Golf Clubs Information

FLOP SHOT ADVICE from Dave Pelz as discussed on the Golf Channel.

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Just imagine that you have missed this green and bunker to the right. You are twenty yards from the hole. This is a tough little golf shot, isn’t it?

For all you golfers that have a 10 or higher handicap, I never want you to try the flop shot in this situation unless you’ve practiced it. Now, for all you below 10 handicappers, I never want you to try this shot on the golf course unless you’ve practiced it either. The reason I say this is no one should try to “flop” it if they haven’t hit a lot of these shots before.

If your name is not Phil Mickelson or Annika Sorenstam, don’t try this shot unless you’ve practiced it. The reason is you’ve got to swing so hard that if you “thin” it the ball may go 110 yards. If you hit it fat, it’s going to dribble right down into the bunker in front of you. If you practice the flop shot, it will be there when you need it the most.

FLOP SHOT AIM

Here’s something I want you to work on when you’re thinking about getting good on flop shots. You need to know how far left of the pin to aim and setup. When you open the blade up and make a swing, your ball will always go to the right of where your swing plane is going.

A good way to learn how to aim on a flop shot is hit two balls to the same flag from the same spot with two different clubs. For this example, setup about 20 yards away from the flag.

On your first swing, hit your normal sand wedge shot right at the flag. You’ll probably hit it dead straight at the flag but well past it. That’s exactly what should happen. For the second ball, use your lob wedge this time and setup aiming straight at the flag. Now, make the same swing you did before, but with the blade open. If you hit it correctly, the ball should fly to the right of the flag.

The angle that your second ball missed to the right is called the “drift” angle. When you setup on the golf course, you need to aim that far left with your swing. If you setup to the left and then open your blade by the same amount, the ball will go right at the flag.

Now, that’s the way you learn to hit your flop shots in the right direction.

FLOP SHOT TECHNIQUE

The flop shot is a little different animal than most other golf shots. The basic technique is to open up the blade (clubface), aim left, and swing a lot harder than you normally would for a short shot. Two things happen differently on a flop shot. This type of shot goes higher into the air. It lands with a greater downward velocity and leaves a deeper pitch mark in the green. That’s why the flop shot works so well.

Let’s say that you had a green that was dead flat and made out of concrete, and you wanted to land a ball on it. You would have no chance of stopping the ball on it if you didn’t play a flop shot. I don’t care how much it’s spinning, coming in at such a flat angle, the concrete would make it bounce up in the opposite direction on the same angle. But if you hit a high flop shot that’s coming straight down, even on concrete, it would come down and bounce straight up and down. So basically, it would not go anywhere. Even if the ball was spinning a lot, it would come straight down, bounce up, and move back slightly because of the spin.

On a real green, the ball is going to hit and make a pitch mark. If the ball is spinning and the green is soft, it’s going to come out of that pitch mark and just dribble forward. That’s why a flop shot works. It makes a pitch mark and just stops. That’s also why flop shots come in soft because they’re high and moving straight down instead of moving forward.

You’ve seen how to hit the flop shot and you’ve seen why it works. Now, when do you really use it? I really wouldn’t use it with a bunker in front of me where the pin is cut really in tight. It’s so dangerous for a flop shot because if I plug it into the lip of the bunker I probably couldn’t get it up and down from there anyway. There are many reasons why you might want to use a flop shot and that you need to develop it. Imagine if I had a tall tree in the middle of this bunker, and the only way to get from here to the green (or any part of it) is to go over the tree, then I’d hit the flop shot. I’d open the blade and swing hard to get the ball up high so it comes straight down.

If you’re going to have a really good short game, you’ve got to develop a flop shot. Unless your name is Phil Mickelson or Annika Sorenstam, you’ve got to practice it a lot. Don’t try it on the course without practicing it first. Remember, I want you to aim left by your drift angle. You’ve got to learn your drift angle. You’ve got to open the blade so it’s going under the ball and then the ball will go up. You’ve also got to swing a lot harder than normal for a flop shot. Don’t forget these fundamentals and practice them. The flop shot is really not that difficult, but you must practice it.

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

Every athlete has the perfect fantasy experience. Racing fans dream of tearing up the track at Laguna Seca. Tomorrow’s baseball heroes practice day and night in anticipation of they day they’ll knock one over the vines at Wrigley Field. Golfer’s dream of hitting the links in beautiful Ireland. If there is indeed heaven on earth for golfers, it’s found on the Emerald Isle.

Some of the finest world-renowned golf courses are found in Ireland. This beautiful country boasts fabulous golf courses that are sure to suit every athlete’s dream. Few places on earth offer the lush greenery and vibrant, natural beauty of the rolling fields of Ireland. This country provides a complete and totally unique golf experience, with gorgeous parkland golf courses and challenging links. If you like golf, then you’ll absolutely fall in love on your Ireland golf vacation.

Many of Ireland’s link golf courses are natural creations, carved from the sand dunes along the Irish coastline. The coast of Ireland is dotted with sea inlets that provide challenging and satisfying games for even the most advanced golfers. Parkland golf courses, on the other hand, are pristine inland areas set among oak trees, some over a hundred years old. Combined with Ireland’s naturally hilly terrain, these create the perfect golf experience.

This natural, pristine beauty and challenging golf courses made Ireland a certain choice to host the 2006 Ryder Cup, only adding to the incredible experience of those enjoying an Ireland golf vacation. Located in County Kildare, this prestigious event was open to all guests of the K Club.

Those who truly understand and appreciate the timeless sport of golf will not think twice before packing up for a golf vacation in Ireland. If you choose to embark on this unforgettable fantasy, be prepared to make the most of it. Don’t let your explorations be limited to golf courses alone. Venture out, and you’ll be able to experience everything that the Irish people and the country have to offer.

There are sightseeing spots every bit as fabulous as the golf courses. You won’t be able to fit every adventure into a single vacation, so take the time to plan ahead and make the most of your time spent in Ireland.

While you’re likely to spend a significant portion of your time on those exquisite golf courses, try to fit some additional excursions around your tee times. The planning and schedule juggling are well worth the effort.

Use the spare time between games for quick sightseeing excursions throughout the countryside. Otherwise, you may feel as though you’ve missed something when the end of your Ireland golf vacation rolls around. Take the time to experience the best of both worlds in one fantastic getaway.

You have many accommodation options to consider when planning your golf vacation in Ireland. There are quaint, family-run restaurants and inns and large, internationally-owed hotels. Historic castles are available to satisfy those who have a true taste for adventure and a little extra money to spend. There is also a chain of guesthouses in Ireland that are linked to small hotels. Guests at these charming hotels often enjoy a true taste of Ireland with wonderful localized home-cooked meals.

As you’re planning your Ireland golf vacation, remember to sample a number of different restaurants. From intimate to expansive, affordable to expensive, many Irish restaurants prepare top quality cuisine using their own recipes. Like the links and courses of Ireland, every one is a little bit different.

If you’re a golfer ready to live your fantasy, begin planning your golf vacation on the Emerald Isle. The sights, sounds and the sport of Ireland are unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

Hitting the ball is only one component of golf. Any golfer will tell you that there is much more to the game. Experienced golfers find that they must center themselves mentally prior to each shot. Playing golf is more than simply lining themselves properly with the ball. Although it may appear to require little effort from the golfer, there is a lot happening behind the tee.

The following statement may sound like a stretch to some, but there is truth behind it – Golf is Zen experience. This statement is particularly true for the more advanced golfers, regardless of the fun and joking around often observed during the game.

What is Zen? Zen is simply the idea of being completely in each moment all the time. It is about experiencing each moment of life to the fullest and appreciating those moments for exactly what they are.

This is what Zen is – being completely and totally in each and every moment at all times. It is about experiencing each and every moment to the fullest extent possible while also appreciating the moment for what it is.

Zen and golf correspond all throughout the game. A golfer practicing Zen will notice everything around such as the direction and force of the breeze. Yet, the golfer is not actively thinking about his or her surroundings. He or she may notice how the grass feels as they walk the fairway, but the next shot is not yet at the forefront of his or her mind. That will occur when the golfer reaches the ball to tee off.

Once this point is reached, the golfer will make note of his or her distance to the green, the weather and then select a club. By not focusing on the distractions around, the golfer can rather focus on the shot. Thinking beforehand can affect the mental process oftentimes causing the golfer to become tense and anxious behind the tee. However, the Zen golfer should trust his or her body knowing that the mind and body are aligned and, simply, make the play.

Of course, not every shot can be a perfect shot. But, the golfer practicing Zen will not allow the imperfect shots to adversely impact the next shot as opposed to the golfer who stresses about a missed shot allowing it to affect the next shots.

The golfer not practicing Zen will start to think negatively about his or her golfing skills. This is, definitely, not going to help improve your game whether you are a die-hard golfer, in the early stages of learning golf or an occasional golfer as part of a golf club or group. Once you are out on the course, you are a golfer and negative thoughts will impact you just as another. Don’t be surprised, though, if you don’t hear about his in your local golf club!

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

Golfing is a great pastime and hobby for many individuals today. People of all income level as well as age groups are enjoying themselves on the golf course. Some are part of a league and others just play with friends or family for fun and practice. Unfortunately, many would love to play golf year round, but the climate where they live doesn’t allow it. Instead of having to wait months until summer is once again upon you, plan golf into your next vacation. More and more people are choosing golf vacation spots for their vacations, even their family vacations.

Women may think the vacation will have nothing fun for them or the kids. They couldn’t be more wrong. Many vacation spots that have infamous and great golf courses also offer attractions for the entire family. Some of the more popular places to go are Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego and Miami to name just a few.

On the East Coast, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is not only a famous golf course and one every golfer would love to play on at least once, but the city has a lot to offer. There dance clubs, country music shows for the evenings, shopping and all the fine dining you could want in the daytime. For weather, you couldn’t ask for sunnier days than what Myrtle Beach has to offer. Hilton Head is also in South Carolina, so if you have the time, check them both out and compare.

In Phoenix, Arizona, you will have your choice of over 100 golf courses to choose from, with many of them giving you the hot desert weather. You’ll also have the opportunity to see some native villages and exhibit their cultures firsthand. Arizona has some awesome musical concerts there on the weekends for your enjoyment.

Las Vegas, Nevada, the city of lights and gambling capital of the world, couldn’t be a better place for a golf vacation. You can golf most of the day away, dine in any of there fine establishments that offer a variety of cuisine and gamble half the night. Most people that take Las Vegas vacations find they want to go there year after year. Everyone knows all that Florida has to offer for family vacations and Miami is no exception. You have the warm weather, great restaurants and many activities and parks for the kids.

There are many sites such as these. Your travel agent may be able to set you up with any one of these great vacation spots. If you have a special golfing website, they will tell you what some of the hot spots are as well. The great thing about many of these places is they are offered as a complete vacation package with airfare and lodging, saving you lot of time.

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

Presented by GolfClubsHome.com

The game of golf is so simple it’s almost primitive. On the most basic level, golf involves using a club to hit a ball into a hole. So, how can such a simple game be so intimidating to newcomers?

To be fair, there really is a lot for a beginner to learn before he or she can look and feel confident on the green. Playing golf is all about understanding lines and angles, and knowing how to get the ball from point “A” to point “B”. You’ll also need to know about the finer points, like how to stand and even how to swing the club properly. Taking your game from “good” to “great” also requires the ability to putt like a pro.

This really is a lot to comprehend, so it’s best to start with the basics. Golf is all about hitting the ball correctly in order for it to reach its destination, and then sinking the ball into the hole. In order to win the hole, this must be done in fewer swings than anyone else. Your score will increase with every hit. Remember, the person with the lowest score wins.

Most professionals and advanced golf players will offer the same nuggets of wisdom on golf for beginners. Know how to stand, where to stand, where your feet should be, and how to hold your club. It’s important to remember that if one technique doesn’t work, it’s perfectly acceptable to try another. While every person has his or her own tricks for hitting the ball with skill and precision, you will not be able to perfectly and successfully mimic every little movement.

In spite of receiving the best advice and most educated instruction, your best education will come from getting out there and golfing whenever you have the time. You might not feel too confident when you look at your scorecard, but you’ll only get better each time you go out and keeping working. The secret to beginner’s golf is practice, practice, practice.

Be sure to practice your long and short swings. Long swings carry your ball away from the tee, and towards the green. You’ll also use these over the couple of hundred yards to the next green. Short swings, on the other hand, are those that are made to putt the ball into the hole. Hit the ball softly and with utmost precision when you’re on the green, which can be as many as ten to fifteen feet wide.

Remember that certain environmental factors including the slope of the land, the wind and even the direction of the grass blades may affect your shot. The strength of your short swing will also affect your putt. Practice for every scenario, and you’ll be ready for anything on the green.

Beginners need to understanding motion to find success in their games. Make note of the motions of those who are playing the hole ahead of you. See how the ball moves when it has been hit down the fairway, and watch how the golf ball bounces and rolls across the grass. You can actually see the action of the ball, and notice how actions can change without notice.

Use this information and you may find yourself drawn to hitting the ball a little differently. You can alter the motion of the ball and move it more efficiently to the green.

Golf for beginners does not need to be a daunting affair. Take the time to learn the basics, and then practice, practice, practice. Before long, you’ll find yourself offering advice to newcomers on the course.

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