From club competitions to charity days and the major championships, golf events use a handful of scoring formats. Each one rewards a different style and calls for a different strategy. Stroke play Every stroke on every hole counts, and the lowest total wins. Professional tour events and most club championships use it. One disastrous hole … Read more
For most golfers, more than half the strokes in a round are played within 100 yards of the hole. Chipping is the fastest place to save shots because the motion is small and easy to practice, even in a backyard. A basic chipping setup Swing with the shoulders, like a putting stroke with a little … Read more
Many golfers arrive at the course, tie their shoes and hit their first drive cold. The first few holes then serve as the warm-up, and stiff muscles are more easily strained. A few minutes of preparation fixes both problems. Why dynamic, not static Long, held stretches before playing can temporarily reduce power. Before a round, … Read more
Buying for a golfer seems easy until you realize they are picky about their equipment. A little detective work first avoids the “nice, thanks” reaction. Find out three things Consumables are safe bets Golfers go through balls, gloves and tees constantly. A dozen of their usual ball, possibly personalized with initials, is almost always welcome. … Read more
Golf gives you plenty of time to think, which is the problem. Between shots, worries about the last hole or the next hazard creep in. A few simple habits keep your mind on the shot in front of you. Build a pre-shot routine A routine is the same sequence before every shot: look at the … Read more
All golf balls look alike, but construction changes how far they fly, how much they spin and how they feel. The right ball will not transform your game, but the wrong one can cost shots around the green. How a golf ball is built The main categories Which one is for you? Weather plays a … Read more
The right golf bag depends mostly on one question: will you carry it, push it or ride with it? Answer that first and the choice becomes simple. The main types What to check Weight. If you carry, every pound counts over five miles. Stand bags typically weigh between about 3 and 7 pounds. Dividers. Bags … Read more
Golf is not the most demanding sport, but the swing is a fast rotational movement repeated many times, and a round can mean walking five or six miles. Better fitness adds distance, improves consistency late in the round and reduces the risk of injury. Mobility The swing needs rotation, mainly from the hips and the … Read more
Most golfers know their score but not where the strokes went. Tracking a few simple stats shows which part of your game costs the most and where practice will pay off. The basic stats Track these for every round; you can do it on a paper scorecard: After ten rounds, patterns become obvious: many golfers … Read more
Golf looks complicated from the outside: clubs, rules, etiquette, a dress code. In reality, you can start with a few lessons, a borrowed or second-hand half set and a bucket of range balls. Take a few lessons early A short series of group or individual lessons with a qualified coach gives you a sound grip, … Read more
