LearnAboutGolf.com Newsletter

April 2008

LearnAboutGolf.com’s eNewsletter

Issue 4/2008 

LearnAboutGolf.com Newsletter
   Frank J. Peter
   Editor
   LearnAboutGolf.com
 

Hello Golfer,
  
Welcome to the April edition of the LearnAboutGolf.com Newsletter.
  
As always, if you disagree with any of the info below, I welcome your opinion - please send your feedback simply by using our contact form.
  
If you find this newsletter helpful, please forward it to your friends, buddies, associates, instructor etc. Thanks for helping us growing.
  
Best wishes, Frank
  
IN THIS ISSUE

 
  • Sponsorship Note
  • Golf Tip: Getting Ready for Spring
  • Golf Rules Quiz
  • Golf Club Review: Giga Golf GX Squared Ti Driver
  • Feature Article: Range Finder or GPS unit, which one is the better distance measuring device?
  • How to be featured as our Guest Columnist
  • Answer to the Golf Rule Quiz
  • New: Xeon Titan Putter by Pinemeadow Golf
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE


Brand New PurePoint Golf Pitching DVD

The Pitching DVD from PurePoint Golf.com PurePoint Golf has just released their brand new Golf Lesson on DVD on how to improve your Pitching. This DVD is the latest in a series of immensely popular instructional DVDs by Bobby Eldridge, one of the top golf teachers in the US.
If you struggle with your pitching game and want to substantially cut your scores around the green you should check this out: PurePoint Golf Pitching DVD
Click on the DVD picture now to find out more.
  

FEATURE GOLF TIP


Golf Tip: Getting Ready for Spring by Dr Richard Myers of thinkandreachpar.com
 
Daylight is gaining on darkness by two to three minutes every day. The sun is moving closer and early spring is fast approaching.

On the first warm day, most golfers want to and go out and hit a full bucket of practice balls. That won't help your game much; in fact, it can be counterproductive.

It's easy to develop bad swing habits when you practice with too much clothing on during chilly weather. Under these conditions, most golfers have a tendency to shorten their backswing and that causes an unnatural rhythm.

And even if you catch a nice day or two and hit a lot of practice balls, the benefits will be fleeting because cold weather is sure to return and put you back indoors for several days.

After laying off for a week or even less, it's the same as starting from square one again. You wouldn't think a one-week layoff would affect your game, but--after a few days when you don't play--timing and swing thoughts disappear like a morning mist. Any swing groove you start to develop will vanish after a three- or four-day layoff.

Another caution: It's easy to overdo after a long period of inactivity. Your enthusiasm is bubbling and you can't wait to get to the driving range and then the course.

Take it easy. Many golfers are dormant for two or three months during the winter, and the muscles and tendons used in the golf swing lose their tone and elasticity. Golfers with a history of back problems should be particularly cautious; make sure you stretch and loosen up before you play. And don't let your back get too tired because that's when it can go out.

Relax and enjoy the early games without overdoing the physical part, and don't worry about your score the first few times out.

Any off-season conditioning work you do will be of great benefit when you start playing during the first days of warm weather. Here again, exercise within your limits depending on your age and physical condition.

What you can work on in the early spring is your short game. It won't hurt anything if you're all bundled up in warm clothing. Also, if you practice your short game for a half hour or so before one of your first games of the new season, it will produce immediate and positive results.

Chipping and pitch shots and putting can be honed close to the clubhouse where you can take a break to warm up. If cold weather forces a week's layoff, you can continue to chip and putt indoors at home--thus insuring that the stroke developed while practicing outside doesn't go AWOL.

Working on your putting after a long layoff can be particularly beneficial; that's especially true for long approach putts that require a certain feel.

The time to begin hitting full shots on the driving range is when the spring weather stabilizes to the point where no long layoffs appear likely, and you don't have to wear heavy clothing that restricts your swing.

If you concentrate on your short game during the unpredictable early spring, you'll be way ahead of your fellow competitors when stable weather arrives.

 

GOLF RULES QUIZ


A player's ball lies on a path that is covered with wood chips. He removes some chips and then properly takes relief under the obstruction Rule. What is the ruling in stroke play?
  
(1) There is no penalty.
  
(2) There is a one stroke penalty.
  
(3) There is a two stroke penalty.
  

*-----------------------------------*

Tap the book cover below to get a free copy of the newest Rules and Regulations (2008/9 edition) directly from the USGA as pdf file:

USGA Golf Rules Illustrated (Book) by the United States Golf Association

GOLF CLUB REVIEW


Giga Golf GX Squared Ti Driver

(as alternative to the Callaway ® FT-i Driver)

  
Giga Golf GX Squared Ti Driver as alternative to the Callaway FT-i Driver

Manufacturer: GigaGolf

Model: GigaGolf GX Squared Ti Driver

Compares to: Callaway® FT-i

Manufacturer's Description Details: Second generation square driver. We took golf equipment's hottest technology and improved on what customers were already telling us was a great driver. The 2008 version has a higher MOI, comes in draw and neutral configurations and is equipped with a VFT cup face for higher ball velocity and more distance. The neutral model includes an internal weight chip that is placed to the rear and center. This is to lower the center of gravity and create higher launch conditions. The draw model incorporates the weight chip into the heel area which creates a right to left ball flight. Ideal for golfer who struggle with a slice but do not want to mess with removable weights.

Our Review: While it's looks may no be for everyone it seems the square head will stick around for Titanium drivers. The GX Squared Ti Driver is modelled after the Callaway FT-i which has been very successful. The square shape design increases both horizontal and vertical stability which in turn results in a very high Moment of Inertia (MOI, reduced 'twisting' at impact), thus assuring a long and accurate shot.
 
In a nutshell, the higher the MOI of a club, the more forgiving the club will be on miss-hits. As an example, let's say you hit the ball on the toe of your driver. A higher-MOI driver will twist less at impact and the ball will still end up reasonably close to the intended target compared to a similar miss-hit off a lower-MOI club (= which would twist more).
 
This popular driver is now also available in a draw version which will benefit golfers that are battling a slice. A small discretionary weight chip helps to close the club face upon impact with the ball, thereby inducing a draw. This can add distance and will also help reduce a slice.
 
If you don't mind the shape of the club head this is an excellent club in case you are plagued by regular miss-hits.

Likes:The GX Squared Ti Driver is a good choice for a beginning player, or any player who would benefit from an increased MOI. Great value for money!

Dislikes: Not avaiable in LH

Link to Product Details: GX Squared Ti Driver

Likes: Upgraded technology covered in a nice, colourful design

Dislikes: Comes in right hand only

Link to Product Details: Pinemeadow Golf ZR1 Driver

FEATURE ARTICLE

Range Finder or GPS unit, which one is the better distance measuring device?
  
by Frank J. Peter
  
[NOTE: After reading the below article you can get more details as well as some examples here: Range Finder or GPS unit, which one is the better distance measuring device?]

Range finders and GPS units are golf gadgets that measure the distance from the spot where your ball lies to the pin. They have been around for several years but have only recently been legalized by golf's governing bodies. This article looks at some issues that prompted this change of mind, and we will also look at the different type of devices that are now available. Are they really giving golfers an advantage, or are they just some new toys for gadget lovers?

In January 2008, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) announced the change of Rule 14-3b, also known as the range finder rule. The amended rule now states "The Committee may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only". The general trend has since been that local committees allow the use of range finders for amateur golfers on regular golfing days, and sometimes even for local golf tournaments. To the best of my knowledge no major tournament has allowed the use of artificial distance measuring devices.

So, for everyday play, what advantages can a distance measuring device bring? Let's step back for a moment and look at some other recent advances in golf equipment: the new woods and irons hit farther than last years models, and the new golf balls fly longer than ever. But, despite all the improved equipment, a round of golf played 10 years ago may have taken less than four hours to play, while it is often five hours or more today. How come?

With all the improved golf clubs and golf balls better course management becomes a major issue. Unless your ball lies directly besides a yardage marker it takes some guess work to determine the distance to the pin, which obviously directly affects the choice of club to use. Proper distance estimation becomes an even bigger issue inside say 100 yards or so. I have seen many golfers who, from 80 yards out, count steps by walking from their ball to the pin, walk back to their ball, decide which club to use and only then play their ball. This is slow play in it's worst form! So, a device that can measure the distance from the ball to the pin would take away the guess work and thus speed up play considerably. This is believed to be the USGA's and R&A's main reason for allowing the devices for amateur golfers.

Besides speeding up play these devices will also help mid- to high handicappers to lower their scores. By knowing the exact distance to the pin they just have to properly dial in their irons for better approach shots.

However, not everybody thinks that this is a good development. I spoke to some golfers who complained that distance measuring devices "remove the purity of the game" and are "non-traditional". However, these guys also played with the latest weight-adjustable drivers and three-piece balls, not really as pure as the old hickory shafted clubs and gutta percha balls either.

Distance measuring devices for golf come in two main types: range finders and GPS units. Both are quite similar in their accuracy which is definitely sufficient even for better amateur golfers.

Range finders look a bit like binoculars. You look thru it and aim at the target like a sharp shooter, and the unit will measure the distance by sending a laser beam to that particular spot. This requires a direct line of sight to the flag as well as steady hands (especially for longer distances). If the flag is around a dogleg or you have shaky hands a range finder will not help much. However, you can easily determine the distance to a bunker or other hazards that you are trying to avoid, simply aim at them and the range finder will tell you the distance. This way you can decide to either lay up or go for it. Range finders work on every course.

GPS units are a bit more complicated: a map of the course has to be loaded into the device, and your position on the course relative to the pin is determined via a satellite signal. The usability of a GPS unit depends heavily on the quality of the map. Some GPS maps only showing the distance to the front, middle and back of the green and may not show any hazards at all. Depending on the model, maps have to be purchased individually or via a subscription which adds to the cost of the device. Better GPS units offer touch screens which, combined with a good map, allows you to obtain the distance to any spot on the course. However, before buying a GPS unit you need to make sure that a map of your course is available for this model. If you play many different courses you will need all the different maps, too. Also, if the weather is cloudy or you have many tall trees around than the unit may not be able to connect to the satellite, so you won't get a reading at all. On the other hand, if the conditions are good you just walk up to your ball, look at the unit and choose your club, no need for aiming.

You can get more details as well as some examples here: Range Finder or GPS unit, which one is the better distance measuring device?
  

SPONSORSHIP NOTICE


Gigagolf: 15% off
  

GigaGolf Coupons GigaGolf Coupons

(Click the GigaGolf Coupons to find out how to redeem them)


 

SPONSORSHIP NOTICE


Brand New: Xeon Titan Putter by Pinemeadow Golf

Xeon Titan Putter by Pinemeadow Golf The Xeon Titan putter features a straight line throughout mallet club head to ensure proper set-up and a smooth takeaway. A majority of the weight is distributed towards the top plane to create immediate over spin to reduce skidding. The rear of the putter head is weighted to a precise measurement to help increase MOI (Moment of Inertia) for reduced twist on miss-hits: Xeon Titan Putter by Pinemeadow Golf.
Click on the picture now to find out more.
  

ANSWER TO OUR GOLF RULE QUIZ


Correct answer: (1) There is no penalty. (Decision 23/14)
  

  
Source: USGA