A wood is used primarily for the long shot of teeing off. This is important for a beginner Read the rest of this entry
since it is the first shot of a game and so usually the first shot he will practice. In years gone
by, woods were actually made of wood – most often persimmon wood, which is very hard.
These days ‘woods’ are not often made of wood because it has been found that steel or metal
is superior, both the game and lasting power of the club.
Your number one wood is called a driver and is used for teeing off as it gives the maximum
distance. It has a large head and a deep face. Number two is a brassie, because the sole of the
club was once covered with brass plate. It has a smaller and shallower face then the driver
and is used for good fairway shots. The spoon is smaller still and used for those shots that are
too poor for a brassie. Buffy has more loft than the spoon and will hit about as far as a 1-iron.
Number five has an extremely small head and can replace a 3 or 4-iron.
When you are just a beginner in the world of golf, you will need to know when and how to use an iron. There are many different types of clubs and within each type, still many different clubs, so how do you know which one to use where?
Irons are mostly used for short shots. Irons are available in sets consisting of different sizes. Before you choose one for that shot, you should take into consideration the length, style and even the material it is made from. If you think you want to make a swift swing, an iron with a steel shaft may be just what you are looking for. It will give you more control over the swing than others. A long distance shot or a slow swing will be better served with an iron made of graphite. It will be lighter than the steel one, though if cost is a factor, you may not have one.
Read the rest of this entry
In the early 20th century the USGA (United States Golf Association) introduced a handicap system in an attempt to level the playing field. It meant that golfers who were great at the game could still compete fairly with those of ordinary ability. This was good news for all those ordinary golfers. It also helped the clubs to remain viable while everyone improved their game.
Basically, playing with a handicap means that the weaker golfer may be allowed to deduct one of those many strokes it took to get to the hole. Then when the score is totalled at the end of the round, the net score is ascertained by subtracting the gross score minus the strokes they were allowed. There is no par allowed in computing handicaps, but course rating and slope rating are considered.
Read the rest of this entry
Just imagine what happens when you go out to have a practice with your golf clubs. You’ve paid your fees – rather expensive too, and now you’re all ready, but somehow the ball stays on the tee while all around you divots are flying through the air at a dangerous speed. Worse still are the holes left where they came out of. Do you really want to be responsible for ruining that beautiful green? A driving range may be just the place for you to practice that golf swing.
Read the rest of this entry