Will A Night Golf Tournament Ruin Your Course?

The first thing you have to remember about your Night Golf event is that it is not a PGA Major event. It is simply a different way to play golf than you normally do. With that in mind, how you set up your course is up to YOU! Some ideas include:

? Move your tees ? use an area normally not used for your tee box. Move it to a patch of grass in front of the normal tee, to the left or right of the forward tees ? anywhere to minimize wear and tear on the tees. If you must use the tees for the Night Golf event, make sure there is divot mix for the players to use.

? Get the maintenance staff out early! ? The morning after your Night Golf event, send someone out with a divot mix bucket (make sure they are labeled if you use different types of grass on your tees than you do in your fairway). Have the staff cover each hole you played the previous night ? make sure that they have trash bags and ball mark repair tools for the greens.

? Limit the refreshments until after the Night Golf event ? Admittedly, this practice helps to increase laughs on the course during the event. However, it could be the catalyst which lets the guard down for care of the course. You might want to think about letting the players have 1 or 2 beverages prior to the start, and then the participants will want to hang around afterwards talking about their experience. In addition, make every attempt to not allow alcoholic beverages on the course the players.

? Take Hazards out of play ? Be sure to mark bridges, creeks, lakes and other potential hazards with light sticks or other methods (Candle bags, pumpkins, etc.). Light sticks come in plenty of colors so maybe you use red or blue to mark hazards. As in the aforementioned point, if there is a lake or creek in front of your normal tee box, simply move it to the other side for the Night Golf event.

? Limit your exposure ? You don't have to use every hole in your course or feel obligated to start at Hole #1. 4 or 5 of the easier holes that lack hazards and can bring the players back to the club house after the Night Golf event is fine. Another thought is keeping some of the staff available to join groups for the event if they are not familiar with your course.

In summary, just use some basic Common Sense when setting up your course for Night Golf. This will increase the fun factor and the participants inquiring the date for the next tournament.

Kevin Adelsberg is a writer for NightGolfProducts.com. For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about night golf, please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.nightgolfproducts.com">http://www.nightgolfproducts.com</a>

Junior Golfers Gain A Competitive Edge By Building A Stronger Body

Strength training for juniors is supported by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Each of these organizations encourages children's participation in appropriately designed training programs as long as they are competently supervised.

Many research reports conclude that juniors can benefit from strength training programs through the improvement of motor fitness skills, self esteem, overall strength and physical and emotional well being.

For those juniors who are anxious to get an early start with strength training as a perfect compliment to their golf game, let's review the importance of form, function and good nutrition. These principles serve as the foundation for junior fitness and a lifetime of health and wellness for your young athlete.

Form. Each exercise we perform has a specific method of set up, instruction and properly executed form for each movement. There are muscles which stabilize while other muscles activate. Each plays a role in an exercise. When we compromise on technique or what is considered good form, injuries occur. When we place inappropriate loads on unsupported bodies, we no longer create an opportunity for growth, but rather continue to place unnecessary stress on our bodies. Take the time to learn proper form and lifting techniques. Once your child learns the basics, make sure they are properly supervised as they learn about their bodies and their new found capabilities. Remember these principles will serve as the foundation for their future so take the time to help them understand the importance of safety and appropriate lifting techniques.

Function. Once you set safety and proper form as your priority, it's time to choose an appropriate exercise program. Many young players ask about the right number of sets and reps for their age. Just remember that young players are not aspiring weightlifters or bodybuilders, but rather strength builders. Junior golfers should begin with body weight exercises that place an emphasis on many muscle groups and movement patterns which mimic real life movements such as pushups, pull-ups, and multi directional lunges. Weights can be used, but the focus should be light weights and higher repetitions. Simply choose 5 or 6 exercises and perform 15 to 20 reps while continuing your concentration on good form and technique. Never compromise on the quality of your movement in favor of increased repetitions. Begin with only a few repetitions until you master an exercise. Parents or instructors should provide clear instruction and close supervision.

Good Nutrition. As role models, parents have the responsibility to educate their children on the importance of proper nutrition. I'm sure, as adults, we've often wondered how different we would have viewed food if our parents had spent more time with us. Regardless of their age, it is not too late to teach them about fueling an athletic body and powerful mind. In the end, food fulfills three basic requirements. These are to provide fuel for their bodies, regulation of their metabolism and to support new tissue growth. Children who golf need an abundance of nutrients in the form of variety, balance and moderation. In the absence of proper nutrients, you sacrifice their growth as well as their future golf performance.

Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic, Sports Nutritionist and President of Fitness for Golf. For exercises and articles specific to junior golfers, then visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.fitnessforgolf.com">http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.</a>

Selecting A Golf Gift That No Golfer Will Forget

Even as you contemplate on getting a golf gift for a close friend or acquaintance, you may have heard other golfers complain on numerous occasions about how useless some golf aid equipment they spent a fortune on turned out to be.

This is not to say that golf products designed to improve golfer's games do not work. They do and they are the perfect golf gift, if you can get it right.

The problems folks get with golf products in most cases is because of a failure to focus on the particular weakness that requires improvement and then doing your shopping with adequate knowledge so that you do not have to rely on the shop assistant whose work it is to sell you as much as they possibly can.

For example when considering a golf gift, it would be difficult to go wrong with a weighted club. This is the sort of golf improvement gift product that is very golf-specific. It works well to develop and condition all the muscles you use frequently in every golf swing you make on the course.

Exercise tubing would also make an ideal golf gift. The beauty of this product is that it allows you to break down the golf swing into the many different phases and thus allows you to make improvements to the various different segments of the golf swing. What is even more attractive about this golf gift is the price. It costs approximately $20-$25.

The stability ball is another ideal golf gift. Any golfer with a bad back should have one. With the right guidance and advice, you can do so many different stretches using the stability ball. It can even be easily used in an office to do the stretches in brief moments away from your work station.

In getting a golf gift you should also consider hand weights. And these are not for the purpose of developing huge muscles, there are golf-specific exercises that concentrate on &quot;golf muscles&quot; and can help improve anybody's game. Hand weights cost only 50 cents a pound and are very portable.

In your search for a golf gift, you can even get more specific and select a training aid specific to the particular weakness of the golfer that you are targeting. For instance the Inside Approach is ideal in correcting the problems associated with slicers and would make for an unforgettable golf gift for a slicer.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a> site at Perform Better Golf.

What Hinders You From Hitting Long Drives Will Shock You

Hitting long golf drives is the desire of every golfer when they are on the course.

Sadly many fail to achieve this objective most of the time and the best game in the world which you are supposed to enjoy enormously, instead ends up being a very frustrating experience.

Yet hitting long golf drives need not be so difficult to achieve. Actually the greatest hindrance to your hitting long golf drives is you.

You are the greatest hindrance to your hitting long golf drives, because if you are like most golfers, you are always trying to hit the ball as hard as you possibly can. In a pure physics situation this would be the correct approach except that in golf there are some variables that work together to dramatically change the situation.

To start with, every golf club is cleverly designed and crafted to hit the ball over a certain distance. So the best advice to start with is to trust the club you are using for hitting long golf drives to do its' job, because it is designed to do just that. All you have to do is make sure that the club connects the ball at the correct angle to achieve the distance you desire. That is the physics of a golfer. Of course this means that your golf swing technique has to be correct and effective.

The second variable that changes things is your body. If your muscles are not conditioned and prepared for hitting long golf drives then it is unlikely that you will get the results you want no matter how hard you try to hit the ball.

In a way it is similar to lifting weights. If you have not trained to lift a certain heavy weight, then no matter how hard you try, it is unlikely that you will be able to lift it. You will need to go back to the gym and exercise and prepare by gradually lifting heavier and heavier weights until you reach the particular weight that you desire to lift. It is exactly the same when it comes to hitting long golf drives.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Visit his new <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a> site at Perform Better Golf.

Golf Strength Training Slows The Aging Process

Golf strength training is critical in slowing down the effects of aging. Issues like rapidly declining strength, flexibility, and endurance. The number of golfers who are middle age or older is growing and they all want to play as long as possible.

In order to both slow the aging process AND play longer, you need adequate levels of strength, flexibility, and other physical abilities.

Golfers (and most others) lose as they age. The cause is quite simple. They do not partake in any form of golf strength training exercises to maintain the fitness levels they had early on in life.

It is NEVER too late to improve strength and flexibility. I have worked with golfers in person and via my websites that are in their 70's and 80's that have almost doubled their current strength and dramatically improved their flexibility (specific to golf).

Just by doing a simple golf strength training routine a couple of times a week, you will increase the level of strength and other important aspects, and not be as aware of the changes that come with aging. You can't stop it, but you can slow it down and even reverse it depending on your current level of fitness.

One of the major areas most senior golfers lose?is the flexibility in their midsection (core), which is critical in generating power in the golf swing. As a result, the senior golfer will make a change in swing technique, rather than address the physical limation.

There are many senior golfers who can still play a good game of golf due to the fact of playing and practicing throughout the years?however their swing execution, power and overall consistency has been dramatically affected.

Therefore, it is critical for senior golfers to maintain or increase strength, flexibility, even balance and coordination to preserve the performance or level of golf they so yearn to achieve.

Given the above scenario, I hope you realize the importance of golf strength training.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds and manual at his <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf swing tips</a> site - Perform Better Golf.

Mental Toughness for Golfers: Avoiding Comfort Zones in Golf

A comfort zone becomes a problem whenever a player is playing better than expected or is breaking new ground. I teach golfers how to break out of self-limiting expectations and preconceived beliefs. Comfort zones don't limit great players on tour, such as David Duval, Tiger Woods, and Davis Love, III. Comfort zones actually benefit pro golfers when they can bring a poor round back into their scoring zone and turn a score of 76 into a 72.

When going low, pros don't just try to &quot;get it in the clubhouse&quot; when they get to four under par after 12 holes. If a pro gets to four under par after 12, that's great, but he doesn't stop there. His goal is to get to five under. This attitude, adopted by many professionals, is far from the mindset of the amateur who is playing better than expected or on the verge of breaking a personal best score. In my new book, &quot;Going Low&quot; I teach golfers how to play without the restriction of a comfort zone.

Shooting a personal best round requires many important skills. Great golfers play well because they know how to practice efficiently, are dedicated to improvement, and know the best way to prepare themselves for a round of great golf. I'm not talking about hitting two buckets of balls to get ready for tomorrow's match. Pros are dedicated to quality practice, focused preparation, and improving their games daily. This is the foundation for the development of confidence.

To shoot a personal low round you also need to know how to prepare to play the course, have the ability to make a game plan, and deal with the distractions of the group. You also need to practice in a way that makes your swing repeatable. You must learn how to score your best when it counts, and simplify your game so you can focus on playing golf instead of always working and grinding at it. Going low also requires that you discard any preconceptions about what is and what is not possible to achieve.

The first step to going low is to unlock the self-imposed limits of your own success. I want my students to identify their own mental barriers and unhealthy beliefs that prevent them from consistently playing their best. The next step is to eradicate unhealthy expectations and irrational beliefs so you can unlock your own success. For example, once Roger Banister broke the four-minute mile, everyone broke it because the barrier had been shattered. The first step is to break your own self-limiting beliefs. In articles to follow, I talk more about how to overcome self-limiting expectations and comfort zones.

Dr. Patrick J. Cohn is a master mental game coach who works with athletes of all levels including amateur and professionals. Visit Peaksports.com to gain access to over 500 exclusive mental game articles, audio programs, and interviews with athletes and coaches to enhance your athletic potential: <a target="_new" href="http://www.peaksports.com/membership/">http://www.peaksports.com/membership/</a> or call 888-742-7225.

To become a mental game coach, visit: <a target="_new" href="http://www.mentalgamecoachingpro.com">http://www.mentalgamecoachingpro.com</a>

How Playing Short will Save You Strokes

It's a pretty simple tip really, but it will help you to lower your scores.

What you should get out of this lesson is that short is usually better regarding approach shots, and I'm going to explain a few reasons why I believe this to be true.

Let's set the scene. We'll use the same example throughout. Let's say that you usually hit your 8 iron around 150 yards, and you are 160 out. Now, most golfers would probably grab their 7 iron here, and think to themselves, "I'll just take a little off this, and I'll be right on the pin".

Problem: Most recreational golfers don't have the ability to add and take off power from their swings.

You should focus first, and foremost, on mastering one swing, including the tempo, speed, and power that it takes to perfect that one swing. Once you start trying to swing a little easier or a little harder, problems start to sneak into your round. You are trying to play for the pin and instead, you end up in the bunker on the right side of the green, and now you've just turned a par hole into a double bogey.

The difference in distance between your 7 and 8 iron should be about 10-15 yards. The Point? Hit your 8 iron every time in the above situation. Don't mess with your swing. Go with what you trust. Hit the 8 iron 150 yards, and let the ball roll onto the green. At that point, anything can happen. You may end up 2 inches, 2 feet, or 20 feet from the pin, but at least you're putting.

Benefit 1: If you mishit the ball a little further than usual, you're still in good shape because you played a little short in the first place. If you hit the ball a little short, you're still okay, because chances are, you're sitting in the middle of the fairway, maybe on the fringe.

Benefit 2: If you go to the right or the left, since you played the shorter club, you're not going to be as far right or left as you would have been with the 7 iron. This could mean that you are still on the green, or it could mean that you are on either side of the fairway. But chances are that you are still in decent shape.

Summary: When you're trying to decide between two clubs, take a second to look at the hazards around the green. If there's a bunker or some water guarding the front of the green, then sure, it may be a good idea to take the larger club. But other than this exception, you are almost always better off, taking less club. You'll stay out of trouble, and that is the key to lowering your overall score.

David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today. You can find more of his golf instruction by going to <a target="_new" href="http://www.golfswingguru.com">http://www.golfswingguru.com</a>

Golf Exercise Tip ? How To Warm Up

A useful golf exercise tip to take into consideration is the fact that warming up before your game of golf can dramatically help you improve the quality of your game.

The warm up session does not need to be something elaborate or strenuous. You can get creative and take a brisk walk from your car to the course.

The idea is to get your muscles warm before you even engage in stretch exercises prior to tee off. This is the sort of golf exercise tip that should not be ignored by any golfer.

Stretch exercises are very important to the golf swing tip. We have seen from various golfers who have taken on our exercise program. And yet stretch exercises will work out much better for you when you briefly warm up before embarking on them on the course.

The idea is to get your muscles warm and ready before doing your stretch routine in readiness for the game. You will prove this golf exercise tip because usually after completing your warm up and stretch exercises, you will feel much more comfortable when executing the golf swing.

The confidence alone will put you in a perfect frame of mind to make very few mistakes while consistently making those extra long drives.

Warming up may sound strange. Probably as strange as exercises sounded in golf in the first few years. But the fact of the matter is that golf has changed dramatically and virtually almost all pros are involved in serious golf specific exercise programs these days.

By implementing this extra golf exercise tip of warming up prior to your exercises or even game, you will see a tremendous improvement in your performance.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a> site - Perform Better Golf.

5 Important Things to Consider When Choosing Golf Clubs

Every golfer knows that having proper equipment is essential. Choosing golf clubs has become some what of a daunting task because of the enormous market out there. We have come up with 5 simple things to consider when choosing golf clubs.

1. First of all you have to be honest with yourself in deciding what skill level you're at. Are you a beginner just starting out, an intermediate weekend golfer, or an expert golfer who plays all the time? This is critical because there are different types of equipment designed to help every level of player. Playing with expert equipment if you are just starting out will only hurt your game.

2. Stay within your spending limits. You have to know what type of budget you are working with. Golf can become very expensive if you don't stay within your means. There is equipment and accessories designed for every budget, you just have to know where to look.

3. Figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Do you know hook or slice the ball? Are you a long or short hitter? Do you sink many puts when you have to, etc.? You must know these qualities of your game. When you go to your local shop or golf pro it will be easy for them to get you fitted correctly if you know this information.

4. How often do you play? Are you a weekend golfer or an addict who plays all the time? This will determine what golf clubs and accessories you should purchase. Don't go out and spend a fortune on complex equipment and other things if you only play the game on the weekend with your buddies. On the other hand if you travel all over competing and playing, you are going to need the quality equipment that allows that.

5. Finally make sure you do your own research. Read golf magazines, articles, newspapers, and anything else you can get your hands on. Go to demo days at your local club or driving range and any local golf shows. Check online at manufacturer's websites and other informative golf club websites. You can find anything online. Doing research is the key to getting what you want.

If you use these 5 simple tips to choosing golf clubs it will be simple for you to get fitted with exactly what you need. So go out and get those brand new clubs you have been thinking about for while.

More great tips on choosing your golf clubs can be found at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html">www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html</a>

John Bolt is the full time owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html">http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/golfclubs.html</a>

With years of competitive golf experience under his belt, he understands the importance of having properly fitted golf equipment. You can visit him online at his website.

Junior Golf Is Becoming More Competitive?Why?

How do you get the edge when you're playing junior golf? To keep up with the top junior golfer's means getting stronger both physically and mentally; and almost perfecting your golf swing. That's how competitive it's become.

There are big bucks at stake. Full scholarships are now worth up to a hundred thousand dollars, and for some of these to junior golfers, becoming a professional golfer can mean millions...

We have started to see a dramatic change in the caliber of junior golfers. They are getting fitter, stronger and are hitting it as long as the PGA and LPGA players. This is a combination of personal coaching on swing mechanics and getting stronger.

Junior golfers like Ty Tryon, Michelle Wie and the Song sisters are a perfect example of what junior golfers are capable of, given the right approach. Parents are now realizing the investment in their kid's golf pays off big when they receive partial or full scholarships for college. The difference between junior golfers and adults is typically strength - not flexibility. I've worked with hundreds of junior golfers and within a very short period of time, doing strength training, their drives increased as much as 50 yards.

Participating in a strength training program doing the wrong exercises can hurt junior golfers not help them. The exercises have to compliment the golf swing from a dynamic standpoint and a stability standpoint. If this is not taken into consideration, improvement will not happen.

The age to begin a strength training workout for juniors is between 12-13 on up. Having a professional oversee the program at the earlier ages is crucial. The upside is a rapidly improving game and who knows...a scholarship for college.

Too many parents and juniors are going it alone and aren't seeing the results they hoped for. This can be a long and frustrating road to take. Why not save years of searching and hundreds if not thousands of dollars, by doing a little research? Do some talking around your town to see if anyone knows of a fitness trainer who understands golf.

They are a rare breed, but if you look hard enough you can find someone somewhat qualified. Even talk to some of the teaching pros. They might know of some golf trainers who are acceptable. If not, hit the book store. There are several golf fitness books out there, but be on the &quot;lookout&quot;.

From what I've seen, most of them are NOT golf fitness books, but only &quot;general&quot; fitness books in disguise. If you see any pictures of a golfer sitting in or on a machine, don't by the book. That is a telltale sign of a general fitness book. Remember, golf is played on your feet, not sitting down.

So get the edge, by getting stronger for golf! Who knows?you may be the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness tips and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness e-book, go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.">http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.</a>

The Cure for a Fat Shot

This problem may be easier to fix than you think. You may not realize it, but your back shoulder may be dipping towards the ground. This move forces the club to hit the ground too early. Most of the time it happens when you are really trying to get into the ball. Imagine?You're 200 yards out and you've chosen to hit the 4 iron. When you've got it in your head that you have to hit the ball hard to get it there, it's natural tendency to start your downswing with the hips in an effort to "really get into the ball". That may work in baseball, but not in golf.

I'd like to take you through what happens if you make that move in golf. First, get in the your setup position, now take your backswing and hold it at the top. Now move only your hips horizontally towards the target, and notice the way it forces your back shoulder to "dip". If you've made that "dip" with your back shoulder, it's over. You are going to hit behind the ball 90% of the time, and if you do make good contact, you'll probably end up with a killer slice. Lateral movement is no good for the golf swing.

To avoid this problem, and to simplify your golf swing, keep the lower body out of the equation. If you really want to get into the ball, start your downswing with your arms. It's tough to do if you have a habit formed, but once you get used to it, you won't be hitting the ball fat anymore. Most golfers over-emphasize the weight shift. If you keep your hips still, the weight shift will still occur, but it will happen naturally.

Get to the top, keeping your leading arm as straight as possible. Now start down at the ball with your leading arm fully extended. Your head hasn't moved laterally, and your hips haven't moved laterally. Now to take this to the next step, imagine the entire golf swing, through impact, occurring underneath the upper body.

Concentrate on keeping your front shoulder strong and "down" on the ball. This will enable you to keep your swing on the correct plane, and it will help your hands to keep up with your body. Don't let that shoulder come up and away from the target before impact as that will cause your body to get ahead of your hands leading to fat shots and slices.

David Nevogt writes golf instruction material that helps golfers of all levels reach their full potential and lower their scores. David is the author of "The Simple Golf Swing" which guarantees to have you shooting 7 strokes lower in only 1 week from today. You can find more of his golf instruction by going to <a target="_new" href="http://www.golfswingguru.com">http://www.golfswingguru.com</a>

Warm Up With A Back Exercise For Golf

Let's face it, if you are a passionate golfer who likes to hit the links whenever you have the opportunity, at some point in time you are likely to be faced with lower back pain. Fortunately, there are some great exercises that will help you work through lower back pain, and also prevent it from occurring in the first place.

The reason that lower back pain is common in golf is that your spine receives significant stress from the rotational movement of the golf swing. You will want to be sure that you are swinging properly and not placing undue strain on your back. Have an instructor or professional take a look at your swing and let you know where you can improve it. In addition to the rotation involved in your swing, you also use your back just picking up the ball and your golf bag.

The first exercises you'll want to do are stretching exercises, especially before you hit the course. You don't want to begin playing without properly warming up your back muscles. There are a couple of back exercises you can do that will prepare your back by warming up those muscles ahead of time. Think of your pre-round stretches as progressive warm ups. Before taking your first swings of the game, take a few slow, stretching practice swings to ease your back into the motion of swinging. With each successive swing, you should attempt to slowly increase your range of motion.

Tips to reduce back pain due to lifting you bag include investing in a good bag stand, and also considering bags that have a dual strap so you avoid placing all of the bag's weight on one shoulder.

Think about your back's health even when not playing golf. Good back health tips include maintaining good posture, staying at a health body weight, and avoiding stress (which can cause strain in your lower back). Overall fitness is important to feeling good on the course. If you maintain a proper fitness routine, you'll find that aches and pains disappear as your body becomes conditioned to the workout golf provides.

Susan Hill is a nationally recognized fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.fitnessforgolf.com">http://www.fitnessforgolf.com</a>.

Improve Your Golf Game With Perfect Golf Swing Drills

Perfect golf swing drills will help your golf game improve dramatically.

There are perfect golf swing drills you can do on your own. You may want to take lessons that will center around perfect golf swing drills. A golf pro may be able to help you with perfect golf swing drills. You can get information online about perfect golf swing drills.

Check out golf magazines and see if they have any articles written about perfect golf swing drills. You can purchase videos that show you perfect golf swing drills. Another idea if you are looking for golf swing drills is to buy a book about golf.

At the beginning of the perfect golf swing drills practice you should consider your posture. If you do not have perfect posture the perfect golf swing drills will not help you.

One part of a perfect golf swing drills program is the takeaway. The left arm is attached to your chest and the clubhead should be outside your hands as the club is about halfway back. Perfect golf swing drills centered around the takeaway continues with your left wrist cupped, right arm above your left and right knee flexed.

Perfect golf swing drills continue in the takeaway area when you put the butt of the club into your stomach as you grip the long iron just below the handle. Keep the shaft elevated so the clubhead is at knee height and then think about your arms, torso, legs, hips and club as being one unit.

The drill progresses when you take the club back by turning your body and feeling that your hands and wrists are not involved in manipulating the club.

Perfect golf swing drills may be just what you need to cut some strokes off your game.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Golf-Swing-Improvement.com. He provides more golfing tips, putting tips and <a target="_new" href="http://www.golf-swing-improvement.com/Golf-Swing-Instruction.html">golf swing instruction tips</a> that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

What A Golf Conditioning Tip Must Have

There are certain aspects that any good golf conditioning tip must have. And with the increasingly high number of golf tips flying through the net and many other places, it is extremely useful to know what to look for in a genuine golf conditioning tip.

To start with you must realize that golf conditioning tips are specifically useful to playing the golf game and will therefore concentrate on the so called golf muscles in the body.

They are actually more numerous than most newcomers would think at first glance. Right from the feet to the neck and head, the golf swing utilizes muscles in virtually every part of the body. The idea is to condition the muscles so that your body helps you play better golf.

So whatever exercises the golf conditioning tip is focusing on, be it stretching or strength-building, they must be focused on improving the golf swing and the golf game of an individual in general.

Use of dumb bells in the golf conditioning tip should be concentrated on building strength rather than big muscles.

To get big muscles heavier weights are used for longer periods and more involving sessions. This is what keeps some amateur golfers away from golf exercises as the mention of dumb bells immediately sets their minds to think about this kind of weight training.

However the truth is that dumb bells can also be used to build strength in muscles and in fact they are extremely effective in doing just this.

So the golf conditioning tip here will usually involve using much lighter weights and lifting them up and down many more times than does a weight lifter using much heavier weights. The strength sessions are however supposed to be very short and brief.

Keeping this few points in mind will help you to always identify the better golf conditioning tips.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a> site - Perform Better Golf.

Are Golf Conditioning Routines Really Necessary

Many golfers around the world still do not understand why experts these days insist on golf conditioning routines when the game has been played for decades without the need for any sort of exercising.

Why now? Why this great emphasis on golf conditioning routines to the extent where virtually all professionals have a serious golf conditioning routine that they stick to religiously?

Strangely enough the same question is not asked about the general exercise craze that has swept society in the recent past. Nobody wants to ask why our grandmothers got by just fine without any aerobics.

The facts are that life has changed a great deal. And these days enough exercise is part and parcel of modern healthy living. Any doctor will tell you that you fail to get enough exercise for your body at great risk to your health and life. It doesn't matter what your grandfather did.

With golf it gets even more important because golfers require stamina to make their way around the golf course and still enjoy the sport. Golf conditioning routines are an important aspect towards achieving that goal.

Then there is the golf swing, which will happen only with muscles conditioned and strengthened to give the golfer the long drives they so desire. Golf conditioning routines go a long way in helping a golfer prepare golf specific muscles in their body for the game.

It helps greatly when your golf conditioning routine is from a golf exercise expert and not just any other person. Actually the wrong exercise routine can sometimes worsen your game rather than improve it.

It is a fact that golfers need to take care of their most important golf playing equipment, which is their bodies. They need to prepare it for the strains and stresses of this beautiful game and a very critical part of that is a good golf conditioning routine.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness training</a> site - Perform Better Golf.

Improve Your Golf Game Right Now

Improve your golf game right now you say? I say, absolutely! Don't waste another dime on new golf equipment; taking one more lesson; or hitting one more ball at the range, until you finish reading this article.

You see?it's not what you think that's not allowing you to improve your golf game.

It's something very simple and easy to remedy. It's YOU! How your body moves throughout your golf swing.

Let me ask you?do you feel nice and loose, relaxed and fluid when you swing a club on the golf course? Do you feel like your backswing is what it should be? How about your distance off the tee? Are you happy with it?

Now let me ask. What have you done to improve the above situation? And has it worked up to now? If it has?congratulations! I am very happy to hear that another golfer is improving.

If it isn't working?don't you think you should try a different approach? One that makes total sense from a mechanical (technique) standpoint.

If you've tried all the above?there's only one thing left. As I said above?YOU!

Your body is what swings the club and produces the end-result. Not the equipment, balls or all the lessons you take.

You've got to start with the engine (your body) first, to be able to make a mechanically sound and repeatable swing for 18 holes of golf.

Your body has physical limitations. All of ours does. Each person is unique, and has a different set of physical issues that need to be addressed. But when they are?look out! The game gets much easier and a whole lot funner.

With our country getter bigger (heavier) by the day?this is a great reason to embark on a golf training program that will not only improve your golf game, but help you achieve your health goals also. Now isn't that reason enough to get started right away?

You will be amazed at your fast rate of golf improvement once you take this approach. You will be making swings and producing power you've never seen before. Why? Because you are eliminating your physical limitations that have kept you from achieving the golf swing you know you are capable of.

The jury is out! All the pros are doing it. You've got to be next!

It's time to improve your golf game once and for all!

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness manual and dvds at his <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf swing trainer</a> site - Perform Better Golf.

Mental Concentration, Golf, and You

All players, when they are concentrating on a stroke, are in some respects mad; for a second they become monomaniac; you are possessed with an idea that is fixed in your mind; your singleness of purpose is absolute if you really are concentrating. And I cannot imagine how anything can disturb them unless they allow it to. If this does happen, then, in my opinion, you cannot be giving your whole mind to the stroke, you aren't concentrating.

When you are out on the course there are many minor distractions that you may encounter, from coughing or sneezing, all the way up to load and obnoxious crowds or players. But once a player gets into the habit of being put off their game by these little worries, you are unlikely to make any progress in the game, and you run the risk of wandering around the course looking for things at which to be annoyed, actually seeking them. Few golfers realize that their game cannot stand still, whether their handicap is scratch, eight, or eighteen; their standard of play must progress or retrogress, improve or deteriorate, according to the amount they play or practice.

In connection with this notion, a friend of mine suggests the obliteration from the mind of a bunker that is directly in the line of play. I might say (but I have not any intention of doing so) that my friend has chosen the wrong word. My argument is this: Was the player who landed in the bunker thinking of the bunker when he played his stroke, or was the golfer imagining that it was quite likely that the ball would land in the bunker?

By a law to which there are no exceptions, the will yields to the imagination. As an illustration of this, any one can walk along a plank a foot in width when it is lying on solid earth; but place that plank across the two trestles of a bridge, twenty feet up in the air, and not one person in twenty will walk calmly across it, because they imagine that they are likely to fall off! Undoubtedly this player in the aforementioned match actually imagined the ball hopping into the bunker, and that was the last conscious act before making the fatal stroke.

Can there be any other meaning to the word concentration, in a mental sense, than a focusing of the attention? And further, can you focus your attention on such a thing as a golf ball? I answer these questions with another question: Doesn't the golfer focus his attention, not on the ball itself, but on some action connected with the ball? I grant you that you can concentrate on a golf ball, on the size of it, on its marking, or on the dents you may have made in it, but no player wishes to do this in the middle of a close match. So that when a golfer is &quot;concentrating on the ball,&quot; he or she is in reality concentrating on the stroke they are about to make. The golfer is focusing their attention on the desire to put the ball as near the hole as possible; and can it be doubted that the average golfer starts concentrating on the second shot long before he or she reaches the ball? This appears to me to be a fatal policy. It is well enough for a golfer to plan the method of play for the whole of any particular hole when they are on the tee, and yet I do not think that even this is a good plan. You may hit your tee shot, &quot;as per schedule,&quot; only to find that your ball is reposing in an old divot mark and that it is thus quite impossible to use a the proper club for your second shot. So the whole of your concentration is wasted.

The ideal method of playing golf is not to use your mind until you have to. When you reach your ball, concentrate as hard as you can, for upon your powers of concentration your next stroke depends. I have said, in common with every other writer on the game that hesitation is fatal, but it seems to me desirable that I should now amplify that statement. &quot;Those who hesitate are lost,&quot; because they aren't concentrating. If you concentrate hard enough you cannot hesitate, provided you are clear about what you are concentrating on.

? 2005 BlackCash Enterprises, LLC ? All Rights Reserved

Jarrod Cash and Michael Black have created "The Lost Golf Secrets Collection" available at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.LostGolfSecrets.com">http://www.LostGolfSecrets.com</a>

Are You Too Busy Practicing Your Swing to Improve Your Game? Stop Playing Golf the Hard Way!

Natural Golf Tips

Golf tips are often welcomed by the most avid of golfers. This article will suggest some natural golf tips. Natural golf tips will help you with the game mentally as well as physically.

The first of these natural golf tips has to do with the mental aspect of the game. If you think you can do it, you are right and if you think you can't do it you are also correct.

The second of these natural golf tips that is in the mental attitude area is to learn how to play even if you are not relaxed. You may not always feel or be relaxed but you need to learn to play through those feelings.

A third tip in the area of natural golf tips has to do with positive self-talk. It will be much better for your game if you can learn to get rid of all the negative self-talk.

Now some natural golf tips that will help you improve your game. Work on good tempo and balance. Natural golf tips for all golfers include practice. Practice makes perfect and natural golf tips in this category include time to practice your swing, chipping and putting.

There are natural golf tips for those who have problems with certain aspects of the game like stance or driving. You can use natural golf tips involving drills that will help your performance.

If you are looking for natural golf tips and need some lessons you can sign up at the golf course or talk to a pro.

Natural golf tips abound and you should have no trouble finding as many as you need.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Golf-Swing-Improvement.com. He provides more golfing tips, putting tips and <a target="_new" href="http://www.golf-swing-improvement.com/Golf-Swing-Instruction.html">golf swing instruction tips</a> that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Golfer? Back Exercise Can Eliminate Back Pain

'Golfer' back exercise is a key part of any golf-specific exercise routine.

A closer look at the golf swing will show clearly that it heavily depends on and indeed leans on the back. Actually a perfect golf swing is really all about using the spine as an axis to allow the correct swing plane. The spine is at the very center and core of the golf swing.

The facts of the matter are that a golfer with a back problem will always face an uphill and maybe impossible task when it comes to improving on their game. The back will always come in the way of any efforts at improvement.

This is where 'golfer' back exercise come in. They can be extremely useful in helping solve this nagging problem amongst the many golfers who suffer from this problem which can be both very painful and frustrating.

There are cases where the back problem started even before the golfer started playing golf and there are other cases where it starts shortly after they start frequenting a golf course. There are even cases where the problem is greatly aggravated by golf. Chances of getting an improvement on your game from all three different scenarios with the help of golfer back exercises are very high.

Many 'golfer' back exercise involve stretching exercises some of which I have covered in previous articles. Interestingly enough, I have witnessed some of these stretch exercises helping some golfers with chronic back pain problems.

There are some who have been fortunate enough to have the problem completely disappear while others have gotten a great deal of relief as a result of the 'golfer' back exercise

'golfer' back exercise can also help golfers who have never experienced any back problems to avoid them altogether. As we have already seen, the golf swing involves so much use of the back that injury to it is quite easy. Especially where the golfer is not involved in any golf exercise program let alone 'golfer' back exercise.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness training</a> site - Perform Better Golf.

Golf Travel Bags ? Choose Wisely to Protect Your Investment

Planning a golf vacation? Don't forget to protect your golf clubs by choosing the right golf travel bag. How do you choose the golf travel bag that is right for you? Let's take a quick look at three different styles to help you make the right choice.

Remember, choosing the right golf travel bag isn't only about the bag itself. Golfers planning a golf vacation or just looking for protection on short golf trips should ask themselves a few questions before making a purchase.

What is your budget for a golf travel bag?

Do you travel frequently with your golf clubs?

Do your golf trips mostly include air travel or auto travel?

With these questions in mind, let's take a quick look at the different styles of golf travel bags and the benefits and negatives each offers.

Hybrid Travel Bags

These types of golf travel bags are essentially a golf bag with a hard top to protect your clubs. Unlike other styles, hybrids do not protect your day-to-day golf bag.

Hybrids will help golf travelers with space restrictions. They require less space than other models and also weigh less.

However, hybrid golf travel bags are not your golf bag. Therefore you must unpack and pack all of your golf gear each time you travel. These types of bags are also not the best choice for airline travel.

For golfers who travel more often by automobile and have an extra set of golf clubs, hybrid golf travel bags are a good choice.

Golfers can pick up a hybrid golf travel bag for as little as $60 with top of the line bags going for around $230.

Soft Golf Travel Bags

Think of this style of travel bags as a soft, padded, glove that covers your day-to-day golf bag and clubs. Usually, these bags come with a rigid bottom and wheels to help golfers carry them from location to location.

If you love to carry a lot of golf gear on your travels, then soft-style cases might be the right choice for you. You can travel with your day-to-day bag and stuff it with your other gear and golf accessories. These travel bags also breaks down easily and take up less storage space than hard case bags.

Some of the negatives associated with soft-style golf travel bags are mobility and protection. Soft bags usually do not roll as easily as hard cases. Also, these bags do not offer the same protection as hard cases. Your club heads are especially vulnerable in a soft-style bag.

If you choose a soft-style golf travel bag, I highly recommend that you pick up a Stiff Arm accessory. This will protect your club heads in the event of a direct impact to the top of your bag.

The best soft-style bags can cost anywhere from $120 - $300.

Hard Case Golf Travel Bags

This style of travel bag encompasses your bag and club. They provide the highest amount of protection but do not have space for the golf &quot;pack rat&quot;.

Hard cases are a great choice for the golfer who travels by air to most golf vacation spots. This style provides the most protection and highest security for your golf clubs. Unlike other styles of golf travel bags, airlines will often cover any damage incurred when your clubs are in a hard case travel bag.

Hard cases take up more room than other styles when it comes to storage. They also do not hold all of your golf gear. For the golfer who plans more trips by automobile, hard cases might not make as much sense as hybrids or soft-covers.

Hard case golf travel bags average $130 with top of the line cases costing around $300.

Now that you have a little more insight into golf travel bags, you will be able to choose the right bag for your golf travel and golf vacations. Remember to think about the type and frequency of your golf travel, how much protection you need for your golf clubs, and what type of budget you have for a golf travel bag.

Choose wisely. Protect your investment. And, most of all, enjoy your golf vacation!

Copyright 2005 Evans Putman <a target="_new" href="http://www.perfectgolfvacations.com">http://www.PerfectGolfVacations.com</a> - All Rights Reserved. Reprints allowed see below.

Article courtesy of <a target="_new" href="http://www.perfectgolfvacations.com">http://www.PerfectGolfVacations.com</a> your source for the best golf destination information. We deliver &quot;Truth in Golf Travel&quot;. PerfectGolfVacations.com delivers the best local market information and word-of-mouth recommendations from golf destinations like Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Ireland, Hilton Head, and more. Keep current with updates, news and specials at our blog <a target="_new" href="http://www.PerfectGolfVacations.blogspot.com">http://www.perfectgolfvacations.blogspot.com</a>.

This article may be reprinted with no changes, omissions, or additions. All links must be left live and in tact.

How To Properly Check The Club Heads Of Second Swing Used Golf Club

Interested in Second Swing used golf club? No surprise there. Second Swing golf clubs are swiftly gaining popularity these days. And why not, they durable and with good quality. So with the rising demands I wrote this article on how to properly check the clubheads of Second Swing used golf clubs. This is vital task so you get a good quality and good performing Second Swing golf clubs for a fair price. Avoiding you regrets, saves you time and money.

First thing you check is the face wear of the Second Swing used golf club. You can easily tell if it's been used for a long time because it will show a shiny worn spot in the center, avoid this at all cost. Owning such would be disastrous to you're accuracy for that kind of clubface won't hold the ball well.

Check the grooves of the Second Swing used golf club and makes sure the edges are still well defined.

Also avoid the Second Swing used clubs that show indentations in the clubface. This too will affect you're accuracy greatly.

Then try to get a golf club that has a bigger clubhead, especially if you're a beginner. This will give you a higher chance of hitting the sweet spot and also bigger clubheads are more forgiving.

It is vital that you check thoroughly a Second Swing used golf club. This will prevent future discomforts and nuisances, and help you have a more satisfying golf game. I hope you find this article helpful in you're quest to for a Second Swing used golf club.

If you're interested for more free golf articles. I encourage you to visit my site at http://golf-tips.useful-tips.com.

Jed Baguio is the webmaster of <a target="_new" href="http://Golf-Tips.Useful-Tips.com">http://Golf-Tips.Useful-Tips.com</a> - A site dedicated to bring you free golf articles and proven products that will help you're golf game tremendously.

The Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Your Reach

The perfect golf swing IS achievable for any senior golfer!

Actually we have noted in our ongoing programs, a dramatic change in the quality of the games of senior golfers many of whom are achieving the perfect golf swing at their ages and despite relative inexperience on the golf course. Not only that, they are hitting the ball as long as their PGA counterparts. And we are talking about both male and female players.

So how do they do it?

The answer is so simple that it may be a little difficult to believe at first. Actually it is the result of a simple combination of personal coaching on swing mechanics and getting stronger. They do not get stronger as a result of arduous weight training using heavy weights designed to give bulky muscles.

Rather the training ideas have even been described as &quot;enjoyable&quot; by some and the program even involves simple exercises that will not take you away from the office or your work and yet have the potential of helping you reach the perfect golf swing much quicker than you ever thought possible.

Very specific conditioning and training achieve the perfect golf swing and a much better game. Exercises that are not straining but are in fact targeted very specifically at improving the quality of the golf game are responsible for the 'miracles' in junior golf players.

Surely if it works so well with senior citizens, younger golfers should have no problem. Right?

Actually we are also witnessing junior golfers who are also dramatically revolutionizing their game through the same exercises and conditioning which also involves using products recommended by experts and people who earn a living improving ordinary amateur's golf games and helping them towards achieving the perfect golf swing.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Check out his new <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness products</a> site at Perform Better Golf .

Are You Having Trouble Sustaining Energy On The Back Nine?

Loss of stamina and endurance toward the end of an eighteen-hole round of golf happens to many golfers and can often be attributed to poor nutrition. To keep up the pace and go the distance, there is no substitute for good nutrition.

Good golf nutrition has many of the same characteristics as good general nutrition. Foods that are low in fat and contain balanced portions of lean protein and slow release carbohydrates make the best choices, and the golfer's diet should include lots of these. Lean meat, fish, and poultry are all excellent choices and should be staples in a high nutrition diet, as should carbohydrates containing whole wheat sources and green leafy vegetables.

Golfers should avoid starchy foods like potatoes, white breads, corn, and foods high in sugars. These can serve to make you groggy and less able to react properly. They will rob you of stamina rather than enhance it.

Instead of eating a traditional &quot;three meals per day,&quot; golfers can benefit from learning to eat several small meals over the course of the day. This process helps to train the body to take in energy in small doses and use that energy more efficiently.

Golfers need to drink lots of water. Anywhere from eight to ten glasses per day is optimal, and more than that may be necessary when playing ? especially during the summer or in places with an exceedingly warm climate. Phoenix and Las Vegas, for example, are two of the most popular cities in the US for golf and they have two of the most unforgiving summer climates. Hydration is very important.

Two things to stay away from are caffeine and alcohol. Both can adversely affect your play. Caffeine over-stimulates your muscles and increases your heart rate. It makes it difficult to concentrate and can cause you to play with less elements of control. Alcoholic beverages, of course, can significantly reduce your coordination, even in small doses. It's best not to drink any alcohol before or during play unless you don't mind the compromise in performance.

Use these simple tips to gain a competitive advantage over your foursome while preserving your energy and increasing your stamina and endurance. Keep your nutrition sound and you'll reap a lifetime of benefits.

Susan Hill is a golf fitness trainer, golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. Her work has been featured on ESPN, Resort Living and SELF magazine. For more information on her golf fitness website, go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.fitnessforgolf.com">http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.</a>

Will A Night Golf Tournament Ruin Your Course?

The first thing you have to remember about your Night Golf event is that it is not a PGA Major event. It is simply a different way to play golf than you normally do. With that in mind, how you set up your course is up to YOU! Some ideas include:

? Move your tees ? use an area normally not used for your tee box. Move it to a patch of grass in front of the normal tee, to the left or right of the forward tees ? anywhere to minimize wear and tear on the tees. If you must use the tees for the Night Golf event, make sure there is divot mix for the players to use.

? Get the maintenance staff out early! ? The morning after your Night Golf event, send someone out with a divot mix bucket (make sure they are labeled if you use different types of grass on your tees than you do in your fairway). Have the staff cover each hole you played the previous night ? make sure that they have trash bags and ball mark repair tools for the greens.

? Limit the refreshments until after the Night Golf event ? Admittedly, this practice helps to increase laughs on the course during the event. However, it could be the catalyst which lets the guard down for care of the course. You might want to think about letting the players have 1 or 2 beverages prior to the start, and then the participants will want to hang around afterwards talking about their experience. In addition, make every attempt to not allow alcoholic beverages on the course the players.

? Take Hazards out of play ? Be sure to mark bridges, creeks, lakes and other potential hazards with light sticks or other methods (Candle bags, pumpkins, etc.). Light sticks come in plenty of colors so maybe you use red or blue to mark hazards. As in the aforementioned point, if there is a lake or creek in front of your normal tee box, simply move it to the other side for the Night Golf event.

? Limit your exposure ? You don't have to use every hole in your course or feel obligated to start at Hole #1. 4 or 5 of the easier holes that lack hazards and can bring the players back to the club house after the Night Golf event is fine. Another thought is keeping some of the staff available to join groups for the event if they are not familiar with your course.

In summary, just use some basic Common Sense when setting up your course for Night Golf. This will increase the fun factor and the participants inquiring the date for the next tournament.

Kevin Adelsberg is a writer for NightGolfProducts.com. For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about night golf, please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.nightgolfproducts.com">http://www.nightgolfproducts.com</a>

Senior Golf Can Be Your Best Years?Here?s How

Senior golf is accepted by the golfing community as a decline in performance that is inevitable. I'm here to tell you that's incorrect! In no way does this have to happen.

For the senior golf player it may be more difficult to maintain a high level of performance, but not altogether impossible. You see, your body is the only factor that ultimately speeds up or slows down your performance as you get older.

It's a fact that physical decline takes place as we age; and for some of us, it's much quicker.

The senior golfer usually thinks it's a flexibility issue, and it may very well be. But I'm here to tell you strength declines just as rapidly.

The solution is a golf fitness program geared to your needs and your current level of fitness. Starting at a point that is beyond your limits will result in failure and the never-ending pursuit for the &quot;magic bullet&quot;.

The aspects you should regard are: Strength, flexibility, endurance and even nutrition. These are the components of a total golf performance program, and should all be addressed. If one is left out, it could delay progress indefinitely.

This may sound overwhelming, but it really isn't. With golf fitness becoming so popular now, there are books, videos, and even golf fitness trainers at your disposal.

Your first step is to get an evaluation to determine your &quot;current level&quot; of golf fitness. This is critical to your success. Realizing your starting point, will put you on the path to a MUCH improved golf game.

Once you've exposed your limitations, you can now get on a program to improve them and stop wasting valuable time on things that don't. Even taking a golf lesson should be put off until you have improved your fitness specific to golf.

I have seen and heard of so many golfers (mostly senior golfers) who take a lesson, only to be more confused and frustrated because they can't apply what they learned. This doesn't have to be. Work on your BODY first, and your swing will improve automatically.

Doesn't that make sense?

Now you may be thinking to do this new and exciting golf fitness program, you'll need a gym.

Wrong!

All you need is a stability ball, hand weights, and some exercise tubing and you've got your new golf fitness home gym for under $50. No fancy, expensive equipment required.

This should be a relief to hear you can do this in the convenience of your home, with minimal equipment. This not only saves you time but money. The only thing left now, is to do it!

Don't put if off for another second!

Procrastination will get you nowhere quickly. This IS the missing link to your best game ever!

Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, hundreds of golf fitness tips all over the web and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness e-book, go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com">http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.</a>

How To Improve Your Game With Simple Golf Exercises!

Winter is upon us and you have more time, since you're not golfing?so why not get a jump on next season by doing some simple, in-home golf exercises that will quickly prepare your body to hit LONGER drives and shoot LOWER scores?

How many times have you started a new golf season with very high scores, short drives, and aches and pains? Am I talking to you? Let's be honest. It happens more times than you'd like. But why not do it different this time? Instead of going into deep depression that the season is over ? keep golf in the top of your mind by starting a golf exercise program.

Don't let your clubs get dusty and forget about your game. Prepare your body in anticipation of next spring. It's no fun to come off the course feeling spent (in more ways than one) when you could have energy to spare. You have between 4-6 months to greatly improve your strength, flexibility and stamina. It would be the wisest thing to do to improve your golf for next season.

When you begin the season with a &quot;broken&quot; body, you're taking two steps back. Take a leap forward and prepare your body by getting your golf exercise program in motion. Think of it this way. What a great opportunity to get the edge on your playing partners and win all the money. Wouldn't that get their goat?

Finally, you'll get the chance to redeem yourself from a previous season that found you paying out more than receiving and being the brunt of all jokes in the clubhouse after every round. We've all been there - but no longer right? This is the winter to make the commitment and do it! No excuses. No more reasons to put it off. You may realize it's not easy ? but nothing worth getting is easy.

Golf exercise is a very popular topic these days among all the pros, teachers and even amateurs. It's no secret that if you get your body fitter, stronger and more flexible you will swing better and hit longer drives that produce lower scores.

That's what we all want right? What a feeling to be the longest (and straightest) hitter in your group. Always hitting your approach shot last because you were the furthest down the fairway. Those are the kinds of thoughts you should have this winter while you're working out.

The simplist way to implement golf exercises is to look at the golf swing. First off, it's standing on your feet. Not sitting down, like on a machine in your local gym. So try to do most of your exercises on your feet.

Secondly, you should be in your golf posture. Which is a bend forward at the hips, with your knees slightly flexed. Doing exercises in this position will create a very strong, stable golf swing.

A good example of a golf exercise would be the Golf Posture Lateral Raise:

? Bend forward at hips just beyond normal golf posture.

? Hold dumbbells in front of your thighs, palms facing each other.

? Slowly raise dumbbell to the side and up.

? Slowly bring back down to pre-stretch position.

Do you see how this would quickly build up the strength in the back of your shoulders for a strong take-away and downswing? The only equipment required was a pair of dumbbells (hand weights), which probably cost about $10. No fancy gym. And in the convenience of your home, saving you time.

This is just one example of a simple golf exercise you can do quickly and conveniently in your home to dramatically transform your game!

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is a respected golf fitness expert, and the author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, numerous golf fitness tips and founder of several online golf fitness sites. For more information on his new, cutting-edge golf fitness ebook, go to <a target="_new" href="http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.">http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.</a>

Why Do You ?Not Benefit? From Coaching Golf Tips

Most golfers have had dozens of opportunities to receive coaching golf tips from numerous sources. However the most interesting aspect of it all is that many are not able to benefit much from these coaching golf tips.

What could be the reason? Is it that the coaching golf tips are not explained in enough detail? Or is it that most golfers fail to grasp them? All these possible reasons are highly unlikely because most coaching golf tips are given and explained in a very practical manner.

If we have any hope of solving this mystery then we must start looking for the answer in the area of implementation. The mind understands but the body is unable to execute. Weak flabby and therefore tense muscles have a problem keeping up with stress and pressure exerted.

Golf still has many players who have stuck to the good old days when exercises were unheard of amongst golfers. When nobody could hear of strength exercises for golf to strengthen muscles and help the golfer dramatically improve on their golf swing. Those are the days when stretch exercises were very minimal and almost non-existent.

These kinds of golfers would obviously have a serious problem implementing most coaching golf tips and adopting them to their game.

There is yet another reason why many golfers do not benefit from coaching golf tips. It emerges from the fact that not every coaching golf tip will work for every golfer. Some tips will suit the styles of certain golfers more than that of others.

The problem here is that many golfers quickly get discouraged when they find that they cannot use the first few coaching golf tips and abandon all the rest.

This is really sad because in all probability the coaching golf tip that best suits them is somewhere in the long list just waiting to be discovered.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Take a look at his just released golf fitness dvds at his <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a> site - Perform Better Golf.

How to Know What Defines the Best Golf Drivers

Why is it considered the most electrifying club in your golf bag? Why is it the first club anyone talks about when equipment is brought up? Why is it what everyone wants?

The answers are simple - POWER. It's all about the power of the long ball. The golfer who drives the ball the furthest is considered the man of the moment, and everyone wants to be that man. I guess it's an ego thing.

This mind game is played among all golfers form beginner to professional. It is one of the main driving forces behind the design of today's best golf drivers. The manufacturers are continually coming up with newer and better drivers that go further and straighter than the competition. They come in all shapes and sizes with the bigger is better attitude coming out on top.

A lot of the big oversized drivers are built to the largest legal size specifications under PGA rules and regulations. Combine that with the ultra thin super springy club faces. What you get is a kind of loaded canon. These clubs launch the golf balls high in the air and really long. We must emphasize really LONG.

A lot of the club makers have even taken the grooves off the clubfaces around the sweet spot areas. This is to reduce spin and allow the ball more distance with less resistance. What this also causes is less accuracy off the tee. But most golfers are willing to give up a little accuracy for more distance.

Now if you throw in the new technology in today's golf shafts it gets a little complicated. With all the different types of graphite, the raised and lowered flex and kick points, and now even tipping it almost seems out of control.

Wow, that's getting crazy. There is such a huge amount of possible grip, shaft, and club head combinations it can be confusing to the average golfer. But not to worry, there are a ton of great resources out there to get you fitted correctly.

Get more of this article and other golf driver information at: <a target="_new" href="http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/golf-drivers.html">www.golfequipmentsource.com/golf-drivers.html

John Bolt is the full time owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.golfequipmentsource.com/golf-drivers.html">Golfequipmentsource.com</a>.

With years of competitive golf experience under his belt, he understands the importance of having properly fitted golf equipment. You can visit his website for more golf equipment and driver information.

Why Golf Training Products Don?t Work For Most

The mere mention of golf training products is bound to cause trouble for you with many golfers. Garages right across the country are loaded with the stuff and yet the games of those who enthusiastically purchased the golf training products have hardly improved. Maybe they have even gotten worse.

So should you totally forget about golf training products?

Do you give up investing in stocks just because your first few investments went wrong? I think not. So what do you do?

You approach the whole issue a little more cautiously. For starters you look for some experts with track records to show for what they have done for others. Not just mere promoters eager to move a certain type of stock. Then you try again.

I would advice exactly the same approach with golf training products.

It would be a good idea to start with golf training products that are specific to your particular weaknesses in the game. For starters if you are a slicer, the Inside Approach is a good golf-training product to start with.

An important rule here is to never flog a dead horse. A golf-training product that does not work for you should not be persistently pursued. Dump it and try something else that works and will give you the greatest return on investment. We're back at the example of buying stocks that we started with. It is probably a very good example to focus on whenever you think of golf training products.

If your problem is distance and accuracy then swinging a weighted club should give you a high return on your investment. And what is more, it really is a very low priced &quot;stock&quot;, costing approximately $20 -$25.

The stability ball is a golf-training product that every golfer with a back problem should have. There are so many different stretches you can do on it and this is the sort of golf training product that you can have around in your office and home for use at any spare moment without changing your current schedule. What is more it travels well since it is deflatable.

There are people who have missed on golden opportunities to profit just because their initial stock investment went wrong. Do not lose on the opportunity to revolutionize your golf game just because your first investments in golf training products have ended up rusting away in your garage.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, whose programs have helped numerous golfers of all ages revolutionize the quality of their game. Visit his new, <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a>training site at Perform Better Golf.

Improving Your Golf Balance

The need for balance for golf just sounds so simple and easy. As a golfer, you know that maintaining proper golf balance is a key to a good golf game. And it's more than just having the correct stance.

Optimum golf balance depends on three aspects: your visual perception, the signals from the inner ear, and signals from your muscles and joints. Sometimes these aspects get out of sync, causing a balance disorder. Most of which can be easily fixed with some simple ideas.

A lack of balance usually occurs when your head position changes, which is a good reason to keep your head still during your swing! How many times have you been told or noticed yourself that you looked up during your swing? Everybody wants to see where their ball is going and when you move your head and throw off your balance, the ball doesn't usually go anywhere. At least not where you wanted it to go. So, keep your head down and still and let your playing partners watch for your ball.

Migraines can attribute to a balance disorder. So if you have frequent migraines, seek medical attention. These headaches can affect your golf game in ways you may never have thought of. Not to mention being just plain painful and debilitating.

Also, don't go spending a fortune on new golf equipment hoping for better play before you check your medicine cabinet to see if any drugs you're taking affect your balance. The condition "ear poisoning" seriously affects your balance. Ear poisoning is usually caused by side effects of some medications. Always be aware of the possible side effects of any prescription drugs you may be taking. This is just good advice all the way around, let alone it having an effect on your golf game.

Diuretics can pose a problem as well. So if you're taking any of these and you start feeling dizzy, get medical help! Sometimes the dizziness can literally become a lifelong problem, so don't delay in seeking help.

If your golf balance is a little off in your game, you may want to do some simple exercises to improve it. Just kicking a ball around your backyard can help. You can also set up a little obstacle course and weave in and out of it to improve your balance. If you have kids, they will have fun with the course, too! Actually, they may even set up one for you!

You can also buy a balance board to help you with your center of gravity. You can easily make one yourself out of some scrap wood or you could find a nice one online or at a local fitness equipment store. These boards are challenging and fun to use. Once you can balance for an extended period on one, pick up a golf club. Then practice your backswing while balancing yourself. This will dramatically improve you golf balance.

In addition, working with flexibility exercises helps increase your golf balance by releasing muscle tension. Try some simple yoga stretches to help with loosening up tight muscles. Yoga or pilates can be a real benefit for the golfer. These types of exercises tend to create long lean muscles and promote flexibility. Just what the golfer needs for the right golf balance and a fluid swing.

Another useful item is a yoga ball or exercise ball. Even just sitting on one of these balls requires balance - so try using one for part of the day. Work up gradually until you can sit on the ball for 30 minutes at a time. These ball exercises can help you develop proper posture, increase the mobility of your lower back, and develop overall control of your body core. Improving your core strength and flexibility will help you develop the correct golf balance.

Since balance is fundamental to every aspect of your golf game, spend some time each day working on developing it. Who knows? You could find your swing and your score improving significantly, and who couldn't use that!

About the Author: Jason Griffin is a regular golfer who loves playing golf and trying to help other typical golfers, hackers and weekend players get more enjoyment out of the game. He is the guide behind the <A target="_new" HREF="http://www.guidetogolfequipment.com">Guide to Golf Equipment</A> - Your Information Source for Equipment Used for Golf. Get a little help finding the right golf equipment at <A target="_new" HREF="http://www.guidetogolfequipment.com">http://www.guidetogolfequipment.com</A>

Why Tiger Woods Golf Swing Technique Is So Effective

Golf sensation Tiger Woods' golf swing technique has been the subject of many interesting studies.

One thing that has come out very clearly from this leading golfer's style and his golf swing technique is his amazing flexibility and high fitness level which have contribute tremendously to his golf career. A career that has seen him crowned in the minds of many as the undisputed greatest golfer in the history of the sport.

The Tiger Woods golf swing technique sees Wood utilizing his flexibility at the back of his swing to comfortably reach far back.

As he begins his swing, his level of fitness and muscle strength enables him to build up club head velocity by turning his torso quickly and pressing his right leg forward. There is minimal waste of energy as he maintains his position above the golf ball.

Driving through, Woods uses his hips, shoulders and wrists to concentrate his force and create a high initial ball speed. Research has shown that within a few feet off the tee, the ball is usually traveling at about 180 miles per hour. The average tour pro usually manages only 160 miles per hour.

If you have carefully watched woods and his golf swing technique, you will note that he usually allows the club head's momentum to extend his follow-through far around his back, thus completing a long and smooth club-head rotation.

Tiger's golf swing technique cannot possibly be achieved by somebody who is not physically fit or somebody who does not work out regularly. In fact achieving an effective golf swing technique these days requires conditioned muscles that will enable you to perform consistently and at your best.

Gone are the days when golf was viewed as a leisure sport where players would move around the course in electric golf cars to avoid breaking into a sweat of any kind.

This is not to say that a good golf swing technique calls for rigorous exercising. Actually, most of the critical golf-specific exercises involve stretches. There is also the lifting of light weights to build specifically on strength rather than muscle.

Clearly golf-specific exercises are the only way to develop a good golf swing technique.

About The Author: Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Visit his new <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a> site at Perform Better Golf.

Effective Golf Training Equipment Isn?t What You Think

If you are like most golfers, you have purchased hundreds of dollars of golf training equipment. How many gimmicky training aids do you have lying around?

Now I want you to picture something.

Put all the training aids together in your mind and picture using them all at the same time. What do you think would be the results?

I don't think it would be pretty and that's my point.

It's so easy to look for the 'magic bullet'. But the magic bullet is staring you in the face. You heard that right, it's YOU!

You swing the club and play the game?so why wouldn't you spend the time and money on improving YOU?

So stop buying the latest greatest training aid and focus on improving your own physical limitations.

So let's get back to golf training equipment.

I'd like to make a couple of suggestions.

I'm all for swinging a weighted club. You couldn't get more golf-specific than that. That would be a purchase that will give you a high return.

Next on the list would be exercise tubing. It only costs approximately $20-$25 and would be another very wise investment.

The beauty of tubing is the ability to break down the golf swing into as many phases as you like and do resistance (tubing) training specific to that phase.

The next piece of golf training equipment is the stability ball. Any golfer with a bad back should have one.

You can do so many stretches on it, and you can have this in your office, home or even when you travel since it's deflatable.

And lastly, hand weights. Another term is dumbbells. You can do dozens of golf-specific exercises with a simple pair of dumbbells. The cost is 50 cents a pound and they are very portable.

Other than the above golf training equipment, you could get one, maybe two trainings aids specific to your swing fault.

For example, if you're a slicer, the Inside Approach is a great device to use right on the range.

But dump all the old, ineffective training aids you have in your garage and focus on what will give you the greatest return on investment (both time and money).

And remember; if you are doing something that's not working?stop! Move onto something new and different. Don't get in a rut. Catch yourself before this happens.

This article was provided by Mike Pedersen, one of the leading golf fitness experts in the country. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to transform your game, Mike has a new book out with easy tips, techniques and cutting-edge golf exercises. Go take a look at <a target="_new" href="http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com">http://www.ultimategolffitnessguide.com.</a>

What Night Golf Ball should I use for my Glow Ball event?

Believe it or not, there are three different types of Night Golf Balls. The more traditional Night Golf ball has a hollow core in which a light stick is inserted (after activating). A player simply bends the light stick until it &quot;cracks&quot; then shakes the contents vigorously to ensure distribution then inserts into a hollow core on this Night Golf Ball. The advantage of this Night Golf ball is that it is relatively inexpensive and can be used over and over again by simply removing the old plug and inserting a new plug the next time you use it. Although not a major disadvantage, players must use a club or two 'extra' for this particular Night Golf ball in order to achieve the distance they are used to during their normal rounds. In addition, the glow will last approximately 4 to 6 hours (more than enough time for most Night Golf events.

A second Night Golf golf ball has the feel and similar compression to that of the one you use on the course. It receives it glow from a charger that the players would either carry in their bag (it is very small) or keep in their cart. After tee off, the player would mark the position of the ball and simply rotate the ball between their thumb and forefinger for approximately 10 seconds and then the player can hit their next shot. The advantage of this Night Golf Ball is the 'feel' of a regulation ball, good glow and of course, can be used over and over again. The only burdensome activity is charging the ball and sharing a charger in the group (for this type of ball, it is best if every two players share a charger at their Nite Golf event).

A relatively new Night Golf ball blinks like a flasher when struck with a club. This Night Golf balls gives off a red flash (7.2 flashes per second) for approximately 5 to 6 minutes after being struck. The advantage of this ball is that it is easy to find, has the feel of a regulation golf ball and can be used again and again. The downside is that it is recommended that players carry two of these Night Golf balls each to keep play moving. In addition, the strobe effect in this Night Golf ball can be activated for about 40 hours of use. So eventually, their usage will expire.

Regardless of the type of ball you use, Night Golf events offers a course to generate revenue at a time when it is not normally in use!

Kevin Adelsberg is a writer for NightGolfProducts.com. For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about night golf, please visit us at <a target="_new" href="http://www.nightgolfproducts.com">http://www.nightgolfproducts.com</a>

Why A Modern Golf Training System Is So Effective

Gone are the days when a golf training system mainly involved going over to the course and practicing your swing. This was hardly effective and for many unprepared golfers in poor physical condition often led to injury.

These days golf training systems have become more sophisticated and the key objective is to get results. Modern golf training systems usually involve golf-specific exercises designed to strengthen muscles that are used in the game.

Modern golf training systems also incorporate the use of exercise machines and equipment. The most effective of this seek to strengthen particular muscles and parts of the body that are critical to golf.

Stretching exercises are also important in any good golf training system. The right stretch exercises, sometimes incorporating the use of dumbbells, can help dramatically improve a golf swing and the distance of the drive on the course.

And stretching exercises do not have to be limited to the gym or exercise area. There are a number of stretch exercises that can be performed in the office, even while still seated on your chair. These have proved to be especially useful with many amateur golfers who hardly seem able to find the time to play golf, let alone spare a few hours at a crowded gym.

Golfers however need to be extremely careful because not all golf training systems are designed by qualified people. The wrong golf exercise can be even more harmful than no exercise at all.

The ideal situation is to have a golf training system that starts off dealing with the particular golf weaknesses you have, or at least emphasizing on them.

As you see the positive effect the exercises are having on your game, it will then be the perfect incentive for you to stay on the exercise program and your golf training system.

About The Author:
Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Visit his new <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf fitness</a> site at Perform Better Golf.

Perform Better Golf In 30 Days

So you have decided to improve your golf game? You are ready to make a commitment and stand by it. If you are looking for a way to improve your game in a hurry, then we have the answer for you; it's our 30 day solution to better golf. In order to get in the best shape of your life and experience the overwhelming benefits for your game, you must be willing to make compromises and concessions on things you usually do in favor of things you need to do to change your lifestyle.

Strength

Let's start with strength. First of all you need to understand that to build your strength you have to build your muscles. Erase your mind of ladies in leotards and men with tank tops. We are moving away from the old style bodybuilding and aerobics routines to stimulate an environment of rapid growth and change for the better. Here are three things you can do today to get started in the right direction.

1. Get off of the machines. Move over to free weight, bodyweight, medicine balls, fitness balls and cable pulley systems or bands.

2. Set a goal of strength training 3 days a week with a day of rest in between.

3. Start out with moderate weights using whole boy movements like pull ups, lunges, squats and push ups.

Flexibility

Let's stop talking about how tight we are and get that stretch program started. Begin with 10 minutes a day, every day of the week. Here are the three rules of flexibility.

1. Stretch after strength training or cardio, not before.

2. Ignore the fluff and general stretch routines. Focus on your back (upper, mid, lower), hips and shoulders.

3. Be patient with tight areas as they need special attention. Progress will come and usually comes quickly, but not without proper form and lots of patience.

Nutrition

We talk about good nutrition every day and then think about putting a plan into action. Well, today is your lucky day. Begin integrating a solid nutrition plan on Day 1 for 30 days. Commit to no alcohol, limited caffeine and serious dedication and effort. Here's a few more things to keep in mind regarding nutrition.

1. Eat 5 to 6 small meals and snacks daily. Think small portions, evenly spaced out over the day and evening.

2. Drink lots of water. It makes you feel full and helps with weight loss.

3. Try balanced portions. Pick up a small source of protein (lean meats, nuts, yogurt, etc.), carbohydrate (vegetables, fruits) and fat.

Your body and your mind have to be alert and functioning properly to be able to endure the elements you are faced with in practice and on the course.

Make a 30 day commitment to a better body and better round of golf. By the end of this summer, you should see a big difference in how you play and be more enthused to make these changes permanently.

Susan Hill is a nationally recognized fitness trainer, CHEK golf biomechanic and sports nutrition specialist. For more information on golf specific nutrition, exercises or stretches, visit <a target="_new" href="http://www.fitnessforgolf.com">http://www.fitnessforgolf.com</a>

Achieving The Perfect Golf Swing Drill

The perfect golf swing drill is a joy to behold. And yet it is not too hard to achieve.

The perfect golf swing drill starts with a proper back swing with the golf club swung right back to the limit of your body. At this segment of the perfect golf swing drill your mind should be preparing for the rotation of your body and the arm extension.

Next, the movements of the perfect golf swing drill moves to the down swing, which starts with the lower part of the body, including the legs and hips. A transfer of weight will take place from back to front with the knees, thighs and hips all moving forward.

The perfect golf swing drill ends with the body weight on the outside of the front heel and the inside of the rear foot.

Perfect golf swing drill is easy when your body is prepared and conditioned to achieve it. However perfect golf swing drill can be very difficult for a golfer not involved in any golf specific exercise designed to condition and prepare their muscles and body in general for the strain and pressure that golf usually brings.

Most professionals take their golf-specific exercises very seriously, but some amateurs are reluctant to let go of the so-called good old days when exercise had no role in the leisure sport of golf. Still they are finding the going increasingly difficult as more and more golfers embrace golf exercise programs.

There is no doubt that the perfect golf swing drill happens only with those whose muscles and bodies have been prepared.

About The Author:
Mike Pedersen is one of the top golf fitness experts in the country, author of the Ultimate Golf Fitness Guide, and founder of several cutting-edge online golf fitness sites. Visit his new <a target="_new" href="http://www.performbettergolf.com">golf training</a> site at Perform Better Golf.