Callaway Golf Clubs

While playing golf with my own three boys since they were 5 years old (they’re all teenagers now), I experienced my share of funny, sad and rewarding moments with them on the golf course. From watching them enjoy the thrill of hitting great shots to teaching them not to throw golf balls at each other, it’s been a wild, wonderful ride. I’m really glad I discovered golf just as I was becoming a father for the first time, at the ripe old age of 31. Its been a fun way to spend time with my kids and help them learn how to cope with the successes and failures that inevitably occur during a round of golf. If I had it to do all over again, here are 15 recommendations I would make to those lucky enough to get the opportunity to go golfing with their kids.

1. Call ahead for the best times for juniors to play and special rates.
   
2. Take a camera to record the fun - digital pictures make great screensavers or wallpaper on home PC’s!
   
3. Set up junior’s bag with balls, tees, ball markers and a water bottle.
   
4. On the way to the course, let your junior know you will be teeing off from the tee box, then they will tee off from a closer “kid’s tee” about 100 to 150 yards away from the green.
   
5. Get yourself in the right frame of mind for what is about to occur. Your child is depending on you to have an infinite amount of patience and understanding. It will be difficult to show either if you are carrying concerns about other “less fun” aspects of your life. Make a conscious effort to HAVE FUN by considering yourself to be the luckiest person on earth to get the opportunity to teach a great sport to a great kid in a great place. Of all the things to do on earth and places to be, which could be better?
   
6. Try to rent a cart to make it like Disneyland…kids LOVE to ride in golf carts!
   
7. Before your first tee shot, teach your junior how to wait until the one farthest from the green hits first and to never hit if anyone is in front of you. Demonstrate by standing to the side then standing ahead of them, so they get a clear picture of what you mean.
   
8. When you arrive at the “kid’s tee” location, let them tee up a ball and hit. It’s OK to give them two or three tries, remind them you are not keeping score and are just here to practice. Try to use “expendable” golf balls so if they go into the woods or lake it won’t be of much concern.
   
9. When you reach the green, let your junior know it is not OK to run on the greens. Also, remind them the “farthest away shoots first” rule still applies and to be still while other people are putting.
   
10. One of the more difficult concepts for kids to learn is how to avoid walking on other player’s putting lines, so don’t be surprised if you have to remind them several times. It’s best to show them how to draw invisible lines to each ball, and how easy it is to avoid walking on putting lines by walking around behind the other players.
    
11. Regardless of what they have seen on TV, it’s not OK to throw clubs or balls. It can happen, but a reminder about how you don’t like to play golf with people like that can go a long way.
    
12. Teach your junior how to consider those behind and that it’s OK to pick up in order to keep up (their place on the course is behind the group in front). You will have to use your judgment when to pick up on any given hole, but if you pay attention to the group behind and pick up when you see them waiting, everything should go smoothly. If there is no one behind the group behind you, it’s OK to step to the side of the fairway and wave them through.
    
13. When the ball goes into the water or into the woods, it’s best to look for a short time, take the drop and hit right away. Trying to keep up with the group ahead while teaching a child to play golf is tough enough without adding time to look for lost golf balls!
    
14. It’s OK to quit when attention fades or if things just aren’t going well. If you get off the course before the child gets too whiny or upset, the chances are much higher they will look forward to coming back.
    
15. On the way home from the course, ask your child what they liked about golfing and what they didn’t like. You may be surprised at their answers! Make plans to try to fix the things they didn’t like and do more of what they did like next time. After a few trips, you will be absolutely amazed at how automatic the little things will become and how you can then devote complete attention to enjoying the great game of golf together!

Rick Fletcher
All Kids Golf Clubs - Built to Fit Right!
http://www.allkidsgolfclubs.com
888-221-9941

Share This

These six factors must be taken into consideration so that you make an informed choice of putter type and to make sure that it feels as it should be.

1. The lie angle. It is an angle between the shaft and the ground. This factor determines if the putter head is sitting perfectly flat on the ground when you are putting. Get one that lets the head of the club rest squarely on the ground when you take your stance.

2. The length of the putter. The standard length for a putter is 35 inches. The right length for you depends on how you stand when you address the ball. A longer putter is better if you like to stand upright. A shorter putter is better if you prefer to bend over and be closer to the ground.

3. The total weight of the putter. Get one that does not feel too heavy. In general, use a lighter putter if you play on fast greens. A heavier putter may give you better results if you play on slow greens.

4. The size and shape of the head. A perimeter-weighted putter is the best. This type of putter has a recess in the middle of the head, with most of the weight distributed on the heel and toe. This will provide you with more solid putts on off-center hits.

5. The head material. This factor is often overlooked when choosing a good putter. Typically the cheaper putters will have heads made of PCS plastic, Aluminum or Zinc. Because the head material is light, you will be required to hit the ball harder to get it to go the same distance as you would if your club-head was made from a more expensive material. Generally, these putters cannot be adjusted for lie, loft angle or other variables.

On the other hand, the more expensive putters often use stainless steel, brass, titanium, wood or a mixture of these. You can find special displays of these putters with different lie angles and lengths already built in. These putters will feel more solid when you strike the ball, look much better at address and perform more consistently over time.

6. The grip type and size. Putters come with standard-size grips installed. This is not ideal for everyone. The larger your hands, the larger the width of the grip should be and, conversely, you should have a smaller diameter grip if your hands are small.

Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Free Golf Tips. To read more about golf putters visit Free Golf Tips today.

Share This

The game of golf is a fantastic sport, if you decide to take up the game you will be rewarded with the benefits of exercise, fresh air, and the opportunity to make new friends.

The main reason I like playing golf is that it also gives me time to clear my mind, this time is valuable as it allows my subconscious mind to mull over a problem while I am clear and relaxed.

Like anything you approach in life, your attitude and expectations will determine your enjoyment of the game.

Take stock of your personal traits. Are you overly competitive? If you are, remember the road to a low handicap is littered with bad shots, bunkers, water hazards and triple digit scores on your round. If you want to master this game you will have to commit a lot of time to practice.

Don’t be too impatient, enjoy the game, and welcome every hook, slice and 3 putt as a learning opportunity. Even Tiger Woods needs a coach to help him with his game.

If you like to meet new people, golf provides you with social interaction opportunities. You will get to meet new people in a setting in which you both have an avid interest. This makes for easy conversation and more opportunities to improve your game.

Most clubs offer single players the opportunity to play a round together, if you would prefer to play alone just mention this to the club pro when arranging your tee time.

How much golf equipment do you actually need?

Golf can be a very expensive game, but there are affordable options. A high-end set of clubs can set you back several thousand dollars. But, a good used set will only cost you a few hundred dollars.

Many golf clubs also allow you to rent golf clubs, golf bags and golf carts. I recommend this approach as it is a great way to introduce yourself to the game without costing you a fortune. You can always purchase your own equipment If you decide this game is for you.

It is a good idea to visit golf stores and club pro shops before you buy your clubs. You can test out different types of clubs, get to know the different types of grips available, learn the difference between steel and graphite shafts, and determine which club length is best for you.

You can also learn about the type of golf ball that will best suit you as a beginner. It is not well known, but matching the golf ball and it’s compression will help you to get the most out of your game.

When you are choosing a golf bag you will first need to decide whether you are going to walk or ride in a golf buggy, you have a choice of a carry or cart bag. Golf bags are available in a range of materials, so choose one that is suited to the climate in which you will play most of your golf. Golf shoes are also important, make sure they are comfortable and waterproof.

You should also make sure you purchase a good Umbrella, as you never know when the weather may change. But a word of warning here, never, play golf if there is storm activity, as your golf club makes a very attractive lightning rod!

If you are going to play 18 holes, I recommend you buy a cart bag and a good cart . A good cart will make the game more enjoyable and will save your back. You will thank me when you have finished your first round.

Should you take lessons from a golf professional? It really depends on your budget as Golf lessons are expensive. But, if Golf lessons are within your budget, they may be worthwhile. You will find that Golf lessons will raise the standard of your game quickly.

A more affordable way to take lessons is to purchase one of the many training programs that are available on dvd and video. Many seasoned golfers use these programs to raise the standard of their game and new golfers can learn at their own pace. You can also purchase a lot of second hand golf instruction manuals that can show you how to improve your game.

Another great way to learn golf is to purchase one of the many computer golf games that are on the market. These games will not improve your physical golf game, but they will let you develop an understanding of the rules.

Like any game, the most important element is the player. Before you lift a club, you need to develop the right mental attitude. Make sure you remain positive, quiet your mind and envision your shot before you hit the ball. A good mental game is half the battle on the road to a lower handicap.

This article has covered the basics of getting started in the game. Hopefully it will have provided you with an incentive to try the game of golf. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy this great game!

Learn more about Golf at http://www.articlegolf.com

Share This