photo credit: Matt Seppings

The common mistake that amateurs make is when they try to make a par on every hole.  Unless you are a scratch golfer you are pipe-dreaming!  The average score for the amateur golfer is bogey (1 over par).  Bogey golf means that you will shoot 90 for 18 holes which is a very respectable score.

Playing bogey golf is a lot less discouraging for the average player than trying to shoot par every round.  Try to improve your game by striving to play bogey golf.  Every hole that you par is a plus and a morale booster for your game.  Try it and watch your game improve !

photo credit: teamstickergiant

When  using the 3-metal off the fairway think in terms of not “forcing” the ball in the air.  Do not try to hit the ball any harder than you would a 5-iron shot.  TIP:  Think fluid.  Even if the ball is slightly miss-hit with the 3-metal, it will usually travel farther than your best 3-iron shot.  It’s easy to spray 3-metal shots so concentrate on alignment and your set-up at address.  Also, try moving your hands slightly down on the grip which automatically makes the clubshaft shorter thus allowing for more control.

photo credit: Clintus McGintus

TIP:  When assuming the address position make sure that your chin is raised high enough to allow clearance for your left shoulder during the backswing.  Doing so allows the golfer to take the club back fully to the parallel (with the ground) position.  Most players make this adjustment just before they start their backswing.

Taking the club all the way back to parallel on the backswing generates greater clubhead speed which results in more shot distance.  Remember, in order to create length in your game you’ve got to find ways to create more clubhead speed.  This method is one of them.

photo credit: Matt Seppings

In order to achieve more shot distance you have to increase clubhead speed which isn’t accomplished by gripping the club tighter or swinging harder.  The real key is to loosen up your muscles which would be completely tense if you were to take a hard swipe at the ball. You must swing easier with more fluidity.  This all starts by exerting as little pressure as possible when gripping the club, doing so will free-up your wrists, arms, shoulders and entire body.  This obviously goes against normal instincts but it works and that’s all that counts.

photo credit: adamentmeat

To hit a good lob shot the ball must sit up slightly on a cushion of grass.  Take your lob wedge and play the ball left of center about two ball widths.  Open the face of your wedge to get the ball up through impact.  For more loft, weaken your grip by turning your left hand (for right-handers) slightly to the left resting your thumb on top of the club.  Bring the club back halfway and make sure to accelerate through impact.  Make a long swing and at completion make sure your body faces the target.

Note:  Don’t try to lift the ball into the air by falling back during your backswing.  Stay balanced through the shot.

photo credit: endbradley

Power comes from torque and torque is developed from the rotation of your hips and shoulder.  A good shoulder turn on the backswing results in greater clubhead speed and power.  Concentrate on making a good hip turn away from and through the ball.  Your shoulders should automatically fall into place.  You will be amazed at how a slightly shorter backswing can give you more control and power.  Try it.

photo credit: danperry.com

By swinging at the ball, the average golfer will tend to approach the ball with a steeper clubface angle which decreases the loft of the club even more.  Instead, try hitting through the ball.  You can do this by having the proper swing thought before the shot.  Just think about making a good golf-swing and imagine that the ball isn’t even there.  Doing so will allow you to make a smooth, flowing swing which will result in excellent height and much more distance.  If you want to hit more par-fives in two, try this method.

photo credit: The-Lane-Team

Conveying your knowledge of the game to a youngster who has a sincere desire to learn, can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  A mentor not only teaches but also influences.  Most kids need direction, something they may not be getting from their own parents.  Most of the time, you can leave a lasting impression by what you say and/or do.  Patience is the key to any lasting friendship and it is a prerequisite to being a good mentor and friend.

If you ever get the opportunity to become a mentor, take it, you won’t be sorry.

photo credit: Bob B. Brown

There were orange, red, pink, green, lime and several shades of yellow balls.  The two most popular colors, during that time, were lime green and orange.  Colored balls were great in the fall when a white ball could be lost amongst the leaves but with a bright color, it was nearly impossible to do so.  Colored balls are a must if you ever play in snowy conditions. 

Colored balls are simply more fun to use. . . I prefer lime green !