#Best Golf Balls for Average Golfer

[alexanderwales]

Anime Review: Rising Impact

Rising Impact is a shonen sports anime about a third grader who is really ridiculously good at golf. This is a review, along with some thoughts on shonen sports anime and what makes them tick. Spoilers for the first season follow.

I don't watch a ton of anime, so tend to just go in blind to things whenever something looks good to me on first blush, having not read any discussion, review, or sometimes, not even a blurb. I sometimes get surprised with something great like Frieren, and more often drop out after three episodes when there's no spark of artistry.

I usually don't have a problem with a sports anime, so long as it's above a certain quality waterline. I've watched Yowamushi Pedal, Kuroko's Basketball, Yuri on Ice, Keijo!!!!!!!!, most of Haikyu!!, some of Bluelock, I'll include Shokugeki no Soma, I read the manga of Prince of Tennis ... probably a smattering of others, including a ballroom dancing one that I watched with my wife, enough that I think I have a grasp on the genre, even if I'm not "well read".

So far as I understand the average shonen sports anime, the first step is explaining the sport to the audience, which can last for at least half a season. The mechanism for this is that there's a character who knows basically nothing about the sport in question and can get slowly introduced to it as we go. And because it's shonen, usually our protagonist is absurdly talented, which also helps to propel the plot forward: they're so good that they immediately get wrapped up in the sport, mentored by teammates who see their potential or accelerating through all the beginner stuff without all that much effort.

Rising Impact takes this to its logical endpoint in a few ways. Our protagonist, Gawain, is in third grade with an ambition to hit a ball as far as humanly possible. Once he gets shown by a passing professional golfer that maximum distance can be obtained with a golf ball and a driver, he's all in despite the fact that he doesn't know the first thing about golf. He practices with neurodivergent fervor until his hands are blistering and bleeding, honing his ability to send a golf ball flying, then his grandfather sends him off to Tokyo to seek his fortune.

I had thought and hoped that after the first episode we'd be in for a time skip, but nope! Our protagonist is just a third grader for the whole series, in spite of how little sense this makes (even for shonen anime). This choice is easily the worst part of the anime, because I am a father to a third grader and kept imagining him being sent out to become a professional golfer, and it beggars belief. I generally find myself aging up people in my head anyway (most of the main cast is like ... 6th grade), but can't really do that with Gawain, who really does act like an impulsive child.

After coming to Tokyo to live with this random woman he'd come across, he gets embroiled in some golf happenings, first challenged to see if he can hit the ball the furthest, which he wins, then challenged to putt the ball in, which he loses because he has never tried to putt and didn't know that it was a part of the game of golf. This is the first time he suffers any kind of loss, and it's an important part of the setup, because it's showing speciation.

Everyone is good at different kinds of things, and sports anime will always take this to extremes. Rather than having someone with a good drive, they will have The Best Drive. Someone can't just be good at putting, they have The Best Putt. Initially it looks as though our protagonist has The Best Drive, but actually he has a (named) ability called Rising Impact which is an ability to see the exact point of contact between the club and the ball, which makes him really good at golf. And also he has insane stamina, upper body strength, lower body strength, and luck.

I haven't watched Jojo's Bizarre Adventure but I'm assuming that all this was influenced by Stands, which are (for my purposes) a unique superpower that an individual has. In sports anime, everyone has a Stand, but specific to the sport, because of course everything revolves around the sport. How entertaining this ends up being sort of depends on the sport and the variety of mechanics it has, but also the creativity of the author. Part of why you want to keep going is to see how the different Sports Stands stack up against each other, how they work in different scenarios, and what wrinkles they have. When evaluating a sports anime, one of the first questions I'm going to ask myself is "how are the Stands?"

In the case of Rising Impact, the biggest problem is that the sport of golf kind of sucks, at least from a narrative standpoint. Golfers aren't going against each other, so the different Stands can't actually interact with each other. Sure, some guy is the Wind Master who can read wind really well, and there's a woman who sees the Serpentine Path when putting, but when they're golfing they're individually going for the lowest score and counting strokes. It largely would not matter if they were playing sequentially instead of being on the green together. With that said, the first season had enough creativity to hold my interest and did enough to ensure that the matches were interesting, so my complaint is mostly about the sport, and I think "should have made an anime about something else instead" is probably not good criticism. They should have though.

After an early tournament, Gawain goes to Camelot Academy to learn golf with other (older) students, leaving behind pretty much all of the established characters. From a writing perspective, I kind of hate this, but it's super common for anime: we've said everything we wanted to say about those characters, so they're dead to us, at least for a little bit. Partly this is because new characters have new Stands and it's interesting to see fresh ideas, but I don't know, it also kind of smacks of someone writing with a gun to their head, and also that gun is going to go off the very moment someone loses attention.

The whole cast of new characters didn't really grip me, though I will say this in favor of Rising Impact: one of the things it gets right is matching the Stands to the characters. I don't think it's rocket science, but you do want these two things to work in harmony with each other (or working against each other in a narratively satisfying way). After the first week of study, we get introduced to another cast of character who also go to Camelot, and they're ... mostly fine, though one guy's Stand appears to be cheating, which is dumb as heck, and also he makes monkey sounds.

Most of the conflict in these episodes is about who's going to be going to the UK for the Camelot Cup, and this is also one of the staples of a sports anime, which is that we have to have constantly escalating stakes in the form of bigger and more important competitions. The first season has its climax between two master putters with nearly identical Stands, and the final episode stops just before the start of the Camelot Cup arc, which I assume would be the whole of the second season. Personally, I think it might have been better to escalate a little bit more slowly, but I haven't read the manga, so maybe this is escalating slowly.

Rising Impact really seems like it wants to go as hard as it can as soon as it can, and I can't blame it for that, because ... well, it's golf, what else are you going to do to make it fun? The courses they play on get ridiculous very early on, with all kinds of bullshit you would never see in a real golf course, like they had been designed by the same people who did Green Hill Zone. They're not shown on screen in the first season, but there's apparently a set of legendary clubs which I would assume have special abilities of some kind. I tend to admire this kind of approach, and it's part of the reason I watch anime, but this one accelerates toward absurdity with full force, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.

Something I've noticed in a few sports anime is that as the series goes on, it gets more and more decoupled from the actual sport. Part of this is because we quickly exhaust the author's knowledge of the sport, even if it's their hobby, and part of it is the need for escalation, but eventually you reach a point where there's full separation from most aspects of the sport. Especially if the show has any mythology to it, we eventually have someone looking at players with a jeweler's loupe and saying "ah yes, his skill Eagle Talon, which will allow the Golden Minute" or whatever. Toward the end of the short first season, Rising Impact is basically already there. It's a dangerous place to be, because that means it needs to be carried by its "fight scenes" and character work, and as I've said, the choice of golf as a sport handicaps the "fight scene" approach to depicting sports.

As for the character work, Gawain is essentially just comic relief and "wow I can't believe he's so good", and the only other character that has a significant story is Lancelot, the quiet and thoughtful master putter. He has a golfer sister in the hospital and ... I just did not care, which doesn't bode well for my interest in future seasons. If I'm watching, it's for the golf.

And look, the issue is the golf. I think it's a dead boring sport. I've played maybe two rounds of golf in my life, and it was fun enough, but it's got so little narrative to it. There's very very little strategy or tactics, and instead it's heavy on the biomechanics. The central question of golf is "how efficiently can you hit a ball to the hole", and there's just no meat there. I think in a different life I could be a guy who enjoys a weekly game of golf, but there's just no story in it.

I guess I can vaguely imagine a shonen golf anime that I would enjoy more, but I think a lot of the ways Rising Impact heads deep into the genre trappings right from the beginning makes up for golf being a narratively poor game. I'm still not sure that I can actually recommend Rising Impact, but I had fun with it, and it was thankfully light on the "anime weirdness" stuff that often puts me off. If there's a second season, I'll probably end up watching it, but I'm not going to seek out the manga like I sometimes do if an anime has really gripped me.

[bunkershotgolf]

Monday After the Masters

By ED TRAVIS

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Charles Dickens wrote those words over a century and a half ago for the opening of “A Tale of Two Cities” and some thought these words could be equally applied to this year’s invitational started by Bob Jones.

The normal staid if not stuffy world of golf came to the first major of 2023 with a rift–no, make that a chasm–between the PGA Tour and the upstart Saudi Arabian-funded LIV Golf series. Augusta National declined to invite LIV CEO Greg Norman for the week saying it would be a distraction. The potential of an all but armed confrontation between those who bolted for LIV’s million and those who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour didn’t happen. By all reports the past champions dinner was pleasant without even so much as an unkind word between the two factions which carried over to practice rounds and play the balance of the week.

As if that weren’t enough off course drama Augusta chairman Fred Ridley indicated the Masters would side with the USGA and R&A in the controversy around the proposed “roll back” of ball performance. This in the face of surveys indicating average golfers are overwhelmingly against any change at even the elite level nor in favor of bifurcating the Rules of Golf.

The PGA Tour’s battle with LIV Golf presumably won’t be settled with golf clubs but in a court room, which is unfortunate because that will do nothing to assuage the hard feelings between the two sides. Driven by the competition from LIV the PGA Tour has increased tournament payouts with more next year and it has become clear the players opting to leave the PGAT did it for the money not to “grow the game” as was said early on.

Almost as an afterthought the pretournament chatter got around to who would win the most popular of the four majors. As is usual speculation abounded about topics such as Tiger Woods’ injured leg, Rory McIlroy’s chance for the career grand slam, not to mention could Scottie Scheffler take the title back-to-back. Commentators also spent what seemed like endless time talking about the 35-yards added to the par-5 13th which during play proved to be a minor factor. For the week the water-fronted par-5 moved from the easiest hole on the course to the fourth easiest.

Woods obviously was uncomfortable and limping noticeably however the 47-year-old made the cut on the number then withdrew without finishing the third round on Sunday morning and McIlroy did not win his career grand slam; he missed the cut. The biggest factor affecting the scoring was the weather. Play was called Friday after strong winds toppled three trees near the 17th tee box and Saturday the players contended with temperatures in the 40s and 50s and more rain. Though the second round was completed Saturday morning the third round had to be finished Sunday morning. The final day skies cleared and the thermometer at least advanced above 60 though conditions were wet and sloppy.

Jon Rahm’s elegant victory after shooting a fourth round 3-under par 69 bested LIV player Brooks Koepka the leader by two after 54 holes. Phil Mickelson, another LIVer and obviously slimmer, scorched Augusta National in the final eighteen with the best round of the day, a 65 to tie Koepka in second four strokes behind Rahm.

For the record of the 18 LIV players invited to play in the 2023 Master 12 made the 36-hole cut as did the nostalgic favorite and 1992 winner 63-year-old Fred Couples. Favorites Jordan Spieth and defending champion Scottie Scheffler never really contended finishing five and eight strokes respectively behind Rahm.

Golf fans are already anticipating the 2024 Masters.

[pkgam]

Ah, common misconceptions about golf. I’ve been wanting to make a post about this for a while in general, so why not now since I got reminded of it? It’s a long post though so get it after the break so I don’t stretch your feed to next week:

It’s definitely a sport and WAY harder than a lot think it is. Likely the hardest sport to get good at actually. Like, if you watch the people on TV playing, they make it look easy. But when you are trying it yourself, suddenly trying to get the ball in the 4.25 inch circumference hole in the fewest strokes possible from hundreds of yards out ends up seeming like a monumental task because it is. Mind you anyone can hit the ball in the hole, eventually, lol! So it’s technically accessible to all. But getting par or under par has only been accomplished by a extremely low amount of people in any given time. Some may say “Well, just because it’s hard doesn’t make it a sport!”. But it fits the definitions perfectly: https://www.oed.com/viewdictionaryentry/Entry/187476 People just tend to think it’s not one because it’s a solo game even though there are a ton of sports that people wouldn’t think twice about being a sport that are solo like Skiing, cycling and running or because they think it’s not athletic. But to hit the ball 300+ yards like the pros requires months, if not years of strength, flexibility and speed training. So much so that the average distance you can expect regular players to drive is around 225 yards. I’ve also heard the old stereotype about golfers being these obese people compared to athletes in other sports that people wouldn’t bat an eye at like Gridiron football. But you will find WAY less pro golfers that are overweight compared to football players. XD I mean... I can make all sorts of false claims that don’t matter much in the grand scheme of the sports either that flip around the stereotypes too. Like this: With golf pros you are walking 6+ miles (pros are not allowed to use a cart) over hilly terrain across 5-6 hours (more on that in the cost section) to examine where you’re hitting to for a ton of exercise, but in football it’s all flat and they only are active for about 17 minutes with the rest being loitering for replays/time drains/commercials. But we all know that football players train hard to be able to handle their bulk to hold off other players don’t we? :P Hence why I think a lot of knocking of various sports come down to misunderstanding more than anything.

To get accurate enough to keep your ball in play/out of trouble, especially if you hit farther, requires lots of refinement as even being a degree off or creating too much sidespin matters when the ball gets hundreds of yards away. Assuming you have no sidespin and are that mere 1 degree off, that is 5.2 feet for 100 yards. Go up to 300 yards and suddenly you are 15.6 feet off line, making longer hits more of a risk reward than many think. There’s also stuff to factor in like wind which can throw your shots even more off track. Even careful shots around the green and putting to get close to the hole there’s a lot of area you can miss at and a lot of ways to do so from bad lies to slopes. In fact, it is so hard to play golf well that even the best flub at times. Many say it’s maddening actually. Here’s a compilation of pro mishits off of the tee, the easiest spot to hit a ball at because it’s the flattest spot and you can tee the ball to where you feel comfortable off the ground:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxFHXJR2R4o

So basically whenever I see people say “X-Sport isn’t a sport”, it’s largely because they just don’t understand it or are trying to discredit it. -------

Golf is also cheaper to get into than a lot think. It “used” to be a sport for the rich elitist snobs in the old days which it had difficulties shaking to this day. But you can find local courses to play at like $20-$30/round or less if you search around. That’s around 5-6 hours of play too. Compare that to going see a movie (that a lot consider to be a regular person’s leisure time) which is around $10 for 1.5 hours average and you are actually getting more bang for your buck. There are even golf courses in the world that are free to play, but they are far and few: https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/articles/free-golf-courses Just about all courses have a free practice green/area to try things out though, so anyone can get a putter or wedge with a few balls (many free or dirt cheap too and you can even find lost balls while playing golf.) and have at it to see just how difficult even the short shots are. You can even rent clubs at many courses to try things out at first. Heck, even mini-golf can be really difficult and you’re only putting. Getting golf equipment is way cheaper than a lot think too. You can find sets of used clubs and bags being given away or dirt cheap (People often get caught up in the ol’ “New tech will fix my issues!” like with any sport and drop their old stuff for new ones when it’s actually a skill issue.) if you look around (Craig’s list, Ebay, Garage Sales, Play It Again Sports, etc...) and are willing to give them a cleaning. I mean sure if you go for the latest just-released stuff, you are forking out hundreds per club. But you don’t need to as the rules of the game have limited equipment performance for years like any other sport. So new stuff doesn’t even perform much better than older stuff, if at all as lots of testing found. Thus it’s more about how much time and money people want to put into it like any sport or hobby. -----

As a bonus that I seen in the reblogs about it being apparently environmentally bad, that’s also inaccurate: https://www.golfwrx.com/201071/study-golf-courses-actually-arent-bad-for-the-environment/ Golf courses existing have provided wildlife refuge by keeping forests and land that would otherwise be cut down and leveled for endless parking lots and carbon-emitting factories/businesses. People can point out the maintenance of courses with mowers and such having carbon emissions too of course, but it’s FAR less than allowing them to be clear-cut and leveled for other businesses and parking (You may have heard of the phrase “concrete jungle” before.). Which shady corporations will be fighting over to get if they aren’t already some existing business or protected area. Even then they will sometimes try to get it to destroy it for their own gain anyway. Some also think courses use a lot of water, but nope. Many have their own wells and have mastered grass maintenance to know exactly how much to use, if any. Like in drought times, they may not even water at all and people just play them dormant-brown because the grass handily doesn’t grow much, if at all, reducing maintenance even more. Here’s photo of play on a dormant course as an example:

Article source which has the image: https://thegolfnewsnet.com/golfnewsnetteam/2021/05/14/how-tall-is-golf-flagstick-what-is-minimum-recommended-height-110242/

It’s also worth noting that as big as golf courses “seem”, they are a mere pockmark out of the entire planet’s surface area and thus even if you got rid of all golf courses, they wouldn’t make a dent in where the real issues are: https://www.wri.org/insights/interactive-chart-shows-changes-worlds-top-10-emitters

...and golf courses are even aiming to be more environmentally friendly than they already were: https://www.usga.org/course-care/turfgrass-and-environmental-research/research-updates/reducing-carbon-footprint-of-golf-courses.html Which if you think about it, makes perfect sense “to” do because the less waste you have, the more money you save. But the problem is that most other corporations are so behind the times that they don’t see it. Thus big oil (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/18/the-forgotten-oil-ads-that-told-us-climate-change-was-nothing) and auto (https://medium.com/the-pub/exorcising-the-propaganda-of-big-auto-3d3a88bf4b73) continues to push propaganda which has slowed progress to dangerous levels that we may not be able to fix in time.

So when people are complaining about carbon emissions of golf, the focus is sadly directed at one of the lowest impact things on the planet. So if you want to start somewhere, focus on cars as they are abysmal and focus on corporations as they are are even worse (It’ll take regulation before companies change) yet they put all the blame on others just like a narcissist would to try and get others to believe oil is A-OK and redirect the blame. Even electric cars fail because the corporations behind electricity are using oil resourses to make them, as is electricity use in general because electric companies refuse to switch to hydro, wind, solar or other renewables in favor of oil to provide the power as well, which in turn costs them more money that they could be saving as well: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-23/building-new-renewables-cheaper-than-running-fossil-fuel-plants Hence the part of them being incredibly behind the times as they are hurting their own bottom lines too.

Now as a result, if everything “did” switch to all electric at once, the infrastructure couldn’t support it as there isn’t enough renewables set up already despite them having years to do it. It’s a huge mess they created all while they are telling us to use less heat and electricity to make it seem like we use too much. Funny how that works right? ;)

But even if people still want to claim all the environmental impacts of fossil fuels is but mere fiction, there’s one thing that remains well known and agreed on: Fossil fuels will run out eventually so we will have to transition to something else. Better sooner than later before we have to rush. Especially since other forms of energy are already more reliable. For instance: If you have not failed to start a gas lawnmower (or some other gas thing like a trimmer, chainsaw, etc...) for a while (sometimes days at a time) because the engine flooded, something clogged or it was too cold (which can make it shut off) AND needed to wait a while for it to warm up, I would be very surprised, lol! Not that electric always works either of course as nothing is perfect, but let’s just say that if a large branch cracks off on the yard due to a storm and I had to pick between our gas chainsaw or electric chainsaw to get it chopped up to dispose of it quickly because it was blocking something, I’m pulling out the outdoor extension cords. XD -----

That’s not the only field corporations spread lies about themselves ruining either. Like did you know that the plastic problem was created by corporations and NOT the people? Link: https://grist.org/accountability/maine-oregon-laws-shift-responsibility-for-recycling-plastic-waste-to-companies/ They just try and put the blame on others by saying “Oh, you just aren’t recycling! This is your fault! We created a nice system for reusing plastics and you are the ones failing the planet by not recycling!” and such when secretly most plastics made are not recycleable or are incredibly difficult to do so which ups the costs to absurd levels, including plastics that are labeled as such. So most stuff we think we can “recycle”, even if we are putting the right numbers in the bin (check your local regulations), gets chucked into the landfills anyway: https://ipen.org/news/truth-behind-plastic-curtain-most-plastic-not-recyclable Mind you that you still should recycle as it helps a bit, it’s not difficult to do so and things add up. But my point is that us mere customers aren’t the issue, we just have no other choice because most things are packaged with plastic instead of stuff like cardboard or glass. Mind you plastic has it’s uses for some things because it’s designed to be incredibly durable and versatile, though it doesn’t need to be involved with anywhere close to as many things as it is in. But this is probably getting too off track at this point so maybe I should save this for another post. :P

Your thoughts?

Thanks for reading and have a good one!

We really let those rich elites convince us golf is a sport. You let them get away with it too, you fucks.

[shiftgolf]

Why Shifting Focus from Equipment to Your Golf Body is the Game-Changer You Need

SHIFT TRAINING offers expert knowledge and understanding of the human biomechanics, custom tailoring a fitness program to improve your body’s ability to swing the golf club better and have an overall increased quality of life.

When it comes to improving your golf game, most players instinctively turn to new equipment, whether it's the latest driver or a high-tech putter. But what if the secret to a better score isn't in your clubs, but in the body that swings them? You might be surprised to learn that your golf body plays a more significant role in improving your game than the gear you use. In fact, focusing on the strength, flexibility, and biomechanics of your body can drastically transform your swing and help you unlock your full golf potential. That’s where SHIFT TRAINING comes in.

The Golf Body: Your Most Important Piece of Equipment

Golf is often seen as a sport where the equipment plays a major role in determining success. While clubs and balls are important, your body is the true foundation of every shot you take. The mechanics of your swing are heavily influenced by the condition and capabilities of your body. Think of it like this: no matter how advanced your clubs are, if your body isn’t working optimally, neither will your swing.

Having a strong, flexible, and stable golf body allows you to make the most of every club you use, from the driver to the putter. By shifting your focus to improving the way your body moves, you'll see a significant increase in your overall golf performance.

What is SHIFT TRAINING?

SHIFT TRAINING is not your average workout regimen. This approach integrates functional training with bio-mechanics, physical therapy, and sport-specific exercises to create a comprehensive fitness plan tailored for golfers. Rather than simply focusing on traditional fitness or golf technique, SHIFT TRAINING enhances the way your body moves, helping you perform at your best on the course and in everyday life.

SHIFT TRAINING focuses on optimizing your core strength, stability, and flexibility to improve the golf swing. It’s about understanding your body's biomechanics and improving your functional movement patterns to unlock more power and precision in your swing.

Golf Fitness: A Key to Unlocking Better Performance

Unlike general fitness, golf fitness is tailored specifically to the movements and demands of the game. Golfers need a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and mobility to maximize their swing efficiency. Building functional strength—especially in the core and lower body—provides the stability and power necessary to hit longer, more accurate shots.

While a strong body is key, so is mobility. Flexibility in the shoulders, hips, and back allows for a full range of motion in your swing, resulting in a more fluid and powerful shot. Mobility also helps prevent injuries, particularly in the back and shoulders, which are commonly affected in golfers.

The Human Biomechanics: Why It’s Vital for Golfers

Understanding your body's biomechanics is crucial for improving your golf performance. Biomechanics refers to the study of how your body moves and how forces are applied during motion. When you swing a golf club, a complex chain of movements occurs in your body. Each part of your body—from your feet to your hands—works together to generate power and accuracy.

By optimizing your body’s biomechanics, you can improve the efficiency of your golf swing, reduce unnecessary strain, and prevent injury. SHIFT TRAINING takes a close look at these movement patterns, focusing on your body’s natural capabilities to make each swing smoother and more effective.

Functional Training for Golf: More Than Just a Workout

Functional training focuses on movements that mimic those you use in your daily life and, in this case, your golf game. Instead of isolating muscles, functional training targets multiple muscle groups at once, improving the body's overall coordination and stability. For golfers, functional training builds the strength and flexibility needed for a more powerful, controlled swing.

When you strengthen your core and improve your body’s stability, you are better able to maintain proper posture and positioning during your swing. This leads to more consistency and greater control over your shots.

The Importance of a Golf Body Evaluation

Phillip Musial is a TPI certified Golf Fitness Instructor with an IFPA International Fitness Professionals Association certification and extensive years of being a top Chiropractic Physical Therapist. Your Golf Fitness Evaluation will determine your personalized program, incorporating balance, mobility, stability, strength, power and speed to help you reach your optimal health, physical development, and golf performance.

This comprehensive evaluation of your physical and athletic abilities will also allow us to determine your specific needs and assess the need for specialized training programs for both injury prevention and recovery.

A personalized golf body evaluation is the first step to optimizing your fitness for better performance. SHIFT TRAINING’s golf fitness evaluation helps identify where your body’s strengths and weaknesses lie. By assessing your balance, mobility, stability, and overall movement quality, the evaluation creates a baseline for creating a customized training plan.

This evaluation is the key to understanding how your body moves and how it affects your swing. It also helps pinpoint areas that need improvement, such as flexibility or core strength, which directly impact your golf game.

We assess your quality of movement, range of motion and overall initial core abilities to determine your areas of strength and weakness. These tests show us how well you move and which segmented areas you favor. Our goal is to create left and right-side awareness with equal strength and balance.

Gain balance, mobility, stability, power and speed

Increase Flexibility

Personalized programs

Perform to your full potential

Build strength

Manage physical resources

Prevent injury

Increase your body’s overall effectiveness

Golf Fitness Evaluation: What’s Tested?

During a golf fitness evaluation, a variety of tests are performed to assess different aspects of your body’s functionality. These tests evaluate:

Balance: How well you can maintain equilibrium during movement, essential for a steady swing.

Mobility: The range of motion in your joints and muscles, especially in the shoulders, hips, and spine.

Stability: Core strength and ability to maintain a solid foundation throughout your swing.

Strength and Power: The ability to generate force and power in your golf swing.

Speed: The speed of your swing, which is directly linked to how fast your body can generate power and movement.

Through these assessments, you’ll receive a personalized plan designed to address any weaknesses and optimize your golf performance.

The Expert Behind SHIFT TRAINING

Phillip Musial, a TPI-certified Golf Fitness Instructor, is the expert behind SHIFT TRAINING. With years of experience as a top Chiropractic Physical Therapist, Phillip’s deep understanding of human bio-mechanics allows him to design fitness programs that truly make a difference for golfers. His expertise in both physical therapy and golf-specific training ensures that every aspect of your body’s movement is optimized to improve your game.

Customized Training Programs: Tailored to Your Needs

One of the biggest advantages of SHIFT TRAINING is the customized training program created specifically for your body. No two golfers are the same, and each player has unique needs based on their body type, injury history, and goals. Whether you’re looking to increase flexibility, build strength, or recover from an injury, Phillip Musial crafts a personalized program that targets your specific needs.

This tailored approach helps golfers not only play better but also live better by improving overall health and wellness.

These six components are at the heart of golf fitness. Here’s why each one is so crucial:

Balance: Essential for maintaining control and precision during your swing.

Mobility: Flexibility in key joints allows for a fluid and powerful swing.

Stability: Core strength is critical for posture and controlling your body during the swing.

Strength: Building muscle, particularly in the legs and core, helps generate more power in your shots.

Power: Speed and force are vital for hitting longer drives and more consistent shots.

Speed: A faster swing leads to greater distance, but it requires a well-coordinated body to control it.

By working on all these areas, SHIFT TRAINING helps golfers create a stronger, more effective body that leads to a better golf game.

Injury Prevention and Recovery

Golfers are prone to specific injuries, especially in the back, shoulders, and wrists. SHIFT TRAINING doesn’t just aim to improve your game—it also focuses on injury prevention and recovery. By strengthening the muscles that support your joints and improving mobility, SHIFT TRAINING reduces the risk of injuries. If you're recovering from an injury, the program incorporates physical therapy techniques to aid in a safe and effective recovery.

Increased Flexibility: A Game-Changer for Golfers

Flexibility is an often-overlooked aspect of golf fitness, but it plays a crucial role in your performance. Greater flexibility in your shoulders, back, and hips allows for a larger range of motion, leading to a more powerful and accurate swing. SHIFT TRAINING incorporates flexibility exercises to improve joint mobility and muscle elasticity, ensuring that your body can move freely and efficiently during your swing.

Golf Fitness Success Stories

Real-life success stories showcase the effectiveness of SHIFT TRAINING. Many golfers who have committed to this unique fitness approach report noticeable improvements in their performance. By focusing on building a stronger, more flexible golf body, these golfers have achieved better accuracy, increased distance, and fewer injuries.

Conclusion

Shifting your focus from constantly upgrading your golf clubs to improving your golf body is the game-changer you’ve been searching for. With SHIFT TRAINING, you’ll optimize the way your body moves, preventing injuries, building strength, and increasing flexibility to improve your swing. Investing in your golf body is an investment in your long-term success on the course.

[golfballs21]

Golf Ball Compression Chart: A Complete Guide for Golfers

Compression is a critical factor in selecting the right golf ball for your game, and it can influence your performance. This guide will explain what compression is, how it affects your game, and provide a handy golf ball compression chart to help you choose the perfect ball for your playing style.

What Is Golf Ball Compression?

Golf ball compression measures how much a golf ball deforms upon impact with the club. It's typically represented as a number ranging from 30 to 120, where lower numbers mean softer compression and higher numbers indicate firmer compression.

Low compression (30-60): Softer balls that compress more easily, ideal for players with slower swing speeds.

Mid compression (70-90): Balanced balls suitable for average swing speeds.

High compression (100+): Firmer balls designed for players with fast swing speeds.

Why Does Compression Matter?

The compression of a golf ball affects:

Distance: Low-compression balls maximize distance for slower swingers, while high-compression balls favor faster swingers.

Feel: Softer balls offer a plush feel, while firmer balls give more feedback.

Control: High-compression balls tend to provide more control and spin, making them suitable for skilled players.

How to Choose the Right Compression for Your Game

Measure Your Swing Speed: Knowing your swing speed helps match the ball's compression to your playing style.

Test Different Balls: Experiment with a few brands and compression levels to see what feels and performs best.

Consider Weather Conditions: Softer balls work better in cold weather since they compress more easily.

Conclusion

Understanding golf ball compression can transform your game by optimizing distance, feel, and control. Use the golf ball compression chart to find the ball that suits your swing speed and skill level.

For more tips and insights, explore our golf guides at Golfers Help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can low-compression balls work for fast swingers? A: While it’s not ideal, some fast swingers prefer low-compression balls for added softness and distance. However, control might be compromised.

Q: Are high-compression balls suitable for beginners? A: Beginners should avoid high-compression balls as they require fast swing speeds to perform optimally.

[nevermindallgolf]

Why Do Golfers Wear Golf Hats? The Essential Guide

Attention to detail is essential for good golf. Golfers focus on their swing, clubs, and technique, but the golf cap can significantly impact the course.

Wearing a beautiful Outdoor golf hat has multiple benefits; including improving your game and looking great while you play. This blog post will discuss these benefits.

Why is it a good idea to wear a hat when playing golf?

Sun protection

Golf hats and other caps must protect the head from the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV radiation can result in sunburns and facial burns.

You may not perceive the sun when playing golf in a cold breeze. Despite your belief, always wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Improving Concentration and Focus

Golfers' performance depends on their ability to focus and disregard distractions. An Outdoor golf hat is an excellent choice to block out some of your surroundings and focus on the task. A cap keeps golfers concentrate on the ball, swing, and goal, improving their aim and consistency. Golfers often turn over their best hats in the rain to avoid raindrops on their faces.

 Clarity of vision while playing

Wearing a cap on the course might improve your vision and prevent sunburn. In sports that include sky-gazing, sun glare can be blinding.

An Outdoor golf hat can block sun rays, allowing you to see better and maintain your concentration on the game. Because sunglasses can obscure your vision of the course, most golfers use caps instead.

Refreshes you

Try wearing a cap to keep your head from getting too hot while playing golf. The average time required to complete a round of 18 holes in golf is 4.5 hours, so the games can be pretty lengthy. Even while golf isn't a physically demanding sport, the heat may build up quickly due to the long distances covered and the lack of shade on the course.

The style

As with any article of apparel, consideration of style and aesthetics is paramount while selecting an Outdoor golf hat. Golfers wear caps for a variety of reasons, including functionality and aesthetics. Golf caps allow golfers to showcase their individuality through their choice of garment, as they come in diverse designs and hues.

Support and endorsement

Many professional golfers wear Outdoor golf hat that reflect the brands they're partnered with, but this is more relevant to the pros than the ordinary golfer. An experienced golfer can earn a tidy sum from brand sponsorships; one surefire way to do so is to rock a branded golf cap at a major tournament.

Conclusion

Wearing a top-quality golf cap while you play has several practical advantages that extend far beyond aesthetics. It protects your eyes from the sun, increases concentration, eyesight, and depth perception, cools you down, absorbs sweat, and dresses up your golf gear. Golf caps may improve your game and mood, whether you're a pro or a weekend warrior. Take your golf hat and small design pouch bags to the course for ultimate comfort, style, and performance.

[spring2024golf-trevorhislop]

Scottie Scheffler, Feature Article

Trevor Hislop

Professor Spurrier

Writing for the Media

04/28/2024

Scottie Scheffler’s recent run in the PGA tour has been one for the ages to say the least.  Scottie has won back-to-back Masters, and is on pace to keep up and surpass some of the game's greats such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Through his first ten starts this year, he has won four tournaments. This is unheard of considering that two of them were well known big tournaments. Pro golfers have a great year typically if they win one tournament, if they win two, that puts them in an elite category, but four? Practically unheard of in this day and age. Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh both have nine in one season and that was at a time where the competition wasn’t nearly what it is now. Scottie is through four and we aren’t even halfway through the season. This includes the Master’s and The Players Championship which are very prestigious tournaments. Scottie stands out because he has finished in the top ten in the last nine starts. This consistency is unbelievable, his average finish is 4th and this is right behind Tiger Woods when he had his great year in the year 2000. Scotties dominance has resulted in a pretty hefty sum of money that has come his way in the last few years, just under 62 million dollars is that number.

Scottie’s dominance is rare but why is he doing so well? The key to going low has been his distance, accuracy and consistency. Scottie has a relatively wonky swing, but it works well for him. His 75% green in regulation percentage is the best on the PGA tour right now. His fairway percentage is also 75%. Though he is only the 92nd best putter on tour. He is ranked number one due to these two stats. I did some research and one of the best articles I have ever read was with the blog “SportsPsychologyGolf”. They emphasized trusting your shot. “I knew exactly where I wanted to put the ball and if I was to miss it, which side of the golf course I could be on to where I could still get it up-and-down… I think I just stayed patient and trusted myself” says Scottie.

This resonates well with me as a golfer. From my personal experience I know it is very unlike other sports. I played most sports growing up, including football, tennis, golf, basketball, soccer, baseball and more. Though I can’t speak for every sport, golf is the most I have ever had to trust myself. You have to think positively, you can’t just take your anger out on the other team such as a sport like football, because each sport has its own slumps. Golf is the only sport that you don’t have a teammate to rely on, but there is also no “perfect” in golf. You can win every point in tennis, you can make all of your shots and win a basketball game, but you will never make a hole in one on every hole or birdie every hole. It hasn’t ever been done, golf is a sport that your emotions are a roller coaster and Scottie is very good at not showing his emotions at all, win or lose, bad hole or good hole. He maintains the same emotion, the only time I have caught him smiling is if he had just won the Masters. He is a fierce competitor and someone you can’t count out considering that most of his wins have come from behind or even him holding off other top players and not getting nervous. Scottie exemplifies traits that will only propel him in the right direction going forward and have been the reason why Scottie is so dominant on the PGA Tour today. 

[pxgblog]

4 New Year’s Resolutions Every Golfer Should Make

Whether you just started golfing this year or you’ve been on the course for decades, setting goals is a great way to improve your skills and work towards something. The start of a new year is perfect for setting some resolutions for your favorite sport. From cutting down on mishits with your golf irons to learning a new shot, here are four goals every golfer should set this upcoming year.

Reach a New Personal Distance Record Improving the distance on your shots is one of the best goals you can set. It’s easily trackable, affects your overall performance, and there are plenty of different ways to achieve the goal. You can find a driver that uses the latest technology and advanced materials to channel more power into every shot. Or you can schedule a custom club fitting with a brand that will build a set to maximize the distance of your shots. Along with focusing on your form and the small details of your swing, a custom driver is a surefire way to boost your distance. Have Fewer Mishits Than Last Year Mishits are the nemesis of every golfer. One moment, you’re on track for par. The next, you’re searching for your ball in the rough. Cutting down on mishits will help improve your average score, so you can focus on lowering it without any errant shots. You can run through drills on the driving range, or you can slow down your swing and build back your mechanics to reduce the mishits. Or, you can find some of the most forgiving irons and add them to your bag. With more offset and a bigger club face, they provide the forgiveness you need to keep your ball on the fairway and can make mishits last year’s problem. Lower Your Handicap Every golfer wants to lower their handicap. But this year, you’re going to make it a very specific goal and take concrete steps to achieve it. Whether you want to improve by one stroke or 10, setting a quantifiable goal is essential. That way, you can track progress throughout the year and know if you’re on pace to reach your dream handicap. Then, find the most problematic areas of your game and work to improve those. It could be finding putters that give you more control in the short game or improving the distance on your drives. Prioritizing these areas of your game will have you lowering your handicap in no time. Master a New Shot One of the best ways to improve on the course is by broadening your skillset. If you have more shots to choose from, you can find success in a wide variety of situations. Plus, you don’t have to master every shot this year. Choose one, maybe one that you feel like you’d use often, and practice it as much as possible. Maybe you want to learn the flop shot for precise green-landings. Or you could practice the punch shot to escape the rough or get through the tree line. Or you could focus on improving the mechanics of your bunker shots. No matter what you choose, this is a goal that will pay off for the rest of your golfing career. About PXG Sometimes, good enough isn’t quite good enough on the golf course. That’s why golf irons from PXG launch higher, go farther, feel softer, and have a sweet spot the size of Texas. Since their founding in 2013, PXG set out to make the world’s best golf equipment, combining their passion for the greatest game ever played with innovative technology. With no constraints on their research, the folks at PXG broke new ground in golf performance by designing clubs that can be tailored to your game. A personalized fitting experience is the standard when you choose PXG. After each fitting, their Master Builders handcraft every club to your exact specifications. Experience their uncompromising commitment to excellence and elevate your performance on the links with top-quality clubs, apparel, and gear from PXG. Achieve all your biggest golfing goals this year with clubs from https://www.pxg.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/4aoXbRH

[esoutherngolf]

The End of MLR

A letter to from the PGA of America in conjunction with PGAs worldwide may have sealed the fate of the Model Local Rule (MLR) placing limits on the carry distance of the balls played by elite golfers, essentially those on men’s professional tours and in national championships. The two-page letter signed by Seth Waugh CEO of the PGA, the organization representing the club golf professionals that run our game day to day, in part said, “…the proposed changes could seriously interrupt the current momentum in the game and be fundamentally damaging and detrimental in the long run.” Quite a statement but Waugh followed that with, “We are also very aware that there are sets of data that conflict with the R&A and USA materials. This is confusing and, in our view, needs to be considered fully, reviewed, and clarified prior to any final decision being made. The point in contention is the USGA and R&A creation of the MLR rolling back the allowed performance of golf balls and since the rule is not to apply to recreational play it would effectively split golf’s rules into “us” and “them;” something most of golf’s stakeholders say is fraught with negative consequences. Two weeks previously a memo from PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan used similar language pointing out the MLR “is not warranted and is not in the best interest of the game” enjoying all-time participation. The operative question today is, will the ruling bodies do…stick with the MLR, drop it, or try for a compromise? Or is there some other way for them to save face and revive their relevancy to the game that seems to have passed them by? Heads of both organizations, the USGA and R&A, have publicly repeated the stance that doing nothing is not an option. Therefore, for now it appears since Fred Ridley Augusta National Chairman, home of the Masters, has said they support a ball roll back, the U.S. Open, the British Open and the Masters will play a new shorter ball and the rest of the professional tournaments run by the PGA Tour and PGA the old ball. The distance the ball travels is not the crux of the problem even as pro-roll backers cite stats about driving distance and myriad other numbers. Anyone who has ever played or just watched on television knows it’s scoring that counts and some would have us believe records are being busted weekly. Not true. Below are PGA Tour scoring statistics for the lowest average, the 100th place player and the Tour overall average as well as ten and twenty years ago. Draw your own conclusions but it is reasonable to be of the opinion that the differences are not enough to make game-shattering conclusions such as a ball performance roll back justifiable. - 2022-2023 1st-68.28, 100th-70.47, Tour average-70.70 - 2012 1st-69.63, 100th-71.01, Tour average-71.32 - 2002 1st-69.00, 100th-70.98, Tour average-71.29 The center of the discussion is the solid core ball which is dramatically longer than the previous balls of wound construction with Titleist’s Pro V1, the most played solid core ball, being introduced in 2000. It is generally acknowledged driver design has eked out the most yardage possible within the present equipment rules and any other gains in distance are attributable to course conditioning—firmer for more roll—and the increasing athleticism of elite players. Insiders know the bottom line is pros are swinging faster, giving them more clubhead speed and more distance. Regular golfers, so-called recreational players, according to a survey of almost 45,000 golfers done by TaylorMade Golf showed that an overwhelming four to one do not agree with the MLR and by the same margin are against splitting or bifurcating equipment into an elite category. Additionally, 77% said the distance pros hit the ball is not a problem. So where does that leave the USGA and R&A in this mess they created? The quick answer is out of touch with golf and golfers by focusing on a problem that doesn’t exist. Read the full article

[nbmsports]

Few Birdies, but One Double Bogey, on the Shortest-Ever U.S. Open Hole

At 81 yards, the par-3 15th hole at Los Angeles Country Club on Saturday was the shortest hole in the history of the U.S. Open.Only a golfer can fully grasp the mental torment that such a bite-size challenge poses, but here is one way to understand the situation: No one likes a hole where it’s easier to throw the ball onto the green than it is to hit it there with a golf club.Add to the third-round setting a severely sloped 15th green; three massive, menacing bunkers surrounding the target area; and knotty, knee-high grass all around. And — oh, yes — the approach shot is uphill, and there is a gusty wind at the players’ backs.Step right up, who wants to go first? How about you, Brooks Koepka, five-time major champion?Didn’t Koepka suggest earlier this week that L.A. Country Club might be too easy? He said he worried about a “birdiefest.” Maybe he had a hole less than 100 yards in mind. (The old record for shortest U.S. Open hole was 92 yards, at the 2010 event.)Koepka was three under par for his Saturday round and firmly in the top 10 when he stepped to the 15th. But his tee shot had none of the touch required and soared to the back of the green. His first putt was way short. His next putt was way long. The third putt just plain missed the hole. Koepka tapped in for a double bogey and is now extremely unlikely to win a sixth major at this year’s Open.Who’s next? Don’t be shy.Next came Tom Kim, the hottest golfer in the early wave of players on Saturday, to the 15th tee. Kim made seven birdies as he tamed 5,637 yards of L.A.C.C. terrain in his first 14 holes. He had just made par at the fearsome 627-yard, par-5 14th hole.So, really, how hard could an 81-yard hole be?Trying to play with finesse, Kim deftly flipped a tidy little wedge. One problem: It was about two yards short of the green and trundled backward in a yawning bunker. His blast from the sand bounded to the back of the green, 22 feet from the hole. Two putts and one bogey later, Kim walked away shaking his head as he glared over his shoulder at the 15th green.After his round, Kim summed up the diabolical, tiny test presented on Saturday by the historic 15th hole.“If you’re long, you’re dead,” he said. “If you’re short, you’re dead. You don’t want to bail out left because then you have a 40-footer down the hill. A bogey from 80 yards isn’t great stats-wise, but, you know, a double bogey is definitely in play there.”Kim finished the day at three under par for the tournament and is still in contention.Bryson DeChambeau, golf’s mad scientist, looked very determined during his time on the 15th tee. He did not even flinch when he was almost beaned by an errant shot from the 14th fairway by a fellow competitor, Keith Mitchell. DeChambeau pitched a wedge to 10 feet and made par.“I’m the happiest man alive that I hit that green,” he said. “Super happy.”DeChambeau said he chose a 60-degree wedge and teed his golf ball extra high to create more spin and loft.“Very difficult, demanding shot,” he added. “Par is a great score.”Even if it’s only 81 yards?“I’d rather it be longer tomorrow,” said DeChambeau, who finished at three under par.The 15th hole did not play as one of the most difficult holes on the golf course on Saturday. But it seems a surprise that the scoring average on the hole was 2.92 with 11 birdies, four bogeys and one conspicuous double bogey in the field of 65.Forty-nine of the best golfers in the world made par, and no better, on an 81-yard hole. Then again, as is often said, golf is a game of opposites. For example, you must hit down on the ball to make it go up. So in that way, the 15th hole in the third round of the 2023 national golf championship was, perhaps, perfect.Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open champion, may have said it best.“It was different, and that’s interesting,” he said with a smile. “Different is OK. But I had a plan. The plan was par.” Source link Read the full article

[discoverforhad]

What challenges do golf handicappers face in their job?

Golf handicapping is a challenging job that requires skill and patience. It involves analyzing the playing histories of golfers to fairly assign them a handicap index, which is used to help level out the playing field amongst golfers of different abilities. Handicappers use their knowledge and experience in order to accurately assess each golfer’s ability level and create an equitable playing field.

One of the biggest challenges for golf handicappers is making sure that their ratings are fair and accurate so that no one player has an unfair advantage over others. This requires them to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in golfing and be aware of any changes in a golfer’s game or skillset. Handicappers also need to be able to quickly decide which golfers should receive the most generous handicap ratings and which players should receive the lowest ratings.

( Best Golf Balls for Average Golfer)

Another challenge that golf handicappers face is staying on top of the ever-changing rules of play. Golf handicappers must know how to adjust their ratings based on new rules or course changes, and they must be able to accurately assess a golfer’s skill level in order to make the appropriate adjustments. This can be quite tricky as different golfers have different abilities and styles of play, meaning that what works for one player may not work for another.

Finally, golf handicappers must also be able to stay organized and keep track of all the data they need to accurately assign handicap indexes. This includes keeping records of recent tournaments and golfers’ past performances, as well as any changes that have been made to the course or rules. With so much data to keep track of, it can be easy to get overwhelmed, but by staying organized, a handicapper can ensure they are providing fair ratings for all players.

[bunkershotgolf]

Callaway’s Big Bertha for 2023

By ED TRAVIS

Callaway Golf has introduced an update to the iconic Big Bertha family with no increase in price from the last model, the Big Bertha B-21 of two years ago.

Fast Facts Callaway Big BerthaBig Bertha Driver Game-improvement category Anti-slice design A.I.-designed XL face Carbon fiber crown Jailbreak system Adjustable hosel Stock lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 12° $499.99

Big Bertha Fairway Woods Game-improvement category Jailbreak/Batwing Technology A.I.-designed high strength face Carbon fiber crown Adjustable hosel Stock lofts: 3W, 5W, 7W, 9W, Heavenwood $299.99

Big Bertha Hybrids Game-improvement category Internal tungsten weights Jailbreak/Batwing Technology A.I.-designed 455 cup face Adjustable hosel Stock lofts: 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H, 7H, 8H, 9H $259.99

Big Bertha Irons Game-improvement category Hollow construction filled with urethane microspheres Tungsten weighting internal & external Generous offset A.I.-designed face cup Stock lofts: 4-iron through sand wedge $999.99 six-piece set (steel), $1099.99 six-piece set (graphite)

WYNTKIf Callaway’s latest Big Bertha had a theme song it might be “Make Every Shot Your Best with Our Easiest to Hit Clubs” followed by a catchy tune entitled “We Kept the Price the Same.” Far and away the largest golf equipment company Topgolf Callaway Brands (NYSE: MODG) is taking advantage of their technology and pricing leadership specifically with the update of the iconic Big Bertha name.

The driver has a forward center of gravity low in head for an easy launch and reduced side spin which will help those of us with a slice and additional weight has been added to the heel to promote a draw flight pattern. Big Bertha Fairway Woods were also designed for straighter ball flight plus added ball speed for more distance.

The hybrids of the family have a larger head, ideal for those who prefer hitting fairway woods rather than long irons. Tungsten weighting promotes a high launch and there slightly more head offset to mitigate a tendency to slice. Big Bertha irons have the expected stronger lofts, but placement of the tungsten weighting still promotes a high ball flight a characteristic average golfers will appreciate.

[golfruso]

Used Golf Balls: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Golf is a game of precision, skill, and strategy, and the equipment you use can significantly influence your performance on the course. One of the most essential pieces of equipment is the golf ball. While many golfers prefer new golf balls, used golf balls are becoming increasingly popular for several reasons, including cost-effectiveness, environmental considerations, and accessibility. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about used golf balls, including their benefits, how to choose the right ones, where to buy them, and more.

Understanding Used Golf Balls

Used golf balls are simply golf balls that have been played with before. They can come from various sources, including individuals, golf courses, or retailers who specialize in reselling used golf equipment. The condition of used golf balls can vary significantly, from slightly worn to almost brand new, making it essential to understand what you're purchasing.

Benefits of Using Used Golf Balls

Cost-Effectiveness: One of the most significant advantages of used golf balls is their affordability. New premium golf balls can cost upwards of $50 per dozen, while used golf balls can often be purchased for a fraction of that price. This is particularly beneficial for amateur golfers or those who play frequently.

Environmental Impact: Golf balls take a long time to decompose, leading to environmental concerns. By choosing used golf balls, you are helping reduce waste and promoting sustainability in the sport. It encourages recycling and reuse, contributing positively to the environment.

Variety and Experimentation: Used golf balls come in various brands, models, and conditions, giving golfers the opportunity to experiment without a hefty financial investment. You can try out different types of balls to find the one that suits your playing style best.

Accessibility: For beginners or recreational players who may not want to invest heavily in equipment, used golf balls offer a practical solution. They can practice and improve their skills without the pressure of losing expensive new balls.

Quality Options Available: Many used golf balls are in excellent condition, having been lost and found or retrieved from water hazards. You can find high-quality balls from reputable brands at a fraction of the cost.

How to Choose Used Golf Balls

When selecting used golf balls, consider the following factors:

Condition

Used golf balls are typically categorized into different conditions:

Mint Condition: These balls show no visible signs of wear and tear. They often look and feel as good as new.

Good Condition: Balls that have minor scuffs or scratches but are still playable and perform well.

Average Condition: These may have more noticeable wear but can still be used for practice or casual play.

As-Is Condition: These balls are heavily used and may not perform optimally, but they can be great for beginners or practice sessions.

Brand and Model

Different brands and models of golf balls offer various performance characteristics. Some are designed for distance, while others prioritize control and spin. Research which brands suit your style of play. Popular brands include:

Titleist: Known for its high-quality performance balls.

Callaway: Offers a range of balls catering to different skill levels.

Srixon: Known for providing excellent value and performance.

Type of Ball

There are different types of golf balls, including:

Two-Piece Balls: These are typically more durable and provide distance, making them ideal for beginners.

Three-Piece Balls: These offer more control and spin, suitable for intermediate and advanced players.

Four-Piece Balls: Designed for maximum performance, these are often used by experienced players.

Price

Prices for used golf balls can vary widely based on brand, condition, and type. It's essential to compare prices from different sellers to ensure you are getting a good deal.

Purchase Source

Choose reputable sources for purchasing used golf balls. This can include:

Online Retailers: Websites that specialize in used golf equipment often have detailed descriptions and ratings.

Local Golf Shops: Some shops may have a section dedicated to used golf balls.

Golf Courses: Some courses sell retrieved balls directly to golfers at discounted prices.

Where to Buy Used Golf Balls

Finding quality used golf balls is easier than ever. Here are some popular options:

Online Marketplaces

eBay: A vast selection of used golf balls from various sellers, often at competitive prices.

Amazon: Offers a range of used and refurbished golf balls with customer reviews and ratings.

Specialized Websites: Websites like GolfBallMonkey, LostGolfBalls, and GlobalGolf specialize in used golf balls and offer various conditions and prices.

Local Golf Courses and Driving Ranges

Many golf courses have programs to sell retrieved balls. Visiting your local course can provide you with affordable options while supporting the facility.

Sports Equipment Stores

Local sporting goods stores may have a selection of used golf balls, often at discounted prices. Check for seasonal sales or clearance items.

Social Media and Community Groups

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and community groups can be excellent places to find used golf balls for sale by other players in your area.

Tips for Maintaining Used Golf Balls

To get the most out of your used golf balls, follow these maintenance tips:

Clean Them Regularly: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to clean your golf balls after each round. This will help maintain their performance and extend their lifespan.

Store Properly: Keep your golf balls in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or damp environments.

Inspect for Damage: Regularly check your balls for any signs of significant wear, cracks, or deformation, as these can affect performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are used golf balls worth it?

Yes, used golf balls can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for golfers. They allow players to save money while still enjoying quality performance on the course.

How do I know if a used golf ball is still good?

Inspect the ball for visible damage, such as cracks or deep scratches. A ball in good condition should have a smooth surface and maintain its original shape.

Can I use used golf balls for tournament play?

While there are no strict rules against using used golf balls in casual play, many players prefer new balls for competitive events. It's always a good idea to check the specific tournament rules.

Where can I find the best deals on used golf balls?

Online marketplaces, local golf courses, and specialized websites often offer the best deals on used golf balls. Comparing prices and conditions will help you find the best options.

How often should I replace my used golf balls?

This depends on how often you play and the condition of the balls. Regularly inspect your golf balls and replace them when you notice significant wear or diminished performance.

Conclusion

Used golf balls offer an excellent alternative for golfers of all skill levels looking to save money while still enjoying the game. With the proper knowledge about their benefits, selection criteria, and maintenance tips, players can make informed decisions that enhance their golfing experience. Whether you're a beginner trying to hone your skills or an experienced player looking to experiment with different ball types, used golf balls can provide the performance and variety you need on the course. Embrace the sustainability aspect of golf by choosing used balls, and enjoy the game without breaking the bank.

[patiencekane]

What Is The Reason You Would Use A Golf Ball Marker?

A marker to mark golf balls is not just an instrument to create yourself putts. It is also a tool to understand how high rollers play at the golf course. It can also assist players to keep track of the rules of the game and customize your golfing game.

The golf course experience is highly-roller-friendly

It's not unheard of for golfers to score over par while playing on the green. If your handicap isn't the best, you could still achieve a score that's more than average. Have a useful gadget in your bag to help you maintain your composure and to keep your players satisfied. These golf ball markers cost a lot, but they're not as expensive like they were in the past. It's possible to play your sport for the cost of sandwiches and coffee. It can be done in your home, office or while on the go. You will get more info on golf-ball by browsing custom golf divot tools site.

Place your putts in a row.

Custom golf ball markers are used to line up your putts before they're placed in the hole. These devices can be extremely useful in helping you to practice your strokes for putting. Some ball markers have specific attributes.

On Point marker On Point marker is one among the most sought-after marker for golf balls. The marker has a slightly dome shape and the line is printed to match the golf ball's shape. You can better place and control your putts by using the shape and 3D line. There is more info on a Golf Ball Marker by visiting this website.

Its Line Em Up tool is an alternative. The tool is also effective in drawing tee shots. It has a Sharpie marker that is attached to the device.

Golfers may mark their balls with coins, and some use lines. Professional golfers mark their balls on the greens.

A lot of golfers utilize a technique to putts in a straight line. Prior to putting on the course, you should take a look at the hole. Check for any blemishes along the hole. Additionally, it's important to check the distance between pin and green.

Customize it

The custom logo will be stunning golf ball in the event that you're a professional golfer. Not only are they enjoyable, but they could also be a great gift for someone you love. No matter what it is, someone from your family, a partner or friend. They'll be thrilled to receive presents that showcase them at their social circle.

You can customize the golf ball marker as well as custom logo markers for your golf course in a variety of ways. However, choosing the marker that comes with all the options and features you want is important. It is possible to personalize it by adding your logo, initials or even a picture of you with your preferred players. However, if you would like to stand out others so why not design a mug that is yours exclusive? A lot of businesses can help you in this.

You can choose from a wide range of markers for your ball that are compatible with the hue of your golf course. The markers come in various types of material and include an electronic disk at the top that keeps the ball fixed.

Official Rules of Golf

The rules for golf is a system of rules and regulations which regulate the status of amateurs as well as amateur play. Each year each year, the R&A as well as the United States Golf Association release new rules.

During a golf round the players carry the maximum number of clubs 14. It is not allowed for players to make use of artificial aids in making strokes.

When playing a competition, there is no way for participants to offer suggestions to other players. The act of giving advice could result in being penalized by two strokes for using strokes in play or forfeiture of a hole in game play.

When playing a round, players must begin at the proper moment. It is not recommended to take longer than 40 seconds for a single stroke. The ball's position on the golf course is important.

In the aftermath of a shot, the player must mark the spot where the ball went. The flagsticks may also be placed in the same spot.

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How Many Holes Are In Golf?

Golf is often thought of as a leisurely pastime, but it’s actually a complex game that requires skill and strategy. One key factor in navigating through a round of golf successfully is having an understanding of how many holes are expected to be played. You might expect 18 holes but there can be variations on the number depending on course types or local rules. In this article, we will explore how to figure out exactly what you should expect when heading out onto the links. Let's dive into how many holes are in golf!

What A Hole In Golf Is?

Before we get into the number of holes in golf, it's important to understand what a hole is in this context. A hole in golf is simply an area where players will hit their shots from and then try to reach the green or another designated point. Each hole has a tee box which marks the starting point of each shot and then there are a variety of obstacles between the tee box and the green, including sand traps, water hazards, and more. The number of holes a course has will determine how many shots each golfer will need to play before they reach the 18th hole.

How Many Holes Are In Golf?

The standard game of golf consists of 18 holes, which can take anywhere from four to five hours to complete. This is the average length for a full round of golf and it's the most common way that courses are setup. However, some courses may have fewer or more than 18 holes depending on their design, local rules, or other factors.

The Origins Of The 18-Hole Course

The 18-hole course was first developed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1764. This standardization gave golfers a consistent way to play the game, making it easier for them to compare scores and compete against one another. Since then, the 18-hole course has become an essential part of playing golf, with courses being designed to make the most of their 18 holes.

The Evolution Of The 18-Hole Course As The Standard

In the 20th century, the 18-hole course became even more popular, with courses being designed specifically for this format. This standardization has allowed golfers to enjoy a consistent game experience no matter where they are playing. Additionally, the 18-hole course makes it easier for tournaments and competitions to be organized and scored accurately.

How Long Does It Take To Play 18 Holes Of Golf?

A round of golf typically takes around four to five hours for a single player, depending on the difficulty of the course and the speed at which they are playing. If there is more than one player then it will likely take longer as players wait for their turn to hit or search for lost balls.

Variations On The Number Of Holes In Golf

Although 18 holes is the standard, there are variations on this number depending on factors such as course type. Executive courses have nine or fewer holes and are designed for players who want to play a quick round, while private courses may have only four or five holes. In addition, some courses offer an extra set of nine or 18 holes as part of their design which can add time and difficulty to the round.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Numbers Of Holes

The number of holes that a course has can have both advantages and disadvantages. For instance, playing 18 holes will give players more options when it comes to strategy and shot selection, while shorter courses often offer faster rounds with fewer obstacles to navigate. However, the length of a round can also be a disadvantage as it adds time pressure and fatigue for players.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is evident that the number of holes in golf can vary depending on a variety of factors such as course type and local rules. The standard game consists of 18 holes which typically takes four to five hours to complete, although some courses offer fewer or more than 18. Ultimately, each player must decide what works best for their own game. Regardless of the number of holes, the game of golf is a fun and rewarding way to spend time outdoors.

FAQ:

Why are there 18 holes in a standard game of golf?

The 18-hole course was first developed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1764, giving golfers a consistent way to play the game.

What is a par for an 18-hole golf course?

The par for an 18-hole golf course is usually 72, meaning that a score of 72 or lower is considered good. However, this can vary from course to course.

How long does it typically take to play a round of 18 holes of golf?

It typically takes around four to five hours for a single player to complete one round of 18 holes. If there is more than one player then it will likely take longer.

What is the history of the 18-hole golf course?

The 18-hole course was first developed by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in 1764, giving golfers a consistent way to play the game. Since then, the 18-hole course has become an essential part of playing golf, with courses being designed to make the most of their 18 holes. In the 20th century, the 18-hole course became even more popular.

What other numbers of holes are there in golf?

In addition to standard 18-hole courses, there are variations on this number depending on factors such as course type. Executive courses have nine or fewer holes and are designed for players who want to play a quick round, while private courses may have only four or five holes. In addition, some courses offer an extra set of nine or 18 holes as part of their design which can add time and difficulty to the round.

How many holes are played in a professional golf tournament?

Professional golf tournaments are typically played over four rounds of 18 holes for a total of 72 holes. The players with the lowest scores after the final round win the tournament.

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Top 5 Golf Balls

It can be difficult to determine the "best" golf balls, as the right ball for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Different balls do different things to cater to diverse types of golfers. Many golf balls are engineered to be forgiving of a weakness or to enhance a strength.

There are many articles online of what the best golf balls are and are either based on one person’s opinion or the specifications of the ball. What the manufacturer says it will do and what the construction of the ball is.

We asked local players

We decided to take an informal poll of the golfers that we would run into on northern Michigan courses during the 2022 season. Everyone says that golf is not only a skill game but a mental game. We found the mental aspect to carry over into equipment choices as well. When asked why they preferred a certain ball, we frequently heard because this or that PGA player used that brand.

Another common comment was that it was an expensive ball so it must be better. We all would love to consistently drive our balls 250+ yards and we are told that the brand of ball and/or club will make the difference. It may be possible that Rory’s choice of ball does influence his average driving distance of 300+ yards. I think it is more likely that he practices a lot and is a much better golfer than most of us. 😊

The list below are the 5 top ball choices of the male golfers we talked to. We also included some of the male pros that choose to play with that ball. We will share what the women had to say about their preferred golf ball in an upcoming article.

#1 Titleist Pro V1

Preferred ball for Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, and many more

Whether it is the name or that a lot of pros use this ball, this was the most common ball being used in northern Michigan during the 2022 season.

This ball is known for its exceptional distance and control, as well as its soft feel and durability. It is popular among professionals and serious golfers.

#2 Bridgestone Tour B XS

Preferred ball for Bryson DeChambeau and Tiger Wood’s (Tiger helped in the design of this ball)

We were surprised that Bridgestone Tour B XS had a stronger showing than a Callaway ball. Many of the players noted that even though their swing speed may be 95-105, the ball performs well for them. The price is less than the Pro V1 and it has Tiger’s seal of approval.

This ball is designed for players faster swing speed in excess of 105 mph. The dual dimple pattern delivers enhanced aerodynamics and extra distance and accuracy. The ball offers a high launch and low spin off the tee. It is known for its spin control around the greens

#3 Callaway Chrome Soft

Preferred ball for John Rahm and Xander Schauffele

We were expecting Callaway to come in second, especially considering the number of Callaway’s we find in the weeds. What we did find is that the guys that play with Callaway balls are likely to be Callaway fans. We met many players with Big Bertha drivers and Callaway Chrome Soft balls in their bags.

This ball is designed to offer a soft feel and low spin off the tee, as well as excellent control on approach shots. It is a popular choice among players looking for a high-performing ball with a soft feel.

#4 TaylorMade TP5

Preferred ball for Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Collin Morikawa

We were surprised at the praise a lot of golfers gave TaylorMade balls. We have thought of them over the years as a cheap ball that was best used when faced with a water hazard. Always willing to lose a TaylorMade. After hearing how much some golfers liked it. We tried it and although TaylorMade will not replace our preferred balls, we won’t be grabbing it for water hazards anymore.

This ball is designed for players looking for a high-performing ball with a soft feel. It offers a low compression and low spin off the tee, as well as excellent distance and control. The TP5 has a Tour Flight Dimple Pattern that was engineered for improved aerodynamics.

# 5 Srixon Z-Star

Preferred ball for Hideki Matsuyama and Brooks Koepka’s ball choice

This was another ball that caught us by surprise and that we had lumped in the cheap ball category. The golfers that use this ball swear by it for distance and control. We tried it, and this is another ball that is no longer in our water ball pocket in our bag.

The 7th generation of the Z-Star has a number of improvements. The cover is slightly thicker to enhanced feel, spin, and greens control. The new cover sits over a FastLayer Core that is soft in the center with firmer edges. This is to boost distance and speed while keeping the spin low.

Which ball should you use?

Overall, these are all highly rated golf balls that offer a combination of distance, control, and feel. The best ball for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it may be worth trying a few different balls to see which one performs best for you.

My husband’s favorite and most used ball is the Titleist Pro V1 whereas my preferred ball did not make the men’s list. I am a Callaway girl and love my Warbirds 2.0.