Back in the late 1990s, many people's opinion of golf was that it was a sport for older, white men. Then along came Tiger Woods, and he really shook up the establishment, making golf cool to younger folks, and to minority groups as well.
Now, after his very public family issues, he is struggling to get back to being one of the best. However, in more ways than one, the next generation is coming up quickly behind him. And making a splash too!
It was just announced that 22 year old Rickie Fowler, last year's PGA Rookie of the Year award winner, is going to be playing editor for Golf Digest, replacing Tiger. This puts Fowler in league with some of the games greatest names, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. Not bad for a sophomore.
Of course, this decision has some people questioning Golf Digest's motives. As one commenter at NBC Sports stated, "I’d rather hear what a more seasoned/experienced golfer and person has to say than Fowler." I'd have to say that it definitely looks like the magazine is targeting a younger audience with this choice, but does his relative inexperience mean Fowler's advice won't cut it?
On the contrary, anyone who makes it into the ranks of being a PGA Tour player is among the best, and his age shouldn't matter. While more traditionalists won't look to Fowler for fashion advice, and his antics may cause more controversy, his skills at the game of golf are unmistakable, and for that he is a good choice for the magazine. And I'm sure the additional readers this move may bring was at least in some way a motivating factor.
By the way, if you are unfamiliar with Fowler or his antics, you may get a pretty good idea watching the video below - a commercial filmed by his sponsor, Puma, after he won the Rookie of the Year award. Below that are some links to the NBC Sports and Golf Digest stories.
Links:
NBC Sports
Golf Digest
Friday, January 28, 2011
Golf's Mind Game
Golf is as much a mental sport as it is physical. If you aren't mentally prepared, you won't play well. And, more importantly, your mind can actually stand in the way of you playing better if you don't actively do something to stop it.
So, how can you control your mind and make it help your game rather than hurt it? Well, there are different techniques you can try, which is a good thing because not everyone will respond to the same things. Below are three sites you can go to that offer tips and techniques to help you reach into your subconscious mind and gain the control you want:
Hopefully you will find one or more of these helpful. If you do, or if you know of another site that could help, let everyone know in the comments section below.
So, how can you control your mind and make it help your game rather than hurt it? Well, there are different techniques you can try, which is a good thing because not everyone will respond to the same things. Below are three sites you can go to that offer tips and techniques to help you reach into your subconscious mind and gain the control you want:
Hopefully you will find one or more of these helpful. If you do, or if you know of another site that could help, let everyone know in the comments section below.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tiger Woods Is Ready To Play - Are You?
When it comes to finding the best golf tips for beginners, one of the best places to look is to the top tour professionals. You will learn best by learning from the best. That's where Tiger comes in...
In a recent interview, Tiger indicated that it feels good to be returning for the 2011 season both physically and mentally ready to play. Maybe that means that fans will see him return to one of the top spots on the money list, where he has been used to being.
"This year I feel great," he told reporters. "It's great to be back. I feel more fresh. I had a chance to train and get ready and practice and prepare, so I'm looking forward to the season." (source)
How does this help you? You need to ask yourself, now, in the off-season (in the northern hemisphere at least), if you are physically and mentally ready to play golf. Some people might disagree, but golf is a physical sport, and you need to do more than swing a club to prepare.
To help you prepare, you should be stretching on a daily basis. The looser your muscles are, the better you will play. You should also do core strengthening exercises three times a week. These two things will do as much to improve your game as several hours on the driving range.
You should also spend a few minutes every day picturing yourself playing golf at the level of these professionals. The more you do this, the more your mind will accept that you can do it. This will help you prepare mentally, which is just as important as being physically prepared.
If you do these simple things, you will be amazed at how much your game will improve.
See you on the links!
In a recent interview, Tiger indicated that it feels good to be returning for the 2011 season both physically and mentally ready to play. Maybe that means that fans will see him return to one of the top spots on the money list, where he has been used to being.
"This year I feel great," he told reporters. "It's great to be back. I feel more fresh. I had a chance to train and get ready and practice and prepare, so I'm looking forward to the season." (source)
How does this help you? You need to ask yourself, now, in the off-season (in the northern hemisphere at least), if you are physically and mentally ready to play golf. Some people might disagree, but golf is a physical sport, and you need to do more than swing a club to prepare.
To help you prepare, you should be stretching on a daily basis. The looser your muscles are, the better you will play. You should also do core strengthening exercises three times a week. These two things will do as much to improve your game as several hours on the driving range.
You should also spend a few minutes every day picturing yourself playing golf at the level of these professionals. The more you do this, the more your mind will accept that you can do it. This will help you prepare mentally, which is just as important as being physically prepared.
If you do these simple things, you will be amazed at how much your game will improve.
See you on the links!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Welcome to Golf Tips For Beginners
Hi, I'm Chris, and I've been golfing for just about 20 years now. I definitely remember how overwhelming everything seemed when I was first learning, so this blog was created to help you by giving you short tips, directly to the point, and specific to one thing. Some of the first few tips will be related to improving your drive, something many beginners struggle with, and how to practice, because most people are never taught effective ways to practice.
Hopefully you will find these tips helpful. If you do, please be sure to leave a comment letting me know, and be sure to tell your friends to check out this site too.
Thank you for stopping by!
Hopefully you will find these tips helpful. If you do, please be sure to leave a comment letting me know, and be sure to tell your friends to check out this site too.
Thank you for stopping by!
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