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 Golf is a game in which accuracy matters. So it makes sense that anything designed to improve your accuracy will improve your golf game. A golf GPS is an excellent example. The information you gain from a golf GPS makes the difference between knowing “about” how far it is to the hole and knowing “exactly” how far it is. Let’s take a look at how these specialized units compare to the GPS everyone seems to have in their cars. Along the way, we’ll try to figure out if a golf GPS unit is something you should have in your golf bag.
The technology behind all GPS units is the same. The device accesses a network of satellites and determines your precise location on Earth by comparing tiny differences in the time it takes a signal to reach them. Although the system was originally developed for military use, it has taken the consumer world by storm. The devices that began as gadgets for hikers have become a part of our daily lives and have integrated themselves into almost every bit of mobile technology we own.
A golf GPS unit simply takes the device we already know and incorporates a variety of golf-related features.
- Golf course maps that tell you where you are in relation to the pin.
- Topography data that show you the lay of the land.
- The ability to enter and save your personal data so you can track your progress on each course.
- Club recommendations that can be based on your personal performance data.
- Scorekeeping functions that eliminate those tiny little pencils!
- Some may include data from other golfers and how they fared on each particular hole.
Some golf gadgets are designed to make play more convenient; some are just for fun. However, I think you can see from the list above that a good golf GPS unit will quickly become an indispensable part of your golf gear, because it gives you information you can use to play better golf.
Did you realize that there are many ways to swing a golf club? For everyone who’s been killing themselves trying to develop a certain form, this should come as a welcome revelation. The goal of a golf swing is to consistently deliver the club head to the ball. If you can reliably accomplish this goal, then there’s no need to limit yourself to a particular form.
The Pre-shot Routine
Before every winning golf swing, there is a pre-shot routine. The pre-shot routine is the procedure you use to get your body into the right posture and make sure you are properly addressing the ball. One of the best ways to get ideas for developing your own pre-shot routine is to spend time watching the pros. If you pay attention to what they do before they hit, you may begin the see some things that you want to try.
Most pre-shot routines have four parts. The first thing you should do is visualize a successful shot. What’s your target? The green? A spot on the fairway? Concentrate on it and mentally define a line to the target. Step two is to line up the club face with this line. Don’t try to aim your club at something 100 yards away. Pick something closer that’s in the target line, like a leaf or a divot mark. A target that’s closer to you will be a whole lot simpler to keep in sight as you set up the shot.
Next, gripping your club comfortably, build your stance around your club face. Your body’s alignment and relationship to the club face is what establishes the path of your golf swing. .Fourth and finally, waggle your club a little to release tension. Think fluid movement.
The Backswing
Your backswing plays an important role because it sets the pattern for your entire golf swing. Strive to swing the club head smoothly away from the ball with your body and arms in harmony. Start by moving the club head away, keeping it low to the ground. It will gradually arc inside the target line. But as you reach the top of your backswing, the club should be on a line parallel to the target. If your club is pointing to the left of the target (“laid off”) or to the right of the target (“across the line”), you’re more likely to end up with a crooked shot.
The Downswing
Your downswing is not really something you actively do, but rather is a reaction to what you’ve done so far. The downswing starts with a subtle movement of your left knee toward the target along with a gradual weight shift onto your left foot. At this point, your torso and hips start to “unwind.” The club head races through the air, makes contact with the ball, and continues around in follow-through.
As you can see, a full golf swing really depends an getting lined up correctly and staying lined up in your backswing. Once you’ve put things into motion, just relax and let nature take its course.
 Everyone loves to hit big, booming drives and talk about how important putting is to winning. But if you can’t master the play in between-the iron play-then you’re still not going to see the kind of scores you want. Of course, proper form and good technique are a big part of your iron game. But do the irons themselves actually play a role? Lots of golfers seem to think so.
A consistent theme among golfers is that one day they decide to improve their golf game. To help them achieve this new vision, they go shopping for some new clubs. Many golfers report a real improvement in their game when they move up to brand-name irons. Well-designed irons seem to give players greater confidence and much more consistency.
One of the more popular iron sets that players choose is the Nike Slingshot series. These irons are available at a price that won’t break the bank and are great for high handicappers and beginning golfers. A key element to their design is the extra wide “dual glide” sole. This feature was created to help golfers get through the turf more easily, even if they don’t have a high-powered swing.
Nike Slingshot irons are distinctively different and not everyone will like their looks. But if they improve your game by providing long, accurate iron play, then you can probably learn to love the way they look. You can find them in different lofts, lies and links. They’ve been around long enough now that you can usually find a good selection available for sale on eBay.
Whenever you purchase new irons, it’s important to spend some time getting used to them at the driving range. Don’t make the mistake of heading out to the course before you know how these new clubs will affect your game. Getting extra distance out of your irons is great, but not when it means your ball goes sailing over the green.
 If you have ever tried to play golf on a sunny summer day, then you know how important a good pair of golf sunglasses is. The brightness and glare can negatively affect your ability to play the game. However, knowing that you need some and deciding which pair you should buy are two different things. What features should you consider when choosing golf sunglasses?
UV Rating. The UV rating of your sunglasses is very important. Ultraviolet rays don’t just give you sunburn and hurt your eyes; they can actually do physical damage. The amount of UV rays blocked (usually expressed as a percentage) is a feature that most manufacturers will display prominently. Don’t settle for less than 100%. A round of golf can mean hours of gazing into the sunlight, so UV damage could mount up quickly. Protect your eyes and your future vision by wearing UV-blocking golf sunglasses.
Weight and Comfort. Speaking of wearing sunglasses for hours, you’ll want to get the lightest pair you can. Heavy, bulky sunglasses can get pretty uncomfortable after a period of time. They can also become a distraction during your swing. Try to find golf sunglasses that fit so comfortably that they seem to disappear.
Polarization. Polarization of the lenses is an option that you may want to consider. There can be lots of reflections from water hazards, sand traps and other areas of the golf course. Polarized lenses make a big difference in your ability to see the little details.
Fortunately, golf sunglasses are an affordable golf accessory. In most cases, you shouldn’t have to spend more than $30 or so for an excellent pair of sunglasses. Of course you can spend much more if you like, but it’s probably not necessary. And if you’re looking for a way to cut costs even more, decide on a pair in your local store, and then try shopping online for a better price.
Are you interested in finding good bargains on golf equipment and apparel? Almost everyone would answer that question with a definite yes. The good news is that “bargain” doesn’t have to mean “cheap.” It’s entirely possible to find great discounts on perfectly good golf equipment and apparel. You just need to know where and when to shop.
One excellent way to save money is to buy previously owned golf gear. It’s pretty easy to find high quality golf equipment that has been slightly used, but still has a lot of play left in it. In fact, used golf equipment is often used very little, because lack of use is one of the main reasons for selling.
When you purchase used golf gear, you will usually be able to obtain up-to-date technology without having to pay a premium just to obtain the newest model. If you don’t have a used golf equipment store in your area, you can find excellent used equipment for sale online. The virtual shelves of eBay and other online retailers are filled with golf clubs, bags and accessories that were seldom used (if ever. Yyou can have the items shipped to your door for a bargain price.
Timing is another important factor in locating bargain golf gear. As the end of each season approaches, golf retailers start to lower the prices on this year’s gear as they anticipate the arrival of next year’s models. An even better time to buy is right after Christmas. The new golf season is looming, and sellers need to clear their inventory and get ready for the next shipment. This is probably your best buying strategy if you don’t want to buy used clubs and accessories.
As you might imagine, timing your purchase for the end of a season is also your best plan to find discounts on golf apparel. Obviously, golf apparel is something that you would be less likely to purchase used. However, the rules of styles and seasons still apply. There are great deals to be found when merchants are ready to clear out the old and make room for the new.
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