As a budding golfer, among the many other things that you have to get acquainted with are the golf sets. It is not just enough that you know each club and their appropriate uses. Knowing what to put on that golf bag before hitting the greens is also very important as the golf sets come in various sizes and shapes.

Here are some ideas on how to go about your golf sets:

First, consider how many golf clubs will make up a golf set. According to the rules in golf, a golfer can fill their golf bags with up to 14 golf clubs. That means all the necessary clubs to complete a golf round. But a wise golfer need not to carry that much. If you know how to combine golf clubs then you can have a lighter golf bag.

Second, know the kinds of golf clubs to carry for a golf game. Normally, golfers who are competing have the woods, irons, wedges, putters, and hybrids placed in their golf bags. But as mentioned earlier, you have the option to carry lesser clubs.

Third, learn how to choose the cost effective golf sets. Some golf manufacturers already provide all-inclusive boxed golf sets that come with various golf club combinations. Sometimes, a golf ball and other few accessories are also included. If you are a beginner then acquiring a boxed set can be a good idea. However, if you prefer assembling your own golf set, better do it with a professional who can make wise decisions regarding golf clubs.

Fourth, try to determine what kind of golf sets is appropriate for your ability or handicap level. There are golf clubs that are difficult to master and so they are intended for the skilled golfers with lower handicap levels.

And lastly, learn to compare prices. Golf, as we all know is not a low-priced hobby. You need to invest your finances if you want to make a career out of it. However, if you are a wise buyer, then golf club prices will never be an issue.

Consider these few simple reminders before heading your way to greens for your very first golf round. These are just some of the basics but mind you, forgetting one of these can place you in an awkward hot spot.

Rule #1: Wear the appropriate dress code.

Most of the golf courses these days already follow a certain golf dress code. It is but proper for you to find out the appropriate dress code for the competition. Golf shoes and other accessories are usually not required but it may be best to check beforehand.

Rule#2: Have the complete set of golf equipments.

The rule in golf regarding golf clubs is that each player is only allowed to carry to maximum of 14 clubs on the golf bag. However, you are given the option to carry lesser clubs as long as you have everything in place to complete a golf round. Borrowing of golf clubs can be permissible at certain times under certain circumstances, but it is completely against the rules for the majority.

Rule #3: Reserve a Tee Time if possible.

If you want to hit the greens on a specific time, it may be best that you book ahead of time especially during the holidays where people often flock the golf resorts. And as much as possible, get to the course ahead of the reserved time in order to avoid any forfeiture. If you still have time before the scheduled golf round, try to hit the driving range and warm up those swings.

Rule #4: Always follow the tee markers.

When you are already on the teeing ground, make sure that you set the golf ball in between the tee markers or two club lengths at most behind the markers. Never place the golf balls in front of the markers. The color of the markers would depend on which tee you are playing. If you play from the white tees, then you should look for the white markers.

Rule #5: Never attempt to pick the ball unless you are certain that it is allowed.

The basics of golf revolve around the idea of “play as it lies”. This means that you are not allowed to pick or touch the ball no matter what state the golf ball is in. Play it as is. Unless stated on the rules, do not move the ball. One exception is that you are only allowed to pick the golf ball when it is on the layout’s putting green.

When you are already in the greens taking a round of golf, there are simple things that you must always bear in mind aside from the golf basics.

First, keep up the pace when already in play. Slow play, especially for the beginners, has always been a primary issue on golf courses. Of course, you do not have to keep golfers that are behind you waiting until you take your shot. Same goes the other way around. As much as possible, always be prepared when it is already your turn. While other players are still hitting, determine ahead of time which kind of golf club to use.

Second, beware of the water hazards while on play. Usually, water hazards are marked with the yellow stakes or lines. When you see the red stakes or lines, those are indications of a lateral water hazard that runs alongside and not across the line of play. Playing a golf ball that is already in the water is definitely a bad idea. What you can do instead is to have the 1-stroke penalty and take another shot on the line where you are allowed to drop the ball.

And lastly, always observe course care and safety. As a golfer, it is part of your responsibility to take good care of the golf course where you are playing. If you are using the golf cart, make sure to follow the posted cart rules. As much as possible keep the cart on the designated cart paths at all times as these carts can damage the grass. Avoid driving a golf cart through a hazard or 50 yards within a putting green. When hitting the sand bunkers, always rake the sand after the hit. And see to it that you repair your fairway divots as well as your pitch marks on the green.

Before taking a swing, become aware of the people around you as golf clubs as well as golf balls can also do some serious damage once they strike a person. Make sure that before you play your shot, the group ahead of you is already out of range.

Most of the on-course mishaps have something to do with golf carts. That is why golf cart drivers must bear in mind that driving on the cart paths is just the same as driving on the real roads. Presence of mind is necessary.

Here are some of the basic guidelines for golf cart safety on the golf course:

1. Before driving around the entire golf course, read over the safety guidelines placed on the golf carts. And as much as possible, observe each of the rules.
2. When inside a moving golf cart, see to it that your arms and legs are inside the cart.
3. Do not over speed. Remember, golf carts are not equipped with safety belts. Attempting to take the sharp curves at a top speed can end up having someone being thrown out from the cart.
4. Always keep your eyes on the cart path. The golf course is often highlighted by tall trees and palms and that falling debris can get into the path. And if you are not that keen, depending on what is on the road can be very dangerous.
5. Before stepping into the accelerator, make sure that everybody on board is already seated.
6. Always watch out for any bottlenecks or intersections on the course in order to avoid colliding with another golf cart.
7. In order to avoid damages on the golf cart as well as jeopardize your safety, use the golf carts on the intended places only.
8. Since the golf carts are only intended for golf course purposes only, never use them for a joy ride.

These guidelines are very simple that even the young ones can clearly understand. You only need to observe each of the above mentioned guidelines and you can already enjoy a great golf round.

It is every budding golfer’s dream to make a successful career in golf. However, the way to the top is not an easy journey. You have to start with the basics. Skills alone would not suffice. You need to integrate skills with the proper attitude, or else, it will take longer before you can have your fair share of golfing success.

Here are some few tips to consider on how to take the ladder of success in golf:

First, master the basics of golf. Like getting into school, you need to start with the basics and pass every test before proceeding to the next stage. Success in golf is not an overnight process and mastering the basics usually takes longer depending on your willingness to learn.

Second, read plenty of books or magazines and learn from the professionals. Again, reading is not enough. Get to work what you have learned from the masters.

Third, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional golf instructor. Although you can work out those skills with your friends who are already professionals in the field, there are still things that only a professional golf instruction can give you.

Fourth, take time to practice as much as possible. Just like any form of sports, practice is the key to success. Take note of the things that still needs improvement and always bring them up with your instructor the next time you practice.

And lastly, join competitions. Having the casual golf rounds with friends or family members is totally a different experience when you join competitions. Aside from enhancing your skills, golf competitions will also teach you how to deal with pressures as these things are very apparent when competing. Learning how deal with stress in golf is among the many other things that you need to master in order to succeed.

If you want to make it on top, try to follow these simple tips. Always remember that in golf, there is always plenty of room for improvement. Even the professionals need to learn as well as unlearn in order to become a better golfer each day.

In the game of golf, shots can vary in terms of difficulty level. Of course this would depend on the factors that contributing to the complexity of the each hole. Among the many factors that add up to difficult golf shots are the wind and bunkers. As a golfer, you need to know how to overcome these two things in order to have a rewarding golf round.

Let us first consider the bunkers. Dealing with the bunkers on any golf course is just like taking any other kind of shot whether on the greens or fairways. The very thing that makes the bunker quite intimidating is that they have the sands all over the place. A professional golfer once said that, “what makes the sand bunker different is its color and texture. If the sand would have been colored green then golfers would not find each shot very difficult.” It is true. If you consider these bunkers as one of the greens then you can deal with them the uncomplicated way. You only need to master the kind of swings that each shot would require. Once you are already familiar with the kind of swing that you are going to in order to get the ball out of the sand bunkers then it would be easier.

Another factor that you have to deal with is the wind. The key here is to make use of the wind to your advantage. During the golf game, if the wind is blowing towards you, try using the longer clubs when taking shots. Also, make sure that you widen your stance for the purpose of stabilization. As much as possible, limit your weight shifts during the swing and add more weight on your front foot. If on the other hand the wind blows behind you, use the shorter clubs.

Unlike any fine day at the golf course, a cold weather can affect your golf game. Since the cold air is heavy, it will create more resistance to the golf ball’s flight. This will then naturally encourage every golfer to swing harder leaving each golfer a room for more errors.

Here are some pointers on how to go about your golf game during the cold weather:

First, try to protect your body from the cold weather. See to it that your head, feet, and hands are warm enough to keep you going. Also make sure that your equipments are in good condition in order to keep your tempo while on play. Using a golf club that is not in its perfect condition can affect your concentration as well as focus.

Second, see to it that your shoulders have the correct set up during address as this will encourage a good shoulder motion during every swing. At your starting position, make sure that your right shoulder is slightly lower than your left shoulder. The right arm must be relaxed and that your elbow is gently tucked. This position will now allow you to have your left control the takeaway. Always remember that in golf, the right follows and the left leads.

Third, never pass the ball with your right shoulder. The right shoulder’s position must not be high enough through the hitting area. This will allow you to have the uppercut type blow that is better than having the golf ball with the roundhouse spinning motion.

Fourth, it is best that every golfer should gear their swings toward a lower trajectory ball flight. The arc of the swing plane must be shallow and position the ball slightly in your stance’s back. This will allow the golf club’s head to come in contact with the ball properly.

And lastly, never take reckless swings just to counteract the cold weather. Consider the proper stances that can work to your advantage.

A hook shot in golf is a kind of shot that starts from the right of the target and curves back severely to the left portion of the target of a right-handed golfer. This kind of shot is a result when a golfer’s body is aligned too far from the target’s right portion. Another type of hook shot is the pull hook that starts from the left of the target and curves farther left. The latter shot is said to be the result of a strong grip that is rotated far enough to the right on the golf club grip. That is why at the point of impact; the club’s face is excessively closed resulting to the ball’s counter-clockwise spin.

Here are some of the techniques on how to deal with the golf hook and pull hook when playing golf:

First, see to it that your alignment is parallel to your target line. Try to visualize if possible. Thinking that you are standing on a railway can somehow help you with the visualization.

Second, make sure that you have the neutral grip, not too loose or too tight.

Third, make a swing all the way down to the target line and not the out-to-in ball flight.

And lastly, always ensure that the club face of your golf club is square during the impact. Before hitting the greens, take some time practicing at the driving range in order to check the consistency of your club’s face position.

4. Ensure that your club face is square at impact – perform a few practice swings to check club face position.

These simple techniques are easy to follow. You only need to master your golf swinging skills in order to succeed and prosper in golfing.

Every golfer has to deal with various challenges when hitting the greens. And dealing with the trouble shots are among the golfing tests that a golfer must defy if one would want a successful golf round. Here are some of the common trouble shots that you may encounter when playing golf and how you can get through them the uncomplicated way.

Not all golf courses are flat. In fact, most of the layouts are hilly. When playing the downhill, sidehill, and uphill lies, always take note where the golf club is hitting the ground. The general rule here is to position your golf ball about the center of the higher foot for the uphill lie and in the stance nearer your higher foot when dealing with the downhill lie. And from the sidehills, golfers normally have the ball position at the left center. To really come up with effective hilly shots, try to practice from any position to determine what really works for you.

Another thing that you have to deal with at the greens is the deep rough. In order to take the golf ball out of the roughs, it might be best that you use the more lofted clubs. The #5, #6, and #7 will work if you want to work out a long distance left. At the green, try working with the 9-iron or the wedge. The key here is that these lofted clubs can lift the golf ball out of the rough effectively with the right techniques and delivery.

In dealing with putting in golf, the key is to combine the putt’s distance and the putt’s direction. The only thing that you need to keep on learning here is to hit the golf ball at the right distance as rolling the golf ball on line can be fairly automatic even for the beginners. When making the practice stroke, always take note of the force exerted on each hit and then try to duplicate that kind of stroke when already dealing with the actual putt.

These are just some of the many golf tests that a golfer can encounter on the golf course. The secret to overcoming each challenge on the layout is to master the kind of strokes for each kind of shot. And in order to master your strokes, keep on practicing.

The game of golf is not just a physical test but also a mental ordeal. That is why it is very important that you compose yourself before heading your way to the greens and take the challenges of the bunkers, fairways, and the various hazards. Any negative feelings on the golf course can get yourself into a fearful or nervous state and contribute to the build-up of tension.

Consider these helpful pointers on how to get rid of your first tee nerves:

Pointer #1: Try to verify your feelings. If you started the game with the cycle of negativity, it will eventually influence the entire game. You do have almost all the feelings that are associated with failure, and your mind, powerful it is, can support these feelings.

Pointer #2: Develop a positive self talk. It is a fact that whatever it is that you tell yourself, your subconscious mind acknowledges it. The whole thing will then manipulate your performance. That is it very important that you make a conscious effort to stop having the negative self talk.

Pointer #3: Take your time before taking the first shot. Do not try to hurry things especially when you are not yet composed. If for instance you approach the first tee with an anxious feeling, deal with the feeling first. Deciding to take the shot right away may not be a good idea since being worried often gives rise to poorly executed shots.

Pointer #4: Learn how to compose yourself during a golf game. First, take a deep breath and make sure that your shoulders are relaxed. Then try to focus. After getting the needed composure, you need to visualize where you would want the ball to end up and culminate with a follow through.

For the budding golfers, it is but normal to feel nervous especially with your first few games. But everything is part of the game. You only need to come up with an effective solution on how to go about the first tee nerves. Try to apply the above mentioned pointers and see where the game of golf will take you.