Posts Tagged ‘Golf Equipment Golf Accessories’
Repair Your Divot, An Important Rule of Golf Etiquette!
What is a Divot?
Divot – A clump of grass removed from the fairway or other location on the course caused by the descending path of the players club after the golf ball is struck. A divot is also an indentation on the green caused when a golf ball lands and should be repaired. See Divot repair tool and photo illustration below.
Divot Repair or Replacement – An important rule of golf and etiquette is to repair or replace all divots made while playing golf. It is a courtesy to the next player who lands in that area so the grass is repaired and ready for him to have the same opportunity as you did when you hit your shot prior. If the actual divot or clump of grass cannot be replaced then at least you have made an effort to do so. Also on many courses, because of the different types of grasses used for varied climates and sustenance, a mixture of seed and fertilizer is used in lieu of the actual replacement of the divot. Be sure to observe these local rules and courtesies for you and your fellow players.
Divot Repair Tool – A pronged tool used to repair the indentation in the green caused by a golf ball landing on any area of said green. (See photo on left)
The divot repair tool is an important complement to your golf equipment and should be carried with you at all times. Happy Golfing to All!
As you know there are many different brands and manufacturer’s of golf balls. Some are advertised as having different performance characteristics like height to distance ratios. Some will fly higher and some will go farther but they will all work on the golf course, especially for the beginning golfer. There are also different compression golf balls, 80, 90 and 100 respectively. The compression of the ball is directly proportionate to the swing speed and force of impact on the golf ball. The lower compression 80 balls allow for maximum performance for a golfer with a slower swing speed and is usually used by women, older players and new golfers who have not yet acquired the techniques to swing like a golf professional. The 90 and 100 are used by the better players ands golf professionals respectively. The golf pro swing speed of apporoximately 105 to 130 mph allows the maximum compression and thus attains the greatest distance possible for that particular ball.
So don’t get hung up on compression or performance data when first learning to play. Purchase a ball that will fit your budget as you will have a tendency to lose more balls when first learning to play. Some golf balls like Titleist Pro V and Pro V1 can cost about $45 t0 $50 per dozen as opposed to Pinnacle, Top Flite or Titleist’s more economically priced line and therefore save you some money as you learn to play. As you progress with your game and develop your swing skills you can upgrade to a better performance ball. The benefit to be derived from using the more expensive balls initially will be negligible so use a golf ball that fits your budget. Happy Golfing to All!
If you have just been introduced to the game of golf and are contemplating purchasing your first set of golf clubs be careful not to overspend. If you do not have a close friend or family member, who plays golf and who would be able to assist in your decision, then I would suggest a few options. One, you can vist your local sporting goods store, such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or Golfsmith and ask for the resident golf professional. Make sure to let them know the amount you have budgeted for the purchase and ask them to advise you on which set will better fit your height, stature and swing characteristics. These locations have an area allocated within the store where they wrap the clubs in tape and allow you to test the clubs so you can see if they feel right when you swing. The golf professional can also view your swing and make his assessment of the clubs he would recommend for you to start with.
Another option is to meet with the local golf professional at a driving range in your area and ask them to give you a lesson and a recommendation for your first set of clubs. If the lesson is not in your budget and you do not have access to a sporting goods store with a golf pro, then you can go to a Modells or even Walmart and purchase what is called a starter set. The set normally includes a driver, at least one wood or hybrid, three or four irons , a putter and a golf bag. These sets are relatively inexpensive and will allow you to be introduced to the game without overspending on your first set of golf clubs. The main goal is to acquire golf clubs so you can get started enjoying this challenging sport. Happy Golfing to All!