2008-06-20T17:25:29Z WordPress http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/feed/atom The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-the-diameter-of-a-golf-hole 2008-06-20T16:38:05Z 2008-06-20T17:25:29Z

<p><em>What is the diameter of a golf hole and why are they all the same size?</em> - Jim in San Antonio, TX</p> <p>Well the diameter of a golf hole is 4.25 inches exactly&#8230; I&#8217;m sure many people have taken a putt only to miss and think to themselves&#8230; &#8220;If only that hole was just a bit bigger my ball would have slipped right in.&#8221; So why was this standard golf hole size chosen to begin with? Here&#8217;s the answer. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, issued new rules in 1891 with the purpose of making the game more consistent and one of the ways they decided to accomplish this was to standardize the size of the golf hole. The size that they arrived at became the hole that we are all fond of today with the magic diameter of 4.25 inches.</p> <p>Actually, this is the end result of the rules that previous incarnation of Royal Musselburgh Golf Club had come up with back in 1829. This led to the creation of the first known hole cutter and believe it or not this ancient ground eater is still in existence and is on display at Royal Musselburgh and was the exact 4.25 inches in diameter that we all are familiar with today. After the great people running the Royal and Ancient Golf Club adopted it into their rules back 1891 and the rest of the world followed.</p> <p>However, there is a bit of wonder surrounding why the first hole cutter was created at this specific size. But more than likely, it was a totally arbitrary decision. Take that next <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-get-the-best-putting-stroke-possible-and-some-putting-tips-to-boot" title="putting stroke">putting stroke</a> with pride and know you&#8217;re hitting your balls deep into a piece of golf history every time you take a putt.</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/diameter of a golf hole/" rel="tag">diameter of a golf hole</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/standard golf hole size/" rel="tag">standard golf hole size</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf history/" rel="tag">golf history</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/putting stroke/" rel="tag">putting stroke</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-the-diameter-of-a-golf-hole]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-the-diameter-of-a-golf-hole]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/316352804" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-the-diameter-of-a-golf-hole The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/left-handed-golf-grip 2008-06-12T22:41:35Z 2008-06-13T11:24:01Z

<p><em>I want to focus on developing my left handed golf grip but I&#8217;m have some trouble getting used to holding my club like this. Can you help me out?</em> - Mani in Beaufort, SC</p> <p>Developing a left handed golf grip is in the best interest of everyone and the same rule applies for developing a strong right handed grip for a pure <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-for-lefties" title="left handed golfer">left handed golfer</a>. This is definitely the case when you are working on perfecting your shot. From my experience, the easiest way for a righty to learn how to hold the club in their left is this. Take your club and while holding it at waist level, hold it in the right hand as you grip it in the left.</p> <p>The shaft of the club is gripped in the middle with the right hand in the left hand position. Its absolutely necessary to have the leading edge of the club face and the back of the left hand to be as balanced as possible. When your left hand has been set in the correct place, your right hand should take the position which compliments the left.</p> <p>For this exercise, the driver is the best club that lets you learn as quickly as possible. When you have the ball positioned on the <u><em>inside</em></u><em> </em>of your left side make sure that your body is behind the ball. This position of having a high left hand and a high left shoulder will give you the sensation of being slightly inclined to the right. Your arms need to have enough room to move as you are taking the swing while allowing you to generate the speed that&#8217;s required to hit the ball.</p> <p>There you go, you have just learned to be ambidextrous. Now you can hold your shaft effectively with both hands, great huh? Keep in mind that it takes both sides of your body to give you <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-power-golf-swing" title="power in your golf swing">power in your golf swing</a> and most golf virgins have a lot of difficulty starting out. So use these left handed golf tips and take stroke after stroke until you build up the consistency required to smack a ball far down range with whatever grip you choose.</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/left handed golf grip/" rel="tag">left handed golf grip</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/left handed golf tips/" rel="tag">left handed golf tips</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/left handed golfer/" rel="tag">left handed golfer</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/left-handed-golf-grip]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/left-handed-golf-grip]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/311090067" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/left-handed-golf-grip The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-hit-bunker-shots 2008-05-30T20:18:13Z 2008-05-30T15:04:14Z

<p><em>I&#8217;ve wondered how to hit bunker shots for a long time now. What is the best way to go about it?</em> - Tony in Ogden, UT</p> <p>Great question and for those of us who have no clue how to hit bunker shots listen up. All of us at one time or another have hit a shot into the dreaded bunker or what is more commonly referred to as a sand trap. No fun is it? Actually, I think its quite a pain in the ass when you&#8217;re having a great game and all of a sudden the <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/this-is-exactly-why-we-yell-fore-in-golf" title="golf gods">golf gods</a> deem it necessary to blow your ball into something dirty that&#8217;s really difficult to get out of&#8230;.</p> <p>Anyways, if you simply need help with learning this skill and don&#8217;t actually suffer from <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-yips-and-botox" title="the yips">the yips</a>, then here is a simple drill you can use to hit golf bunker shots right every time. Find yourself a sand trap and take with you 3 clubs. These will be your sand wedge, lob wedge and pitching wedge. Take the time to hit a few shots with each club so that you begin to develop this skill and notice the difference in how the ball comes out of the sand. After that its just a matter of selecting the club that you&#8217;re most comfortable with.</p> <p><strong>1. </strong>First thing to understand is that you have to have your right index finger about an inch from the bottom of the grip. Doing so will give you more control of the club while allowing you to get a feel for the shot rather than smacking away at it.</p> <p><strong>2.</strong> Make sure to keep a narrower stance than you would normally have and address the ball a few inches forward in your stance. Applying this method provides better control of the shot which will lead to a higher ball flight.</p> <p><strong>3.</strong> Get your feet to where they are stable in the sand and make the most vertical swing as you can. Your left arm should be parallel to the ground and fully extended at the top of your swing.</p> <p><strong>4.</strong> As you start the downswing you should focus on hitting 1 inch behind the ball. Surprisingly, don’t focus on hitting at the ball and your arms and body follow the ball as it leaves the sand.</p> <p>That&#8217;s pretty much all there is to it but the key is to keep a steep angle on the downswing towards the sand. However you don’t have to swing at the ball hard when you hit bunker shots because the point of this is to propel the ball out of the sand trap vs launching it into the blue yonder. Happy strokes!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/how to hit bunker shots/" rel="tag">how to hit bunker shots</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/hit bunker shots/" rel="tag">hit bunker shots</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf bunker shots/" rel="tag">golf bunker shots</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/sand trap/" rel="tag">sand trap</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-hit-bunker-shots]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-hit-bunker-shots]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/301471453" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-hit-bunker-shots The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/is-pro-golf-instruction-for-you 2008-05-22T22:24:02Z 2008-05-22T16:38:58Z

<p><em>I am a first time golfer, would it be wise for me to find good pro golf instruction that can teach me how to draw a golf ball? I am a right handed golfer, this way I will not have to fight the slice.</em> - Dean, Anonymous.</p> <p>Well Dean, pro golf instruction can make you fall even more in love with golf or make you utterly hate it. I&#8217;ll explain. Many feel that golf lessons are absolutely necessary for a golf virgin such as yourself to improve their game. Yet other people will say that getting yourself out on the course to practice over and over is about the only way to get better. However, from my experience&#8230; there needs to be a balance between the two.</p> <p>If you have a good friend or buddy who you know is more experienced and has decent control over their shots, then hit them up for a lesson. But have in mind what you want to accomplish. Its a very good idea to know exactly what you want to occur from the lesson which allows you to plan accordingly, vs. many people who saying&#8230; &#8220;Oh I want to get better at golf, teach me!!!&#8221; Obviously&#8230; who doesn&#8217;t want to get better?</p> <p>To commend you though, its good that you have an idea of what you want to improve on by learning how to <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/draw-a-golf-ball" title="draw a golf ball">draw a golf ball</a> which is an important step in learning how to develop your <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-accuracy-in-golf" title="accuracy in golf">accuracy in golf</a>. Now heres the clincher, if you are truly willing to allow someone to tell you what to do and how to do it, and if you&#8217;ve tried having your buddies show you a thing or two on the course and they couldn&#8217;t help, then by all means find yourself a professional golf instructor.</p> <p>Do your research though and find someone who is worth their salt, can actually teach you golf lessons and above all is patient. Sometimes it can take a while to coax a virgin out of their inhibitions when taking stroke after stroke at a ball until they finally shoot one long, straight and deep. So if you&#8217;re willing to lay down the cash and time for pro golf instruction make sure that you carefully explain exactly what you want to learn. Before long people might just be asking you to show them how to make that perfect draw. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/pro golf instruction/" rel="tag">pro golf instruction</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/professional golf instructor/" rel="tag">professional golf instructor</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf lessons/" rel="tag">golf lessons</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/is-pro-golf-instruction-for-you]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/is-pro-golf-instruction-for-you]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/296132214" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/is-pro-golf-instruction-for-you The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/uneven-lies-accuracy-in-golf 2008-05-20T22:07:20Z 2008-05-20T16:15:33Z

<p><em>With uneven lies, whats the trick with being able to keep your accuracy when you hit either a downhill lie or uphill lie?</em> - Mick in Topeka, KS</p> <p>When hitting uneven lies, your swing pretty much is the same but your setup changes.  You will have to hit a downhill lie at a lower trajectory whereas an uphill lie needs for you to take your shot at a higher angle. Its very important to maintain your balance and position your body in such a way which will allow you to keep your body perpendicular to the slope.</p> <p>To hit a downhill lie make sure to use a club that is one size smaller than normal. This will make the ball able to fly lower off the face of the club and will allow you to shoot farther. A normal reaction is to pull the club up when you make impact in as you try to keep your balance. Basically for an uphill lie this technique is reversed. Use a club that is one size larger than what you would normally use for a shot.</p> <p>Now the important thing to remember here is when you&#8217;re on the back swing, make sure that you support your right leg, meaning that don&#8217;t let the knee bow inwards. When you swing down, you need to focus shifting your weight to the left side, while keeping your balance as much as possible which basically forces you to make a full weight shift.</p> <p>Being aware how to move your body in relation to the slope helps you set your shots up accordingly. After that you just need to make a steady swing that will give you more <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-accuracy-in-golf" title="accuracy in golf">accuracy in golf</a> and allows you to have more control over the ball. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/uneven lies/" rel="tag">uneven lies</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/downhill lie/" rel="tag">downhill lie</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/uphill lie/" rel="tag">uphill lie</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/accuracy in golf/" rel="tag">accuracy in golf</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/uneven-lies-accuracy-in-golf]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/uneven-lies-accuracy-in-golf]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/294582135" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/uneven-lies-accuracy-in-golf The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-key-to-golf-ball-spin 2008-05-19T20:12:14Z 2008-05-19T19:14:59Z

<p><em>Teach me how to put spin on a golf ball, please? Very new to golf and watching my friends do it over and over with ease makes me want to learn how. Many thanks!!</em> - Jim in Trinidad, CO</p> <p>Strangely enough, putting spin on a golf ball happens whenever you hit the ball. The key here is obvious, learn how to do it when you want or need to. Through practice, practice, practice and a ton of dedication you will know how to spin a golf ball at will. Having golf ball spin is highly useful, especially to keep your score down. So here are some simple steps to apply that are key to golf ball spin.</p> <p>Stand with your feet closer together. Position yourself in such a way that the ball is as close to your back foot, as possible. Make sure to use a 60° wedge, also known as a flop wedge is recommended for playing such a shot. A sand wedge can be used in emergency. When you take your swing, you need to swing your club on steeper plane to where you make impact directly at the bottom of the ball.</p> <p>Don&#8217;t let yourself become distracted though by watching your friends putting spin on a golf ball. They have definitely worked themselves to the point where they can make it look so easy and that is something that should be admired rather than envied. Remember to let yourself focus on what you want to achieve but don&#8217;t be too attached to the result.</p> <p>Worrying about it while you are taking your swing will do nothing but frustrate you and hold you back. So follow those simple steps you and will have the key to golf ball spin whenever you need it. Also, you may want to check out my other posts on this subject to get more information and a broader perspective of how its done. Check out <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-put-spin-on-a-golf-ball" title="How to Put Spin on a Golf Ball">How to Put Spin on a Golf Ball</a> and <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/making-golf-spin-happen" title="Making Golf Spin Happen">Making Golf Spin Happen</a>. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/how to put spin on a golf ball/" rel="tag">how to put spin on a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/putting spin on a golf ball/" rel="tag">putting spin on a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/key to golf ball spin/" rel="tag">key to golf ball spin</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf ball spin/" rel="tag">golf ball spin</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-key-to-golf-ball-spin]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-key-to-golf-ball-spin]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/293733787" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-key-to-golf-ball-spin The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-power-golf-swing 2008-05-15T16:15:14Z 2008-05-15T11:00:19Z

<p><em>Power in your golf swing? How? I&#8217;ve gotten my swing down to where the damn thing doesn&#8217;t hook or slice but it might as well just be limp in the wind. Tell me how in the world I can get a power golf swing!!</em> - Nick in Reno, NV</p> <p>Golf Virgin to the rescue dealing out beginner golf swing tips to the virgins of the world!! So you want a power golf swing? Well good for you Nick. I&#8217;ll teach you how to swing your shaft in such a way that your balls won&#8217;t know what hit them. But not too hard now, believe it or not. If you hit the ball with too much force you will come full circle and start hitting slices and hooks.</p> <p>Here are some simple steps to follow to get more power in your golf swing. Relax your kung fu grip and forearms, having tight muscles prevents you from being able to have one fluid movement when you take your swing. Also, practice hitting the ball in the middle of the clubface, if you hit the ball on the toe or too high the ball won&#8217;t be able to travel nearly as far as a center hit.</p> <p>Keep your focus on making your swing speed peak at impact, this is simple to understand but kinda hard to apply. Especially if you are accustomed to swinging with that crazy kung fu grip. Those are the steps there Mr. Nick so practice and get yourself to where you can feel the power emanating from your shaft and when you take that shot you will finally posses the almighty power golf swing!!! Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/power golf swing/" rel="tag">power golf swing</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/power in your golf swing/" rel="tag">power in your golf swing</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginner golf swing tips/" rel="tag">beginner golf swing tips</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-power-golf-swing]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-power-golf-swing]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/291025414" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-power-golf-swing The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/health-benefits-of-golf 2008-05-12T21:44:20Z 2008-05-12T16:02:11Z

<p><em>Are there any real health benefits of playing golf? </em>- Keith in Jackson, MS</p> <p>Absolutely! There are tons of health benefits of playing golf. Just because golf can seem like a peaceful game, walking along a well kept green with a soft breeze blowing in the air doesn&#8217;t mean you can&#8217;t work up a sweat and definitely get great exercise in the process, especially when you learn how to work your <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/stretches-for-golfers" title="golf muscles">golf muscles</a>. Consider this, if you choose to walk vs. riding in a cart, you can easily burn around 300 + calories just in 1 hour of play alone.</p> <p>Some other great health benefits of golf stem from the fact that just by being outside in the sun allows you to absorb a nice dose of Vitamin D. A lot of us work indoors all day, so playing this sport is the perfect opportunity to get the sunlight that is truly essential to our well-being.  Also, in the process of actually getting off your rear end and doing something that requires physical work is going to help you sleep better at night. I know that I definitely sleep better after getting all hot and sweaty working up and down the course.</p> <p>Lastly, if you are not a complete social bumble, more than likely you are going to find yourself meeting new people and making some pretty good friends when you show up regularly to the course.  This will greatly increase the value of your social life leading to a much closer relation to your fellow human. Dandy huh? See for yourself Keith and reap the full harvest of all the golf health benefits you can. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/health benefits of golf/" rel="tag">health benefits of golf</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf health benefits/" rel="tag">golf health benefits</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/health benefits of playing golf/" rel="tag">health benefits of playing golf</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf muscles/" rel="tag">golf muscles</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/health-benefits-of-golf]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/health-benefits-of-golf]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/288971340" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/health-benefits-of-golf The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-accuracy-in-golf 2008-05-08T14:26:23Z 2008-05-08T09:14:31Z

<p><em>How do I increase my accuracy in golf when I take a shot?</em> - Jake in Austin, TX</p> <p>Good question Jake, increasing your accuracy in golf is definitely a worthwhile pursuit if you are serious about improving your game and enjoying it as much as possible. Here are 3 simple beginner golf swing tips to help you wrap your mind around putting those shots exactly where you want them to go.</p> <p>When you are seeking to improve your driving accuracy its highly important to keep your mind on your swing plane. A good way to illustrate this is that if your swing is too steep, such as being on an &#8220;outside in&#8221; path, you will most likely end up slicing the ball. Practice swinging your club as if the ball was waist high. Since the swing is a circle tilted over, it will become much easier for you to transfer the swing you make when the ball is waist high to the swing you make when the ball is on the ground.</p> <p>Also, you have to maintain a steady rhythm with your swing for better golf driver accuracy. This is developed by using counting to yourself when you swing. Counting “one thousand one” and the back swing and “one thousand two” on the downswing will help to create a smooth rhythm.</p> <p>Lastly, being able to have a fine control of the club face is necessary for having highly controlled accuracy in golf. By possessing a good grip, you should have the ability to hit a ball to the left or the right at will. Having the ability to do both enables you through practice and perseverance to increase your overall accuracy and hit the ball straight. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/accuracy in golf/" rel="tag">accuracy in golf</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/driving accuracy/" rel="tag">driving accuracy</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginner golf swing tips/" rel="tag">beginner golf swing tips</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf driver accuracy/" rel="tag">golf driver accuracy</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-accuracy-in-golf]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-accuracy-in-golf]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/286109385" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-accuracy-in-golf The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/draw-a-golf-ball 2008-05-02T15:57:24Z 2008-05-02T15:54:54Z

<p><em>I read your post on how to fade a golf ball so could you please give me the other half and tell me how to draw a golf ball?</em> - Mack in Merced, CA</p> <p>Sure thing, for the unfamiliar a golf draw is where the ball curves from right to left vs left to right in a golf fade. The unintended version of a draw is the hook shot. This is an uncontrolled curve to the left and the ball lands far, far left of the target.</p> <p>Now, when you draw a golf ball, the steps are the opposite of the fade. You should aim the clubface along the target line. Make sure to have your shoulders pointing to the right of the target. This should be parallel to your intended ball flight line.</p> <p>After you have made this set up, if you make your normal swing along your shoulder line, the clubface will be just slightly closed at impact. If this is done right, the end result will be a soft draw shot that curves from right to left back to the target. Now you have both halves of the equation and much more control of where the ball will land when you take a swing. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf draw/" rel="tag">golf draw</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/draw a golf ball/" rel="tag">draw a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/draw shot in golf/" rel="tag">draw shot in golf</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/draw-a-golf-ball]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/draw-a-golf-ball]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/282186529" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/draw-a-golf-ball The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/proper-golf-set-up 2008-05-01T00:31:36Z 2008-04-30T13:44:00Z

<p><em>How important is the golf set up? I have been playing this game on and off and want to know your advice on how to improve. Thank you!!</em> - Havler in Issaquah, WA</p> <p>Havler, the golf set up is key if you are serious about improving your game and this is the foundation for success. Yet building a solid fundamental skill set in this area is one of the most overlooked aspects of the game. I&#8217;ve found myself guilty of this a few times, especially when I&#8217;m solely focused on hitting better and farther shots but not paying close attention to the step by step process that will get me there. Again, this is absolutely needed to develop a <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/the-mental-side-of-golf">consistent golf swing</a>.</p> <p>Anyone who has had any mentionable success at this sport is fully aware of the important building blocks of a great golf set up.</p> <p>When you address the ball, you have to have a proper posture and foot placement. This allows you to maintain your balance throughout the swing. A good set up allows you to remain in balance when swinging and enables you to hit the ball perfectly in the center of the clubface.</p> <p>You see, this helps you to create power and develop the control of where the shot lands. Your body alignment along with the ball position put into effect the conditions that will give you this control. The way your body is aligned when you address the ball has a direct relation to the path and angle on which you swing the club.</p> <p>Consider this, wouldn&#8217;t it make perfect sense to be in the best position possible in relation to the ball? If you are not working from this solid foundation, how can you hit a consistent golf swing and transfer your intention of making that perfect drive into the ball? This puts you in the position of control and makes it so much incredibly easier to make an accurate shot without hamstringing yourself before you even begin.</p> <p>I&#8217;ve learned my lesson and when I see myself spacing out and thinking of those high and lofty dreams, I bring myself back to earth and focus on the steps that will get me there. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf set up/" rel="tag">golf set up</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/address the ball/" rel="tag">address the ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/consistent golf swing/" rel="tag">consistent golf swing</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/proper-golf-set-up]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/proper-golf-set-up]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/281143718" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/proper-golf-set-up The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-a-golf-fade-works 2008-04-28T20:39:39Z 2008-04-28T14:43:04Z

<p><em>Would you explain to me how to make a golf fade works and how it&#8217;s different from a slice?</em> - Jeff in San Antonio, TX</p> <p>A fade in golf is a term given to the flight path of a golf ball as it comes off the clubface. The trajectory of the ball will move from the left of your intended target before it curves slightly back to the right. How a golf fade can get confused with <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/a-golf-slice-cured">a slice in golf</a> is simple to understand especially for beginners. Basically a slice is a severe and unintended curve of the golf ball to the right.</p> <p>Now to fade a golf ball you should align your body to the left of the target and point your clubface directly at the target and here are 4 easy steps to follow that will help you produce a golf fade to envy.</p> <p><u>Step 1</u><br /> Set your clubface square to the ball. Hold the very tight in the bottom three fingers of your left hand.</p> <p><u>Step 2</u><br /> Aim your feet and shoulders to the left of the target making sure the clubface is still square.</p> <p><u>Step 3</u><br /> Because you are aiming your body towards the left except for the club, it should force you to make an out-to-in swing path. Aim to hit the ball at a 2 o&#8217;clock angle.</p> <p><u>Step 4</u><br /> Now on the downswing your focus should be on bringing the club back across the ball, with your angle of attack brought down on the 2 o&#8217;clock position of the ball which should give you a feeling of your right hand coming underneath the shot.</p> <p>After you make this method your own, you can fade a golf ball whenever you need it and use it as a tool to set you up for that perfect <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-get-the-best-putting-stroke-possible-and-some-putting-tips-to-boot">putt</a>. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf fade/" rel="tag">golf fade</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/fade a golf ball/" rel="tag">fade a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/fade in golf/" rel="tag">fade in golf</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-a-golf-fade-works]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-a-golf-fade-works]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/279630495" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-a-golf-fade-works The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-golf-club-comparison-chart 2008-05-02T17:58:57Z 2008-04-25T15:59:16Z

<p><em> Where can I find a golf club comparison chart that will show me the golf club loft and golf club lie for irons?</em> - Ivan in Orlando, FL</p> <p>Absolutely, I&#8217;ve made you a golf club comparison chart that will not only compare the club loft and club lie but the golf club length for both medium and long irons.</p> <p>Hope this helps you select the best iron for your game so get out there and stroke a few into the hole for your favorite Golf Virgin!!</p> <table style="background-color: #ffffff" border="1" bordercolor="#eeeeee" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" height="210" width="447"> <tr> <td align="center"><strong>Golf Iron Comparison<br /> </strong></td> <td><strong>Loft<br /> </strong></td> <td><strong>Lie<br /> </strong></td> <td align="center"><strong>Medium Golf Club Length</strong></td> <td align="center"><strong>Long Golf Club Length<br /> </strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">9 Iron</font></td> <td>45°</td> <td>65°</td> <td align="center">35.5&#8243;</td> <td align="center">36&#8243;</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">8 Iron</font></td> <td>40°</td> <td>64°</td> <td align="center">36&#8243;</td> <td align="center">36.5&#8243;</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">7 Iron</font></td> <td>35°</td> <td>63°</td> <td align="center">36.5&#8243;</td> <td align="center">37&#8243;</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">6 Iron</font></td> <td>30°</td> <td>62°</td> <td align="center">37&#8243;</td> <td align="center">37.5&#8243;</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">5 Iron</font></td> <td>25°</td> <td>61°</td> <td align="center">37.5&#8243;</td> <td align="center">38&#8243;</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">4 Iron</font></td> <td>20°</td> <td>60°</td> <td align="center">38&#8243;</td> <td align="center">38.5&#8243;</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">3 Iron</font></td> <td>15°</td> <td>59°</td> <td align="center">38.5&#8243;</td> <td align="center">39&#8243;</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"><font color="#000000">2 Iron</font></td> <td>10°</td> <td>58°</td> <td align="center">39&#8243;</td> <td align="center">39.5&#8243;</td> </tr> </table> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf club comparison chart/" rel="tag">golf club comparison chart</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf iron comparison/" rel="tag">golf iron comparison</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf club length/" rel="tag">golf club length</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf club lie/" rel="tag">golf club lie</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf club loft/" rel="tag">golf club loft</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-golf-club-comparison-chart]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-golf-club-comparison-chart]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/277873892" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-golf-club-comparison-chart The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-tempo-training 2008-05-02T17:59:11Z 2008-04-23T16:10:30Z

<p><em>Hey Golf virgin, what are some good golf tempo training tips that I can use to develop my swing?</em> - Dolph in Bowling Green, KY</p> <p>Absolutely, come here and I&#8217;ll reach into my bag of beginner golf swing tips for your pleasure. Consider this, one of the most overlooked areas in a player&#8217;s game is their golf swing tempo or what is also known as golf swing rhythm. This relates to the your ability of swinging a club at a consistent pace.</p> <p>However, golf tempo training is something that can be difficult to master because you have to develop a keen awareness of how you are swinging your club. From experience, I have caught myself many times whipping through a stroke mindlessly without paying close attention to my golf swing tempo. Yet one of the best ways I have heard it described is simply this. Every one has their natural swing speed and you have to let your body feel it.</p> <p>So get your club ready Dolph.</p> <p>For this drill you will need to tee up 4 balls in a row. Now, for the one closest to you, I want you to hit the ball with a quarter of your normal swing speed. Regardless of how your first shot turns out. I want you to immediately step up and address the next ball.</p> <p>But what I want you to do now is swing at half of your swing speed. Pay close attention here because for beginners it can be difficult to discern what the difference is between full power and hitting a ball at three quarters of your swing speed. Now do it, hit the third ball with as close to 75 percent of your swing speed as is possible. Last, to know the full range of your power, I want you to whack that fourth ball as hard as you can.</p> <p>After you have run through this drill several times you will notice when your swing starts to speed up or slow down. But keep in mind to not become attached to the outcome of your swing, whatever it may be. Something I recommend reading is my post on <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/the-mental-side-of-golf">the mental side of golf</a>. The sole purpose of this is to gain a deeper understanding of your natural rhythm and is perfect for golf tempo training. Over time you will discover that with a more consistent golf swing tempo you will be able to hit farther and longer shots. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf tempo training/" rel="tag">golf tempo training</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf swing tempo/" rel="tag">golf swing tempo</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf swing rhythm/" rel="tag">golf swing rhythm</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginner golf swing tips/" rel="tag">beginner golf swing tips</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/mental side of golf/" rel="tag">mental side of golf</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-tempo-training]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-tempo-training]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/276457779" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-tempo-training The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-chip-a-golf-ball 2008-04-18T00:11:41Z 2008-04-17T16:34:55Z

<p><em>Hey can you tell me how to chip a golf ball please?</em> - Steve in Dover, TN</p> <p>Basically, a chip shot is a putt that has a short flying start. For this you will need a club that has a low loft. This will range from a 4-iron to a 7-iron and will allow the ball get up and over onto the putting surface. Now, as you are holding your club, its best to move your hands towards the bottom of the handle.</p> <p>Also, you should hold the shaft in a more vertical way as if you were holding a putter. From here simply make a straight-back and straight-through movement at the ball as you take your stroke. This will utilize the loft of the club and will send the ball towards the hole.</p> <p>Another way you can try chipping a golf ball is to move the handle forward a small amount where you put some more weight on your forward foot. If you are feeling ambitious and want to go after that longer hole, use a club like a 7-iron. You would follow the same steps of taking a simple, straight-back and straight-through motion.</p> <p>This chipping stroke will send the ball up into the air and again, as it lands it will roll it&#8217;s way onto the hole. I find this to be an excellent choice when I&#8217;m too far away to take a <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-get-the-best-putting-stroke-possible-and-some-putting-tips-to-boot">putting stroke</a> while at the same time being too close to launch a ball with a driver. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/chip shot/" rel="tag">chip shot</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/how to chip a golf ball/" rel="tag">how to chip a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/chip a golf ball/" rel="tag">chip a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/chipping a golf ball/" rel="tag">chipping a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/chipping stroke/" rel="tag">chipping stroke</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/putt/" rel="tag">putt</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/putter/" rel="tag">putter</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-chip-a-golf-ball]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-chip-a-golf-ball]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/272518786" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-chip-a-golf-ball The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/a-clean-golf-club-beginner-golf-tips 2008-04-17T00:01:20Z 2008-04-16T17:45:52Z

<p><em>Hey Golf Virgin how much effect do you think it has if you don&#8217;t have a clean golf club?</em> - Paul in West Point, MS</p> <p>Oooo&#8230; by that question alone I can smell your virginity! Take some beginner golf tips right here and realize the essential need of a clean golf club. Paul, its of vital importance to keep the head of your golf clubs clean because the grooves are what help put spin on the ball.</p> <p>Now, after playing game after game with out cleaning your golf clubs, the grooves become packed with dirt and the clubface contact with the ball is reduced. The accuracy of your shots will decrease significantly as a result of having all that dirt embedded in the grooves.</p> <p>The best way I&#8217;ve found to clean this is by using a wire brush with some soapy water. By using the brush, you can slide it into those little grooves and get out all of the dirt which I&#8217;m positive has built up by now. Click on the link for the exact instructions on <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/the-absolute-best-way-to-clean-your-golf-clubs" rel="tag">how to clean your golf clubs</a> and after you&#8217;ve finished reading that click on the following link to learn where you can find <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/divots-and-golf-ball-washers">golf ball washers</a> out on the course.</p> <p>Paul, since you clicked on both of those links, which I&#8217;m sure you have&#8230; both your shaft and your balls will be sparkling clean. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/clean golf club/" rel="tag">clean golf club</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/cleaning your golf clubs/" rel="tag">cleaning your golf clubs</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/how to clean your golf clubs/" rel="tag">how to clean your golf clubs</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginner golf tips/" rel="tag">beginner golf tips</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf ball washers/" rel="tag">golf ball washers</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/a-clean-golf-club-beginner-golf-tips]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/a-clean-golf-club-beginner-golf-tips]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/271784495" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/a-clean-golf-club-beginner-golf-tips The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-shanks-why 2008-04-15T22:39:08Z 2008-04-15T17:25:42Z

<p><em>Can you give me some info on why a golf shank happens? I have a general understanding of it but I don&#8217;t know the specifics.</em> - Carl in Grants Pass, OR</p> <p>Sure I can explain why golf shanks happen.</p> <p>Go grab your golf club and take a look at the part of the iron where the club face and hosel meet. If you where to take a swing and make contact with the ball in this particular area, the golf ball will shoot off in what is known as a shank.</p> <p>Now, the interesting part is that in the mind of the golfer, a good reason why a shank golf shot can happen is because the person is making a &#8220;push&#8221; at the ball rather than driving through it. If you make this pushing stroke with the club, only the grip portion of the club proceeds forward and the club head will lag behind the stroke.</p> <p>As this happens, the club face will open up which makes it possible for the hosel to make impact with the ball. Basically, when a player makes a shank golf shot, their hands will be in front of the ball as the club head makes contact. This is like a safety move, stemming from a lack of firm confidence in a player&#8217;s stroke.</p> <p>A good analogy would be trying to take a swing at somebody with a club or baseball bat and not believing that you can really hurt them with it.</p> <p>So you end up making these small timid strikes that do nothing but really piss the other person off. That is pretty much the same thing that is going on here. A shank in golf happens because you have angered the ball and it whizzes off into the blue yonder out of not hitting it with the proper focus and intention.</p> <p>Now you know Carl, and knowing is half the battle. Refer back to my post on                    <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/say-hello-to-the-golf-shank-fix">Say Hello to the Golf Shank Fix</a> and learn the steps necessary to banish this demon shot into the bowels of hell for good. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf shanks/" rel="tag">golf shanks</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/shank golf shot/" rel="tag">shank golf shot</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/shank in golf/" rel="tag">shank in golf</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-shanks-why]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-shanks-why]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/271016108" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-shanks-why The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-skins-game 2008-04-14T22:59:08Z 2008-04-14T16:43:45Z

<p><em>Tell me what a golf skins game entails would ya? All this back and forth about golf betting games makes me wana gamble and lose my ass.</em> - Jae in Terrel, TX</p> <p>Haha, gamble away! It&#8217;s fun, and really easy to do with a good golf skins game. So Jae, here is how you do it. Got your wallet ready? Alright a skins game in golf is simply were you and a friend or a group of friends go head to head in a sort of match play. Each hole is worth points of a predetermined value, or a set dollar amount.</p> <p>For the player that does win the hole, he is said to have one the &#8220;skin&#8221; and however much that hole is worth. Here is where it can get really competitive. If there is a tie and no one wins a hole, then the value of that hole is carried onto the next one and so on and so forth, compounding the value of the holes until one player wins.</p> <p>As an quick example, say you and your buddy have your wallets stuffed and are eager to lose. A nice skins game in golf might start off at say $10 bucks a hole. If out of either too much alcohol, lack of skill&#8230; or even an act of the &#8220;<a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/this-is-exactly-why-we-yell-fore-in-golf">golf gods</a>&#8220;&#8230; or heaven forbid all the above - 5 out of 6 holes are played without a winner and on that 6th hole, your buddy wins. I&#8217;m sure you wouldn&#8217;t be too happy of him, now would you? No you wouldn&#8217;t. See how fun this can get?</p> <p>Honestly, I find this to be one of the more entertaining golf betting games simply because of all the factors that can come into play where there is a huge lot to be won. Out of the blue it seems, you will observe friends sweating for no obvious reason, shaking like a crack fene having a fit of <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-yips-and-botox">the yips</a> and&#8230; maybe even shouting obscenities for the most trivial of causes. What could be more fun Jae?? Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf skins game/" rel="tag">golf skins game</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf betting game/" rel="tag">golf betting game</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/skins game in golf/" rel="tag">skins game in golf</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search//" rel="tag"></a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-skins-game]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-skins-game]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/270296275" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-skins-game The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/making-golf-spin-happen 2008-04-11T21:15:35Z 2008-04-11T15:47:00Z

<p><em>What are the conditions needed for golf spin to happen?  A few friends of mine say that there are certain things have to be met before you can get backspin on a golf ball. Have you heard of that before?</em> - Kern in Phoenix, AZ</p> <p>Kern, honestly getting good golf spin is something that is pretty hard to accomplish and not to mention doing so in such a way that you can control it. Also, there are only a few reasons why you would need spin on a golf ball to begin with.</p> <p>Your buddies were right in saying that there are certain conditions which have to be met prior to even thinking about using this shot. If these conditions do not exist, you&#8217;re better off not trying to add golf spin. Here are some tips below on when it would be to your advantage to do so.</p> <p>1. Both the club face and the ball have to absolutely, completely dry.<br /> 2. This shot must be taken on the fairway where the grass can&#8217;t get in between the club and the ball.<br /> 3. The green has to be cut very short.<br /> 4. Its really in your favor to use a new ball, that has a high spin rate with a soft cover.<br /> 5. And finally use a clean and again a relatively new club that has good groves on the face.</p> <p>This is pretty much in a nutshell what you need in order to achieve backspin along with a lot of practice. Refer back to my post on how to get good <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/how-to-put-spin-on-a-golf-ball">spin on a golf ball</a> so you can have a better understanding of making this difficult shot happen.</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/spin on a golf ball/" rel="tag">spin on a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/backspin on a golf ball/" rel="tag">backspin on a golf ball</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf spin/" rel="tag">golf spin</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/making-golf-spin-happen]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/making-golf-spin-happen]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/268613572" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/making-golf-spin-happen The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-nassau-golf 2008-04-10T23:40:40Z 2008-04-10T17:28:33Z

<p><em>You mentioned match play in your last answer but what I have always wondered about is nassau golf. Some people say it&#8217;s a type of golf game based off a bet but I&#8217;m not sure, could you help please?</em> - Jena in Edgemont, SD</p> <p>You&#8217;re pretty much there, Nassau golf is a popular tournament format that consists of 3 separate tournaments in one. These 3 bets are combined together into one game. The most common Nassau golf game is betting on the front nine for $2, the back nine for $2 along with the 18-hole total that is worth another $2.</p> <p>Keeping score in Nassau is practically the same thing as in <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/match-play-golf">match play golf</a> but then again the players ultimately decide which scoring system to use. The team or player with the most points at the end of each 9 holes will win that side and from there, both the front and back 9 holes are totaled for the 18 hole award.</p> <p>And naturally by using the joy of simple math, if you are a skilled golfer, a whopping $6 will be your prize. Cool huh?</p> <p>You might be thinking that if you are going make a Nassau golf bet, you might as well make it worth your time right? Well, there is something that is called to press the bet, or pressing the bet. Basically, for each tournament that is originally $2 per 9 holes, a single player or a team can up the ante and raise the bet for that particular 9 holes or altogether on the 18 hole tally. Usually this is just another $2 added to the original bet but it is up to the player&#8217;s discretion.</p> <p>Becareful though becasue this can lead to some pretty high stakes. Of course its depending on a person&#8217;s or a team&#8217;s level of enthusiasm to combine alcohol, golf, betting and money. Choose wisely. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/nassau golf/" rel="tag">nassau golf</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/nassau golf bet/" rel="tag">nassau golf bet</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/press the bet/" rel="tag">press the bet</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/pressing the bet/" rel="tag">pressing the bet</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/match play golf/" rel="tag">match play golf</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-nassau-golf]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-nassau-golf]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/268013168" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/what-is-nassau-golf The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/match-play-golf 2008-04-09T00:25:32Z 2008-04-08T18:58:22Z

<p><em>Hi, can you tell me what match play golf is please? Thanks.</em> - David in Los Alamos, NM</p> <p>Match play golf is one of the main forms of competition play. This type of game puts players against one another as golfers compete to win at individual holes. The player who wins the most holes is the one that wins the match and this differs considerably from stroke play.</p> <p>Each match play score for a player is added up through out the game. With the beginning of a match, the score is &#8220;all square&#8221; or tied. Then the score is recorded in terms of one player&#8217;s lead over another. If a player is ahead by or wins more holes than what is left to play, the player is the winner. Also, remember in matchplay that the player furthermost from the hole always plays first. This is especially true on the putting green.</p> <p>You are not allowed to putt if your opponent&#8217;s ball is still &#8220;live&#8221; and furthest away from the cup. However, you can pick up your ball up if you are given a <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/when-is-a-conceded-putt-allowed">conceded putt</a> by your opponent. With all the interesting variations in playing golf, you will definitely never get bored with this sport and will always have the opportunity to learn something new. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/match play golf/" rel="tag">match play golf</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/match play score/" rel="tag">match play score</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/stroke play/" rel="tag">stroke play</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/conceded putt/" rel="tag">conceded putt</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/match-play-golf]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/match-play-golf]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/266678187" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/match-play-golf The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-swing-path 2008-04-07T18:44:58Z 2008-04-07T11:58:16Z

<p><em>I need to really learn how to get a better golf swing path. Would you so kindly dispense some beginner golf swing tips? Thank you.</em> - Michael in Salisbury, MD</p> <p>First off, for people who aren&#8217;t quite familiar yet, your golf swing path determines the starting direction of the ball. Knowing the type of swing path you currently have is the key to understanding your shots. It&#8217;s very important to recognize the type of shots that each swing path produces.</p> <p>This will allow you to effectively analyze your swing. Watch the shape of your shots and the way the shots curve, after you have taken the time to do this, examine the depth and direction of your divots.  Also, keep in mind that every swing has two separate golf swing paths. There is one golf swing path for the back swing, and one for the down swing.</p> <p>As for your back swing, the height and the distance you stand from the ball will determine the best angle of this path. You should begin your take away by keeping the club head low and your hands as far away from your head as possible. This helps you create a larger arc and gain club head speed. As your shoulders turn and the club head rises keep the club on this path.</p> <p>Imagine a line from the ball to the target. If you can keep the club on this golf swing path, you will have the club aligned at the top of your swing and this is critical as you begin to transition to the down swing. Another thing to keep in mind - there is no perfect golf swing path.</p> <p>Your body build type determine the best path for you to take and you can work this out with the guidelines above and through your own hard work. A good golf swing tip for you&#8230; as long as your club is parallel at the top of your swing in relation to the ball, your shot will be a lot more accurate.</p> <p>Remember, by practicing your golf swing path daily will help you to make this movement automatic and in turn will make you a better golfer. Take the time to really examine what you are doing and don&#8217;t get mad if you aren&#8217;t seeing progress over night. Simply get out there and you will be amazed at how far you&#8217;ve come with consistent and determined effort. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf swings tips/" rel="tag">golf swings tips</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf swing path/" rel="tag">golf swing path</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginners golf swing tips/" rel="tag">beginners golf swing tips</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-swing-path]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-swing-path]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/265825766" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-swing-tips-golf-swing-path The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-explained-etiquette-of-golf-in-13-easy-steps 2008-04-03T22:55:21Z 2008-04-03T16:30:57Z

<p>Your very own &#8220;beginner golf tip girl&#8221; the Golf Virgin, felt that it was time to help out with some common sense driven golf course etiquette. She has recently been appalled at stunningly stupid behavior from &#8220;people&#8221; who should know better.</p> <p>Here is a nice, quick and easy chart&#8230; &lt; - - loves charts, for all of you to fold up in your pocket and carry with you onto the green. You&#8217;ve now been forewarned. Learn this simple, etiquette of golf and be saved the misery of wide open mouths staring at you in disbelief. See below - golf explained.</p> <table border="1" bordercolor="#ffcc00" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" height="601" width="437"> <tr> <td><strong>1.</strong> Arrive at your scheduled tee off time.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>2.</strong> Be sure to be patient and respect other players on the course as you wish to be respected and don&#8217;t make any loud noise. Normal speaking or conversation is ok but hooting and hollering at your buddies isn&#8217;t.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>3.</strong> Check your marker and your ball number in order to avoid confusion during the game.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>4.</strong> Do not take practice swings on the tee off zone.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>5.</strong> For the sake of common sense, do not stand close behind, near or in front of any other player and be as quiet as possible when a player is about to take a shot.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>6.</strong> Normally, the player with the lowest handicap starts the game by taking their first shot. On all other tees the player with the best score out of the previous hole has &#8220;the honor&#8221;, meaning he has the right to play (with) his ball first.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>7.</strong> Always be prepared to play your ball in order to avoid any delay in the game and leave immediately after you&#8217;ve made your shot. (Sounds like most men doesn&#8217;t it?)</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>8.</strong> Don&#8217;t play your stroke if other players intend to do their puts on any green in the neighborhood.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>9.</strong> Don&#8217;t take a shot in the direction of another player that may be in hitting distance. See the post <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/this-is-exactly-why-we-yell-fore-in-golf">why we yell fore in golf</a> for more info.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>10.</strong> Be kind, nothing will piss off a Superintendent more than not replacing divots or fixing any other damage you cause to the course. And make sure to rake those bunkers back into perfect condition!</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>11.</strong> To avoid looking like someone of lesser intelligence, don&#8217;t drive your cart over tee off areas, greens or through a sand bunker. Also, before putting be sure to leave your cart somewhere beside the green, preferably in an area beside the next tee off zone.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>12.</strong> Try to stand somewhere beside the player who has to do the next shot.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>13.</strong> If possible, try to observe not only your own but also the balls of the other players in your company. This will help to save time in case one of your partners may not be able to find his ball immediately after his shot.</td> </tr> </table> <p>I could go on and on and on, especially after some of the absolutely, thoughtless behaviors I&#8217;ve witnessed in my time. So now y&#8217;all know some quick and easy ways not to look like &#8220;<a href="http://www.fantard.com">fantard</a>&#8221; swaggering around, looking for a beating. Use this etiquette of golf and if you don&#8217;t hey&#8230; don&#8217;t be surprised if someone takes their club to your head. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf explained/" rel="tag">golf explained</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/etiquette of golf/" rel="tag">etiquette of golf</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf course etiquette/" rel="tag">golf course etiquette</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginner golf tip/" rel="tag">beginner golf tip</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-explained-etiquette-of-golf-in-13-easy-steps]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-explained-etiquette-of-golf-in-13-easy-steps]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/263602374" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/golf-explained-etiquette-of-golf-in-13-easy-steps The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-for-everyone 2008-04-03T00:13:34Z 2008-04-02T19:05:57Z

<p><em>Hey beginner golf tip girl. I&#8217;m in need of some help here. I find that I have trouble with my stance. My buddy says he sees my left knee dropping in sometimes when I swing. But he couldn&#8217;t really tell me how to fix it. Worthless bastard huh? Anyways, what golf tips could you give me young lady?</em> - Anonymous</p> <p>Beginner golf tip&#8230; girl? Why don&#8217;t you just be proper and call me by my name? Golf Virgin&#8230; you&#8217;re not shy about that are you? Wow, all these people wanting golf tips left and right just makes me happy as a lark. Definitely makes me perk up when I know people are getting help. So Anonymous Name Person, golf tips I will give.</p> <p>I&#8217;ve come across a lot of golfers who let their left knee collapse toward the right during the backswing. When your knee falls in like that, it causes your shoulder to drop, and makes you end up turning too far into the swing itself. Now in order to correct this problem, imagine taking a solid stance with your left knee going out toward the target on the backswing.</p> <p>There should be a feeling of stability in both knees. If this is difficult to visualize, imagine a basketball between your knees. This basically gives you a perfect idea of how your golf stance should look and feel like.</p> <p>Keep in mind that on the backswing, it is highly important to keep your weight on the inside of the right foot, and maintain a slight bend in the knee. If this does not happen, it can lead to poor contact when the clubhead meets the ball and a definite power loss.</p> <p>Think of it this way, as you are drawing back the club, imagine that the right knee is rooted into the ground. Doing so allows for your upper body to coil behind the ball which enables you to powerfully swing through and make a nice clean drive.</p> <p>Another good beginner golf tip for you Anonymous Name Person is that in order to work towards and maintain an accurate and powerful swing, practice making the extension and follow through with your club after you&#8217;ve taken your swing. Finally, put a tee about 8 inches in front of the ball that you are going to hit.</p> <p>Make an effort to hit not only the ball but also the tee. This will help to train you to swing through the ball, not at it, just don&#8217;t get too overzealous and begin wacking away like a drunken old fogey in hysterics.</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginner golf tip/" rel="tag">beginner golf tip</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf tip/" rel="tag">golf tip</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf stance/" rel="tag">golf stance</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-for-everyone]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-for-everyone]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/262985228" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/beginner-golf-tips-for-everyone The Golf Virgin http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/hit-a-golf-ball-straight 2008-05-12T21:45:23Z 2008-04-01T18:47:06Z

<p><em>I saw your last post and it got me thinking that while I can get alright distance, I have trouble sometimes when I try to hit a golf ball straight consistently. Any beginner golf tips you could give me too?? Thanks.</em> - Nat in Conroe, TX</p> <p>Hey, thanks for checking out the other posts. In seeking that perfect golf shot, many golfers experience frustration because they have yet master the basics of a good golf swing. Refer to the super quick list of steps below for another beginner golf tip so you can get those basics down. If you are able to develop control over the club and achieve a relaxed swing you will start to hit a golf ball straight.</p> <p><u>Step 1:</u><br /> Stand behind the ball and pick a mark just ahead of the ball in the line of your target.</p> <p><u>Step 2:</u><br /> With both feet together, stand facing the ball and stand about three-quarters of an arm&#8217;s length away from the ball.</p> <p><u>Step 3:</u><br /> Take a small step forward towards the ball with your left foot, and take a normal step backward with your right foot. The distance between your feet should be about a shoulder width apart.</p> <p><u>Step 4:</u><br /> Pull the club straight back from the golf ball to the top of the backswing. The club should be parallel to the ground.</p> <p><u>Step 5:</u><br /> Swing the golf club back down along the same path, without pausing at the top.</p> <p><u>Step 6:</u><br /> Keep your head down and hit the golf ball solid. Allow the club to follow through until it reaches your back.</p> <p>Use your <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/stretches-for-golfers" title="golf muscles">golf muscles</a> to support the club and think of it like it was a whip that is an extension of your arms. Now, use the leverage you get from this to get a clean connection with the ball. This gives you a straighter drive.</p> <p>Simply follow this little bit of advice and put the effort forth that is required when you are serious about learning something new and you will begin to see a perfect golf shot time and time again arc through the sky and land exactly where you want. Happy strokes!!</p> <div class="awmp_tags"><a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/hit a golf ball straight/" rel="tag">hit a golf ball straight</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/perfect golf shot/" rel="tag">perfect golf shot</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/beginner golf tip/" rel="tag">beginner golf tip</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/solid golf shots/" rel="tag">solid golf shots</a> <a href="http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/search/golf muscles/" rel="tag">golf muscles</a></div><a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/hit-a-golf-ball-straight]'><img style="border:none;" src='http://images.talkr.com/images/speaker_20.gif' alt='Listen to this article' border='0' /></a> <a href='http://www.talkr.com/app/fetch.app?feed_id=44829&perma_link=[http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/hit-a-golf-ball-straight]'>Listen to this post</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheGolfVirgin-BeginnerGolfTips/~4/262284572" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.thegolfvirgin.com/hit-a-golf-ball-straight