Over the past few years, the amount of new courses in America has been dwarfed by the amount of courses that are closing. While the sport isn't close to dying anytime soon, many are starting to see some warning signs that the industry may be struggling. There is a lot of finger pointing, but the majority of it seems to be centered on the manufacturer's of golf equipment. While this may seem a bit odd, many believe that since new clubs that promise better scores come out every year, consumers are hesitant to plunk down a lot of cash on something that may be outdated within a few months.

This raises another big issue in the sport - do these clubs really work and can you buy hope? The answer is usually a no. While these clubs may help improve your game a little bit, you're not really addressing the problem and all too often, the results are nothing by disappointment in more hype. This leaves many players the choice of either becoming better or just quitting the sport. As this title of this book indicates, the author wants consumers to just forget all about this hype and hit the ball.

When it comes down to it, the only thing that can make you a better player is practice. Sure, you can buy that fancy new driver, but if you think it's going to turn you from a 150 yarder to a 400 yarder overnight, you are sadly deceived. We are all limited by our physical make-up and prowess, and no club is going to be able to change that. However, with time and practice, you can become a better player and at the very least, a more consistent one.
This book does a good job at addressing the new kinds of equipment that are being released and their strengths and weaknesses. New materials and designs are discussed as well as how they will affect our games. The author covers the evolution of the new clubs and in some cases, proves that the old stand-bys were actually better for our games. Also on tap is a discussion on the evolution of the golf ball and whether or not this is also a contributing factor in the way we play.

The author's viewpoints, statements, and actions as the former USGA technical director have even resulted in litigation (now resolved) by the golf equipment manufacturers. We recommend this book simply because it offers an interesting viewpoint and some much needed discussion into the phenomenon of golf club evolution. You may not agree with the author, but it is an interesting read. He certainly has a gift for making even complex issues easy to understand and the book is very well written.

If you are interested in golf equipment and finding which materials and clubs really do deliver on their promises, this book is well worth the purchase price.

Originally posted 2008-11-30 22:45:21. Republished by Old Post Promoter

• Teach Yourself Visually Golf By Cheryl Anderson, Brian Crowell and Tom Mackin Despite the overly clunky title, this book promises to help you master complex techniques by learning in a visual manner. Since statistics show that we as humans do learn better when presented with images, this is a viable theory, but will it pay off? Let’s take a hard look at......
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If you are just starting out as a beginner in golf, there are a few things that you need to know ahead of time. The course that you select as your place to learn can have a big impact on how you end up playing and if you’re not using the right one, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Here are some great tips to help you pick the right course to start your journey into this great sport.

1. Is the course novice friendly?

Playing in a championship level course when you are brand new to the game is a good way to get frustrated and you may never be able to enjoy the game properly. Look for golf courses in your area that are novice friendly and stay away from the killer courses until you’re ready. Ideally, a novice friendly course will have a minimum of hazards and will be easy to traverse on foot or by cart.

2. Is there a pro on staff?

No matter how many books or magazines you read, or how many instructional DVDs or videos you have watched, nothing can take the place of an actual lesson with a golf pro. These lessons are usually very economical and you’ll have the chance to build a strong foundation in the game that will take you very far. You can call the pro shop to see whether or not lessons are offered, and to see how much each session will cost. It’s well worth the expense.

3. Do they offer club fittings?

Having the right kind of golf clubs is essential when you’re first starting out. If they are too long or too short, your swing will be affected. If they are not weighted properly, you may have a hard time making your shots. If your local golf course offers free club fittings, take them up on the offer. The tips you get there will be very beneficial for many years to come.

4. Does the course have a practice area?

You can learn a lot about this game simply by going to the driving range or using a practice green. It is always helpful to find a course that offers these practice facilities, but today, it’s even easier to get training. Many courses will have a training area that is equipped with a swing analyzer, as well as other tools that can be used to help you perfect your game.

5. Does the club offer discounts?

If you’re going to be playing a lot, green fees can be a bit prohibitive. Look for a course that offers a year’s discount or special pricing for beginners. You will be able to get in as much practice as you need, but you can still save money.

Learning golf should be a fun experience and a lot of that will depend on the course you choose. Take your time and try out several different courses in your area until you find the one that is best for you.

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Originally posted 2008-11-26 05:08:37. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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