Nearly a century may have passed since the visionary course designer and former surgeon and teacher, Dr. Alister MacKenzie laid down his 13 rules on how to create a golf course in 1920. But following a survey of dozens of the world's finest course architects, little seems to have changed, a decade into the 21st century.
This has come as quite a surprise to the authors of a new research document 'Principles of Design in the 21st Century' - Sport Psychology Ltd which deals in the psychology of design of equipment and sports venues and Golden Golf Courses which focusses on the evaluation and psychological impact of golf courses.
They had expected to see a different pattern of results because of the development of earth- moving equipment unavailable in the early part of the 20th century. However, perhaps because of cash restraints in the current global economy, most architects indicated that they focus more on using the gifts that Mother Nature provides rather than plough through existing landscapes.
Authors of the research expected to see a rejection of MacKenzie's rule that states that there should be a minimum of walking between greens and tees because of the prevalence of buggies in the US and Canada compared to the UK and Europe but most still aspired to the original principle that these distances should be kept to a minimum.
The rule that came in for the biggest criticism stated that 'there should be a sufficient number of heroic carries”. And while authorities are maybe looking extend holes at Augusta National and the 17th at St Andrews, the modern breed of architects seem to want to place much greater emphasis on strategy to maintain the challenge and the enjoyment of the game for golfers at all levels.
There was also a significant focus on the importance of safety within course design that may not have been ranked so highly for previous generations, presumably because of the inferior equipment and the shorter distances the golf ball was travelling.
It may now be many years since Dr MacKenzie, born in Wakefield of Scottish parents, last cast his eyes across a landscape as a vision of golfing heaven formed in his mind but his spirit can rest easy. The modern golf architect seems to have his principles very much at heart.
For futher golf equipment information visit http://www.golfsaleshop.com/
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
First look--TaylorMade R11 Driver
You may have heard the rumours about TaylorMade readying themselves to launch their new R11 driver and that it might be a little different from the norm.
Well, we've obtained some exciting and exclusive UK footage of TaylorMade's tour players testing the R11 and, as the pictures show, it is white! The TaylorMade R11 Driver is the latest and greatest from the makers of the No.1 driver in golf. It has new technology, like an adjustable sole that can adjust the face angle of the club, as well as the ability to adjust the launch angle, making it a truly adjustable driver.
This club promotes up to 100 yards of side-to-side trajectory change and 1,000 RPM backspin change, giving you consistent power and distance. The new aerodynamic shape promotes faster clubhead speed for more distance, 6 yards longer than the R9 Supertri.
FEEL: Dampened, muted, soft feel with some spring in the face; a well-balanced club that's easy to swing.
PLAYABILITY: Several faster swingers make aggressive swings without fear of a hook due to clubface adjustability; many testers hit it higher than normal.
LOOK: White head looks odd initially, but a majority of testers find that the distraction quickly becomes a non-issue; white makes clubhead look larger.
It's also apparently the most technologically-advanced driver they have ever launched and is already going down a storm with their stable of Tour stars. It is not to be missed.
More information at http://www.supplycheapgolf.com/
Well, we've obtained some exciting and exclusive UK footage of TaylorMade's tour players testing the R11 and, as the pictures show, it is white! The TaylorMade R11 Driver is the latest and greatest from the makers of the No.1 driver in golf. It has new technology, like an adjustable sole that can adjust the face angle of the club, as well as the ability to adjust the launch angle, making it a truly adjustable driver.
This club promotes up to 100 yards of side-to-side trajectory change and 1,000 RPM backspin change, giving you consistent power and distance. The new aerodynamic shape promotes faster clubhead speed for more distance, 6 yards longer than the R9 Supertri.
FEEL: Dampened, muted, soft feel with some spring in the face; a well-balanced club that's easy to swing.
PLAYABILITY: Several faster swingers make aggressive swings without fear of a hook due to clubface adjustability; many testers hit it higher than normal.
LOOK: White head looks odd initially, but a majority of testers find that the distraction quickly becomes a non-issue; white makes clubhead look larger.
It's also apparently the most technologically-advanced driver they have ever launched and is already going down a storm with their stable of Tour stars. It is not to be missed.
More information at http://www.supplycheapgolf.com/
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mental Golf Minute – Pre Shot Routine
Anyone who has played this game at any level has been nervous. It could be when you had a chance to beat your dad for the first time, or lining up a 3 footer for $20 against your buddies, or on the first tee of the club championship.
Either way, every golfer has experienced self-doubt. When my old college golf coach told me golf was 90% mental and 10%mental, I think what he really meant was that the battle that goes in onside one’s head during a round is far more difficult to manage than the one you will face on the course. We see it on the PGA Tour every week. Lets face it, at the highest level of the game everyone hits it good. I beleive what separates the good from the great is how they manage the mental game.
By now most of us know about Tiger’s father grooming him to be mentally strong by constantly distracting him and talking to him on the course. One day, Tiger reacted to a verbal taunt by smiling and hitting a great shot, and Earl Woods knew at that point that Tiger would be a champion. He knew then that he was mentally strong enough to handle the pressure of tournament golf.
Any first year college psychology student can probably describe three of the major conflicts in life – Man vs Man, Man vs. Nature, and Man vs Himself. It just so happens that we must face all three in the game of golf, like many other sports. That’s why sports are such a big part of our lives. Sports provides a never ending challenge to humans to excel. Golfers face these challenges every time they tee it up.
We all battle the course and the elements, and we all want to beat our buddies, but the hardest obstacle to overcome in golf is our own self doubt and negative thoughts. So how can the average golfer handle the perceived pressure and mental challenges we all face on the golf course? One of the first ways to do this is with a solid, repeatable pre-shot routine.
You may already have a trigger move that you do before every shot and don’t even realise it. Many players wipe their grips, or toss grass, or even clean the grooves. Whatever you choose as yout trigger, let it be the starting point for your pre-shot routine to tell your mind that it’s time to get down to business.
Either way, every golfer has experienced self-doubt. When my old college golf coach told me golf was 90% mental and 10%mental, I think what he really meant was that the battle that goes in onside one’s head during a round is far more difficult to manage than the one you will face on the course. We see it on the PGA Tour every week. Lets face it, at the highest level of the game everyone hits it good. I beleive what separates the good from the great is how they manage the mental game.
By now most of us know about Tiger’s father grooming him to be mentally strong by constantly distracting him and talking to him on the course. One day, Tiger reacted to a verbal taunt by smiling and hitting a great shot, and Earl Woods knew at that point that Tiger would be a champion. He knew then that he was mentally strong enough to handle the pressure of tournament golf.
Any first year college psychology student can probably describe three of the major conflicts in life – Man vs Man, Man vs. Nature, and Man vs Himself. It just so happens that we must face all three in the game of golf, like many other sports. That’s why sports are such a big part of our lives. Sports provides a never ending challenge to humans to excel. Golfers face these challenges every time they tee it up.
We all battle the course and the elements, and we all want to beat our buddies, but the hardest obstacle to overcome in golf is our own self doubt and negative thoughts. So how can the average golfer handle the perceived pressure and mental challenges we all face on the golf course? One of the first ways to do this is with a solid, repeatable pre-shot routine.
You may already have a trigger move that you do before every shot and don’t even realise it. Many players wipe their grips, or toss grass, or even clean the grooves. Whatever you choose as yout trigger, let it be the starting point for your pre-shot routine to tell your mind that it’s time to get down to business.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Some Golf Tips in Cold Weather
With my Floridian friends in mind, here are my tips for playing your best in the cold!
Tip #1 – Be realistic! Understand that the ball isn’t going to go as far or spin as much in the cold. You also have to be prepared for the fact that you can’t go out there with the same strategy as a normal day. Be prepared for a tough day and stay mentally tough.
Tip #2 – Keep your hands warm! This is the single most important tip for cold weather golf! Your hands are your only link to the club, and you need feel to play good golf. If your hands are frozen, you lose all your feel and your game will suffer, especially around the greens. Get yourself a nice pair of mittens and/or some hand warmers for your pockets. Wear the mitts whenever you aren’t hitting a shot, and take them off prior to hitting.
Tip #3 – Cover your head and ears! Some say that between 7 to 55 percent of your body heat can be lost through your head. Whatever the science is behind it, it’s smart to cover your head and ears with a wool hat or ear warmers. You’ll be more comfortable. Get yourself a nice ski tuque like mine, and at the very least it will be a great conversation piece!
Tip #4 – Play a softer ball. Golf balls don’t have compression ratings any more since wound balls went away, but some balls are softer and in cold weather you’ll want a ball that is easier to compress. A hard rock ball like a Top Flite XL will feel like a steel ball bearing on a cold day, so opt for a softer option, like the Srixon Soft Feel.
Tip #5 – Use more club! Check the ego at the pro shop bruiser, the ball doesn’t go as far in the cold. You might have to take one for the team and hit 2 more clubs on every approach shot, but at least you’ll be sure to get to the hole. Because the ball doesn’t go as far, also consider playing one tee up from your normal length. There’s nothing that will ruin a day faster than having to hit three wood into every par three and four.
Tip #6 – Channel your inner Scotsman and play the ground game. If it’s bitter cold outside, it’s likely the ground will be hard too. So use that to your advantage and play some run up shots and bump and runs. Forget the flop shot in the cold, as the ball won’t spin, the greens are harder and if you aren’t wearing mitts, your hands will feel like steel pliers on that lob wedge.
Tip #1 – Be realistic! Understand that the ball isn’t going to go as far or spin as much in the cold. You also have to be prepared for the fact that you can’t go out there with the same strategy as a normal day. Be prepared for a tough day and stay mentally tough.
Tip #2 – Keep your hands warm! This is the single most important tip for cold weather golf! Your hands are your only link to the club, and you need feel to play good golf. If your hands are frozen, you lose all your feel and your game will suffer, especially around the greens. Get yourself a nice pair of mittens and/or some hand warmers for your pockets. Wear the mitts whenever you aren’t hitting a shot, and take them off prior to hitting.
Tip #3 – Cover your head and ears! Some say that between 7 to 55 percent of your body heat can be lost through your head. Whatever the science is behind it, it’s smart to cover your head and ears with a wool hat or ear warmers. You’ll be more comfortable. Get yourself a nice ski tuque like mine, and at the very least it will be a great conversation piece!
Tip #4 – Play a softer ball. Golf balls don’t have compression ratings any more since wound balls went away, but some balls are softer and in cold weather you’ll want a ball that is easier to compress. A hard rock ball like a Top Flite XL will feel like a steel ball bearing on a cold day, so opt for a softer option, like the Srixon Soft Feel.
Tip #5 – Use more club! Check the ego at the pro shop bruiser, the ball doesn’t go as far in the cold. You might have to take one for the team and hit 2 more clubs on every approach shot, but at least you’ll be sure to get to the hole. Because the ball doesn’t go as far, also consider playing one tee up from your normal length. There’s nothing that will ruin a day faster than having to hit three wood into every par three and four.
Tip #6 – Channel your inner Scotsman and play the ground game. If it’s bitter cold outside, it’s likely the ground will be hard too. So use that to your advantage and play some run up shots and bump and runs. Forget the flop shot in the cold, as the ball won’t spin, the greens are harder and if you aren’t wearing mitts, your hands will feel like steel pliers on that lob wedge.
TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Iron Set Is Popular
The set is designed to create optimal distance gapping (12 yards) between clubs. Weighting is higher in short irons for more workability and gets progressively lower and more rearward in long irons for forgiveness. The sole design (raised in center, recessed in heel and toe) reduces drag and should increase playability.
These new sticks incorporate several subtle performance enhancements into the same spec package (lofts and shaft length) as the original. For instance, the set has a distinct size progression—long irons have the largest heads, thickest toplines and widest soles; more compact short irons have the narrowest toplines and sole widths.
For example, the faces of the taylormade burner 2.0 long-irons are thinner than the faces of the original Burner long-irons, which should help golfers create more ball speed and distance. The weight saved by making the faces thinner has been redistributed to the lower section of the clubs, near the heel and toe areas, which Wahl says should make them more forgiving too.
And it consists of irons individually engineered, resulting in the enhancement of multiple club properties that promote distance, uniform distance-gaps, increased playability and better sound and feel. A multi-functional sole lowers the center of gravity and reduces turf-drag to make it easy to launch shots high and long, while the inverted cone in each clubface is strategically sized and shaped center of gravity location in each head is precision-placed to optimize long-, middle- and short-iron flight; high-coefficient of restitution faces promote fast ball speed for long distance in the long-irons.
At the same time, the faces of the short irons are thicker than the original Burner's, and the heads are smaller and feature thinner top lines. Doing this puts a greater emphasis on accuracy and control at address, but also puts more weight directly behind the ball to enhance feel.
The multi-material badge on the back of the wholesale golf equipment is also an upgrade over the original Burner's. "It has a softer material integrated with the aluminum which gives it better dampening, in terms of managing vibration," Wahl says. "And in the long-irons, there is a stiff nylon layer of material that you can't see that really helps to improve the sound."
To sum up, the control, the feel, everything about these clubs is great. Not only do they have great control but they also look amazing. It is so popular now.
These new sticks incorporate several subtle performance enhancements into the same spec package (lofts and shaft length) as the original. For instance, the set has a distinct size progression—long irons have the largest heads, thickest toplines and widest soles; more compact short irons have the narrowest toplines and sole widths.
For example, the faces of the taylormade burner 2.0 long-irons are thinner than the faces of the original Burner long-irons, which should help golfers create more ball speed and distance. The weight saved by making the faces thinner has been redistributed to the lower section of the clubs, near the heel and toe areas, which Wahl says should make them more forgiving too.
And it consists of irons individually engineered, resulting in the enhancement of multiple club properties that promote distance, uniform distance-gaps, increased playability and better sound and feel. A multi-functional sole lowers the center of gravity and reduces turf-drag to make it easy to launch shots high and long, while the inverted cone in each clubface is strategically sized and shaped center of gravity location in each head is precision-placed to optimize long-, middle- and short-iron flight; high-coefficient of restitution faces promote fast ball speed for long distance in the long-irons.
At the same time, the faces of the short irons are thicker than the original Burner's, and the heads are smaller and feature thinner top lines. Doing this puts a greater emphasis on accuracy and control at address, but also puts more weight directly behind the ball to enhance feel.
The multi-material badge on the back of the wholesale golf equipment is also an upgrade over the original Burner's. "It has a softer material integrated with the aluminum which gives it better dampening, in terms of managing vibration," Wahl says. "And in the long-irons, there is a stiff nylon layer of material that you can't see that really helps to improve the sound."
To sum up, the control, the feel, everything about these clubs is great. Not only do they have great control but they also look amazing. It is so popular now.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
What Design Do You Demand from a Golf Course?
Nearly a century may have passed since the visionary course designer and former surgeon and teacher, Dr. Alister MacKenzie laid down his 13 rules on how to create a Golf Course in 1920. But following a survey of dozens of the world's finest course architects, little seems to have changed, a decade into the 21st century.
This has come as quite a surprise to the authors of a new research document 'Principles of Design in the 21st Century' - Sport Psychology Ltd which deals in the psychology of design of equipment and sports venues and Golden Golf Courses which focusses on the evaluation and psychological impact of golf courses.
This has come as quite a surprise to the authors of a new research document 'Principles of Design in the 21st Century' - Sport Psychology Ltd which deals in the psychology of design of equipment and sports venues and Golden Golf Courses which focusses on the evaluation and psychological impact of golf courses.
They had expected to see a different pattern of results because of the development of earth- moving equipment unavailable in the early part of the 20th century. However, perhaps because of cash restraints in the current global economy, most architects indicated that they focus more on using the gifts that Mother Nature provides rather than plough through existing landscapes.
Authors of the research expected to see a rejection of MacKenzie's rule that states that there should be a minimum of walking between greens and tees because of the prevalence of buggies in the US and Canada compared to the UK and Europe but most still aspired to the original principle that these distances should be kept to a minimum.
The rule that came in for the biggest criticism stated that 'there should be a sufficient number of heroic carries”. And while authorities are maybe looking extend holes at Augusta National and the 17th at St Andrews, the modern breed of architects seem to want to place much greater emphasis on strategy to maintain the challenge and the enjoyment of the game for golfers at all levels.
There was also a significant focus on the importance of safety within course design that may not have been ranked so highly for previous generations, presumably because of the inferior equipment and the shorter distances the golf ball was travelling.
It may now be many years since Dr MacKenzie, born in Wakefield of Scottish parents, last cast his eyes across a landscape as a vision of golfing heaven formed in his mind but his spirit can rest easy. The modern golf architect seems to have his principles very much at heart.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Ping G15 Hybrid VS Ping G15 Fariway Wood
To be honest, I like playing ping golf clubs, such as hybrid, fairway wood and so on. Why?
First, the ping g15 hybrid is engineered as a high-launching, forgiving alternative to long- and mid-irons. A large internal toe pad expands the perimeter weighting to make it PING’s most forgiving and longest hybrid ever. The stainless steel hybrid’s unique shape features an iron-style face and hosel design which positions the center of gravity closer to the face to increase launch angle and reduce spin. The clean look at address inspires confidence for golfers of all abilities.
The G15 isn't a miracle worker for your swing but it's pretty close. Put a decent swing into it and you will be rewarded. A not-so-decent swing will be at least playable. The lower handicapper might have more discernment for the subtle difference in hitting it flush versus just missing it but I couldn't and quite frankly, wasn't a big concern for me. Making golf a bit easier is much higher on the list and the G15 scored high marks.
The elongated, low profile design of the ping g15 fairway wood offers a long, forgiving option for golfers who rely on the confidence of a larger head. An external weight pad on the sole of the stainless steel head positions the center-of-gravity low and farther back to provide higher trajectories and increased distance.
As far as color combinations go, red and black have seemed to be the rave for the past few years and PING joins in with their offering on the G15. The sole mixes in a nice amount of black, red and silver to make the G15 esthetically pleasing to the eye for the rare instances you are actually looking at the sole.
I do have one issue with G15 and that's with the headcover. Oh, it looks nice and fits the club snugly and isn't difficult to take off but I found it to be a pain to put back on. The opening seemed a bit small for the head and I found myself wishing for the much easier to use sock-style headcover on my other fairway wood. In the grand scheme of things, not a huge issue but I would prefer not to have to wrestle with the headcover to get it on the club.
I've been quite impressed with the results I got with the G15 and if you're in the market for a new fairway wood, I would highly recommend adding it to your list.
For more information at http://www.usgolfclubsinfo.com/
First, the ping g15 hybrid is engineered as a high-launching, forgiving alternative to long- and mid-irons. A large internal toe pad expands the perimeter weighting to make it PING’s most forgiving and longest hybrid ever. The stainless steel hybrid’s unique shape features an iron-style face and hosel design which positions the center of gravity closer to the face to increase launch angle and reduce spin. The clean look at address inspires confidence for golfers of all abilities.
The G15 isn't a miracle worker for your swing but it's pretty close. Put a decent swing into it and you will be rewarded. A not-so-decent swing will be at least playable. The lower handicapper might have more discernment for the subtle difference in hitting it flush versus just missing it but I couldn't and quite frankly, wasn't a big concern for me. Making golf a bit easier is much higher on the list and the G15 scored high marks.
The elongated, low profile design of the ping g15 fairway wood offers a long, forgiving option for golfers who rely on the confidence of a larger head. An external weight pad on the sole of the stainless steel head positions the center-of-gravity low and farther back to provide higher trajectories and increased distance.
As far as color combinations go, red and black have seemed to be the rave for the past few years and PING joins in with their offering on the G15. The sole mixes in a nice amount of black, red and silver to make the G15 esthetically pleasing to the eye for the rare instances you are actually looking at the sole.
I do have one issue with G15 and that's with the headcover. Oh, it looks nice and fits the club snugly and isn't difficult to take off but I found it to be a pain to put back on. The opening seemed a bit small for the head and I found myself wishing for the much easier to use sock-style headcover on my other fairway wood. In the grand scheme of things, not a huge issue but I would prefer not to have to wrestle with the headcover to get it on the club.
I've been quite impressed with the results I got with the G15 and if you're in the market for a new fairway wood, I would highly recommend adding it to your list.
For more information at http://www.usgolfclubsinfo.com/
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