The Top 5 Mental Swing Tips

Have you ever stood over the golf ball to hit a shot and hear a thousand thoughts running through your head? "Keep your eye on the ball," "remember to keep your left arm straight," "have a smooth takeaway," "don't slice it," "follow through," "swing easy." Does this type of golf anxiety sound familiar?

Everyone gets these thoughts sometimes, but if you want to play better golf and make the game fun instead of stressful, you need to have only a couple solid swing tips to think about.

Remember this mental tip at all times - golf is a very difficult game, probably one of the most, if not the most, difficult game on earth. You are going to hit good shots, bad shots, and even shanks sometime.

It is okay and a part of the game. Much of the obsessive thinking on the golf course comes from expecting too much from yourself. Just try to stay positive, have fun and only think about the following five swing tips when you are on the course. Your anxiety and shaking knees will probably decrease, resulting in you swinging better.

Golf Swing Tip #1

Keep your head still. I can't emphasize this swing tip enough. Nobody can keep their head absolutely still, but if you watch the pros their heads move very little. When you move your head your body moves with it, pulling your swing off line.

Golf Swing Tip #2

Have a pre-shot routine, and stick to it on every shot. Whether you take your stance and just hit the ball or if you take twenty waggles like Sergio used to do, do whatever is comfortable for you and be consistent with it, especially in tournament play. A proper routine also includes checking your alignment to make sure you are aimed where you want the ball to go.

Golf Swing Tip #3

Visualize the shot you are going to hit. Think about a very specific target, and only focus on that spot. Block out any negative thoughts, picture, and feel in your mind a good rhythmic swing.

Golf Swing Tip # 4

Take your time. Many people are in a rush when it is there turn to hit. This results in swings and strokes that are off tempo. Take your time and relax yourself. I am not asking you to slow down your foursome, but you need to be calm on the golf course in order to play well consistently.

Golf Swing Tip #5

Forget about the last shot. Play every shot like it is the first of the day. I can't stress enough how important this swing tip is. Most of the mental mishaps on the golf course happen because you are emotionally charged about the last shot or the triple bogey you made four holes ago. Once a shot is done it is over with and you can't change it, so "hit it and forget about it."

When you are playing a round of golf you just can't afford to obsess over various swing thoughts. Most people have a million things running through their head as they stand over the ball, which causes most of the bad shots they stress over.

Most of golf is mental confidence, which is instilled by using consistent and simple swing tips to remember out on the course, no matter how well you are or aren't playing that day. If you follow the above swing tips, I bet you will shoot better scores.

By David Nevogt

Golf Clubs - Buyers Tips You Must Know

There is business in the mix as well, as in most other things. Manufacturers, promoters, sellers, all of them are involved.

Take used golf clubs, for example - there is extensive buying and selling of these products going on in some parts of the world, which might mean you can get yourself a better deal than you thought, if you know where to look!

Some companies choose to make their own clubs from scratch, meaning they do the planning, the choosing of the material to use, the construction of a golf club, and all other necessities. Other companies however choose to buy an already constructed golf club and put all efforts to making it work for them, through careful marketing and sponsorships too.

All About The Price

A golf club does not come cheaply if you buy unwisely. In fact, millions are spent on developing clubs, whether in design, construction of it or the buying-in of a ready made product.

Yet, like in all other opportunities in the business world, there come situations where you can find discount golf clubs at a great price - truth is it's good business for you as well as your vendor, who can make a deal quickly and easily.

Cheap golf clubs are self explanatory. You buy them and enjoy yourself using them as well as having a good deal in your pocket - more than if you'd bought off the shelf branded products - all at a very affordable price!

Golf Clubs Available in the Market

If you really do not want to pay for expensive golf clubs, then checkout other options, such as clone golf clubs. This may be best option for you. Of course, as these are clone clubs, they might not be quite as good as the original they were based on (although clone golf club manufacturers might try to argue that one!).

Yet clone golf club manufacturers nowadays have state of the art facilities and you may find this economical, yet great quality product just to your liking.

So it is all up to you to decide.

For the more esoteric afficionado, antique golf clubs are also in demand in the market and collectors truly appreciate these clubs - and pay the price for them too.

Collecting vintage clubs and showing off these finds around the golf course does have its rewards and truly can make you everyone's buddy around the place.

Some golfers like to have their clubs personalized. That is why custom golf clubs manufacturers have found a niche for their products. Clubs that are engraved with company logos or personal designs do have their own magical appeal.

Aside from these, you can also find in the market hybrid golf clubs. A mix between long iron and fairway wood, these clubs are all the rage these days. In fact a lot of players and golf gurus are recommending them.

If you are a parent and looking for the right club for your young golfer, then there are plenty of junior golf clubs to choose from out there.

Just take note that in buying golf clubs, it has to improve your game and not otherwise.

By Martin Haworth

Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort

More and more families from the northeast are choosing the coastal Carolinas for their new or retirement home. When researching a place for a vacation second home or for future retirement, look no further than Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort, Calabash, NC. Minutes from pristine beaches and surrounded by more than 100 golf courses, you will enjoy a lifestyle second to none.

Established in 1991, Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort is a gated golf course community and provides 1,750 magnificent acres for fun and pleasure. They have an amenity rich lifestyle, which includes 27 beautiful holes of golf, 7 swimming pools (2 indoor and 5 outdoor), sauna, tennis courts, 2 clubhouses, and 3 amenity centers. They also have 4 exercise facilities, and miles of walking trails. They are adding an additional 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with a special event program stage, a grand ballroom to accommodate 500 people, and another swimming pool with unique gazebos. Brunswick Plantation is located just minutes from the vitality of Myrtle Beach SC with its great shopping outlets such as Tommy Bahama and Ralph Lauren, and show venues such as The Palace Theater and Broadway at the Beach. If you prefer quiet times, the solitude of Sunset Beach and Bird Island, only minutes away, is just the thing. Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort offers a wide variety of REAL ESTATE from which to choose. Just north of Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort is the community of Wilmington, North Carolina renowned for its historic architecture, sights, local arts and riverfront dining and activities.

Temperatures on the coast of North Carolina are moderate year round, and golf and other outdoor activities continue most every day. Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort is rated one of the TOP 50 GOLF RESORTS IN THE NATION.

They have spectacular waterfront homesites, furnished golf villas with a leaseback option, lakeside condominiums, and luxurious townhomes with an oversized garage. Discover elegantly designed homes with the lifestyle you deserve.

People who have chosen Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort for part-time or full-time living find new friends with their same values and interests. Take a look at their website http://www.brunswickplantation.com and click on their Kindred Spirit BLOG to sample the flavor of activities. A social director enhances the organization of parties, special events, such as an annual Arts and Crafts Fair, and clubs. If you have an interest in a particular activity, chances are there will be someone else to join you in the fun, be it bird watching or beach shelling, gardening, and the whole range of outdoor activities. They have walking trails around the lakes for your exercise program.

Especially important to their golfers-their developers have given in perpetuity to the Smokey Mountain National Land Trust, Inc., a conservation easement on all of the land that comprises the 27 holes of golf at Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort, giving up the right to develop the land now, or at anytime in the future.

Looking for the advantages of a small town with the nearby conveniences of a big city, consider Brunswick Plantation Golf Resort your next home.

Find out more at http://www.livesouth.com/north-carolina/brunswick-plantation

By Tim Stewart

5 Tips For Hiring A Golf Instructor

When it comes to hiring a golf instructor for lessons or when researching golf schools you should spend some time looking for the right one. Below are 5 steps you should go through to help you qualify your next golf instructor or golf school.

1. Just like selecting a golf school you need to determine what your budget is for a golf instructor. You want to eliminate those golf instructors that are not within your budget. Why waste your time?

2. You should next determine if you're looking to revamp your golf swing or just looking for a quick fix or tune-up. Some golf teachers may be better at one or the other so make sure you ask them what they're best at.

3. The guys you play golf with could be a great source of information on a good golf instructor. Ask them if they could recommend one to you. Even if they can't recommend one they may know someone who can.

4. After you've narrowed down the list to 3 or 5 golf instructors then look at their credentials. You want to find out where they've taught in the past and call their past employer. See what the employer says about them and their teaching style. Ask if they were liked by the students and the staff.

5. The last thing to do is set up a phone or face-to-face interview with the golf instructor. This is where you want to have a list of questions prepared so you don't forget to ask the important questions. Also this is the time to see if their style and personality will work for you.

After reading this you probably think these were things you'd go through to hire someone for a job. Well actually that's exactly what you're doing. A golf instructor is an independent consultant and you're hiring him to do a job... work on your golf swing. So you should perform the due diligence to make sure you get the golf instructor that's right for you.

I would also suggest doing the steps above that are appropriate for selecting a golf school. You want to see if the golf instructors at the golf school are going to be right for you because you don't want to spend all that money and not be satisfied with the instructor and experience. Golf vacation schools are also a nice option to include the entire family for a week long vacation and golf.

by Don Smith

Used Golf Clubs - Key Facts To Check Before You Buy!

I came across an interesting article the other day about buying used golf clubs, I thought it may be especially helpful to anyone starting out who needs to buy clubs but doesn't want to pay the full price or any golfer who is out to buy second hand clubs in general. As you you may or may not already know the internet is probably the best resource available for anyone who wants to buy first or second hand clubs at very reaonable prices, sites such as eBay offer many great deals. Anyway here's the article.

Used golf clubs are available all over the place and give you the chance to try golfing inexpensively. If you do not stick with it you are not out as much money.

If you are a regular golfer you can usually find some nice used golf clubs that are the same as the new set you have been eyeing at the store - and with a significantly reduced price.

Used Golf Clubs - What You Must Check First

If you decide to buy some used golf clubs there are some things you should check out before purchase.

First check the grips. The grips should not be to worn or cracked. If you buy clubs with bad grips and have to regrip them it kind of ruins the whole good deal. Gripping done by a professional can add up to fifteen dollars per club.

The second thing to check out when buying used golf club's is the shafts. You should twist the head and the grip in opposite directions - it should show good resistance. Eye the club straight out in front of you to check for any bending.

Third, check out the club heads. Make sure the club head is not too worn. There will probably be some wear but as long as the grooves are still defined and there are no indentations they should be fine.

Buying Online Is A Great Deal

Used golf club's are all over the internet. From e-Bay to private dealers and even the big dogs sell used sets. Make sure you check the price of the same site as new to see if you are getting a good deal. Of course, one problem with buying used golf clubs online is that you cannot test them.

You can't swing them around and get a feel for them. This is not to say that you should not purchase used golf club's online, it's best to just exercise a little caution.

Insist on a picture of each club in the set lined up so you can be sure they are all from the same set. Some of you may not be to worried about all the above concerns since you only play occasionally for fun. If you want to buy previously owned golf clubs and get a lot of use out of them, do check them carefully before you buy wherever possible.

Look For A Good Reputation

Used golf clubs on the market are generally a good deal and in good shape. Deal with someone who has a good reputation and you will do just fine.

There are some really fantastic deals out there and with some time and patience you can find the right set for you.

One last note on previously owned golf clubs is the putter. You may want to consider investing in a really good putter that suits you personally, by working with a retailer to locate just the right one for you. Putting is frustrating enough without using the right equipment for you.

Have fun finding your used golf clubs and enjoy the game.

by Martin Haworth

How Do I Swing A Golf Club?

Thought I'd post an article for potential beginners and maybe it'll even offer some help to seasoned golfers too, read on.

Here it is! Your first, most basic step on your way to the golfing hall of fame. The first thing to learn is how to swing a golf club.

Now, we can talk about the biomechanics of the golf swing; about resistance and G-force, the single plane vs. the double plane approach, go into detail with the physics and equations of the golf swing... but first, the most basic and universal piece of advice anybody can give you for your golf swing.

Relax.

The golf swing is actually a natural motion, and once you know how to do it, it's just like breathing. Don't get intimidated by all the jargon and mathematics. The most important thing, as any pro golfer will tell you, is to take a deep breath, relax and let the golf swing do its thing.

Having said that, let's look at how you swing the golf club, step by step and broken down.

Get A Grip

First, hold the club straight in front of you, just about perpendicular, with your right hand. Now, wrap your left hand around it. The club should be resting on the pads of the inside of your fingers, the digit closest to the palm, and the palm. You may hold your left hand at a little bit of an angle, so that the middle digit pad of your index finger is in contact with the club. Do whichever feels most comfortable to you. Your thumb should rest on top, pointing along the shaft of the club.

Now, re-wrap your right hand above your left hand on the shaft. You have your left hand wrapped around the shaft with your palm and base finger digits, right? Well, you should be holding the club with the right hand chiefly with your fingers. It should be just above the left hand and your right thumb should stick a little to the right.

The grip is a little tough to master, and there are a variety of ways to do it. There isn't really a "right" way, just go with what's best for you.

The Right Golf Stance

If your stance isn't right, your entire swing will be ruined. You have to get the stance just right, and it takes practice. If your stance (also called "address") is good, the swing will be a natural fluid movement. It will take some work at first, but over time, you can work on perfecting your stance.

For starters, make sure you're balanced. You should have your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Have you ever seen golfers wiggle their butts back and forth before taking a shot? They look stupid, but they're checking their balance. Make sure it's as even as possible!

Your front foot should be just ahead of where your ball is. Your legs should be shoulder-length or a little further apart. If you drew a line across the tips of your toes, it should lead directly to your target.

Keep your back straight, but relaxed. Keep your chin up. Most importantly, be comfortable.

It's Go-Time!

Now, twist at the torso and lift the club with your arms. You should coil up like your body is a spring, and you should be swinging down at the ball.

Most importantly, don't swing with your arms. Wind up, and then gently unwind your body, starting with the lower back and torso, then the shoulders, and finally let the wrists release a little bit at the end.

Don't swing too fast! Faster doesn't mean farther. Your swing should be smooth and natural, not forced and tense.

The swing is really just the final part. The grip and address are considered by most golfers to be much more important in determining a swing's success.

It's really hard to get the right swing without some one on one training. Go golfing with some buddies and don't just spend your time practicing and getting whipped; pick their brains on strategies and swing technique, and most of all, be observant. For more info see http://www.getgoodatgolf.com/trouble-shot.

Finally, keep track of your mistakes and always look for ways to improve. That's how the pros did it.

by Wade Robins