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Posts Tagged ‘golf’

The golf swing, lower back, and injury are common phrases in the world golf. It is understood the golf swing places great amounts of stress on the lower back. This is simply a result of the mechanics of the golf swing itself. The execution of the golf swing places the lower back under high shear forces each and every golf swing, and the muscles of the lower back must withstand these shear forces. Muscles of the body when under stress from physical activity eventually become fatigued. Once the lower back muscles are fatigued, supporting the stressors of the golf swing and executing the mechanics of the golf swing are compromised. Resulting in some very common situations for the golfer.

Again, we are all aware the lower back is one of the most oft injured areas of the body in the game of golf. Statistics indicate approximately 50% of all golfers will incur a lower back injury during their playing careers. This statistic tell us a great deal about the importance of keeping the lower back healthy in the game of golf. Outside of the lower back becoming injured from the golf swing.

The situation of performance on the golf course comes into play. Many times prior to injury occurring, a drop in performance will occur. This is a result of fatigue within the lower back not allowing the mechanics of the golf swing to be executed properly.

On the PGA Tour keeping the lower back strong and injury free is a daily task. It is quite understandable how much time is spent on lower back injury prevention when the biomechanics of the golf swing are understood. The biomechanics of the golf swing place the lower back under large amounts of shear force/stress every time you swing a golf club.

Over time, this can easily cause injury if you do not take the correct steps. This leads me to e-mail I received a little while back from BioForce subscriber Bryan

He wrote in with a question about his lower back and here is what he had to say;

“Sean,

I am 54 years of age and a very keen golfer.
Lately I have been experiencing back pain, maybe because of to much golfing?
I need your kind experience to advise me on this subject so that I can enjoy golf
without any harm to my back.”

Thank You,
Bryan

First and foremost the reasons for lower back pain is numerous and is best identified by a qualified physician.

My first suggestion is to get the lower back checked out by a back specialists. This will determine what exactly is going on with the lower back and what is the best treatment.

Now Bryan brings up a very good point in his e-mail. He discusses the possibility that his lower back discomfort is caused by playing too much golf. (you can never play enough golf!, well…maybe)
This absolutely could be the reason why his lower back is “tight” and “sore”.

Again, we know the lower back is placed under high amounts of stress every single swing of the golf club. Over time the muscles of the lower back can become fatigued from the golf swing. This will eventually lead to the muscles of the lower back “giving up” and becoming fatigued.

Once the muscles of the lower back are fatigued it is a very short step to injury. What is the process of eliminating this type of scenario coming up?

It simply requires the development of muscular endurance in the lower back to withstand the stress of the golf swing. Bottom line the golf swing is a repetitive movement, requiring the body to perform the swing over and over again. In order for the muscles (lower back muscles included) involved in the golf swing to perform the repeatable movements of the golf swing over and over again in an efficient manner.

Muscular endurance is the ability of the neuromuscular system of the body to perform a repetitive biomechanical movement (i.e. golf swing) without becoming fatigued. How do you develop muscular endurance specific to the golf swing? By simply, implementing golf fitness exercises into a structured program.

In addition to the development of increased muscular endurance the efficiency of the golf swing mechanics may require adjustment. Efficiency within the mechanics of the golf swing can directly affect the amount of stress placed upon the lower back.

Additional research has indicated the shear forces placed upon the lower back of a professional golfer is significantly less than the amateur golfer. The reason for the difference is the mechanics of the golf swing performed by professionals is much more efficient, placing much less stress on the lower back.

Stated previously, numerous reasons exist for the lower back to become injured. The mechanics of the golf swing and endurance with muscles of the lower back are only two of many possibilities. If the lower back is weak the shear forces placed upon it by the golf swing will eventually lead to fatigue. The development of higher levels of muscular endurance can counter act this situation. The utilization of golf fitness exercises is best in relation to the golf swing for this situation.

Also, the efficiency in which the mechanics of the golf swing are executed affects the lower back. A less efficient golf swing places higher levels of shear force upon the musculature of the lower back causing fatigue and possible injury. A comprehensive golf fitness program to develop higher levels of muscular endurance and the creation of a efficient golf swing golf through instruction may assist keeping your lower back injury free.

To learn more about playing golf visit: Golf Tips and Advice

Golf has become the most challenging game in the world that involves the number of people that participate in the activity. This is partly because those who pursue the game of golf except frustration as part of the challenge and fun of playing the sport.

So many people are deddicated to the pleasures of playing golf, so it stands to reason that most would want to discover ways to enjoy gold without the frustration sometimes occurring in the sport.

Numerous books and magazines have been published for this purpose. You can spend time reading about and practicing golf, but problems will always occur as you participate in the activity. Strangely enough, this is what makes golf so interesting.

Nothing is more gratifying for established golfers than to have a perfect golf swing and to be able to keep the swing intact through adjustments or corrections. It is a continually self-rewarding experience. The biomechanics of golf swing, however, is as unpredictable as the weather and as capricious as the wind. A poor golf swing even afflicts the best of professional players from time to time.

Understanding the golf swing, which admittedly takes a lot of time and effort, will help you overcome most problems in golf by either preventing them or correcting the issues. When you start out you will find that problems are prevented by developing sound fundamentals including a smooth, controlled swing and correct any problems by using fundamentals in those problem areas.

Even experienced professional players have difficulty finding and correcting a recurring problem due to the complexity of the swing, though they understand that they must find a way to correct the problem.

Many golfers find that the more they force a golf swing into conformity the more problematic it becomes. When your golf swing problems continue over and over, even the best players have to accept that something is wrong and ask for help.

Yes, even professional players seek professional help for golf swing tips. The reason is because it is far easier to see a flaw than to actually feel one in the swing. And when it comes to average golfers like you and I, specifically those who have built their swing upon the basics, should be just as selective as professionals in seeking professional help. Always select professional instructors who have also built their knowledge on the use of the basics in golf.

Do you know as much about golf as you think you do? Below you’ll find some sports trivia questions about golf and related topics. I have also included some facts that will find of interest. Have fun!

Which US State has the most golf courses?

Florida

The Sunshine state boasts having one thousand one hundred golf courses? California comes in at number two with 950.

When was golf banned in Scotland?

It was banned in 1457.

It was banned so that citizens would not waste time. They were supposed to be preparing against a British invasion threat.In 1502 the ban was lifted.

If you wanted to play on the world’s longest golf course where would you go?

The state of Massachusetts

The course is 8325 yards long and is a par 7. The largest golf green in the world is another claim of this course.

If you wanted to play on the world’s oldest golf course where would you go?

The oldest golf course is located inn Scotland in Mussellburgh.

It is the Old Links course.In 1567 it is said that Queen Mary herself played a round of golf there.

Who was the youngest golfer to hit a hole in one?

Coby Orr

Coby Orr set the record in 1975 in the toen of Littleton Colorado. At the time Coby was only five years old.

What is the maximum number of golf clubs that a player can carry?

14

A player can share clubs with a partner but their total number of clubs can only be fourteen. A player can carry as many balls as they want.

Which golf course boasts the world’s largest bunker?

Pine Valley Course – located in New Jersey

The huge bunker is on the number seven hole of the Pine Valley Course in New Jersey.Hell’s Half Acre is the name given to this famous bunker.

What is the correct golf term for being 4 under par?

The correct term is condor. A condor can also be called a triple eagle.

What is a pill in the game of golf?

In golf pill is the ball.

Golf balls at one time contained feathers.Wood and wool were also used to make golf balls.

The longest golf hole is where in the world?

Japan is home to the longest golf hole.

Satsuki Golf Club is the home of the world’s longest golf hole. The hole measures an astounding 909 yards and is a par seven.

If you enjoy trivia quizzes and facts, you can spin unlimited free trivia quizzes at: Free Trivia Questions or if you like movies, check out: Movie Trivia Questions

Golf is a difficult game to master; the beginner golfer needs a lot of instruction and tips to get started. In my opinion, a good option is to look for trustworthy free golf tips to start your golfing education. That way, you can learn about the different swing techniques, grip styles, golf equipment options, and other areas like bunker shots – all without spending a single penny.

Pro Golf Lessons

The next step could be to take a few golf lessons with a professional instructor. After that, you will need to practice at the range and then on the golf course. By this stage you should be at a level where you can play some decent shots, and not so many duff shots. But to take your game to the next level and lower your scores, you should continue with your golf education.

Golf Lessons Online

By taking Golf Lessons Online, it could make the difference from shooting scores over 100 or in the 90′s to being able to break 90 or even 80. You will learn how to play golf with more accuracy and consistency, and really start to enjoy your golf.

Some benefits of taking online golf lessons are time and cost. The first benefit is that you can fit the program into your schedule by practicing the lessons at home or in your office anytime you want. For the same amount of money that you would pay for a half hour lesson, you will get 2 or more months worth of golf instruction online.

A Comprehensive Golf Lesson Each Month

The best golf lessons online that you should look for are programs that are run by professional and competent instructors. For a very affordable monthly fee, you will receive a lot of information that will take you from a beginner to an advanced golfer. The key to a successful program is that the information is well organized and easy to follow.

You will get lessons on just one area of golf each month. By the end of the month, you will perfect and master that area – whether it is chipping, putting, driving, or bunker shots. Every single aspect of the game is covered, from the different types of shots to learning the mental game of golf, stretching and flexibility training, different training aids you can use in-doors, and how to choose the right golf equipment.

Many Types Of Golf Resources

The best online golf lessons have many resources for you to learn from. Things like DVD clips, breakdown sessions and practice drills on online video, live teleseminars, worksheets and assignments, evaluation of training aids, tracking worksheets, and access to a private apprentice forum.

Master The Game

So, if you want to improve, lower your score and master the game, I would suggest that you check out one of these Online Golf Lessons programs. You will get expert help to improve your game in a convenient and very affordable way. Remember, you can go at your own pace so that there is no excuse that you don’t have time to practice – you will get a specific practice plan that can be done anywhere and at any time.

It makes sense that we all want to know how to drive long off the tee. It makes sense as more distance will give us shorter and easier approach shots. You will find many golf swing instructionalal e-Books that offer to show you how to add more distance. Most of them promise, at least, an extra few yards.

These guidebooks, however, are designed for the recreational or beginner golfer. They teach you everything about the golf swing; from the grip and setup, to the backswing and follow through. But if you are a more accomplished golfer that is looking for more detailed information about how to drive long, you will need to go to the distance golf experts.

The LDA

You could start by visiting the Long Drivers of America website. They are the golf association that runs the Remax Long Drive Championship. They are into learning the power golf swing for attaining maximum golf distance. So, if you are interested in participating in the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship, then visit the LDA site.

Mike Austin – A Golf Legend

Amazingly, the Worlds longest drive has stood since 1974. The golf legend, Mike Austin at the age of 64, still holds the Guinness World Record for longest drive in a tournament, 515-yards -  during the U.S. National Senior Open in Las Vegas.

That was using a 43.5 inch steel-shafted, wood-headed driver! So obviously, the golf equipment doesn’t have that much to do with how far you can drive the ball. Though, today’s long drive champions use 2X or 3X, extra stiff shafts that are up to 50 inches, and driver lofts that are as low as 5 or 6 degrees.

Learning How To Drive Long

For most of us weekend warriors, we just want to know how to drive long and to improve our golf game in general. Even if you have a decent grip and swing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have a good golf distance off the tee. Your golf club head speed is the major factor that you need to improve on. Every 1 mph increase in golf swing speed relates to about 2.5 yards of distance. Basically, if you increase your swing speed you’ll increase your distance.

Obviously, there are other factors to perfect if you want to learn how to drive long. Golf flexibility and fitness training will improve your overall golf game, as well as your distance. Another important area of your game that you should know about is the mental game of golf. These areas of golf are usually ignored by most golfers, but they are crucial if you want to take your game to the next level.

Golf Instructor

To learn how to drive long properly, you need a golf instructor who knows what it takes to achieve distance golf. If you can only hit drives of 200 yards, then adding only a few extra yards to your drives won’t help you that much. Find someone that used to shoot in the 90′s, who learned how to hit 350 to 430 yard drives, and who can now score in the 60′s and 70′s.

Visit the Golf Review Blog to find out which Long Drive Champion can show you How To Drive Long. This Professional Golfer can teach men and women of Any Age, Swing Style, and any Skill Level how to easily Gain 30-plus Yards in Just 30 Days. Learn the Power Golf Swing today and amaze Yourself in as little as 30 Days!

Nowadays, those who really love the sport of golf and want to be able to play it whenever they go on vacation have an intriguing opportunity in front of them. The attractiveness of golf vacation resorts to these people can’t be overstated. Some of these destinations combine a world-class golf course with a beautiful resort experience. There’s really very little downside, for the most part.

The beauty of a golf vacation resort is that there are many of them all over the world. The ancestral home of the game of golf, Scotland, offers a quality golfing experience on some of the most famous courses in the golfing world. An Ireland golf vacation could be a real treat! But for true high-class resorts and high-class golfing, there aren’t many better places to find them combined than in North America. Some of the resorts are paradises of golf and resort living, for a fact.

Golfers who want to golf on courses that play host to some of the top tournaments in the U.S., including the Open, can head to the Monterey Peninsula and the Pebble Beach Links courses. They’re rated the number one public courses in the country, at present. And the quality of accommodations is as good as the quality of the courses.

The quality of the hotels at many of these golf vacation resorts is also four-star. North Carolina’s Pinehurst was the 2008 Travel and Leisure magazine Best Golf Resort award winner. Resorts like Pinehurst combine outstanding golf courses with equally outstanding luxury resort hotels that deliver on every promise. Both the courses and the hotels are truly four-star.

The attractiveness of golf vacation resorts as a way to not only get in a truly outstanding golfing experience and a luxury hotel stay in one all-in-one package can’t be beat. For many avid golfers, the opportunity to play on world-class, PGA-certified courses is really a chance to play in the major leagues of golf, if only as a visitor.

Golf vacation packages can easily be found and booked online, although most places offer a book-by-phone option for peace of mind. So, what are you waiting for? Go have the golf vacation of a lifetime!

Whether you are an armature golfer or a seasoned one there are always tips to help your swing and take some strokes off your score. Improving your golf swing is all about learning and perfecting the basic, and then you build from there. The biggest problem is that no two people are the same, and ever body is different and reacts to certain motions completely different. So the keys is for ever person o perfect is swing in there own unique way.

The fundamentals of a swing are as follows;

1. Grip, how you hold the club.  
2. Posture, how you set up to the ball. This is a key to a successful golf swing. The width of your stance, the amount of knee flex, the straightening of the back is all aspects of posture. The angle the back maintains throughout the swing and the bending from the hip socket are also related to the posture  
3. Pivoting is how you move your body from the head down to your toes - this includes the hands and arms.  
4. The hand and arm relationship, what the hands and arms do in the golf swing.  
5. Alignment, how you pick and set up to your target.  
6. On the mental side, is the ability to play using different strategies. I would think that this is the most important aspect of the golf game. At times we wonder why is it when we get so frustrated with our poor play that you just get up and hit a great shot without thinking about it? Most sports are 90% mental and the rest is skill. Tiger Woods is a perfect example of this principle.

The first tip would be keeping your head still and keeping your eyes fixated on the ball. Doing this will keep the club face the hitting zone. Most often, when you miss a shot, you take your eyes off the ball either by lifting your head even for a split second before taking the shot.

The next tip is to relax as you approach your shot and stay relaxed through your whole swing. Gripping your club to tight and having a rigid stance will play apart in bad play, you need to relax. When you relax, let the club do the work.

So getting back to basics and relaxing should produce a lower game score and better handicap, so you will enjoy your game more.

With the coming of new technology and new materials, they have set rules on the design of golf balls. The manufacturers are always finding ways to make there balls go further. With these principles, an organization needs to make some rules to base the design and manufacturing of these golf balls.

These are the rules of USGA (United States Golf Association)

Technology and Golf Ball Design:

With the rapid advancement of golf ball technology, there must be a limit to how technologically advanced one can make a golf ball. The USGA has set several guidelines that regulates the construction and design of golf balls.
To be accepted and recognized by the USGA, a golf ball must meet the following criteria:

The Golf Ball Weight:
Accodring to the USGA Rules of Golf, the weight of the golf ball shall not exceed 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93 gm).
The heavier the ball to a point, the less it can be slowed down by air resistance and therefore the further it tends to fly. Hence the majority of the manufacturers produce golf balls with the maximum allowed weight of 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g.

The Golf Ball Size
According to the USGA Rules of Golf, the diameter of the ball shall not be less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm).
The smaller the golf ball, the further it flies comapred to a larger one given the weight is equal. The reason why it is – is because having a small diameter ball means less air resistance. Moreover, the majority of the manufacturers produce golf balls with the minimal diameter of 1.680 inches / 42.67 mm.

The Spherical Symmetry of the Golf Ball:
Golf balls must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally modify the properties which differs from the ones of a spherically symmetrical ball.

Golf Ball Initial Velocity:
The initial velocity of the ball must not exceed the limit specified when measured by the USGA.

Golf Ball Overall Distance Standard:
Overall Distance Standard for golf balls is on file with USGA.
For the most part, all balls sold in the United States meet the standards and earn a place on a document known as the United States Golf Association (USGA) Conforming List, which includes many hundreds of models of golf balls.

Having your stuff organized and handy may not be the secret to better golf, but it definitely improves the golfer’s attitude. Particularly if you like to travel with your clubs, it feels good to know that your gear is in a safe and sound location and you’ve got a spot for all that you need.

Golf Travel Bags and Travel Covers

With lots of makes and features to choose from, you can find the right golf travel bag and cover for your needs. It doesn’t matter whether you’re just a basic golfer who wants to make sure that their golf clubs are secure or if you are one of those linkster golfers that  just needs room for a cooler in your bag, there are plenty of well made, totally awesome and convenient golf travel bags that you can select from.

Combos: The Easy Way

You can get the best of both worlds by choosing a combination golf travel bag/carrier combo: they are made to be about the same weight as a regular bag, plus they make traveling easier because you have less bulk to pack.You can order them with wheels which makes it easier to get around the airports, or over to your golf cart. They have  many different designs ranging from sleek metal alloys to padded designs that are reinforced with cloth. If you would like the ease of using a piece of lead its that switches easily from a travel bag to a highly functional golf bag, then the right choice for you will most definitely be the combo golf travel/carrier bag.

Golf Travel Bag with Cover: Familiarity Breeds Comfort

Some golfers like the way they have their bag set up though, and don’t see any reason why they should take everything out and repack it for a trip. In that situation, adding a durable bag cover or case to your equipment makes a lot of sense. These are made in a simple and common sense way in that you can just put your travel bag inside of it, button it all down, and you’re ready to go. Wheeled designs are available, as well as unique space-saving models that feature “hideaway” construction to make it easier to store the case when it’s not in use.

Consider Your Needs

If you don’t do a lot of traveling, then you probably don’t think that makes a lot of sense to spend money on a high-end golf travel bag or a travel case. However, when you consider what you’ve invested in your clubs, shoes, and other gear (not to mention all those lessons, right?), you won’t want to skimp on protection for your investment. Relax and take some time to check out all the options you have, think about how often the bag is going to be used, then from that point make your decision.

Read more on Titleist golf bag

The past few years has shown less and less younger people playing sports like golf. Why could this possibly be happening? It certainly isn’t down to kids not wanting to use the electric golf trolleys.
One of the major reasons and the reason that detered me from the sport is that one of the parents play the game and it is seen as a older generations game. It can also be said that if a youngster is going to play golf they are bound to be picked on if they are seen wearing some of the outfits golfers have to wear on some of the courses. The fact is that when I was at school the people who played golf were only friends with the other golf players which was either out of choice or bullying which is wrong.

Why is it that golf is seen as a old mans sport and not seen like football, tennis, rugby and all the other high profile sports. Although golf is a high profile sport, most children would sadly prefer to play football or rugby than give the sport a chance. To a certain extent this is untrue as I know an 8yr old boy who loves the game and plays it every Saturday. The only problem is ge wishes to play football and go to gardening club rather than play golf. I really do not see how gardening can possibly be better than playing golf? Is the game really seen to be that boring to the younger people? Although not liking the sport myself I also do not like football or any other of the major sports so i'm certainly not biased against the sport.

In all honesty golf would certainly benefit the kids of today more so than a lot of other sports as it has standards that must be kept to. The great thing about golf is that it would actually help any child who liked the sport as unlike other sports the majority of people who play it don't swear or behave like a complete idiot. Another plus side is it inspires young people to play the game as well as they can and fairly as the golfers themselves really only get money for playign hte tournaments rather than on a stupidly high wage per week.
So charge up those golf batteries kids and get playing!