Every spring golfers flock to shops like ours set on making this the year that they shoot the lights out. They’ve done their homework over the winter and have all sorts of preconceived ideas as to what combination of equipment will yield the best results. I thought we’d take a look at some of the common mistakes I see customers make when shopping for equipment at the start of the season.Don’t make your buying decisions based on the first few swings of the year…

There is so much conflicting information out there for getting more power.  You know me by now…I am a firm believer in working on the machine via golf fitness to improve the body’s ability to produce more power, but there are other ways to help with this power leak in your golf swing.  One way is to release the club through impact.  This release can cause a wicked hook if you overdo it, but with a little practice, you can get your release to impart a ton of power into your golf ball.

Golfers yearn for golf tips! It’s like dieting in the weight loss industry. People keep looking for the magic bullet, so they go on every diet that comes out. Is that the way to success? I don’t think so. The way to success is to analyze your specific situation, rather it be playing better golf or losing weight, and target the exact issue causing your lack of success.

I know that sounds like a “duh” statement, but only a small percent of people do this, and that is why most golfers are not successful improving their scores and performance.

Stay focused on your specific task until it is solved!

I woke up this morning thinking about golf as usual (I know get a life right?) and was thinking about all the frustrated golfers who have the mindset they are a bad golfer.

It got me to thinking about the outcome of these golfers with this mindset going into every round. It is not a pretty picture and one that can be improved very quickly if you get out of your own skin and make some logical assessments of your game.

Many of these golfers will try golf tips at will. Anything they hear they will try. Does that sound familiar? I know I have been there. Do you think that approach has worked? I don’t since they say the USGA handicap has not improved in over 30 years, even with equipment and technology.

It is time to make a change, and take a different approach.

For more information on the bad golfer,check out our golf tips section of our main site.

Is there real secrets of golf we need to know? I was thinking today about the never-ending pursuit of a better golf swing and game. I can honestly say on the cover of almost every golf magazine states the secrets to a powerful swing.

Or…the secret you need to know or you will never improve your game…right? Isn’t this just all hype and marketing? If you have played much golf, you know there is no secrets. There might be things you need to understand. Is that then a secret to you?

The magazine writers get paid to GET YOUR ATTENTION!

If you really want to know the secrets of golf, visit the Golf Tips section of the main site.

I don’t know about you, but isolating your swing fault with a golf swing drill is one of the most effective ways to eliminate a swing fault.

I came across a golf drill site that is one of the most comprehensive sites pertaining to golf drills I’ve ever seen.

The teaching pro behind the site is Duncan McGillivray.

I’m proud to say we will be having Duncan post some of his valuable golf drills on this blog, and I am fortunate enough to do the same for him at his blog.

If you’re dealing with a swing fault that you just can’t correct, I strongly suggest you go over there and take a look.

Golf improvement tips are popular among most golfers looking to play better golf. The only problem I have with them is paralysis-by-analysis! That is too many tips, thoughts and checkpoints in your head…causing you to be overwhelmed mentally and even more confused.

The most effective way to benefit from golf improvement tips is to create a plan. Take a look at where your weaknesses are and put them at the top of the list in regards to implementing tips and practicing those tips on a consistent basis.

For most golfers, the short game is a crutch. But how many golfers truly spend quality time on their short games? Not many I can assure you.

So the key is to find just a couple of golf improvement tips for that swing fault or weakness you have in your game and stick with it until it is corrected. Then, and only then, should you move onto the next golf improvement tip.

Approach your golf improvement like you would a business. Put the most important tasks at the very top! Work on those first, until completion…then move on. With this approach, you’re giving yourself the best chance to improve.

The moment of truth…IMPACT!

This where it all happens. Did you make a full backswing creating maximum torque for a higher level of golf swing speed? Did you start your sequence of motion back down in the proper order to enable the ideal impact position?

I can tell you for sure, there is an ideal position at impact that must be attained to create maximum power and ultimate distance. To cut-to-the-chase here it is…

Your hips have got to be somewhat cleared at impact with your shoulders square. This will enable you to have a free-flowing, tensionless swing through, with little or no resistance from your own body getting in the way.

Take a look at the long hitters on tour!

You’ll see their hips have rotated tremendously at impact. I love to see the pictures of these guys at impact. It’s very impressive!

Now how can you attain this same power impact position?

You can’t do it pounding balls or even taking more lessons.

You have to work your core rotational muscles to improve your “x-factor”. That is the difference between your shoulder and hip rotation at impact. This is a “physical” issue. You must train your golf muscles to create a higher degree of this “x-factor”. Rotational stretches and strength exercises while in golf posture and even sitting on a stability ball will greatly improve this.

Remember! Prepare your BODY to perform!

I was reading a golf tip in golf magazine from Mike Weir on how to hit your wedges closer and more consistently.

Since your wedge is the second most important “scoring club” (putter is number one), I thought this tip would help you out!

Set Up

Narrow your stance, feet hip width apart and ball left of center. Grip down just a bit for more control, and stand just a little closer to the ball, to compensate for the shorter grip.

Backswing

Make your backswing until your left arm is parallel to the ground and no more. Make sure you have a full wrist cock, with the angle between your forearm and club is 90 degrees. Keep your feet flat on the ground with knees level.

Downswing

Turn your chest to the target and keep your lower body very still. This is the key point: You’ve got to rotate “your body” through the shot! Your speed coming down controls your power at impact and ultimate distance.

A good golf tip for golf swing balance is performing all your standing golf exercises on one leg! You heard that right…on ONE leg! This is one of the most effective golf tips for golf swing balance. You may have even had your golf pro have you make golf swings on one leg.

If you’ve tried…you’ll admit it’s quite difficult.

My thought is…if you can controllably do your golf exercises with resistance on one leg, you can go out on the golf course and swing in control and with perfect golf swing balance every time!

You will improve your golf swing quickly and with ease with this approach!

And if you live on the edge…you’ll go to the practice range and hit several dozens balls on one leg. By doing your golf exercises AND hitting balls on one leg…your golf swing will be dialed up!