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Your 15th Club: The Inner Secret to Great Golf

2008-10-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Your 15th Club: The Inner Secret to Great Golf

If you want a list of nicely done negative thoughts and self doubts, read this book.

I got the audio version of the book, and listening to almost 2 and a half (out of 5) discs made me feel much worse than I felt before picking it up. I am not sure what the author is trying to achieve by repeating negative thoughts over and over again, all the while emphasizing how bad negative thoughts are for your game. The book also tells you that (pretty much) repetition sends your conscious thoughts to your sub-conscious. I can't understand why then, is the author repeating so much negativity. I think I am discouraged enough to not complete the audio book.

Not sure if I feel this way because, being an absolute beginner, I had no real problem with my golf game. Perhaps I might try listening again, in a year or so, when, I think, I would have real problem(s) with my game.

This is the first golf mental game book that I started reading. If other mental game books are like this.... we are doomed. PS: I have no experience with the author's other writings.

This book is too negative. Perhaps naivety is the key :) Be Naive, Be Happy, Play good golf.

I gave this book 2 stars because I learned 2 things that may help me: Good shots journal, and Writing affirmations. But the ratio of helpful stuff to bad thoughts is just way too over whelming.

2008-10-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

How I Play Golf

If you are like me, your golf swing will never be confused with Mr. Tiger Woods’s magnificent arcs. On the other hand, I enjoy watching him on television (even a lot of nongolfers do, too), and How I Play Golf is a very valuable, detailed look a how he eats, exercises, practices, prepares mentally, thinks through shots, sets up, and executes. I found this book to be the most revealing look at one golfer’s game that it has ever been my pleasure to look at and read about. Even if I can never learn anything from his game, I will certainly watch his game with a more educated eye in the future!

One of my major complaints about the photographs in most golf books is that the images do not illuminate what the text describes. These photographs are both well coordinated with the text, and easy to evaluate from an amateur perspective. I especially enjoyed seeing the details of the different grips Mr. Woods uses. I got several ideas for experiments to try in order to cure faults in my swing with those grip examples.

Another complaint about books by famous golfers is that they encourage too many people to emulate them. Mr. Woods makes it clear that this is how he plays golf, and why. In several places, he points out that his solutions will not be right for you. On the other hand, he plays with a lot of amateurs in pro-ams and studies with top teaching professionals. From those perspectives, he has a lot to say for the amateur, weekend golfer.

A great strength of this book is that it shows you and describes each element of the game from many different perspectives. You often see very large color photographs, from different angles. In other places, the degree of grip pressure is explored in considerable detail, with useful calibrations to experience. The text also describes why one approach works in a given situation and another one does not. For example, there are almost as many illustrations of common faults as of proper practice and performance. Seeing the “wrong” and the “right” side-by-side makes the message much clearer. In a few places, Mr. Woods also explains how his special physical skills permit him to do things that won’t work for very many other people. For example, he can feel the degree of “squareness” of the club head as it approaches the hitting zone and can make fine adjustments with his hands just before contact. He uses a grip that takes advantage of that talent. On the other hand, he cautions the reader to model the full swing on a golfer who has a similar physique and stature to oneself.

The book contains a lot of sound advice of the sort that you would eventually pick up by reading about 50 issues of Golf Digest. Those who want to see basics outlined all in one place will like this book. It has a lot of the richness of a Dave Pelz book, but is simplified to make the material easier to absorb and remember.

I also liked the way that key points are repeated throughout the book, in order to help drive them home.

Having watched a lot of Mr. Woods’s tournament rounds, I was pleased to see that he used many references to shots that I remember to make certain points. I was particularly impressed by his assessment that he seldom hits a “perfect shot” in remembering only one in the 12 tournaments he won in 2000.

Perhaps the most interesting advice in the book is to swing at only 80 percent of the effort you can make.

I have always found that it makes sense to build my game from the putting green back towards the tee. I was delighted to see that this book takes the same approach. Naturally, you will be tempted to skip ahead to the “blast away with the driver” sections, but do read all of the book. There’s lots of good information here. I have played with a number of pros who love to hit their drivers from the fairway. Imagine my fascination when I saw that the book has a section on how to do that.

If you are like me, you will come away with increased respect for the dedication that it has taken to develop this amazing level of skill and coolness. As Mr. Woods says, there are no short cuts. In fact, he has added a lot of discipline since first winning on the tour at 21.

No matter what happens to you on the course, or in life . . . keep your chin up and relax!

How I Play Golf

2008-10-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

Zen Golf: Mastering the Mental Game

The lessons in Zen Golf make the mental game seem so simple. Dr. Parent has given me very effective methods for working with thoughts and emotions, and for taking the negatives out of the picture.?
-Vijay Singh, Masters and PGA Champion

?Soothing and enlightening, Zen Golf exposes us to the storm-tossed waters of the golfer's psyche, but in short order, Dr. Parent has us bobbing easily amidst the waves.?
-Guy Yocum, Senior Writer for Golf Digest

?There?s no other book like this one. If you want to know what has gotten in the way of playing better and what you can do about it, look no further.?
-Mike ?Radar? Reid, PGA Tour Winner

?Doc?s unique teaching methods helped me to concentrate and to go from the range to the first tee in a way that gets my round off to a much better start.?
-Willie Wood, PGA Tour Winner

?Dr. Parent?s use of golf as a metaphor for business is full of great insights that have helped our staff grow as people and professionals.?
-David Hausdorff, Vice President, Merrill Lynch, Private Client Group

?Here is a roadmap to inner confidence, self-awareness and the feel of a purely struck golf shot. This approach to learning and life is a wonderful and powerful expression of the future for golf instruction.?
-Fred Shoemaker, author of Extraordinary Golf and co-teacher of Golf in the Kingdom seminars with Michael Murphy

The Art of the Short Game: Tour-Tested Secrets for Getting Up and Down

2008-10-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Art of the Short Game: Tour-Tested Secrets for Getting Up and Down
Stan’s help with my short game was the difference between playing some nice golf and winning again on the PGA Tour and winning majors on the Champions Tour. -- Peter Jacobsen, seven-time PGA Tour winner, and winner of the 2004 Senior U.S. Open 2005 Senior Players Championship.
1.I have been playing about four years and have never had too much success with my short game shots. I was looking forward to reading Stan's latest after having much success with his first, 'The Art of Putting'. I was not disappointed. After a few glitches getting the strokes down I can now say that my short game is the best it has ever been. Lately I am finding that I can get to 2-4 feet from the pin for makeable par savers. Now I feel like I have a decent chance of getting up and down instead of entering a crap shoot when I 'leave it short' or fly the green. Word of advice: learn the chip shot first, get it down, than learn the pitch shot where you learn to use the bounce of the club to control the ball flight distance. I had a little trouble incorporating the bounce technique. It's a good one to practice a lot off the course before bringing it to your game.

I would say that this one is a classic and will positively effect your golf game forever.

'hit 'em straight and less often!'

2008-10-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Golf:: The Best Instruction Book Ever!
This book would include the simple, direct and helpful tips that make the YOUR GAME section in GOLF Magazine the most popular part of the magazine. The book will be concentrated into different key areas: Driving, Iron Play, Chipping, Putting, Fault Fixes, Trouble Shots. Stunning photography from the world's best golf instruction photographers would give the book an extra edge in the marketplace as well as three dimensional diagrams which take instruction to a new level

2008-09-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's not just fast action sports like baseball and soccer that require nets. When it boils down to safety, we mostly restrict our focus to the safety of the players and mostly tend to ignore the safety of isolated bystanders and vehicles in the surrounding locality.

As opposed to baseball or soccer, where the ball is ,more often than not, flung towards a certain base or goal intentionally, golf does not require its players to direct the force of impact in a certain direction only. Given the massive expanse of the asymmetrically and mostly randomly created golf course, it's more than likely that golf balls are going to be colliding with individuals or their cars in the immediate area. More importantly, golf balls are a lot harder than soccer balls or baseballs, making their impact a lot more deadly and destructive.

That's exactly why we need golf netting to secure our loved ones and public property adequately so we can partake in an enjoyable game of golf without putting anyone around us at risk.

2008-09-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

The tourist industry is very competitive and resorts are constantly try to find ways to get more and more of the resort business that's out there. One of the things that tourists are looking for is convenience and a hasslefree vacation. Because of this, the all-inclusive resort with Golf Packages in Arizona have become a popular option.

If you do a search online, you can find all-inclusive vacation resorts that include golf is part of the package. You'll find packages like this in places like Mexico, Hawaii, Asia, Las Vegas, and Arizona. In general, there are all inclusive resorts that come with golf, and they're also all-inclusive resorts that offer golf as a premium edition.

Some all-inclusive resorts are truly all-inclusive which means that golf, as much as you can handle is included in the price of the state. There are other resorts that call themselves all inclusive, but they'll offer a limited or set number of rounds of golf that you can have. Just like it depends with how many grounds of golf you get, sometimes you have to pay extra for a caddy and the golf cart. Usually transportation to and from the golf courses included in the package, but sometimes it makes sense to double check.

One of the nice things about all-inclusive resorts is they recognized that many golfers have children. Because of this many resorts offer free child care with the Golf Packages in Arizona . That way you can have fun on the links, and you don't have to feel guilty because your kids are taking care of. A lot of the activities that are planned for the children are also pretty fun.

In addition to golf, don't forget this is an all-inclusive resort so, typically are dining, entertainment, and other attractions are all included with the price. So, if you're looking for a great way to leverage your dollars and have fun at the same time it may be a good idea to consider an all-inclusive golf package in Arizona.

2008-09-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

Some think that having a Power Golf Swing is a simple process, it really isn't. Some seasoned golfers just look at the Power Golf Swing as a simple process. "Grip it and rip it" is a common phrase you can hear on many tee boxes. However, there are some things you can do to get more distance on your drives.

First and foremost, you need to be relaxed when you begin addressing the ball. You must be loose before pulling back the club. Do not tighten up over the golf ball. It is important to waggle the club back and forth a few times in order to create some flow to start the golf swing. This action will promote proper rhythm and tempo.

To gain more distance, tee the ball higher. By teeing the ball higher, it will help achieve better launch angle and reduce backspin at impact. This will allow the ball to be hit on the up-swing - producing more carry and distance for a Power Golf Swing.

One of the most valuable pieces of advice this recreational golfer ever received was to look at the back of the ball. It's easy to take your eyes off of that little white orb, but if you are not looking at the ball before you hit it, you will be more likely to miss it.

To gain more stability in your backswing, widen your stance. Maintain approximately sixty percent of your body weight on the left side to gain a more powerful coil. If you're right handed, point your left toe more inline to the target. You'll need to swing harder and put more of your right hand into hitting the ball, and take advantage of all of the elements - especially the wind, if there is any.

When you're at the top of your backswing, be sure to turn your shoulders a full 90 degrees. Your back should actually be facing the target. Look at John Daly's Power Golf Swing when he drives the golf ball. He has a massive shoulder turn. Many players ask him all the time how he does it. He says it's due to having a sound technique and a wide swing arc. He always has a rhythm to his golf swing and is never out of sync on his swing.

After you reach the top of your backswing, you're ready to begin the downswing. Do not rush this part. If you do, you'll have an increased chance of swinging straight down on the ball and eliminating any power you had going. You will also most likely chili dip and miss hit the golf ball. Look at Fred Couples and his downswing. It's nearly a flawless Power Golf Swing.

Make sure to keep your left arm straight during your transition. When you keep your arm straight it enables the club head to remain square and hit the ball properly. Don't have a herky-jerky swing. Keep your golf swing smooth. Picture yourself hitting through the ball, not just to it.

Be sure to take advantage of the surrounding elements to help give you more distance; especially using the wind to your advantage. When you have the wind at your back, you should tee the golf ball higher than normal. This gives you a higher ball flight with more carry in the air. That means greater distance. When you're playing into the wind you want the opposite. Tee the ball down a little more than usual.

As mentioned before, you will want to look at the ball before hitting it. Some players find this difficult as it makes them lose focus as they concentrate too much on the ball. An easy answer to this problem is to turn your chin to the right and point it about two or three inches behind the ball. Keep it there until impact and then watch the ball sail through the air.

Believe it or not, the pressure you use to grip the club is important in the Power Golf Swing and driving the ball longer. Even though you may think that gripping harder and swinging harder produces better results. That is absolutely incorrect and is probably why you don't get consistent distance.

The great players indicated that the grip pressure should resemble one holding a bird without crushing it but also not letting it go. The tighter you hold the club, the less it will release through the ball creating severe pulls and big ballooning slices. Swinging hard is ok but the hands must be tension free.

Your driving wood should stay along the ground for at least the first 20 to 25 percent of your swing. If your club is lifting up, you will pop the ball up. You will not get that long and straight drive that you see the pros hit regularly, when the ball takes off like a missile and slowly climbs to a beautiful height and tracks down the fairway.

Keep the angle on your leading hand. Many amateurs tend to flip the hands forward in an effort to get the ball in the air, but this only retards the effort of having good equipment. The leading hand (left hand for most players, right hand for southpaws) should be angled down towards the ball on the downswing.

It's like you are hitting the ball with the back of your left hand. If your left hand is flipping up on the downswing, your contact will not be solid and you will get consistent misses with your wood. This tip also starts the ball low and lets it climb on its own through the power you generate.

Finish towards the target. Pick a spot on the ground that lines up with your target and from your address stretch your wood towards it. If done correctly, your arms should form a V shape with both arms fully extended. Finish the swing over your left shoulder.

If you find yourself bending your left arm early, this will reduce your distance. Keep your V as long as possible before it bends at the finish of your swing and you will find yourself getting much more distance.

Speed can be increased by setting the wrists into a cocked position early, and on the downswing keeping the wrists cocked for as late as possible, and then swishing through the ball. This is similar to flicking your wrists when using a badminton, squash, or tennis racket.

Golfers who are inclined to hit at the ball with their hands rather than swinging through the ball find that they lose a lot of power, and distance. Your power comes from your body, not from your arms and hands. If you want a Power Golf Swing and want to drive the ball further, don't hit the ball with your hands - let the club do the work it was designed to do.

Of course, you will want to choose the right club for the distance of the hole. Obviously, you will want to choose a driver for the longer holes to get maximum distance, but for shorter holes like Par 3s, you will likely want to choose a smaller club like an iron. You will want to try and get as close to the hole as possible without overshooting the green.

The best way to know how far you can hit specific clubs is to get on the driving range. Because golf isn't an exact science, there are a lot of variables that come into play with the golf swing. But if you practice a lot, your chances of hitting the ball consistently are much higher. Plus, you will know which club is your hundred yard club and which one is your 50 yard club.

After you have driven the ball with your new Power Golf Swing, you'll (hopefully) be in the fairway.

2008-09-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Many average players use the PGA Tour golfers as their role models. We buy the equipment the pros recommend in commercials. We buy their instruction books and try to model our games after them. In recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on fitness by Tour golfers. They are getting in better shape, working out more, trying to build strength and conditioning through weight training or other exercise routines. The Tour even has a mobile exercise trailer that goes from event to event, so the players can keep up with their training even while competing. Many PGA tour players are now as well-conditioned as athletes in other sports, which wasn't the case 25 years ago when fitness gurus such as Gary Player were considered unusual.

Just as amateur golfers find that using the same equipment as the pros doesn't translate into playing as well as they do, it is difficult for most of us to keep up with our golfing heroes' commitment to physical fitness. But you don't need to spend 5 nights a week in the gym to make noticeable improvements in your physical conditioning. An easy place to start: go for a walk.

We think we hit the ball with our arms and hands, so it might be tempting to build up the big muscles in the back and shoulders through weight training, but actually the legs supply the power to a golf swing. Just watch the fast leg and knee action of a pro golfer in the downswing. There's almost like a "snap" as they strike the ball. Going for walks on a regular basis is a great way to build up your legs. Notice we said walk, not run. You don't have to take up jogging, which can be stressful on your joints. After 6 months or so or regular walks, you will notice that you don't get nearly as fatigued when you hit a few buckets of balls on the practice range.

You can start with a short walk, say 20 minutes or so, and build up to longer distances. If you build up to brisk walk, you will get some cardio benefit from the exercise as well, which your doctor will appreciate. Which reminds us, before you start any exercise program, including walking, be sure to consult with your doctor.

The key is to go for a walk as often as you can. If you have a dog, you have a built-in personal trainer. Your dog would be happy going on walks 3 times a day if he could. And he'll nag you to go. Who can resist those imploring eyes when he brings you his leash and gently nudges you towards the door?

Of course, walking was one of the original benefits of a round of golf. But the advent of golf carts eliminated that (along with valuable summer employment for young people as caddies). Going for walks will help improve your golf game. Establish a regular walking program will improve your golf fitness and you might even lose a few pounds.

Wedding Gifts For Bride's and Groom's Father

2008-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

After you're done preparing gifts for your participants, of course you don't want to forget giving a special gift for your parents. After all, these people helped you a lot, from pre-wedding preparation to the wedding ceremony itself. The support of parents is immeasurable, therefore you want to thank them for all the great things they've done for you. The bride and groom's fathers for instance, are very important participants, not only because they unselfishly give financial assistance to the couple, but also they are there to show love and emotional support. However, to find an ideal gift for dad is quite tricky. So, here are top favorite wedding gifts that any father would appreciate:

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are ideal gifts especially for men, and so as with the bride's and groom's father. There are different kinds of designs and styles cufflinks have. For a special person like your father, you may want to consider personalized or themed cufflinks. Personalized cufflinks are perfect gifts to surprise dad with sentiment of thanks. They are made personalized by engraving initials on it. You may opt for a personal touch of Father Of The Bride Cufflinks to proclaim he's a true father of the bride! He can wear this endearing cufflinks to accentuate his wedding day outfit with style! Or perhaps a classic style of Jared Textured Cufflinks to complete a perfect and distinctive appeal of dad during the ceremony.

Desk Accessories

Business-minded dads would love desk accessories that can add accent to his office. Like other gift ideas, desk accessories come in a wide selection also. You can find such accessories from simple to elegant. For specialized options, look for personalized desk accessories where you'll be able to monogram your dad's initials on the item. Included in your option list are personalized desk clocks, business card holders, bookends, paper weights, legal letter opener, desk organizer and the like.

Sporty Accessories

Sporty gifts are perfect to boost the adrenalin of sporty and energetic fathers. There are different sporty gifts you can choose from. Sporty gifts don't have to be real sports accessory. Consider sports-themed items like miniature basketball, engraved baseball, NFL Emblem Money Clip, sports-themed pub signs and more. If he is into golf, hand him Golf Set Gifts, Monogrammed Golf Shoe Bag or a Personalized Hole In One Golf Plaque.

Refer ideal gift ideas to his other pastime and hobbies. There are great choices of cooking wares for daddies who love to experiment different dishes. Consider giving Rockin' Dad grill Tools, a cool way of saying thank you to your ever dearest father. Or perhaps an Elegant Japanese Rice Bowl & Chopsticks Set if he is a Japanese cuisine enthusiast. There are still other unique gifts to suit your dad's hobbies. Such items are cigar accessories, barware, cooler bags and the like. You can find these gift ideas at your nearest local gift shops and online stores. Make your daddy proud and let him enjoy your wedding day with cool mementos that he will cherish for the rest of his life.