Hello Again Golf Fans!

I’m back with more great tips and tricks to help you lower your score and have more fun out on the golf course!

Today I wanted to share a great new gadget with everyone.  It’s the iPhone app designed by Ping Golf called iPing, and it’s designed to help improve your putting!

This handy little iPhone app gives you information on three elements of your putting stroke:  Stroke Type, Impact Angle, and Tempo.  Stroke Type is simply the path that your putter travels on as it moves back and forth.  The app will let you know if your path is straight, a slight arc, or a strong arc.  Impact Angle is the position of your putter face when it makes contact with the ball.  The app tells you how open or closed it was relative to the address position.  Finally, the Tempo measurement is simply the timing ratio of your putting stroke (2 to 1 for example).

After the app collects your information you can share it with friends, or even compare your numbers to the Ping TOUR pros that are pre-loaded on the app!

You can’t improve what you can’t measure, and this handy new app definitely gives you the tools you need to measure improvement and develop a more consistent stroke.  You can download the free app onto your iPhone or iPod Touch, and all you need is the special cradle to clip your phone to your putter.

Well, that’s all for now everyone – I’ll see you out on the course!  Oh, and happy putting!

Your Friend In Golf,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

 

Pick Up an iPing Cradle at Golf Circuit Today! <=== Click Here!

CURE YOUR SLICE WITH THESE THREE TIPS!

Hello Again Golf Circuit Fans!

I’m back with another blog post designed to help you get the most out of your game, and today I want to focus on one of the most common problems that golfers have – the dreaded slice!  That’s right – I’m talking about the big banana ball that starts out in the middle of the fairway and ends up soaring into the lumberyard.  If you don’t have a problem with a slice yourself I’m sure you know a golfer who does.

Before I tell you my favorite tips for curing a slice I suppose we should probably define it first.  A slice is a golf shot that starts off going somewhat straight and then curves wildly to the right (for a right handed golfer) and usually out of play.

A slice is caused when the angle of the club face is open in relation to the angle of the club’s swing path causing the ball to develop a massive amount of clockwise spin and veer off target (see photo above).

Here are some tricks that just might put a stop to your slice:

• Relax.  Often times a slice can be caused by excess tension in the golf swing which prevents the club face from turning over properly at impact.  By relaxing your hands and forearms on your downswing you should be able to feel the club “turn over” through the impact zone – launching the ball straight down the pipe.

• “Strengthen” Your Grip.  No – I’m not contradicting myself and talking about squeezing the club harder.  By simply rotating your hands clockwise on your club you will “strengthen” your grip and make it easier to return the club to a square position at impact.  Experiment with different grip positions to see how they affect your ball flight and stick with the one that works the best.

• Check Your Alignment.  Often a slice can be caused by overcompensating for poor alignment.  Head to the driving range and lay a golf club or alignment stick at your feet when you are set up to the ball.  Step back and view it from behind to see if it is actually aligned to your target.  If it’s off make an adjustment and then hit some shots keeping the club there to help re-train.

• Experiment with these different tips to see what works best for you – it might just be one of them or it might be a combination of all three, but when you stripe a drive down the middle and it soars straight on line you will know that you’ve found your cure!

That’s all I’ve got for today’s post, so until next time keep it in the fairway!

Your Friend,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

 

 

Walking The Course Is Easy With These Great Push Carts!

Hello Golfers!

Now that fall is finally here and temps are cooling off I’ve made a big change in my game that I thought I would share with all of you.  It’s given me more energy, helped improve my focus, and lowered my scores, and it’s not a new training aid or swing secret.  It’s even more simple than that – it’s called walking!!

I find that when I am able to walk the course I feel better physically, I have more mental focus, and I am able to shoot lower scores than when I ride.  I’m also able to enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors without being confined to a riding cart.

However, I’ve found that some days I can’t even carry my bag for 9 holes without my shoulders and my back becoming fatigued and sore, so I test drove some of the latest and greatest push carts out there today and I wanted to share a few of my favorites!

Sun Mountain Speed Cart V1:  Sun Mountain is a great golf equipment company headquartered in Missoula, Montana and they were the first ones to modernize push cart technology.  Their Speed Cart is still one of the most durable, smoothest rolling, and best looking push carts on the market.  It’s available in a wide variety of colors and has some great options like a brake, umbrella holder, and even an insulated cooler!

Sun Mountain Micro Cart:  If you want a high quality cart but are short on space and want something a little lighter than the Speed Cart V1, check out the Micro Cart.  This four-wheeled model rolls down the fairway nicely, and it weighs almost four pounds less than it’s bigger brother.  It also folds up in a nice compact package to easily fit in your trunk or bag storage space.

Clicgear Model 3.0:  Another pioneer in push cart technology, Clicgear has a great new model that I really like.  It’s designed with super durable aluminum frame just like the Sun Mountain models, and the assembly process is a little different, but once you figure it out it just “clicks” right together.  I guess that’s why they call it Clicgear!

Those are just a few of the great push cart options out on the market today that make walking the course easy and enjoyable.  Do yourself a favor and give one of these a test drive next time you go out and play – your body will thank you and who knows you just might find your new secret to lowering your scores!

That’s all for today’s newsletter my friends…I hope to see you out walking the fairways sometime soon!

Your friend,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

 

Click Here ====> Check Out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Push Carts!!!

SELECTING THE RIGHT SHAFT FOR YOUR GAME – SHAFT KICK POINT

Hello Golf Circuit Fans!

I’m back with the final installment in our series of selecting the right shaft for your game.  In our last three posts we’ve focused on shaft flex, shaft weight, and shaft torque.  Today, we’re zeroing in on one final element of proper shaft selection – kick point.

The kick point of a golf shaft refers to the place where it bends or flexes at impact, or how the flexibility of the shaft was distributed along the length of the shaft.  Today this may also be referred to as the bend profile or bend point of a shaft, but it really means the same thing.

There are a few things that golfers should keep in mind when evaluating the kick point of a shaft:

• As a general rule shafts with low kick points will encourage a higher ball flight, so golfers looking for a higher trajectory should seek shafts with low kick points, and golfers seeking a lower trajectory should seek shafts with lower kick points.

• Golfers with quick tempos and high swing speeds will generally prefer shafts that have a stiffer butt end, and golfers with smoother tempos and lower swing speeds are likely to prefer shafts with softer butt ends.

• The later you release your club the stiffer you will want the tip end of the shaft to be to encourage optimum launch conditions.  If you tend to release the club early you will want to look for a shaft with a softer tip section.

It’s also important to keep in mind that kick points or bend profiles are not uniform between shaft manufacturers, and they also may differ between shaft flexes and weights.  This means that one shaft’s high kick point may not correlate directly to another’s.  Ultimately, it’s important to experiment with different shafts to see which fits your swing best.

Well – that wraps up our series on selecting the right shaft for your game!  Hopefully these four posts have been informative and give you some guidance when it comes to selecting the right shaft or shafts for your game, and with the new interchangeable technology in many of today’s newest driver’s experimenting with different shafts can be a lot of fun as long as you understand the elements that affect performance!

Until next time,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

Click Here ====> Check Out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Shafts!

SELECTING THE RIGHT SHAFT FOR YOUR GAME – SHAFT TORQUE

Hello Golf Fanatics!

I’m back with another installment of Golf Circuit’s series on shaft fitting.  As more and more interchangeable drivers appear on the market it’s important that golfers understand all of the factors that go into selecting the right graphite shaft for their game. In our first two shaft fitting posts we focused on shaft flex and shaft weight, and today we’re going to zero in on another popular element of shaft fitting – torque. Shaft “torque” refers to the twisting of the shaft on the downswing and through impact.

Torque is measured in degrees, and ranges between 2 degrees to 8 degrees depending upon the construction and design of the shaft. The higher the torque the more twisting the shaft will experience during the swing. While torque is often discussed by both amateurs and professionals, it actually has a very limited effect on shaft performance. In my experience working with major equipment manufacturers shaft torque actually has more of an effect on the “feel” of a graphite shaft than the actual performance of the shaft.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating the torque of a shaft:

• A graphite shaft with a torque range of 3 degrees to 6 degrees will be well suited to most any golfer.

• A graphite shaft with a torque range of below 3 degrees may have a feel that is preferred by stronger players or those with quicker swing tempos.

• A graphite shaft with a torque range of 7 degrees or higher may have a feel that is preferred by players with smoother, slower swing tempos.

Of the three elements of shaft fitting we have discussed so far torque is by far the least important. Both shaft flex and shaft weight will have a much more dramatic effect on the overall feel and performance of your club.

That’s all for this week my friends, but stay tuned next week when we wrap up our four part series on shaft fitting with a discussion on kick point and trajectory!

From Tee to Green,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

Click Here ====> Check Out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Shafts!

SELECTING THE RIGHT SHAFT FOR YOUR GAME – SHAFT WEIGHT

Greetings Golf Circuit Fans!

Today I want to bring you the second installment of Golf Circuit‘s shaft fitting series.  In our first installment we focused on defining shaft flex and how it plays into performance and fitting, and today we’re going to focus on another element of graphite shaft construction and design – weight.

Measured in grams, Shaft weight is one of the most under appreciated elements of shaft fitting and it has a major role in the feel and performance of a golf club.  Today’s ultralight graphite shafts weigh in at around 40 or 50 grams, while their heavier counterparts tip the scales at 80 to 90 grams.

Shaft weight affects a club in the following ways:

• Performance:  A heavier shaft will often be stiffer and better suited for stronger players, while ultra light shafts are engineered to increase swing speeds and increase distance in players with average to mild swing speeds.

• Feel:  Heavier shafts can cause players with quick tempos to slow down their swings because they can actually feel the club more during their swing, while lighter shafts can almost feel weightless and easy to swing.  Heavier shafts are also sometimes well suited for experienced players who learned the game with older equipment since they better mimic the feel of the clubs they developed their swing for.

Use the following as general rules when selecting shaft weight for your swing:

• 40-50 grams (ultra-light):  These shafts are best for players who like the feel of a lightweight club, swing with a smooth tempo, and have mid to low swing speeds.

• 60-70 grams (mid-weight):  These shafts are great for average players who aren’t sure what they are looking for.  They fit a variety of swing speeds and tempos without a drastic light or heavy feel.

• 80-90+ grams (heavy-weight):  These shafts are best fit for strong players with quick tempos who are looking for a substantial shaft that will help them control their swings.  These shafts can also be great for senior players who grew up building their swings using the heavier equipment of the past.

Keeping this information in mind should better help you understand the numbers found on your current graphite shafts, and also select new shafts that will improve your performance and lower your scores!

That’s all for this edition, but stay tuned for our next post when we will focus on another element of shaft fitting – torque.

Your Friend,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

Click Here ====> Check Out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Shafts!

Selecting The Proper Shaft For Your Game – Shaft Flex

Hello Golf Circuit Fans!

I’m back with another blog post to help you get the most out of your game, and today I am kicking off a series of posts on a popular topic in the equipment world today – shaft fitting.  The new interchangeable shaft technology that manufacturers like TaylorMade, Callaway, Nike, and now Ping have introduced makes it a snap to alter the performance of your driver.

When it comes to selecting the proper shaft there are a few elements that every golfer should be aware of to ensure maximum performance for their unique swing – flex, weight, and torque.  In the first edition of my series on shaft fitting I want to focus on shaft flex.

Shaft flex has a significant bearing on performance.  Most graphite shaft manufacturers engineer their shafts in multiple flexes which refer to how easily the shaft bends during the swing, including the following:

• “A-Flex” or “Soft-R” are often designated as mens senior flexes (“A” originally referred to amateur).  These can also be great for strong juniors or ladies with higher swing speeds, and also for men with extremely smooth swings.

• “R-Flex” is designated as a mens regular flex, but can also be great for ladies with strong or quick swings.

• “S-Flex” is designated as a mens stiff flex.

• “X-Flex” or “Tour-S” are mens extra stiff flex.  These shafts are most often reserved for expert players, but they can be great for stronger men who have extremely quick swings.

• “L-Flex” is designated as a ladies regular flex but can also be great for seniors with slower swing speeds.

Golfers should be aware that selecting a shaft which is too flexible for their swing will likely cause a wild shot pattern and unpredictable ball flight.  While a small boost in distance may result from a shaft that is too soft or flexible, the benefit is usually outweighed by the loss of directional control.  On the other hand, when golfers select a shaft that is too stiff they will likely experience enhanced control but a significant loss in distance.

Golfers can also utilize these different flex properties to match various courses and playing conditions.  A stiffer shaft may be better suited for a tight short course or windy conditions, while a softer shaft might be better suited to a wide open course in calm conditions.

Keeping these ideas in mind should help you find the right shaft(s) for your game and get the most out of today’s modern driver technology.  Stay tuned because next time we will be focusing in on another element of proper shaft fitting – shaft weight.

Until then keep it in the short stuff!

Your Friend,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Professional

Click Here ====> Check out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Interchangeable Shafts

 

Long Irons, Fairway Woods, and Hybrids – Which Is Right For You?

 

Hello Again Golf Circuit Fans!

I’m back with some more great tips to help you get the most out of your game, and today I want to talk a little bit about choosing the right equipment.  I’ve noticed that when it comes to selecting the right clubs for long distance shots many players are confused about the difference between long irons, fairway woods, and hybrids so I thought a little clarification might be in order.  Here’s a quick definition of each…

 Long Irons:  For most golfers these are the hardest of the three to hit well, and because of their small heads and low lofts those who don’t strike the ball consistently with a decent amount of clubhead speed often struggle with long irons.  When they are hit well, however, they deliver a low penetrating ball flight that is ideal for windy conditions and even on mishits they often will not travel far enough to get you into real trouble.  Long irons also perform well from fairway bunkers and rough.

Fairway Woods:  These clubs can be great to use as a substitute for your driver, or when you need to get some distance on an approach shot or layup from the fairway.  Thanks to the extra mass that their head provides fairway woods are often easier to get air born than long irons, and they can travel great distances with a high soaring flight pattern.  Fairway woods do have their limitations however, especially in long grass and fairway bunkers where they can easily get bogged down, and on mis-hits they can cause your ball to fly quite a ways off track.

 Hybrid Clubs:  By combining the head shape of long irons and fairway woods golf club designers were able to create a new genre of golf club called the hybrid.  These clubs perform just as expected – with the accuracy and versatility of a long iron and the distance and easy to hit qualities of a fairway wood.  Hybrid clubs can be a great option for a variety of different shots, and they can even make great chippers when you’re near the edge of the green!

I recommend replacing long irons that you don’t hit well with hybrids, but because of their larger heads and longer lengths you should choose one hybrid down from the iron you are replacing.  For example you should replace a 3 iron with a 4 hybrid, and so on.

That’s all I’ve got for you today – hit ’em well!

Your Friend,

James

Golf Circuit PGA Teaching Professional

 

Check Out Golf Circuit’s Great Selection of Hybrid Clubs <==== Click Here!

 

Outsmart The Course With These Mental Tips

Hello again Golf Circuit Fans!

Golf Circuit’s PGA Teaching Professional is back with another blog post to help you play your best, and today I want to focus on the mental side of the game.  I find that many of my students spend too much time trying to perfect their swing when they could drop their scores significantly by just playing smarter.  Here’s a few tips to help you make the most out of the swing you’ve already got…

1. Set up for success on the tee box:  This one is a no-brainer!  When you are teeing up your ball it is important to make sure you are on side of the tee blocks that is going to give you the best chance of hitting a good shot and staying out of trouble.  To do this simply tee your ball up on the same side as the trouble.  This might seem counter-intuitive, but when you try it you will know why it’s one of my favorite little strategy tips.  When you tee up on the same side as the trouble you automatically open up the other side of the hole and reduce the chance that you will end up in the lumber yard.
2. Don’t let a straight shot cost you:  This is another simple tip that I picked up a while back, and it’s helped me avoid lots of unnecessary frustration.  When you’re lining up your shot make sure that you don’t aim in a place where hitting a straight shot will cost you.  This may seem simple, but I always see other golfers playing for their slice and then ending up hitting one straight – right into the pond.  There’s nothing more frustrating then finally getting your swing figured out and still having to pay the price.  If you’re not confident enough in the club that you’re hitting to aim properly, maybe you should head back to the bag.
3. Focus on the target not the swing:  When I’m out on the course I really try to avoid thinking about swing thoughts.  Instead, I focus on my target as much as I can and try to imagine myself hitting the shot I want before I actually do.  Think about it this way – if you’re going to crumple up a piece of paper and try to throw it in the wastebasket across the room are you going to worry about how you are bending your elbow and when you are going to release the paper from your hand?  I don’t think so!  You’re going to look at the wastebasket and use your intuition to give it your best toss.  That’s the kind of thoughts that I like to have when I’m out on the course – not complicated ones about swing technique.

That’s all for this edition – I hope these tips and tricks hep you all play smarter and have more fun!

From Tee to Green,

James

Lower Your Scores With Properly Fit Wedges

Hello Golf Circuit Followers!

My name is James and I am the resident PGA Teaching Pro here at Golf Circuit.  I’ll be posting tips here on our blog to help you get the most out of your game, and today I want to talk a little bit about your wedges.  There are two basic elements that affect the performance of your wedges, and ensuring that you have both fit to match your game can really help you lower your scores!

Loft:  Most pitching wedges have between 46 and 48 degrees of loft, and the gap in loft between irons is usually 4 or 5 degrees.  This gap, plus the change in length, is what causes irons to carry different distances.  Knowing the loft on your pitching wedge can help you select the proper wedges for your game.  If your pitching wedge has 46 degrees of loft, the next step down would be a 50 degree gap wedge, and then a 54 or 56 degree sand wedge, and then a 58 or 60 degree lob wedge.  Having the right lofts on your wedges makes it easy to hit variety of different shots without having to adjust your swing too much.

Bounce:  There is another angle called bounce that directly affects the performance of your wedges.  Bounce is the angle between the leading edge of your wedge and the turf and it’s usually between 8 and 14 degrees.  The higher the bounce the greater the distance between the leading edge and the turf or the sand.  High bounce wedges are great for players that take large divots, those playing in wet conditions, or those playing from fluffy sand.  Low bounce wedges are great for those who take little or no divot, those playing in hard pan conditions, or those playing from hard sand.

The easiest way to start building a set of wedges that fits your game is to have your pro measure your pitching wedge loft.  That will help you determine exactly what wedges you should be shopping for to minimize distance gaps.  Also, keep in mind the playing conditions at your local course(s) when selecting bounce to maximize your performance around the green.

 

From Tee to Green,

James

 

 P.S. Don’t forget to check out Golf Circuit’s great selection of wedges!  Click Here! <=======