Golf Basic Tips

Here is a really nice listing of terms and definitions for many of the basic principles of golf – all in one easy to read article. This is a great help for the beginning golfer trying to learn all the new golf terms and techniques. Enjoy reading and learning all the new golf terms below.

By: Bobby Lopez, PGA

Address: The process of placing the club behind the ball and taking a stance in preparation of hitting it.
Alignment: Having the shoulders, hips, knees and feet in proper alignment with each other.
Aim: Having the shoulders, hips, knees and feet properly aligned and pointed in the same direction, usually at a 90-degree angle to the target.
Backspin: The spin of a ball where the forward area of the ball rotates over the top area of the ball causing the ball’s forward movement to slow on impact.
Backswing: The start of the swing as the club moves away from the target.
Ball Flight: The path and trajectory of a ball while in the air.
Closed Club Face: Occurs when the club face is turned slightly counterclockwise
within the swing path. Can cause the ball to hook.
Club Face: The front of the club, which makes contact with the ball.
Compensation: A movement for the purpose of overcoming another flawed motion.
Divot: The mark left in the fairway or rough, caused by the removal of turf by an iron. Indicates the [proper] descending blow of an iron.
Downhill Lie: The angle caused by the ball being on a downward sloping hill.
Draw: The flight of a ball where it bends slightly to the inside, relative to the swing.
Fade: The flight of a ball where it bends slightly to the outside, relative to the swing.
Flier Lie: The lie of a ball on fluffy grass, which causes the ball to pop up more quickly than expected.
Green: The manicured portion of the hole where the cup resides.
Grip: The rubber, plastic or leather sheath on the shaft.
Heel: Where the club head is attached to the shaft.
Hook: The flight of a ball where it bends sharply to the inside, relative to the swing.
Inside Path: The path of the club when it is inside the plane.
Lie: How the ball is sitting (good, bad, flier, etc.)
Lie Angle: The angle of the club shaft in relation to the sole of the club head.
Loft: The face angle relative to the sole of the club head.
Open Club Face: Occurs when the club face is turned slightly clockwise within the swing path. Can cause the ball to slice.
Outside Path: The path of the club when it is outside the plane.
Par: The number of strokes designated by the golf course for each hole and tallied for a total amount. Most 18-hole courses are between 70 and 72.
Pivot: The turning or “coiling” of the upper body during the swing.
Pull: Ball flight characterized by going straight and left of the target
Pull Hook: Ball flight characterized by starting left of the target and bending/curving even more.
Push: Ball flight characterized by going straight and right of the target
Push Slice: Ball flight characterized by starting right of the target and bending/curving even more.
Shank: Hitting the ball off the heel area of the club, which causes the ball to squirt low and to the inside.
Slice: The flight of a ball where it bends sharply to the outside, relative to the swing.
Square Club Face: Occurs when the club face is perpendicular to the swing path.
Sweet Spot: The area on the face of a club where the impact is most beneficial, as designed by the manufacturer.
Toe: The outside of the club, or part of the club head opposite the heel.
Unplayable Lie: A lie where the ball cannot be played due to natural obstructions. See the Rules for details on penalties.

Get a FREE online golf lesson from the Golf Swami at: Bobby Lopez, PGA Bobby Lopez and the G-TEAM (757) 382-5500 bobbylopez@bobbylopezgolf.com www.bobbylopezgolf.com golftipsbobbylopez.blogspot.com/ Describe your ball flight to the Golf Swami and he will tell you what you’re doing wrong in your golf swing.

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By Ray L. Walberg

All golfers have one thing in common. They cannot play without golf balls. Skill level or experience has nothing to do with this one no-brainer. However, it is not about whether or not one needs golf balls it is a question of which golf balls to choose.

The answer is not universal and, generally, depends on the golfer’s preferences and tastes. It is about what how much the golfer wants to spend and his or her expectations from the ball. Expectations can change depending on whether you just golf on the weekend or golf all the time.

Some golfers play with only one certain brand of golf balls. There are no expectations to such golfers. Cost is not a factor. They golf with this ball or do not golf at all. Yes, this may be an extreme case, but the reality of it is that some people find this within the norm. Golf is virtually on grounds equal to food and water, or at least it seems, and they appear to take golf stuff to the extreme.

Now, for a more common sense approach to choosing a golf ball, let’s start with the new golfer. The beginner golfer should forget what he or she has heard about types of golf balls. Disregard the various reviews and recommendations as to what ball goes farther and such. At first, playing good golf is not about the ball quality but about getting out there and playing.

First of all, beginner golfers lose many golf balls at first. At this stage, price should come before quality when choosing a golf ball. The “been around” balls are a good choice for beginner golfers. These balls are sold in bulk and are considered recycled balls, as they have already been to the golf course once. They were lost by others, found and now sold at approximately fifty to a bag. They are a good starting place for beginner golfers.

Typically, these used golf balls are not brand name golf balls. Does it really matter at this point? Not really. The beginner golfer is more focused on learning the skill necessary to play the game of golf. He or she is learning not only how to hit the ball but how to hit it straight and out of the woods and water. Since dozens or even hundreds of balls will be lost, it is more logical for the beginner golfer to purchase used balls in bulk and at a lower price.

As the golfer improves, he or she can gradually transition to a better quality ball. However, it is still important to consider the price of the ball in correlation to skill level. Avoid rushing out to the local golfing store and purchase the most expensive ball on the market.

Generally, golfers improve as they play more. He or she can experiment with the variety of brands of balls as his or her skill level increases. Soon, he or she will find which ball is best for them while they are on the course.

And here is a great selection of balls to check out right now:

CALLAWAY HX Tour Golf Ball
TITLEIST Special Occasion DT So/Lo Golf Balls

ASSORTED Refurbished ProV1X Golf Balls 12 Pack

Ray Walberg often creates short articles on information similar to golf holidays in spain and golf vacations spain. You can have a look at his abstracts on golf in spain weekend and golf holidays in spain at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Tags: Golf Articles, Golf balls, golf accessories by admin
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