We have all seen the likes of John Daly and Craig Stadler as well as other 250/300 lb. golfers win tournaments as people say “I guess you don’t have to be in shape to play golf”. Well, I will tell you that these guys are the rare exceptions and not the rule. And I can guarantee you if they were in better shape, they would be even better players and play much later in life… Since we all love the game and want to play as long as we can, golf fitness is the key to playing better and playing longer…

Golf fitness is essential to better scores so before you go out and purchase practice aids, a golf net, a golf putting green, new clubs or putters, make sure you pay attention to your golf conditioning. You must focus on 3 main things – Mainly your strength, stamina and flexibility…. Golf fitness is not swinging a heavy club. It has become very common and readily available in major golf tournaments as it has become a rapidly growing field, and rightfully so. Golf Fitness is all the rave, especially on the PGA Tour. And with the games No. 1 player, Tiger Woods, a golf fitness nut, it has reached never before seen popularity.

There are many books available that have many tips on improving golf fitness. I have been playing now for over 20 years and, knock on wood, have never had an injury that has forced me to miss a round. I have been lucky. But luck runs out and that’s why I have gotten serious about my golf fitness. I use and recommend 2 products that are available on my site in the Golf Fitness section. The Roger Fredericks Stretching and flexibility DVD’s are tremendous. Also the Golf Gym is fantastic as well and it was just plugged by the winner of the Bob Hope tournament, Pat Perez. Perez credited his Golf Gym in helping him with his golf fitness!!!

GGG says get fit to play longer and better!!!

Flexibility and strength training:   As I have mentioned, flexibility is the key to golf fitness and usually the first thing that goes in a golfer. Lack of flexibility will cause a decreased turn, loss of power, and eventually loss of strokes. A golfer should have proper flexibility to allow just enough turn in the backswing in a mechanically optimal position, and even more flexibility is the follow through to increase acceleration through the impact position.   Flexibility will improve range of motion and reduce injuries while strengthening key muscles to allow them to perform with more power and avoid early fatigue. Flexibility and strength work together to develop a more consistent and reliable swing by promoting a more efficient, stable, balanced and coordinated swing. PGA TOUR Professionals have doubled their strength, tripled their flexibility and have seen up to 20 yards in added distance off the tee.

Body movement limitation results in poor or altered swing patterns which could lead to injuries especially back and neck pain, elbow and shoulder injuries. When a swing is performed repeatedly or executed improperly due to poor understanding of the swing mechanics or physical constraints, injuries may occur. Golf related injuries may be a result of overuse, poor techniques and inadequate physical fitness.

Golf fitness is something every golfer should think about. It is an essential component to any golfer’s program and is vital to success at the highest level in golf. Golf fitness is more than just exercising at the gym. Golf Fitness is the next piece that impacts the power and longevity of your golf swing.

Golf Guru Guy

Since last years British Open and TPC when Sergio Garcia was playing so well due to his new found putting stroke, everyone is asking, “What is the deal with these belly putters????”

In a nutshell – Belly Putters are designed to reduce the “degrees of freedom” allowed a player when they putt. Belly putters are a great option for those players having a hard time making an arc with their putting stroke and are the latest craze amongst players looking to improve their scores on the green. Belly putters are supposed to be good from short range but could be dangerous on distance control for longer putts.

Belly putters are the most sensitive of all golf clubs to fitting for correct length. Some people often make fun at the extra long yip-sticks saying things like “Belly putters are for lost and desperate souls.” Since belly putters are longer and generally have a thicker grip than conventional putters, they inhibit feel and feedback.

For those who complained: If Long/Belly putters are so advantageous, why not get one and prove it by winning some big majors. Statistically, the experts say that belly putters are better than the traditional putters. However, this needs to be proven and what better way then the ultimate putting test at August for the Masters. If Sergio or another Belly-maven can slip on the green jacket while using the Belly-stick, it could change everyone’s mind…

Belly putters are associated with older players, but Sergio Garcia’s putting has cost him so much that he’s using one. Men who use belly putters are basically announcing to the world that they have the yips and are desperately searching for a cure… Sometimes, there is no cure, Just ask some of the best ball strikers on the mini-tours who never quite made it because of their putting… I for one say, if it helps you, go for it….

Belly putters are the new trend for golfers looking to improve their putting. Belly putters are just one more club that’s available for us to use to improve our game. They are available in various fixed lengths from 100 to 115 cm and almost all of the manufacturers in our Putting Section sell them.

Golf Guru Guy will be reviewing some for you as we approach the season…

I, for one, still can’t shake the perception that belly putters are for old guys who have bad backs. But that’s just me…

Golf Guru Guy

Golf rain gear is essentially used by golfers when the weather is wet.  Especially if you play in the northern states that get a lot of rain.  Sometimes we don’t have a choice but to tough it out through some soggy rounds…

The right golf rain gear is important.  All golf rain gear is constructed from lightweight fabric that allows free movement of the arms for an unencumbered golf-swing, and is completely silent and keeps the wearer comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.  Unfortunately, high quality golf rain gear is expensive.  Golf Guru Guy (GGG) has scouted out some good deals.  Just click on “Golf Rain Gear” link on the home page and see who gets the GGG seal of approval

Golf Rain Gear Essentials:

GGG recommends that you get a rain suit made or Gore-tex, which is the best material to have, just a little pricey…  A rain suit could run several hundred dollars, but we have seen deals as low as $129 or so…  And make sure you get one of those bucket hats….  I know they look horrible, but if you want to keep the rain out of your eyes (especially if you wear glasses); they are the best hats to be wearing.

Your Bag:

Your golf bag should have a good rain cover that keeps your whole bag dry, not just the clubs….  Trying to keep your bag dry in a down pour is not easy, which it is imperative to invest in a solid Golf Bag that does not have pockets facing up where water can enter.  Man, it really stinks when your cell phone and wallet get soaked because your bag’s pockets had more holes in them that Swiss cheese!!!

Gloves:

You should invest in a pair of rain gloves, because when it rains, that leather glove will soak up rain faster than a sponge – not to mention those grips.  Rain gloves work better the wetter they are, so no matter what the downpour, you won’t lose the grip…

Shoes:

Be sure to use waterproof golf shoes and if they get wet, most of them are guaranteed, so hold onto to that receipt and warranty paperwork because if they are still within the warranty period – Free Pair!!!!

It’s also a good idea to bring another pair of shoes to rotate amongst and allow proper drying between rounds.  And lastly, extra socks in the golf bag never hurt.

Umbrella:

The quality construction of the Golf Club Umbrella ensures it will be around for many a rainy round.  A good golf umbrella is a no brainer for the hardened golfer who braves the rain and the wind.  Be sure to buy a proper golf umbrella as they have “wind flaps” that stop the umbrella from collapsing or exploding outwards.

Well, you can go nuts, but these are the essentials you need to keep that great round going, no matter what Mother Nature has in store for your round…

Decent golf rain gear is essential if like me, you’re mad for golf and play all year round.

Hybrid golf clubs are the fastest selling golf clubs on the market today, not surprising really considering how much trouble most golfers have hitting long irons.  Hybrid are a must for any ordinary player looking to improve their game.  Hybrid golf clubs are a cross between irons and woods and they are becoming staples in the golf bags of tour professionals and average players alike, so it figures that the hybrid phenomenon is now stretching to the courses they play.  Most teaching pros consider Hybrids a must for any average golfer looking to improve their game.  They are especially important for the golfer who is not an expert but wants to play like an expert.

What exactly does a Hybrid do???

Hybrid golf clubs are made with a lower center of gravity.  The club lofts vary from 16 to mid 20 degrees like the long irons.  Hybrids are even useful for bump and run chips and tricky shots against the collars of the green.  Hybrids are generally numbered by their degree of loft.  They are easier to hit than the long irons so they make life easier for those golfers who do not have the hours to practice like the pros or are adept at hitting the long irons.  Hybrid golf clubs are sometimes called utility clubs.  That is why it is important to realize that when making a purchase of a hybrid golf club that the lofts are not directly comparable to the club you are replacing.  Other Factors to consider:  The length of shafts in hybrid golf clubs are either longer for the club that replaces an iron or shorter for hybrid golf clubs that replace a fairway wood.  Giving the ball a higher spin rate hybrid golf clubs allow it to stop faster with more accuracy.  Hitting a ball out of tough location such as a lie in the rough is another helpful design aspect of hybrid golf clubs. So, because Hybrids are easier to hit with less practice, putting Hybrids in your bag= more fun playing golf.

Golf Guru Guy’s Recommendations

All of the Top manufacturers like Calloway, Taylor Made, Nike, Ping, Adams and the rest all have their own versions of Hybrids that all have their pros and cons.  Golf Guru Guy (GGG) has tried out most of the top ones and, for me, the Taylor Made and Callaway were the easiest to hit and I was able to et these up from tough lies and hit ‘em high which allowed GGG to nail the green and keep it there.  I recommend those two highly, but the Adams Hybrids were also the first ones really to market the Hybrid extensively so GGG gives their Hybrids Props as well…

So, in summary, Hybrid golf clubs are especially important for the golfer who is not an expert but wants to play like an expert.  Hybrid golf clubs are becoming frequent topics of discussion in many internet golf blogs as new and existing users alike share their success stories.  They are a must for any average golfer looking to improve their game and can be purchased from any of the major club manufacturers.  Just click on the Hybrid link on the left side of the home page for Golf Guru Guy’s recommendation for the Hot Hybrids on the market today..

Golf Guru Guy