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Proper Golf Course Care and Etiquette

June 29, 2011 By 1 Comment

Golf course care and golf course etiquette is something that is discussed all the time between golfers. What is right? What is wrong? Truth be told, many of the etiquette standards we follow are based on the group of people that we golf with. That being said, there are still some course care and etiquette rules you should follow, even when you are just golfing with your buddies.

Proper Course Care

  • Replace divots carefully.
  • Always rake bunkers after use.
  • You should repair your own pitch mark – and at least one other, every time you are on a green. Pitch marks that are repaired immediately are fine within a few hours. Those that are not can take weeks to heal properly.
  • Be aware of where you leave your cart and/or bag. Never place either of those items on the green.
  • Be careful when pulling the flag from the hole. Careless use can damage the hole for other golfers behind you.
  • Don’t scuff your spikes on the green.
  • Keep quiet when others are playing. This seems obvious, but there are other noises (coins clinging, coughing, etc) that can distract a player.
  • Mark your scorecard after you are free and clear from the green. There is no need to hold up the golfers behind you. The best place to put scores in is the tee box of the next hole.
Filed Under: Golf Rules Tagged With: , ,

Techniques to Curing Your Putting Problems

June 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As Getting to Scratch has said before, poor putting can cause more added strokes and more heartache then almost any other part of the game. Most commonly known as the “yips,” this problem can cause golfers too miss easy put after easy putt. Even the greatest putters in the world suffer from this sometimes.

So what are some things you can do to not only be a better putter, but to also cure some of the common problems that you have been facing on the green during your putts. Try one – or all, of these putting cures, and see if one of these will allow you to become the putter you want to be.

Change Your Grip

This is the most common aspect of the putting area that is changed by golfers. Many of you have indeed already changed your grip during putting, but what is the very best change to be made to your grip?

The most popular type of putting grip change is known as the “cross handed method.” Instead of gripping with the right hand below the left hand, simply reverse your hand positions so that the left is now below the right – vice versa for left handed golfers.

This encourages a smoother pendulum like swing, and also locks the left wrist up during the swing, which will prevent the yips if practiced some and implemented properly.

Swing Low and Smooth with Your Shoulders

Too many golfers swing the putter with their arms instead of using their shoulders and a pendulum. While the putting swing with arms can be perfected, it is much easier to just swing using your shoulders. This creates a straighter and slower path to the ball and allows the club to properly strike the ball during the follow through.

Keep the Left Wrist Locked

Right wrist if you are a left handed golfer.

It is important to keep the left wrist locked and steady throughout the swing. This allows the clubface to stay square to the target line. You can combine this method with the cross handed method if needed.

The yips are common amongst the golfing ranks. If you are indeed struggling with your putting some, then why not go ahead and give these simple techniques a try? We are sure that you will be shaving strokes off your game from the green in no time.

Filed Under: Putting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Walking a Golf Course Provides Excellent Exercise

June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We always hear how important it is to warm your body up and stretch properly before a round of golf. Despite what many people think, golf is actually a great way to exercise. Instead of renting a golf cart to drive the course, why not walk 9 or 18 holes and burn some calories while you are at it?

Walking a course is not only fun and peaceful; it also provides a good cardio workout, as there are numerous hills on the common golf course. You can start by doing some stretches and warm-ups, then instead of hitting the gym for a long and painful workout, you can walk the course and enjoy your round.

Go ahead and give it a try. If you don’t feel like you have been worked to death after you walk a round of 18, then you are probably already in the best shape of your life.

Not only is golf good exercise if you walk; it is also much easier on the wallet. As you know, more than half of the round fee is because you are renting the cart. Take this away and golf becomes much less expensive.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy a round of golf, while at the same time enjoying a nice workout as well.

Filed Under: General Information Tagged With: ,

Building a Solid Grip

June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A good grip is a key component to eventually developing and maintaining a good swing. A golf swing is a complicated process, and while we encourage variations and styles based on what is comfortable for you, it is still important to have a great foundation to start with.

These four steps will allow you to build a proper grip base. Once you understand the look and feel of a proper golf grip, then you may adjust it some to tailor to your swing technique. Again, everyone can make adjustments, but a proper grip is needed for best results.

*This is for right-handed golfers. If you are a lefty, simply switch your hands.

Form the Grip

Whatever style of grip suites you best, the foundation of placing the hands on the club properly is essentially the same. The hands need to be in a neutral position on the grip, palms facing one another, square with the target line. Starting your grip in this manner allows your hands to work in unison throughout the entire swing. Bring the left hand from its natural hanging position and while you hold it flat against the grip the back of it should be facing your selected target.

Close Your Fingers Around the Grip

You can now close your hand around the grip so that the butt of the club rests against the fleshy part of the left hand palm. When looking down, you should be able to see that the left thumb is sitting a bit right from the center of the grip. Once this hand is secure, go ahead and move the clubhead back and forth to ensure that you have a secure, snug fit.

Right Palm Faces the Target

It is now time to introduce the right hand onto the grip. With your right hand facing the target area, nestle the grip in the base of the fingers and close the hand around the grip. In the “final stages” of securing the grip, the right forefinger and thumb will be used to form a “trigger” position.

Bring Hands Together

This is the point where you should have a full grip on the club. If you are able, look at the grip in the mirror to ensure that you have created a “V” with your hands. Ideally, only two knuckles should be seen on both hands. Apply just enough pressure to provide for a solid grip, without gripping too hard or “over-gripping.”

*It is important to NOT grip the clubs too hard, as you will lose distance in your swing.

These four simple grip steps should allow you to build a proper grip. From here you can make any comfort or personal swing adjustments you choose.

Filed Under: Golf Swing Tips Tagged With: , ,

Golf Club Distance Guide: Special Clubs

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Getting to Scratch has covered all club distances over the past couple weeks with our “Distance Guides.” That being said, there is still one aspect we need to cover when it comes to golf club distances. Special clubs are still in many bags, and therefore are still in use. Though not as popular as they were in early days, “special clubs” are still fairly widely used, and therefore we wanted to give some distances for them.

What are we talking about when we refer to special clubs? Well, the 1-iron and the 2-iron is what we are talking about. They have become much more or a rarity in standard club sets, but there are still golfers who like to employ them. The length of the shaft and relative lack of loft leave little room for error. If you are one of the golfers who do indeed use this, then here are some distances you can expect to see with a solid hit. Remember, there are always variables like wind and course condition that will come into play.

These distances are specified for the amateur golfer:

1-Iron: 190-210 yards (174-192 m). Very useful as a driving club in windy conditions, but is very difficult to master.

2-Iron: 180-200 yards (163-181 m). Is still in use, but more often than not is overshadowed by all the metal fairway woods that are available.

There are not many golfers left that use these clubs. However, if you are one of them, then you understand how valuable they can be at times on odd holes. Check out our other distance guides as well.

Distance Guide: Woods

Distance Guide: Irons

Distance Guide: Wedges

Filed Under: Course Managment Tagged With: , ,

How To Properly Maintain Your Clubheads and Grips

June 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Properly maintaining your clubheads is key to maximizing the productivity of all the clubs in your bag. Not only will your clubs and last much longer if they are cleaned and maintained properly, but they will also perform to optimum levels when you are out on the golf course.

The key point to maintaining your clubheads is to keep them clean. Any dirt and/or grass that is left in the clubhead grooves will reduce control and flight of your golf ball. Check your clubhead after every stroke. Wipe away any dirt or grass that gets stuck in the grooves after a swing. You can do this with a wet towel. For more stubborn and stuck on dirt, use a brush with some soapy water after your round.

Another excellent tool for removing dirt from your clubheads is a simple tee. You can use the sharp end of a plastic or wood tee to scrape put the grooves of your clubhead. This allows you the luxury of not having to dig out caked in dirt later after your round.

While we are focusing on clubheads, it is important not to forget about you golf club grips. The grip is hands down the most neglected part of a gold club. Grips get worn down from excessive use and need to be replaced. If you are a regular player (more than once a week) then it is a good idea to replace your grips annually. Grips are relatively inexpensive and most pro shops will offer the service.

Getting to Scratch Insiders Tip: If you just don’t have the money for re-gripping then try this. Go to your local hardware store and buy some black (or any color you like) electrical tape. Carefully re-grip the clubs on your own by taking the electrical tape and following the grip pattern. This will leave you with an excellent grip pattern, as well as new grips that will last a long time.

Filed Under: Golf Club Tips Tagged With: ,

Golf Club Distance Guide: Wedges

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Bad approach shots. We all know about them. More often than not a bad approach shot will leave a golfer reaching for a wedge out of his bag to try and save a stroke. The number of wedges available today is pretty vast, much more so than in years past.

There are two main wedges, the pitching wedge and the sand wedge. The amazing development over the past few years that has been made in wedges is the same as the advancements that have been made with woods. There are a number of available lofts, so much so that it can be confusing. Wedges also feature graphite inserts that help with ball striking.

We all know that the pitching wedge is used for all types of short shots, and the sand wedge is used to play out of a sand trap, and is also used as a regular club. Here are some common distances to help you.

These distances are specified for the amateur golfer:

Pitching Wedge: 90-110 yards (82-101 m). This club is available in a number of different lofts.

Sand Wedge: up to 80 yards (73 m). Designed for play out of sand traps, but is also used as a fairway club.

Remember, while these distance numbers are pretty accurate, distance will also vary depending on the loft you are using. Head out to the driving range and get to know your wedges, they are going to come in very handy. Check out our other distance guides as well.

Distance Guide: Woods

Distance Guide: Irons

Distance Guide: Special Clubs

Filed Under: Course Managment Tagged With: , , ,

British Open Less Than a Month Away

June 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The 2011 version of The British Open is now less than a month away. There are Open Qualifiers going on all over the world right now. Since the British Open is an “open” championship, that means that anyone can qualify to play, provided they make it through the rigorous qualifying rounds.

Here are some of the major international qualifying results from around the world:

IFQ Europe: Held at Sunningdale, Berkshire, England

IFQ America: Held at Gleneagles Country Club, Plano, Texas, USA

You can also enjoy some of the video highlights from the qualifying rounds.

One of the main story lines going into the 2011 Open is the fact that it seems this year more than any other that the field is wide open. I count 15-20 different guys who could make a run at the Open title. With Tiger Woods not telling anyone if he is or isn’t playing, that also opens the door for many others.

More to come in the next few weeks, but lets get ready for one of the biggest golf events in the world.

 

Filed Under: British Open Tagged With: ,

Golf Club Distance Guide: Irons

June 16, 2011 By 1 Comment

Arguably the most used clubs in your bag, except for maybe the putter, irons play an important role when you are playing a round. Even today, most people use irons as opposed to fairway woods, which are becoming increasingly popular in the world of golf.

Distance for your irons can be hard to judge sometimes. Here is a distance guide that can help you evaluate which iron to play based on distance from the flag. The basic set of irons usually run from the 3-iron to the 9-iron. Thought the 2-iron and 1-iron are available for you brave souls. Remember, there are always variable (wind, weather, etc) but for the most part, if you are able to hit the ball properly, then the following distances will apply. Feel free to print this guide out and take it with you.

These distances are specified for the amateur golfer:

3-Iron: 170-190 yards (155-174 m). This is the longest of the irons in the standard set.

4-Iron: 160-180 yards (146-183 m). Still a club used for distance, but the shorter shaft allows for more control.

5-Iron: 150-170 yards (137-155 m). This iron places emphasis on both accuracy and distance. This is a good iron to always have in your bag.

6-Iron: 140-160 yards (128-146 m). Most commonly known as the easiest iron in the bag to use.

7-Iron: 130-150 yards (119-137 m). Accuracy and control are both attainable with this shorter iron.

8-Iron: 120-140 yards (110-128 m). This is known as an attacking club. You can really get down to business with it.

9-Iron: 110-130 yards (101-119 m). This club is considered a long pitching club. Use it as a shot saver.

Knowing and understanding your iron distances is extremely important if you want to shoot a solid round. Hopefully this helps some. Feel free to print this out. Check out our other distance guides as well.

Distance Guide: Woods

Distance Guide: Wedges

Distance Guide: Special Clubs

Filed Under: Course Managment Tagged With: ,

Choosing the Right Putter

June 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There is one club in your bag that is related to the individual characteristics of a player more than any other, the putter. The club design, the grip, the shaft, all of these components on the putter bear little resemblance to the other clubs in your bag. Even with all these little things, choosing the right putter may be easier than you think.

Simply put, if your putter feels right, then it probably is right. I know, I know, why can’t that be the case for the other clubs? Well, golf is a complicated game. Often times an iron may feel right, but it may not be right for you. If a putter feels right, then chances are you need to stick with what is comfortable.

Putter design is always changing, but you can narrow it down to four basic putter designs.

Perimeter-Weighted Putter: This putter has an offset neck for better balance.

Blade Putter: Clubhead has a smaller sweet spot (Phil Mickelson uses this type of putter).

Mallet-Headed Putter: Comes complete with a thicker head and line markings to help with better alignment.

Center-Shafted Putter: The sweet spot of the putter is marked with a line.

It is worth testing as many types of putters as you want, as most golf places will have a practice area. Take your time and get something you feel comfortable with. If you want, you may try all four types of putters. Whatever you settle on will allow you to be more than comfortable on the green.

Filed Under: Putting Tips Tagged With: ,
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