If you know anything about me, you know I love to look good on the golf course. Of course, I want to have the game to match (hence the practice and the playing and the betting), but looking good is high on my priority list as well.
If you've been reading this blog then you also know that some of the things I would like to wear are hard to come by. For example, I'd love to have the opportunity to wear some of the same stuff the pros wear (can you say men's golf pants with the british logo on them anyone?) but there's just not the opportunity to get your hands on that kind of stuff - or so I thought.
Today I stumbled on this site called trendygolf.com. As the name implies, it's got some trendy golf gear, the kind of stuff that the pros wear (there is a Camilo Villegas collection that I've already taken a look at, among other things). What makes it trendy? Well, from what I can tell, the pants and shirts fit like they are supposed to (like you care about yourself enough to go to the gym).
But the best part about it is that the mens golf pants have some choices that are outside of the ordinary. Just a quick look shows a bright blue pair of golf pants, a pair of plaid golf pants, and a pair of emerald green golf pants - things you couldn't necessarily get otherwise.
In addition to the clothes they've also got a bunch of cool other stuff. They've got accessories (ipad case, umbrella, gym bag, just to name a few), really cool belts of different shades and colors, and golf shoes to boot.
Bottom line, if you haven't checked it out. Go check it out. It's the best site I've seen so far that gives you the golf clothes that can really make you look better than the course.
Have you used this golf product or have one to recommend? Please leave a comment.
November 1, 2011
October 26, 2011
Should You Wear Pleated Golf Pants or No Pleat Golf Pants?
If you read this blog at all then you know I have a penchant for fashion on the golf course. See, I don't get to wear fun clothes that often. I'm a criminal defense lawyer, which means I spend a lot of my time in stuffy courtrooms in front of stuffy judges. About as crazy as I can get is wearing a tie that doesn't match my suit or a brown suede shoes with my blue suit. I use the golf course as an outlet for my fashion.
Because of that, I've thought a lot about weather or not mens golf pants should be worn with pleats or not. It's an important question because it can have a dramatic effect on your look on the golf course. Don't believe me? Just watch the pros. Note the guys that wear pleated golf pants and those that don't. Who do you think looks better?
For me, the argument against pleated golf pants is simple - they look terrible. I think tradition was the start of pleated pants, and it has just carried forward, even though the rest of society has moved on to flat front pants, which look a lot better.
When you put on a pair of pleated golf pants, just take a look at what all of that extra material does for your image. It probably adds about 10 pounds to your frame. And whether you are 170 pounds or 270 pounds, no one needs an extra ten pounds.
I was trying to think of some situations when someone might want to wear pleats. The only one I could come up with is if you truly had big legs. I know some people like. Their legs are big. They needs the extra room to be comfortable, to make the athletic move that a golf swing is. If you fall into that category, than by all means go pleats - I say function of form on the golf course should be the first rule.
For everyone else, though, ditch the pleats. In addition to making you look thinner they are simply more pleasing to the eye. Imagine that pair of plaid golf pants with pleats or without. Without you look like royalty, you look like a runway model, you like a professional golfer. That confidence is guaranteed to carry over to your game.
The answer to the question then, is no, you should not wear pleated golf pants, unless you absolutely have to.
What do you think? I'd love to hear. Leave a comment below.
Because of that, I've thought a lot about weather or not mens golf pants should be worn with pleats or not. It's an important question because it can have a dramatic effect on your look on the golf course. Don't believe me? Just watch the pros. Note the guys that wear pleated golf pants and those that don't. Who do you think looks better?
For me, the argument against pleated golf pants is simple - they look terrible. I think tradition was the start of pleated pants, and it has just carried forward, even though the rest of society has moved on to flat front pants, which look a lot better.
When you put on a pair of pleated golf pants, just take a look at what all of that extra material does for your image. It probably adds about 10 pounds to your frame. And whether you are 170 pounds or 270 pounds, no one needs an extra ten pounds.
I was trying to think of some situations when someone might want to wear pleats. The only one I could come up with is if you truly had big legs. I know some people like. Their legs are big. They needs the extra room to be comfortable, to make the athletic move that a golf swing is. If you fall into that category, than by all means go pleats - I say function of form on the golf course should be the first rule.
For everyone else, though, ditch the pleats. In addition to making you look thinner they are simply more pleasing to the eye. Imagine that pair of plaid golf pants with pleats or without. Without you look like royalty, you look like a runway model, you like a professional golfer. That confidence is guaranteed to carry over to your game.
The answer to the question then, is no, you should not wear pleated golf pants, unless you absolutely have to.
What do you think? I'd love to hear. Leave a comment below.
October 19, 2011
Three Qualities of a Great Golfer
I read a post today about the qualities that make someone a great entrepreneur and that made me think about what a great idea it would be to write about three qualities that make a great golfer. I am by no means a great golfer, but I've seen a couple before, and I think I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to be great (it is not, by the way, wearing the most fashionable mens golf pants, though that can't hurt). If you think I'm wrong, there is a comment section below just waiting to be used.
If you want to be good at something,if you want to be great at something, you have to be willing to dedicate yourself to it. That means working on it on those days when you don't want to. That means fitting your work in whenever you can. It means going that extra mile.
In golf it's no different. If you aren't practicing every day, doing something every day to get better, then you are getting worse. Pros don't take days off (at least the good one's don't - they work every day to get better.
For example, I knew this guy, great golfer. He hit a shot so flush and so perfect one time that it went exactly where he wanted it to - and it landed right smack dab in the middle flagstick - and then rolled back into the water. When this happened, did my guy lose it, and his round? No. He rolled up his plaid golf pants, got in the water, and got up and down for par. If you want to be great, you've got to accept that you're going to fail some times and put that out of your mind.
Well, if you want to be a great golfer, you've got to be able to eliminate fear. You've got to be able to embrace the stage, to step into the spotlight, and take that chance to be great when it needs to be taken. Failing isn't the worst thing that can happen to you, it's the not trying that's really epic.
There you have it - three qualities of a great golfer. Do you agree? Did I forget something? What should be added? Let me know in the comments below.
1. Great Golfers are Dedicated
Being great takes dedication. I hate to admit this, but I just saw a documentary on Tim Tebow, the former quarterback of the Florida Gators. He didn't want to be a pro golfer, but he did want to be a pro football player, and, specifically, a quarterback. He said, during the documentary, something to the effect of "every day I, at the end of the day I ask myself, did you give it your all? Did you do everything you can to be the best today? Is there anyone out there that can say they outworked you? My goal at the end of the day is to be able to answer those questions the right way."If you want to be good at something,if you want to be great at something, you have to be willing to dedicate yourself to it. That means working on it on those days when you don't want to. That means fitting your work in whenever you can. It means going that extra mile.
In golf it's no different. If you aren't practicing every day, doing something every day to get better, then you are getting worse. Pros don't take days off (at least the good one's don't - they work every day to get better.
2. Great Golfers Have a Short Memory
Do you know any golfers that have never missed a putt? How about a golfer that has never hit his ball into the hazard or the rough? Ever know a golfer that never lost a golf ball or didn't get a terrible kick off a sprinkler head? Of course not - those thing happen in golf. That's what makes them fun. But if you want to be great, you've got to be able to put those bad shots out of your mind and move on.For example, I knew this guy, great golfer. He hit a shot so flush and so perfect one time that it went exactly where he wanted it to - and it landed right smack dab in the middle flagstick - and then rolled back into the water. When this happened, did my guy lose it, and his round? No. He rolled up his plaid golf pants, got in the water, and got up and down for par. If you want to be great, you've got to accept that you're going to fail some times and put that out of your mind.
3. No Fear of Failure
It's a tough thing to do to put yourself out there, to tell people you are trying to be a professional golfer. And the reason it's hard is that often people around you are rooting against you. Maybe not outright. Maybe not to your face, but it's amazing how eager people are to see other people fail - I think it just makes them feel better about their own failures.Well, if you want to be a great golfer, you've got to be able to eliminate fear. You've got to be able to embrace the stage, to step into the spotlight, and take that chance to be great when it needs to be taken. Failing isn't the worst thing that can happen to you, it's the not trying that's really epic.
There you have it - three qualities of a great golfer. Do you agree? Did I forget something? What should be added? Let me know in the comments below.
Three Qualities of a Great Golfer
I read a post today about the qualities that make someone a great entrepreneur and that made me think about what a great idea it would be to write about three qualities that make a great golfer. I am by no means a great golfer, but I've seen a couple before, and I think I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to be great (it is not, by the way, wearing the most fashionable mens golf pants, though that can't hurt). If you think I'm wrong, there is a comment section below just waiting to be used.
If you want to be good at something,if you want to be great at something, you have to be willing to dedicate yourself to it. That means working on it on those days when you don't want to. That means fitting your work in whenever you can. It means going that extra mile.
In golf it's no different. If you aren't practicing every day, doing something every day to get better, then you are getting worse. Pros don't take days off (at least the good one's don't - they work every day to get better.
For example, I knew this guy, great golfer. He hit a shot so flush and so perfect one time that it went exactly where he wanted it to - and it landed right smack dab in the middle flagstick - and then rolled back into the water. When this happened, did my guy lose it, and his round? No. He rolled up his plaid golf pants, got in the water, and got up and down for par. If you want to be great, you've got to accept that you're going to fail some times and put that out of your mind.
Well, if you want to be a great golfer, you've got to be able to eliminate fear. You've got to be able to embrace the stage, to step into the spotlight, and take that chance to be great when it needs to be taken. Failing isn't the worst thing that can happen to you, it's the not trying that's really epic.
There you have it - three qualities of a great golfer. Do you agree? Did I forget something? What should be added? Let me know in the comments below.
1. Great Golfers are Dedicated
Being great takes dedication. I hate to admit this, but I just saw a documentary on Tim Tebow, the former quarterback of the Florida Gators. He didn't want to be a pro golfer, but he did want to be a pro football player, and, specifically, a quarterback. He said, during the documentary, something to the effect of "every day I, at the end of the day I ask myself, did you give it your all? Did you do everything you can to be the best today? Is there anyone out there that can say they outworked you? My goal at the end of the day is to be able to answer those questions the right way."If you want to be good at something,if you want to be great at something, you have to be willing to dedicate yourself to it. That means working on it on those days when you don't want to. That means fitting your work in whenever you can. It means going that extra mile.
In golf it's no different. If you aren't practicing every day, doing something every day to get better, then you are getting worse. Pros don't take days off (at least the good one's don't - they work every day to get better.
2. Great Golfers Have a Short Memory
Do you know any golfers that have never missed a putt? How about a golfer that has never hit his ball into the hazard or the rough? Ever know a golfer that never lost a golf ball or didn't get a terrible kick off a sprinkler head? Of course not - those thing happen in golf. That's what makes them fun. But if you want to be great, you've got to be able to put those bad shots out of your mind and move on.For example, I knew this guy, great golfer. He hit a shot so flush and so perfect one time that it went exactly where he wanted it to - and it landed right smack dab in the middle flagstick - and then rolled back into the water. When this happened, did my guy lose it, and his round? No. He rolled up his plaid golf pants, got in the water, and got up and down for par. If you want to be great, you've got to accept that you're going to fail some times and put that out of your mind.
3. No Fear of Failure
It's a tough thing to do to put yourself out there, to tell people you are trying to be a professional golfer. And the reason it's hard is that often people around you are rooting against you. Maybe not outright. Maybe not to your face, but it's amazing how eager people are to see other people fail - I think it just makes them feel better about their own failures.Well, if you want to be a great golfer, you've got to be able to eliminate fear. You've got to be able to embrace the stage, to step into the spotlight, and take that chance to be great when it needs to be taken. Failing isn't the worst thing that can happen to you, it's the not trying that's really epic.
There you have it - three qualities of a great golfer. Do you agree? Did I forget something? What should be added? Let me know in the comments below.
October 15, 2011
End of the Golf Season - What Have I Accomplished?
Wow, I can't believe April was the last time I posted on this site. But, as with many things, life got in the way. I did want to take a little time to reflect on the golf season, my goals, and whether or not I accomplished anything. You may or may not be interested, but you know what, this is my site, so I'll do what I want!
First things first, I didn't really succeed in my goal to get better at golf this year. For several months I was practicing a lot, working on my game, and I think it really was getting better. I was even playing a little bit more golf than I used to. In reality, I was trying to get ready for a member-guest golf tournament I play in every year with my brother-in-law. We've come close to winning it a couple of times and I wanted to give it a real shot to win this year.
That tournament was at the end of July. When it came up, I got all jacked up mentally, ready to go tear up the course, I had my best mens golf pants on, and I was ready to tackle the world. Then, we all drank too much, and by day three I was terrible. It was really pretty disappointing. I don't even think we finished in the top half.
With that disappointment, the golf game just kind of got shut down. I also started working hard on my law practice, working hard on another business I started, and became a partner in a couple of other businesses. Like I said earlier, life just got in the way.
I think, though, that I'm going to try again to work on my game. In Seattle, where I live, it doesn't get that cold. You can throw on your golf pants, throw on your beanie stocking cap, and get out there and play on a regular basis if you want to. And, the driving ranges have heaters. Really there's no excuse not to get out there and hit some balls.
In addition, I'm considering taking some lessons, maybe once a month or so, just to get some things to work on. I'm a little nervous though, because I don't want to get some guy that's going to try to deconstruct my game. I just want to make some tweaks to improve on where I'm already at.
So, that's what I'm going to do. I mean, with all the golf clothes I've got, I've got to make sure I've got some place to wear them right? It really isn't too appropriate to wear my plaid golf pants to the office - it just wouldn't look right.
Moving forward, you can expect me to post more on this blog than before. I'll talk a little bit about my game, a little bit about some of the new cool stuff coming out, and of course, I'll be talking about golf fashion, particularly the new men's golf pants that are coming out and if I can find any great sales.
Talk to you soon!
First things first, I didn't really succeed in my goal to get better at golf this year. For several months I was practicing a lot, working on my game, and I think it really was getting better. I was even playing a little bit more golf than I used to. In reality, I was trying to get ready for a member-guest golf tournament I play in every year with my brother-in-law. We've come close to winning it a couple of times and I wanted to give it a real shot to win this year.
That tournament was at the end of July. When it came up, I got all jacked up mentally, ready to go tear up the course, I had my best mens golf pants on, and I was ready to tackle the world. Then, we all drank too much, and by day three I was terrible. It was really pretty disappointing. I don't even think we finished in the top half.
With that disappointment, the golf game just kind of got shut down. I also started working hard on my law practice, working hard on another business I started, and became a partner in a couple of other businesses. Like I said earlier, life just got in the way.
I think, though, that I'm going to try again to work on my game. In Seattle, where I live, it doesn't get that cold. You can throw on your golf pants, throw on your beanie stocking cap, and get out there and play on a regular basis if you want to. And, the driving ranges have heaters. Really there's no excuse not to get out there and hit some balls.
In addition, I'm considering taking some lessons, maybe once a month or so, just to get some things to work on. I'm a little nervous though, because I don't want to get some guy that's going to try to deconstruct my game. I just want to make some tweaks to improve on where I'm already at.
So, that's what I'm going to do. I mean, with all the golf clothes I've got, I've got to make sure I've got some place to wear them right? It really isn't too appropriate to wear my plaid golf pants to the office - it just wouldn't look right.
Moving forward, you can expect me to post more on this blog than before. I'll talk a little bit about my game, a little bit about some of the new cool stuff coming out, and of course, I'll be talking about golf fashion, particularly the new men's golf pants that are coming out and if I can find any great sales.
Talk to you soon!
April 26, 2011
Golf Clothes Blog | GolfTec Swing Analysis Review
I realize that if I want to get really good at golf I'm going to need a little help. Well, last week I went out and got some. Groupon had a sale late last year for a 30 minute swing analysis from GolfTec for a great price. I bought three of them. One for me, one for my brother-in-law, and one for my father-in-law. Last week we finally cashed them in.
And I can honestly tell you I learned more in 30 minutes watching my swing on video than I'd learned the past 4 years trying to "feel" the right thing to do.
When I was living back in Kansas I used to play with some really good golfers. Two of them were former college golfers, one was the superintendent of the course, and one had been working at the course (and on his game) for upwards of 30 years. Needless to say they could play. Whenever I'd ask them for tips on my game they'd always tell me "you aren't getting your body into it. You're all arms." I kind of understood what they said, but not really. I couldn't really "get" what that meant. So I kept on trekking through golf season after golf season trying to get better but not really getting there.
The GolfTec golf swing analysis (and the pro that was there) opened my eyes in ten minutes to what my problems were. That's not saying that I can fix them right away, but I definitely have a better understanding of where my flaws are and how to fix them.
The golf swing analysis is pretty straight forward. You get a six iron (for me it was the new Taylormade Tour Preferred MB six iron, a fabulous club) and start hitting balls in the indoor range they have set up. Once you're warm, you put on this belt and this shoulder strap thing that have sensors in it. They take a base measure with you just standing there and then you just start hitting balls. Two cameras, one facing ahead and one from the side (facing out toward where you are hitting the ball) record all the action and generate a bunch of statistics.
After you hit a few you go look at the results and see where you are messing up. The great thing about it is they measure you off the averages for the pros. Things like hip turn, shoulder turn, club head speed, hip flex (through the ball) and smash factor. Once you see where your flaws are you get up and try to tweak it a little to help your weak spots.
Like I said, for me the weakness was through the ball. If you know what "casting" is and can picture it (think of casting a fishing rod) that's what I do big time. As I'm coming down to the ball I unhinge my wrists too early, preventing my legs or shoulders from generating any power in the golf swing. The result is that I hit the ball fairly consistent but am prone to chunking it and hitting weak fades. The key to fixing it is to get my hips out in front, hold the wrist cock as long as possible, and allow my shoulders to move the club through the ball instead of my hands. Think baseball player. Watch them in slow motion and you'll see that the bat is really on their hip almost the whole way through the swing.
For golfers, this actions occurs in much the same way. And oh yeah, one more thing, the golf pro picks out a couple of golfers with your frame or mechanics to show you what he means. In the videos of the pros (I think Els and Appleby were mine) you can see that the wrist cock lasts until their hands are literally over the ball. Once their hands get there they start moving through the ball with their shoulders, which pushes their hands over the ball. It's really a fascinating thing to watch.
At the end of the session they print out a picture of you next to the pro showing your biggest swing flaw and how to do it right. We asked, and they gave us a couple of drills to do to work on our weaknesses. It was really a fantastic experience.
Now it's time to hit the driving range and work on those problem areas. I've got a feeling it's going to totally jack up my swing for a time, but if I can figure it out, it's going to make a huge difference in consistency and distance, both of which I like.
And just to let you know, the drill the guy recommended is just to take half swings, get your wrists cocked, and then practice getting through the ball with your shoulders and hips instead of your hands. He admitted its going to be ugly at first but that I should get the hang of it.
Finally, I'm going to leave you with this. At the conclusion of our session the pro looked at the three of us and basically said this: "you've got a decision to make about how good you want to be. If you are content with shooting in the 70s but not hitting it far or as good as you could (my brother-in-law) fine. If you are okay with just getting a little bit better over time, fine. But if you want to get really good, you've got to make a commitment and change some things up."
I'm more of a commitment guy than a coast guy. So I'm going to go for it.
What's your biggest swing flaw? Ever try out a swing analysis center to see what is going on? What were the results? Are you working to get better?
And I can honestly tell you I learned more in 30 minutes watching my swing on video than I'd learned the past 4 years trying to "feel" the right thing to do.
When I was living back in Kansas I used to play with some really good golfers. Two of them were former college golfers, one was the superintendent of the course, and one had been working at the course (and on his game) for upwards of 30 years. Needless to say they could play. Whenever I'd ask them for tips on my game they'd always tell me "you aren't getting your body into it. You're all arms." I kind of understood what they said, but not really. I couldn't really "get" what that meant. So I kept on trekking through golf season after golf season trying to get better but not really getting there.
The GolfTec golf swing analysis (and the pro that was there) opened my eyes in ten minutes to what my problems were. That's not saying that I can fix them right away, but I definitely have a better understanding of where my flaws are and how to fix them.
The golf swing analysis is pretty straight forward. You get a six iron (for me it was the new Taylormade Tour Preferred MB six iron, a fabulous club) and start hitting balls in the indoor range they have set up. Once you're warm, you put on this belt and this shoulder strap thing that have sensors in it. They take a base measure with you just standing there and then you just start hitting balls. Two cameras, one facing ahead and one from the side (facing out toward where you are hitting the ball) record all the action and generate a bunch of statistics.
After you hit a few you go look at the results and see where you are messing up. The great thing about it is they measure you off the averages for the pros. Things like hip turn, shoulder turn, club head speed, hip flex (through the ball) and smash factor. Once you see where your flaws are you get up and try to tweak it a little to help your weak spots.
Like I said, for me the weakness was through the ball. If you know what "casting" is and can picture it (think of casting a fishing rod) that's what I do big time. As I'm coming down to the ball I unhinge my wrists too early, preventing my legs or shoulders from generating any power in the golf swing. The result is that I hit the ball fairly consistent but am prone to chunking it and hitting weak fades. The key to fixing it is to get my hips out in front, hold the wrist cock as long as possible, and allow my shoulders to move the club through the ball instead of my hands. Think baseball player. Watch them in slow motion and you'll see that the bat is really on their hip almost the whole way through the swing.
For golfers, this actions occurs in much the same way. And oh yeah, one more thing, the golf pro picks out a couple of golfers with your frame or mechanics to show you what he means. In the videos of the pros (I think Els and Appleby were mine) you can see that the wrist cock lasts until their hands are literally over the ball. Once their hands get there they start moving through the ball with their shoulders, which pushes their hands over the ball. It's really a fascinating thing to watch.
At the end of the session they print out a picture of you next to the pro showing your biggest swing flaw and how to do it right. We asked, and they gave us a couple of drills to do to work on our weaknesses. It was really a fantastic experience.
Now it's time to hit the driving range and work on those problem areas. I've got a feeling it's going to totally jack up my swing for a time, but if I can figure it out, it's going to make a huge difference in consistency and distance, both of which I like.
And just to let you know, the drill the guy recommended is just to take half swings, get your wrists cocked, and then practice getting through the ball with your shoulders and hips instead of your hands. He admitted its going to be ugly at first but that I should get the hang of it.
Finally, I'm going to leave you with this. At the conclusion of our session the pro looked at the three of us and basically said this: "you've got a decision to make about how good you want to be. If you are content with shooting in the 70s but not hitting it far or as good as you could (my brother-in-law) fine. If you are okay with just getting a little bit better over time, fine. But if you want to get really good, you've got to make a commitment and change some things up."
I'm more of a commitment guy than a coast guy. So I'm going to go for it.
What's your biggest swing flaw? Ever try out a swing analysis center to see what is going on? What were the results? Are you working to get better?
April 16, 2011
Golf Week in Review | Driving Range Pet Peeves
As you can see from the title, this isn't a post about golf pants. It's an update on my progress to get really good at golf. And it's going pretty well so far, though, as you might imagine, it's a slow process. I should be getting my GHIN handicap turned back on any day now so I can start entering scores as I play. Actually, let me check and see if it's activated.
Nope, still inactive. It should be up soon and then I can start tracking my handicap progress along with my natural progress.
It's still pretty cold up here in Seattle. That means not a lot of playing, but plenty of time to go to the driving range. And, as you might expect, the driving ranges here are covered and have heaters, though most, if not all of them, are mats in the winter time. The grass just wouldn't grow fast enough.
I ended up making it to the range three times this week, which is more than I think I've been in the last two years combined. And already my golf swing is feeling better. The important thing I've found when I go to the range is to actually have something to work on when you go there. Don't just start pounding golf balls. That is not the right way to practice golf.
Also, I find myself doing a better job when I don't get too many range balls. The driving range has a deal where you get double range balls after 8:00 p.m. I see guys with two hundred range balls step up to a hitting bay! After a hundred you are bound to be very tired - and that is when swing flaws start to come into play.
The things I've been working on recently are getting a full turn with my shoulders and keeping my body inside of a small turning radius throughout the swing. Imagine you are swinging inside of an oil drum that comes up over your head. You should be able to turn your shoulders and hips within the barrel throughout the whole swing. If you can do this you'll become much more consistent, as I feel I have within the last week.
What I haven't done any of is short game practice. The short game facility at the range I go to sucks, and I haven't put together anything at home to practice (which I should probably do). My plan is to start incorporating that this week. As you know they say, "Drive for Show, Putt for Dough!"
It bothers me because I can hear them talking, and I can't help but listen to what they are saying. It's a total concentration stealer. I don't mind people talking and having fun at the range, but don't talk golf swing fundamentals unless you're taking a lesson or you know what you are talking about.
That's about it for me and my practice this week. And I didn't get any new golf gear, though I am on the lookout for some new golf clubs. I've been checking out ebay but haven't found anything that catches my eye yet.
Which reminds me, maybe next time I'll go through my bag and tell you what's in it. I'll also give you a review of the Tiger Woods Swing App for the iPhone. Here's a hint, I think you're going to love it.
Have you used this golf product or have one to recommend? Please leave a comment.
Nope, still inactive. It should be up soon and then I can start tracking my handicap progress along with my natural progress.
It's still pretty cold up here in Seattle. That means not a lot of playing, but plenty of time to go to the driving range. And, as you might expect, the driving ranges here are covered and have heaters, though most, if not all of them, are mats in the winter time. The grass just wouldn't grow fast enough.
I ended up making it to the range three times this week, which is more than I think I've been in the last two years combined. And already my golf swing is feeling better. The important thing I've found when I go to the range is to actually have something to work on when you go there. Don't just start pounding golf balls. That is not the right way to practice golf.
Also, I find myself doing a better job when I don't get too many range balls. The driving range has a deal where you get double range balls after 8:00 p.m. I see guys with two hundred range balls step up to a hitting bay! After a hundred you are bound to be very tired - and that is when swing flaws start to come into play.
The things I've been working on recently are getting a full turn with my shoulders and keeping my body inside of a small turning radius throughout the swing. Imagine you are swinging inside of an oil drum that comes up over your head. You should be able to turn your shoulders and hips within the barrel throughout the whole swing. If you can do this you'll become much more consistent, as I feel I have within the last week.
What I haven't done any of is short game practice. The short game facility at the range I go to sucks, and I haven't put together anything at home to practice (which I should probably do). My plan is to start incorporating that this week. As you know they say, "Drive for Show, Putt for Dough!"
Driving Range Pet Peeve
I didn't want to get out of here today without talking about one of my driving range pet peeves. That is when people come to the range, have no idea what they are doing, yet want to talk about the golf swing like they are Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus. It happened to me today. Two guys were right next to me and couldn't even get the ball off the ground, yet they were critiquing each other like they'd just finished first and second in the U.S. Am.It bothers me because I can hear them talking, and I can't help but listen to what they are saying. It's a total concentration stealer. I don't mind people talking and having fun at the range, but don't talk golf swing fundamentals unless you're taking a lesson or you know what you are talking about.
That's about it for me and my practice this week. And I didn't get any new golf gear, though I am on the lookout for some new golf clubs. I've been checking out ebay but haven't found anything that catches my eye yet.
Which reminds me, maybe next time I'll go through my bag and tell you what's in it. I'll also give you a review of the Tiger Woods Swing App for the iPhone. Here's a hint, I think you're going to love it.
Have you used this golf product or have one to recommend? Please leave a comment.
April 5, 2011
Long Time No Talk | New Golf Season Equals More Golf Blog Content
It's been a while since I've written on here. Over a year in fact. But I've got a new commitment to golf for this year and I figured I might as well have a new commitment to this golf blog. Let me tell you a little bit about what I'm talking about.
First of all, this blog isn't just going to be about golf pants any more. It's going to be about much more than that. It's going to be about my journey through life with the game of golf and my dream to one day play on the Senior PGA Tour. I figure we all want to get better at golf so I might as well talk about my journey to get better.
So, what you are going to hear about on this blog are not just golf pants reviews and other golf clothing reviews, but golf training aid reviews (I'm going to start trying out different products aimed at increasing swing speed and distance more than anything else), golf course reviews, and the status of my game at any given time.
This is the year that I go out and get good, I think. So let's see how it goes.
Now that I think about it, I guess if I'm going to tell if I'm getting better I should probably have some measurements to start with. So that's job number one - figuring out such things as my swing speed, how far I hit a driver and other clubs, and what my handicap is (I believe it's right about 9.7, but I'm not 100% sure).
Wish me luck, and see you on the green!
First of all, this blog isn't just going to be about golf pants any more. It's going to be about much more than that. It's going to be about my journey through life with the game of golf and my dream to one day play on the Senior PGA Tour. I figure we all want to get better at golf so I might as well talk about my journey to get better.
So, what you are going to hear about on this blog are not just golf pants reviews and other golf clothing reviews, but golf training aid reviews (I'm going to start trying out different products aimed at increasing swing speed and distance more than anything else), golf course reviews, and the status of my game at any given time.
This is the year that I go out and get good, I think. So let's see how it goes.
Now that I think about it, I guess if I'm going to tell if I'm getting better I should probably have some measurements to start with. So that's job number one - figuring out such things as my swing speed, how far I hit a driver and other clubs, and what my handicap is (I believe it's right about 9.7, but I'm not 100% sure).
Wish me luck, and see you on the green!
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