply when your golf ball is on the putting green. Cleaning Ball: It’s always recommended to clean your golf ball before every putting stroke. Any dirt may change the roll of your golf ball. You may mark, lift and clean your ball and always replace it on the exact spot. You can clean it by rubbing it on the green, provided you don’t test the green’s surface. However, this method is not recommended. Repairing damage: You may repair ball marks and old hole plugs, but not any other damage, such as spike marks. Flag: when making a stroke on the putting green, make sure that the flag is removed or attended. The flag may also be removed or attended when the ball lies off the putting green - For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201143:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rules 12 to 15 - Playing the Ball. Always identify your golf ball before playing it. If you cannot identify it easily, you need to ask your marker or opponent to mark and lift the ball so you can identify it. You must play the ball as it lies, never try to improve your lie (the area of your intended stance or swing) or your line of play by moving, bending or breaking anything fixed or growing. Don’t improve your lie by pressing anything down. If your golf ball is in a bunker or water hazard, don’t touch the ground or the water with your hand or golf club before your downswing and don’t move loose impediments. You must swing your golf club and make a stroke at the ball. It is not permissible to push, scrape or spoon the ball. Penalties occur when playing the wrong golf ball. For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201142:
Rules of golf: This week we are talking about Rule 11 - Tee Shot. Before your first shot on a golf course, you need to be aware of the rules applying to the tee shot. Always tee up your golf ball in between the tee-markers, never in front of them. You can play your first shot from up to two club-lengths behind the front line of the tee-markers. Make sure to check the position of your golf ball before getting ready to play, otherwise you will incur a two stoke penalty in stroke play and replay your shot or your opponent may ask you to replay your shot in match play. The player is allowed to stand outside the teeing ground but not his ball. Always try to find the best area on a tee, choose the flattest section and make sure your feet are not in wet patches. For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201141:
Rules of golf: Over the next few weeks, we are going to focus on the rules of golf with the help of the R&A website. This week let’s focus on some General points: Before your round: - Read the Local rules on your score card or on the notice board, you need to be aware of them, they will defer from course to course. - Identify your golf ball as you may play with the same brand and number as someone else. - Count the number of your golf clubs, only 14 golf clubs are allowed. During the round: - Do not ask for advice except from your partner or caddie, do not give advice except to your partner. - Do not play any practice shots during playing of a hole. At the end of the round: - Check your score card and make sure it’s right before signing and posting. Making sure applying these rules may save you a few shots and improve your handicap. For more details, check the Rules of Golf here .
Golf Tip 201140:
Slow play. It’s a big problem on golf courses and can detract from the enjoyment of the game. An average, two ball round should take no more than 3 hours and 10 minutes, a three balls should take no more than 3 hours and 30 minutes and a four balls no more than 3 hours and 50 minutes. As a player, try to be aware of the group in front and behind you. If you are loosing ground, let the group behind you through. Be ready to play your shot as soon as your partner finishes his. Don’t waist time. When on the green, place your golf bag near the exit of the hole, towards the next hole. Mark your score card after you have cleared the green. Play a provisional ball if you think your first one may be lost. By applying these basic rules, your pace on the golf course will get better and more enjoyable!
Golf Tip 201139:
Zero friction golf tees. With many victories and top ten finishes on the PGA TOUR, the Zero Friction golf tees are now one of the number one performance golf tees on tour. Its 3 prong top design reduces significantly the contact area between the golf ball and the tee, which increases distance and accuracy on the golf course. Manufactured using bio composite materials, the Zero friction golf tees are environmentally friendly. Blooming Golf now stocks the Zero Friction 3 prong 7cm in white, pink, green and orange, and also the Lock N Drive 3 prong 7cm in white. This latest being the perfect solution for consistent tee height no matter what golf club is been used. Click here to check our range. Take your game to a whole new level with the Zero Friction golf tees!
Golf Tip 201138:
Body supports. Using the same technology as the Trion:Z products, the Colantotte body supports are now available on the Blooming Golf website. There are three different types of supports that will reduce stiffness of your body muscles. The Agility waist belt, the Multi supporter knee and the Multi-purpose supporter. They all use the ANSPO technology which increases distribution and magnetic field flow. Ideal to reduce stiffness in your lower back, shoulders, hips, waist, elbows, arms, ankles or knees. Very easy to wear and adjust and perfect for any activity. You can find more information about the Colantotte products here , or about the Trion:Z products here .
Soft, stable and a perfect tool for maintaining a healthy body!
Golf Tip 201137:
Ladies Golf. One piece of equipment which has changed the game of golf tremendously, is the hybrid golf club. These golf clubs are appreciated by the ladies golfers as they’ve helped them to get more distance than the long irons. The hybrids are designed for getting the golf ball in the air quicker and straighter, their low centre of gravity will launch the golf ball higher so you get more distance as a result. Even golf professionals are using hybrids rather than long irons, you can now replace your 3, 4 and 5 iron with 3 different hybrids. Ask your golf professional for advice on which lofts are best for you and try different brands and models at a driving range. The majority of manufacturers have hybrids in their range so it's not a problem to keep all your golf clubs under your favourite golf brand!
Golf Tip 201136:
Keeping score. An easy way to check which part of your game is or not improving is to keep score of your golf games on paper. Start by writing down some of the important results, like: how many fairways did you hit? How many greens in regulation? How many puts? Your general score, How many hits up and down from the bunker? You can go on and on. After a few rounds, you will be able to compare each round of golf and see which part of your game are strong and where you need to practice and improve. After a few months and over the years, you will be surprised by the changes. This exercise will show you not only which part of your game needs improvement but it will also make you concentrate more on the golf course in order to get your results better and better.
Golf Tip 201135:
Father’s Day. What a better place than Blooming Golf to get your golf gifts for your dad! Blooming Golf stocks all he needs to perfect his golf swing, improve his driving, short game and putting. The choice is huge! Training aids, Putting accessories, Golf balls and our best selling accessories: the Trion:Z Bracelets and Necklaces. Blooming Golf also stocks golf slippers the perfect gift to keep your dads mind on the game even when it’s cold outside. Place your order now and get your gifts before the big day. You will also get a $20 discount when you purchase over $100 of golf products. This offer ends on the 4th of September. If you need help to choose which golf accessories to buy, contact us at: info@bloominggolf.co.nz and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours with some suggestions.
Golf Tip 201134:
Real or fake? Fake golf products are very common and look better than ever. You won’t even notice the difference until you are using them or an expert will tell you. When buying a golf item, make sure it comes from a trusted seller or website, they should be accredited by the brand they are selling. Ask questions, check if the product has a warranty, read product reviews and customer feedback. Don’t be fool by the price, if it’s too cheap, be suspicious. There are many reasons why it’s better to buy the real product, manufacturers spend millions of dollars and hours developing new products using new technologies so you can play better and enjoy being on the golf course. Remember: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is!
Golf Tip 201133:
Junior golf game. If you want your children to become a good golf player, they need to start as soon as possible. When learning how to play golf, adults focus on the technique. Kids are different, they play for fun otherwise they will give up as quickly as they started. A few lessons to learn the basics but they mainly need to spend their time hitting golf balls on the course. Hitting the golf ball a long way is not easy for a child, so spend time on the short game and putting. Distance will come later with time and practice. Ask your child who his/her favourite player is? Then they can try to copy their favourite players golf swing. A good tip is for them to play each hole as a par 3. Even par 4 and 5 by starting down the fairway. So remember, it’s about the feel and having fun!
Golf Tip 201132:
Be ready for anything. Non-golfers always wonder why are golf bags so big! Those big pockets are their for a good reason, to carry everything that golfers need while on the golf course. Starting with the equipment: clubs, balls, tees, gloves (includes a spare one), pitchfork, ball marker, pencil and towel. Clothes: cap, woolly hat, waterproofs, spare jumper. Nutrition: water or fruit juice, dried fruit, chocolate & cereal bars. You can also add: plasters, hand warmers, mittens, rain cover, brush, umbrella and course planner. Obviously, you don’t have to carry all of these every time you play golf. Some of these items will apply for the winter season or a rainy day. But be prepared, check the weather forecast before getting ready. Having the wrong equipment, being thirsty or hungry can impact on your game and results.
Golf Tip 201131:
Golf and Fitness: This is the last focus on Golf and Fitness this week we will look at Awareness. Awareness is associated with Focus and Concentration. When playing on the golf course or practicing at a driving range, concentration and focus are necessary to execute your best shot each time. If you lack in either it will impact on your rhythm or tempo and will result in a bad or mediocre golf shot. The art of awareness is to be able to notice everything happening around you, like the rain, wind, other players and noise… but also it’s being able to look and analyse the golf course as quickly as possible. Noticing the bunkers, trees, water hazards, length of the grass, the slopes on and around the green and more. This is also part of your course management and you will be surprised by the results after spending some time on these factors.
Golf Tip 201130:
Golf and Fitness: Focus this week, is Stability. In order to transfer forces from your legs to your upper body, good stability will help you achieve a good result without injuring your body. Good stability will maintain the spine angle throughout the entire golf swing. By improving the strength of your trunk, your lower body stabilization will improve and take pressure off your lower back. Stability is linked with balance. To get more power and accuracy in your swing, these two factors must work together as much as possible. The result will also increase your coordination of your entire body during full swing, short game and putting. A lot of practice and advice from your golf professional will develop those senses and improve your general golf score.
Golf Tip 201129:
Golf and Fitness: This week, we look at Balance. Balance is an important factor of the golf swing and it is linked to the rhythm of your swing. Your golf swing can be fast or slow but a consistent tempo will always generate a good balance. A good rhythm will allow a good body motion and a perfect position at impact for maximum power. Balance is necessary for your spine to be at the perfect position throughout the golf swing. Without it, shoulders turn, weight shift and force transfer will be affected and will result in a poor golf strike. Ask your golf professional to check and spend some time on your balance during your next golf lesson. With his or her tips and lots of practice, you will notice some major improvement in your rhythm which will translate in longer and more consistent golf shots.
Golf Tip 201128:
Golf and Fitness: This week, our focus is on Flexibility. By improving your joints flexibility, you can lengthen your golf swing and increase your golf club speed; all you need for longer distances on the golf course. Some of your muscles in the upper and lower body need to be worked on, as well as your hips and legs as they produce most of the force for a powerful golf swing. However, a good flexibility does not guarantee a perfect golf swing. Coordination between these muscles in your body will help to improve your balance, tempo and produce powerful strikes. Ask your golf professional or gym instructor for advices on how to improve your body flexibility.
Golf Tip 201127:
Golf and Fitness: The Physical skill we will focus on this week is Power. To generate as much power your body can, we need to start with the posture. Having the right posture at address is the key to maximum power. A stable spine angle will help you transfer energy from the lower part of your body to the upper part of your body. The increase of stability, the spine and the muscles that support it will improve your golf game. Adopting the right posture from the start will help your golf swing to improve and decrease the chances of your body getting hurt while playing in difficult conditions. Check with your golf professional, he or she will give you advice on how to improve your posture according to your golf swing. To conclude: Power + Posture = Longer drives!
Golf Tip 201126:
Golf and Fitness: Following last week’s tip on general fitness over the next 6 weeks we will focus on Strength, Power, Flexibility, Balance, Stability and Awareness. This week it’s all about ‘strength’. Our body needs to be as strong as possible to be able to generate maximum speed during the swing and minimise any injuries. In particular shoulders, elbows, wrists, lower back and hips. By using appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises, your body will get stronger and stronger, your drives will get longer and more consistent. Ask your golf professional for advice, he will tell you which exercises are best for you, your gym instructor will also be aware of the needs of a golfer. Blooming Golf can help too, with the Powerball exercisers; they are ideal to get your wrists, upper arms and shoulder stronger.
Golf Tip 201125:
Golf and Fitness. Winter is the best time to work on your swing and body, to get ready for next season. Looking at the golf professionals today, their strength, consistency and concentration are due to a high level of exercise and diet. You can get your body into shape this winter, the positive results will show on the golf course. Strength, power, flexibility, balance, stability and awareness are all physical skills a golf player needs to improve their golf swing. You can find a large selection of exercise tools on the market, golf stores and websites including the Blooming Golf website where we are selling the PGA TOUR Swing Weight and Training Club. So plan your training program for this winter and get the rewards next season: longer drives, more greens in regulation and better concentration.
Golf Tip 201124:
Junior Golf Clubs: one of the many questions parents ask themselves about golf clubs for their kids is, do I have to buy golf clubs designed for juniors or can I use adult clubs and cut them down? Here’s the answer: Children need golf clubs designed for their height and strength. Manufacturers spend a lot of money and time to design a golf club which will fit perfectly for children from the age of five. The weight of the shaft and the club head will help your child to swing the golf club at the right speed and in the right path. The length is crucial depending on the height of the child. Junior clubs will also feature a thinner golf grip designed for smaller hands. You don’t need to spend a fortune of junior golf clubs, just get the right club according to his/her age, some golf lessons to get the fundamentals right from the start and the most important factor: practice, practice, practice…
Golf Tip 201123:
Trion:Z Bracelets. This week we are focusing on one of the most interesting accessories of our range. The Trion:Z bracelets are now used by millions of people in the world, including golf professionals, Ricky Fowler, Rory McIlroy and many more. The technology behind the bracelets help rebalance the mind, body and soul which leads to a healthier and more active lifestyle. Two different models: the Dual Loop or the Active. They both come in different colours and sizes. There are many other similar bracelets on the market, so make sure you are buying the right product from an official supplier. Click here to find out more about this amazing accessory, view and select yours here today.
Golf Tip 201122:
Use of a golf tee. Following from last week’s golf tee selection’s tip, it’s time now to focus on the importance of using the right golf tee depending on which golf club or shot is being played. When playing golf on a windy day, it is important to get a better ball trajectory and to gain more distance. With the wind coming from behind, use the full length of your longest tee when using the driver, this will increase the chance of your golf ball flying higher in the air and going further. When playing into the wind, the idea is to keep the trajectory of the golf ball as low as possible but still trying to get as much distance as possible, this time by pushing your golf tee further down, it will keep the ball lower and get more roll on the fairway. A little ball adjustment is also necessary in both cases. Place your golf ball towards your left foot for a higher trajectory or more in the middle of your stance for a lower flight. In any case, don’t try these types of shots for the first time on the golf course, spend time on a driving range and experiment different ball positions and tees.
Golf Tip 201121:
Golf tees. The choice is huge, wooden, plastic, brush, different shapes, colours, heights. But which one is best for you? One thing’s for sure, you must use a golf tee whenever possible. Using a tee helps the golf ball into the air as the leading edge of the golf club is below the equator of the golf ball. Now, you must use the right tee according to the club used. Today’s drivers are much bigger than they used to be, so a higher tee is necessary compare to using a short or mid iron where a small tee will then be used. Plastic tees break less than wooden tees and can be re-used they are the cheaper option. If you prefer the feel of a wooden tee but care about the environment, environmental tees are now available, so you can leave it on the tee! Check out our full range of golf tees here .
Golf Tip 201120:
Trajectories: following last week’s golf tip, we’ll focus this week on the left to right and right to left flight trajectories. For the left to right flight, your body (shoulders, hips, knees and feet) is aligned to where you want your golf ball to start turning and your club face is aligned to where you want your golf ball to land (slightly open). Use the same technique for the right to left flight but this time your golf club will be slightly closed. These shots must be practiced over and over at a driving range before being used with good results on the golf course. Get used to the new techniques, feel of the golf club and the feedback. Once mastered, you will become more confidence on the golf course whatever the conditions.
Golf Tip 201119:
Trajectories: one aspect of becoming a good player is to know how to create different fly trajectories on demand. Low, high, left to right, right to left and straight. This week, we’ll focus on the low and high trajectories. For a low flight, select one more club than needed, grip it lower than normal and swing the club smoothly and shorter, also place your golf ball towards your right foot. For a high flight, take one less club, move the golf ball towards the left foot and swing the golf club more aggressively. These shots must be practiced over and over at a driving range before being used with good results on the golf course. Get used to the new techniques, feel of the golf club and feedback. Once mastered, you will become more confidence on the golf course whatever the conditions.
Golf Tip 201118:
Golf shoes. One part of your golf equipment that needs to be checked are your golf shoes. Just like your golf grips or your golf glove, golf shoes wear out and need to be replaced when necessary. First check the condition of the spikes. Hard or soft, spikes are crucial for good stability and better traction. Remember to clean and tighten them up after each round as you don’t want to lose any. Like choosing a new driver, golf shoes are an important accessory so spend time trying on different pairs. You will spend a lot of time walking in them so a good pair of golf shoes is a good investment. Ideally, have two pairs, one for dry weather and the other for wet days. And finally, don’t forget your socks, a good pair of socks can prevent blisters!
Golf Tip 201117:
The perfect posture. One of the common mistakes from a beginner or a high handicap player is to adopt the wrong posture position at the address. This mistake will cause the golf club to be lifted at the top of the golf swing instead of letting your body rotation do the work for you. When you find a neutral position with your spine angled at the address, the rotation of your body becomes easier and the golf club travels in the right direction uphill and downhill. The secret is to keep this angle the same at the address, on top of your backswing and at impact. So how to get it right? Lots of practice, if possible use a mirror for checking the different positions. Don’t forget to ask your golf professional for advice.
Golf Tip 201116:
Ball position. This is one of the basics in golf and needs to be checked before each golf shot to avoid disastrous results! Your ball placement varies with the club you select. With longer clubs, like the driver and 3 wood, your golf ball is moved towards your left foot (near your left heel). Then move the ball slightly to the right for the shorter club. With shorter clubs, like your wedges and 9 iron, your golf ball is in the centre of your stance. Do not forget to widen your stance when changing golf clubs. Next time you are on the driving range, try different ball position and you will be surprised by the different flights and direction of your golf balls. Best way to check your ball position is to ask your golf partner to check it for you, before each shot. You can also practice in front of a mirror.
Golf Tip 201115:
The Masters. The first major of the year, The Masters at Augusta. There is a lot of pressure on the players. How do they do it? Can you do the same? You always hear from golf professionals that the best way to handle pressure is to play one shot at the time. Guess what? It’s true. Focus on the shot you are playing, not the previous one or your next one. Keep the same routine. Don’t try new shots. This is not the time to play a shot that you have never played well before. Play safe. Trust your swing. This is when all these hours spent on the driving range will pay off. All you have to do is to think about your course management and to play as safe as possible. So keep watching the professionals play one of the best golf course on the planet and learn from your favourite players!
Golf Tip 201114:
Which grip is best for me? The golf grip is important! Get it wrong and the consequences can be disastrous. There are three common grips to choose from but with one fundamental aspect, the pressure, not too tight or not too loose. On a scale of 1 to 10, the perfect pressure would be a 4 or a 5. The overlapping, interlocking or baseball grip are used by many players in the world. Choose the one you feel more comfortable with, why not try a new one for a while, see if it makes a difference to your game, ask you golf professional for advice. You can also practice the perfect golf grip using our training grips, click here for more details.
Golf Tip 201113:
Improve your chipping. Golf professionals spend a long time practicing their chipping during their practice sessions. Many shots can be saved or lost. How long should you spend? The most important aspect is to keep your left wrist (if your are right handed) straight during the chipping swing. If you don’t, there is a risk of toping your golf ball or the trajectory and roll of the ball will differ. Always keep the club face square from the takeaway to the finish and swing the club along the target line. Practice these shots with different golf clubs, Sand wedge, Pitching wedge, 9 iron or 8 iron, it’s all about getting used to the feel of the club and judging the distance your golf ball needs to travel on the green. Don’t overlook this part of your game, you’ll be surprised of how many shots you can save by improving your chipping technique!
Golf Tip 201112:
Golf day. Are you organising a golf day between friends, your company or maybe part of a golf society and looking to buy golf gifts, let us know. We stock a wide range of golf accessories suitable for any golfers, from beginners to top players. You will get a discount when purchasing several products and also a FREE gift for each participants. If you are unsure of which products to buy, don’t worry, we’re here to help you to choose the perfect gift within your budget. All you need to do is to let us know as soon as possible by contacting us at: info@bloominggolf.co.nz and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Golf Tip 201111:
Custom fitting. You see it in magazines, websites, at golf days and most of the golf brands now offer a custom fitting. The idea behind it, is to provide you with the best equipment. Whatever your shape, size or ability, the perfect golf club is out there for you. By matching the golf club specifications to your swing, this fitting will reduce or eliminate shot patterns like slices and hooks. This process will check the flex and length of your shafts and also the lie angle. A hitting session is the only reliable way to confirm the results of the custom fitting. Club fittings are most of the time free of charge and must be carried by a professional. You can ask your golf professional for advice or contact directly your favourite golf brand. Getting the right equipment and lots of practice is the secret to a good score!
Golf Tip 201110:
The most important golf clubs are the Putter, Wedge and Driver. Why are those three golf clubs so important? The driver gets you started, when standing on the tee, you have to decide which part of the fairway you want to hit your second shot from. To do that, you have to rely on your driver and be 100% certain of the result of your tee shot. Next is your wedge. These 100 meters shots are the key to a good score. This golf shot must be practiced. The aim is to land your golf ball as close to the pin as possible. Spend time at the driving range and try different lofts so you will know the distance of each wedge in your bag. Finally, your putter. This is the part of the game where you can gain or lose lots of shots. Once again practice is the key. Many hours on the putting green practicing various distances, will make a big difference to your final score. To resume: 3 golf clubs = Lots of practice!
Golf Tip 201108:
Check your alignment. It’s still amazing to hear some players complain after hitting their shot. Why did my golf ball go in that direction? What happened? Good strike but it didn’t end where I wanted it! One of the basics in golf is player alignment. Many parts of your body must be in aligned to your target: feet, hips and shoulders have to be square to the golf ball at set up and through impact. This will help by hitting the ball straight down the fairway. Ask someone to check your alignment before you are ready to start your take away. You will be surprised to hear that you are aiming to much right or that your feet and hips are squared but your shoulders are open. An easy way to check is to place a golf club parallel to the target line against your feet, then start checking from bottom to top, knees, hips and shoulders. All checked?
Golf Tip 201107:
This week’s golf tip is the introduction of the Golf Training DVD from the PGA TOUR. It’s like having your own Golf Professional at home! If you are looking to improve your golf swing, then this DVD will provide you with training tips covering the Driving, Impact zone, Bunker play, Chipping and Putting. Take time to go through each section, practice and the results will show. All of the important golf shots are covered in this award-winning instructional programme. The perfect impact position and effortless golf swing are the aim to this DVD and the PGA TOUR Academy Instructors are committed to helping every golfers of all skill levels to reach these targets. This training dvd runs for approximately 40mins, so just put the DVD on, press play, relax and learn! Click here to order.
Golf Tip 201106:
Do you know the rules? Another way to save one or two strokes, is knowing the rules of golf. The R&A has created a quick and easy way of checking any rules of golf. The most common rules can be found in the Quick Guide. This is the place to check if you are wondering what happens if your ball is out of bounds, if your ball has moved on the putting green, what are the relief situations and procedures. For the complete rules of golf then the Rules Explorer is the perfect tool for you to use. There is also a section on the Equipment Rules. Knowing the rules will make your game more enjoyable and less time will be wasted wondering what to do when confronted with a special situation. You can find more details on our website: http://www.bloominggolf.co.nz/content/Rules-of-Golf/45.aspx
Golf Tip 201105:
Does better equipment make a difference? Yes it does. It’s still hard to believe that some players are still using blade irons and small head woods. In the past twenty years the golf equipment has changed tremendously. Nowadays golf clubs use big heads for the woods and cavities for the irons which make playing golf much easier and more forgiving. The introduction of new materials have helped the manufacturers to produce lighter golf clubs so the player can swing the golf club faster and get more speed through the ball which results in more distance. Club heads being bigger provide a wider hitting zone, making it more difficult to miss the golf ball at impact. If you are still using old golf clubs, try the new technologies and you will notice the difference straight away.
Golf Tip 201104:
When the golf ball is below your feet. A few adjustments have to be made before you hit your golf ball. As you stand closer to the golf ball, the lie angle of your golf club will be more upright, you will flex your knees more than usual and also bend over more. This time the golf ball will naturally go to the right, so aim accordantly to the left of your target. Grip your golf club up to the limit of the grip and swing your golf club as smooth as possible while trying to keep your head on the golf ball as long as possible to avoid toping it. And again, it’s all about keeping the right balance throughout the golf swing. These types of golf shots are not easy and require a lot of practice.
Golf Tip 201103:
When the golf ball is above your feet. A few adjustments have to be made before you hit your golf ball. As you stand further from the ball, the lie angle of your golf club will be flatter than normal, you need to stand taller during your set up and feel like you are sitting down. Grip your golf club one or two inches shorter and take an extra club as you will loose distance. The direction of the golf ball will naturally go to the left, so aim slightly to the right. Opening the club face helps getting through at impact. As we saw last week with the uphill and downhill shots, it’s all about keeping the right balance throughout the golf swing and swinging the golf club as smooth as possible. These types of golf shots are not easy and require a lot of practice.
Golf Tip 201102:
Uphill or downhill lie. When hitting golf balls at a driving range, one thing you do not have to worry about is your lie. It’s always flat. However, when playing on a golf course, your lie will change from one shot to the next, so you need to adapt your posture in order to hit a decent golf shot. First thing, always align your shoulders to the slope, parallel to the ground. For an uphill lie, take an extra club and aim more right. Remember to finish with a good balance on your left side. For a downhill lie, take one club less and aim slightly more left than you think. It’s all about getting the right balance throughout the golf swing and a stable lower body. These types of golf shots are not easy and require a lot of practice. Think about your balance and swing your golf club as smooth as possible.
Golf Tip 201101:
Fairway bunker shots. You just hit a decent drive, but after an unlucky bounce, your golf ball lays in the middle of a fairway bunker. Do not panic! The main objective here is to get out of the bunker and hit your next shot from the fairway. Don’t think of the distance but how to get out of it. Use an easy golf club like a 7 or an 8 iron. Grip shorter than normal, dig your feet in the sand for a better stance and balance. Place the golf ball slightly back in your stance for a better chance to hit the ball first and then the sand. Do not touch the sand with your golf club or you will incur a penalty shot. Keep your head down as long as possible during the swing and you will be out of the bunker in one shot. Once you have mastered this kind of shot, you can then try to get a little bit more distance from a bunker shot. You can even use an hybrid for this kind of shots but some practice is required first!
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