Golf Gifts and Decor Make Perfect Holiday Gifts

November 23, the day after Thanksgiving, also know as “Black Friday”, starts the holiday shopping countdown for 2007. Only 32 shopping days left until Christmas. What is going to make the perfect gift this year?

Golf becomes more popular every year, more and more people play all the time, watch it on television, and talk about it, making golf gifts and décor a great theme for holiday gift shopping. With a large selection of golf gifts available for the holidays it will be easy to find that perfect present. Here are some great gift giving ideas.

Golf Pictures – Pictures of famous golf courses such as Pebble Beach, Augusta National, TPC Sawgrass, or St. Andrews will let you enjoy rich landscapes of the most gorgeous golf courses in the world from any room in your home or office. Anyone with an eye for art will enjoy such stunning pictures. For the collector of golf memorabilia choose authentic autographed PGA and LPGA Player pictures of some of the greatest players of golf such as Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Annika Sorenstam.

Golf Décor – Know anyone who has made that infamous hole in one shot? If so, a personalized hole in one plaque is the perfect way to capture that special moment permanently. Top 100 Courses plaques is the ultimate golfer challenge. Set a goal to play at all 100 courses in the US or World. For the golf ball collector choose a beautiful wooden golf ball display case, add a special touch with a personalized name. Golf memorabilia buffs will love a set of Bobby Jones “Grand Slam” clubs or bronze sculpture.

Golf Equipment and Accessories – Every golfer is always in need (want) of the latest and greatest out on the market. No golfer will turn down a set of new clubs! If your looking to get something a little less pricy, you can choose from golf headcovers, umbrellas, divot repair tools, golf bags, equipment organizers, coolers, push carts, or travel cases. Don’t forget every golfer at some point in time will need a golf ball retriever, even if they don’t want to admit it.

Golf Training Aids – Training aids are great gifts for many reasons; they allow you to practice your game year round even if you can’t make it to the golf course. True golfers would play 24/7 if they could. Indoor/outdoor golf nets, mats, practice balls, and putting greens improve your game from the home, office, or backyard. Training books, videos, tapes, and CD’s are perfect aids for new or seasoned golfers.

Golf Gifts – Everyone enjoys a good laugh, golfer or not. Funny gag and novelty golf gifts will bring a smile to anyone’s face at an affordable price and make great presents for the office gift exchange party. Golf games such as Monopoly, Dominoes, Par Darts, or Caddy Shack Trivia not only make a great holiday gift, but will also be a hit at your next party. Watches for him and her are perfect for the couple that plays golf.

Now that you have all these great ideas what is the easiest, most affordable way get them? Specialty golf stores tend to offer a huge selection of golf equipment and accessories, but not as many gifts and decor. If you want to find the largest selection of golf gifts, décor, an equipment; shopping online will make it easy, cut down on time you have to spend driving around, and will deliver to your doorstep. The variety of golf gifts and products available online to a golfer far exceeds the specialty golf store. Try shopping at an online discount golf store for the best savings.

Golf Equipment and Golf Accessory - Play by the Book

So you have every golf accessory out there and your home is full to bursting with golf equipment - but have you read the book?

Golf equipment - is a book the ultimate golf accessory?

What do you buy the golfer who has everything? If he has every single item of golf equipment ever produced and every golf accessory ever made? Well, a book might be just the thing. The fact is it doesn’t matter how much golf equipment you have stacked up in your garage or whether you have the latest gadgets and accessories, if you don’t have the right technique.

Get the right golf equipment

Some of the best professional golfers who have ever lived have written training manuals and guides on how to play the best game of golf. If you’re having trouble getting your drive right, it can certainly help if you have the right golf equipment but you need the know-how too - and a book on technique might be the perfect accessory.

Tiger’s golf equipment and accessories

But if you Google, ‘golf books’ you can loose the wood for the trees. So how do you know which book to choose? If you are a keen golfer, you will have all the right golf equipment and every golf accessory going, but when it comes to choosing who to learn the game from which pro do you go for? The obvious choice would be Tiger Woods. Tiger is the world’s number one, who has his own range of golf equipment and golf accessories. He’s set to be the game’s first billionaire - who wouldn’t want to play like a Tiger?

How Tiger handles his golf equipment

How I play Golf by Tiger Woods is perhaps the best place to start. You don’t just want to know how to play physically - golf is a mental game, and Tiger Woods is renowned for his mental strength. Reading how Tiger handles his golf equipment in his own words is the best golf accessory you could own. The book is full of awesome tips such as the right golf equipment to use for certain shots and the best golf accessories you should invest in. But more than that - he tells you about technique, such as practicing putting with his left eye closed so he can’t see the target line in his peripheral vision - this makes it easier to keep his eyes looking straight down - who’d have thought?

Caddying golf equipment

The golf caddy probably knows every golf accessory available to mankind - they spend their careers hunting out the right golf equipment for the world’s best players. Caddies at the top of the league don’t just carry the golf equipment or lug about golf accessories - they are the golfer’s coach, therapist and friend. So who better to learn about the game from?

Golf at the Top with Steve Williams: Tips and Techniques from the Caddy to Raymond Floyd, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods is the ultimate golf accessory if you want to learn more about making the most of your golf equipment. This book promises to help improve your game and lower your scores, including a full mind-training regimen so you can be calm and confident when you pick up your golf clubs.

Golf Cart Batteries, Proper Care And Maintenance

Golf cart batteries are not the same type of battery that is in your automobile. If you own your own golf cart you will soon learn the ins and outs of golf cart battery maintenance and care. Depending on the size and make of your golf cart you may have between 4 and 8 golf cart batteries in your golf cart. Golf cart batteries are designed to be deep cycle batteries this means that they can be discharged to a lower voltage without damage to their cores. Golf cart batteries require special care.

All golf cart batteries come in 6 volts but are designed to work in either a 12 or 24 volt system. Connecting two 6 volt batteries in series will provide 12 volts that can be used in a 12 volt system. A golf cart batteries power is not measured in volts but in amps. The more the amps a battery can provide in a given amount of time, usually in hours, the more powerful the battery. If your golf cart uses 50 amps per hour at half speed and your combined battery amperage is 400 amp hours you theoretically could run the golf cart for 8 hours before the battery was totally discharged. However golf cart batteries will not provide the full amount of power (amperage) that they are rated for. This is because as you use the batteries power its voltage level drops below the 12 volts that is required by the golf carts motors. Once this happens, golf cart performance declines until the motors will not respond. Then you will have to recharge your golf cart battery.

A golf cart battery is charged by using a battery charger that changes the chemical composition within the battery. This charging process is not efficient and as such with each charging cycle the battery will hold less of a charge. In addition golf cart batteries that are deeply discharged have a shorter life span then batteries that experience only shallow discharge cycles. Quality golf cart batteries will have higher number of discharge cycles available then the cheaper models. The larger number of cycles the longer the battery life. Golf cart batteries must be charged correctly to achieve top battery efficiency. A good battery charger will automatically charge the battery to a high voltage for a prolonged period to return the golf carts batteries to the proper chemistry. This is very important to prolonging the life of your golf cart battery.

Properly maintaining your golf cart batteries will also prolong their life. Probably the number one problem that the golf cart owner will have with their golf cart batteries is not maintaining proper water levels in each battery cell. As you charge your battery it will begin to boil out water (hydrogen gas) as part of reversing the sulfide process. This water will need to be replaced on a regular basis with distilled water. Failure to keep battery fluids at optimum levels will shorten the life of your battery significantly. Basically the more you charge your battery the more often you need to add water to your golf cart batteries.

Keeping your golf cart batteries terminals clean is also very important. Clean terminals will allow the efficient flow of current from your golf cart batteries to your golf cart motors which will help them operate efficiently. Even more importantly it will allow the battery charger to correctly measure the condition of the battery so that a proper charging cycle can be applied. Again a properly maintained golf cart battery will last longer.

A properly maintianed golf cart battery will last you considerably longer than one that is neglected. Nothing is worse than climbing into your golf cart ready to play good round of golf and finding your golf cart batteries are dead. Take care of your golf cart batteries and they will take care of you.

What is the difference between MRH and MLH golf gloves?

I’m thinking of buying a few golf gloves for my brother’s birthday but when I look it up they have MLH or MRH golf gloves for the same type and I have no clue what the difference is…

also, i’ve narrowed down my choices to Taylormade, 3m greptile, mizuno, or footjoy gloves…i was wondering if anyone could also add in which they preferred and why?

Thanks!

Fore! Golf Equipment Buying Guide - Avoid the Sandtraps!

Golf is a popular and relaxing sport, but to play the game well, you need the right golf equipment. This buying guide will take you through the different types of golf equipment available, from balls and bags to clubs and clothes.

What equipment do I need to play golf?

Golf Clubs:

Usually a golfers bag contains fourteen or more clubs. Select golf clubs based on your ability. A half set combination of clubs is ideal for a novice and will help a beginner develop a better swing. You need a good variety of clubs with the right combination of shafts and club heads for different shots around the course. For left-handers, there are specially designed sets of clubs. The most common types of golf clubs are drivers, irons, woods, wedges and putters.

Drivers:

You can choose from steel, titanium or composite drivers. The head of a golf driver comes in different shapes like squares, triangles and scoop backs. Golf drivers are made of different metals and vary in weight according to the material used. Heavy headed golf drivers are preferred by many players. Steel shafts are typically used by experienced golfers while lighter graphite shafts are used mostly by beginners. Graphite shafts can be rather expensive and are best for beginners who are serious about improving their game. Cheap golf sets with graphite shafts are readily available.

Woods:

Woods are made from either titanium or stainless steel. Titanium woods are pricier of the two. If you prefer a classic look, then opt for stainless steel woods. They are heavier with a more traditional design. A 2, 3 or 4 wood can be used in place of a driver or long iron for tee shots. Woods numbered 5 through 11 are best used to get your ball out of the rough.

Irons:

Iron clubs are great for shots when you are 125 to 200 yards from the green. They are a staple among clubs and can be made of forged or cast iron. High handicap players should opt for cavity back irons which are designed to improve your game. Mid handicap golfers are better off experimenting with hybrid irons and low handicap players should use blade irons.

Wedges:

There are several different types of wedges, such as the pitching wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge and gap wedge, all of which have different lofts. They have different finishes like chrome, nickel and beryllium copper. These scoring clubs are a vital part of game and should be used when you are 120 yards or less from the hole.

Putters:

Once you hit the green, it is time to pull out your putter. A putter is the shortest golf club of any set and generally the most used. You have many options to choose from. Peripheral weighted putters are better for players with an in and out stroke while mallet headed putters can be used by players with a straight through and back stroke. The traditional blade putter, however, is always the safest design as it is the easiest to use.

Golf Balls:

Golf balls are classified as one-piece, two-piece, three-piece or four-piece based on their construction. Beginners should use one-piece balls. Two-piece balls are more commonly used by the average player for every day golfing. Three-piece balls give seasoned players more control. Four-piece balls are much rarer. Their four layer construction makes them the softest feeling golf ball you can play with. If you are a hard hitter, you will most likely prefer a heavier ball. Soft balls spin well whereas hard balls cover more distance.

Golf Bags:

Just like any other golfer, you will need a bag to store your clubs, shoes and balls as you go back and forth from home to a golf course. The most common types of golf bags are stand bags, cart bags and staff bags.

Stand Bags:

A stand bag has legs which keeps it upright while you golf. Select a lightweight stand bag with two wide straps rather than one so that the weight gets evenly distributed.

Cart Bags:

Cart bags have many pockets and are more rigid than stand bags. They are made for golfers who use carts and buggies to get around the course. Female golfers and older players tend to prefer cart bags. However, they usually are quite expensive.

Staff Bags:

Staff bags can get very heavy, as they have numerous pockets and enough space for a full set of fourteen clubs. They are modeled after professional golf bags and are often made from leather. If you use a caddy and have the money, nothing else comes close to owning a staff bag.

Golf Gloves:

Golf gloves help you get a good grip on your golf clubs to provide better control over your game. Although some prefer to play without gloves, they are highly recommended for novice to intermediate players. There are leather, synthetic, all-weather and winter gloves that you can choose from.

Golf Shoes:

You can wear classic golf shoes, sandals or golf boots when you are out on a course. Look for shoes that can withstand the wear and tear of walking all eighteen holes and are waterproof. Shoes that let your feet breathe are ideal for summers and provide the most comfort.

Golf Clothes:

Your golfing wardrobe should contain outerwear for every season. If you are the kind of golf lover that plays no matter what the weather is like, you will need waterproof, rainproof and windproof golf clothes. Take care that you are comfortable with your apparel during a swing. There are now many outlets to buy golf equipment online if you want to keep up with the trends.

Getting The Most Out Of Golf Instructions

Like any sports, golf entails some fundamental instructions on rules, method, customs, and equipment.

These golf instructions, aside from practices, are important in order to become an expert golfer. But even if you have no desire to become an expert golfer you can shave many strokes off your golf game with proper instruction.

Hence, in the United States, any golfer can gain the same knowledge that most professional golfers have obtained by enrolling in golf schools or training centers that are duly licensed by the U.S. Golf Teacher’s Federation or the Professional Golfers Association.

For those who would like to know more about golf instructions, here is a list of some facts that they can use in gaining more information about golf and golf instructions:

1. Golf Instructions started in the “medieval era”. As early as the 1350’s, golf instructions had already dominated the society. Back then, golfers were already incorporating the basic concept of golf instructions by letting each group of golfers to strike the next unbroken shot.

2. Expensive state of golf instructions Before the gutta percha ball was created, golf instructions were very costly then. It was even considered as a very expensive set of abilities wherein only a few people from Edinburgh could play the game.

3. “Show-and-tell” type of golf instruction It was in 1848 when the “show-and-tell” type of golf instructions was first introduced. It was also during this year that the “guttie” ball was invented. Because of these, golf eventually became an affordable sport. It also became an easy export item wherein golf was gradually introduced to the rest of the world.

4. First golf instructional book It was in 1857 that the first golf instructional book was published. The book, entitled “A Keen Hand”, written by H.B. Farnie was all about golf instructions on techniques and strategies in playing golf.

5. The important part of golf instructions In golf instructions, the most essential things that a golfer must learn are alignment, proper posture, golf swing, and grip. These things are the primary concern of the golf instructions because these are vital to every golf player’s shot in the game.

6. Golf instructions and shots. Through golf instructions, every golfer wannabe is able to learn the different traditional shots like fairway shots, chipping, approaches, putting, sand-shots, and driving. For higher level of golf instructions, players are taught with methods that are more intricate like controlling the loft, trouble shots, and controlling the shape of the shot. Indeed, there are no better ways to learn golf than through golf instructions. Everything’s already included and taught in golf instructions. Golf instuctors need to be patient, knowledgeable and most important, able to work with different personalities with different temperament and physical make up. If you aren’t happy with your instructor, fire him! Move on and make them work for you as golf is a game to be enjoyed.

What are the best kinds of golf balls?

I just started golfing and to be honest, i lose a helluva lot more balls than i keep. I don’t really want to buy crappy balls for that reason, so- what are some of the better balls out there?
I’m trying to look out on ebay for nice used balls so i dont have to dish out the big bucks everytime i go to hit the back 9. Thanks in advance.

What would you do as a golf player on the tour with Tiger Woods?

As a PGA tour player, I would definitely practice my behind off to try to beat him in any tournament, especially a major. I wouldnt dislike Tiger because there is no reason to dislike him except for the fact that he crushes his competition. The other golf players may dislike him because of all the media attention and that is not Tiger’s fault. You cant deny his talent even if you dislike him. Today, in my opinion, being a golf player on the PGA tour means winning tournaments with or without Tiger, but especially when Tiger is present. You beat Tiger and youre career as a golfer is set. Other golfers, the media, nor Tiger would even doubt your golf skills. Unfortunately, I wont become a PGA tour player, but I was just pondering this question to myself so now its your turn: What would you do as a golf player on the tour with Tiger Woods?

How To Get A Perfect Golf Swing Every Time

Golf is a difficult game to master and most golfers don’t have the time it takes to practice, practice, and practice to significantly improve. When you’re playing golf badly it isn’t a lot of fun. Even the guys who play golf for a living and get the best golf instruction in the world still struggle to improve their golf; and they practice each and every day!

Concentrate totally on your game and you’ll get the best score. The positive energy you send out will influence your game, just as negative thinking and therefore negative energy will affect it also. Golf requires tough mental fitness as well as physical fitness and is often overlooked.

Use the basic ‘hitchhiker’ position when you’re working on your backswing. Ask your golf pro to evaluate your posture while swinging. One of the problems that most inexperienced golfers share is they think too much about their swing.

Before you swing, make sure you’re relaxed; contract all your muscles tightly for a moment and then relax them. As the body matures, the ability to rotate the upper torso is affected by age, and the hand action can also slow down requiring a slightly stronger grip. Try not to grip the club too tightly.

Putting can become a nightmare and a condition called the ‘yips’ has affected not only amateurs but professionals as well; get expert advice and consider a golf swing aid. Putts and short chips are ideally played without much movement of the body, but most other golf shots are played using variants of the full golf swing.

At the end of a swing, the weight has shifted almost entirely to the left foot, the body is fully turned to the left and the hands are above the left shoulder with the club hanging down over the players’ back.

Swing slowly and steadily using a nice rhythm. At the end of a backswing the hands are above the right shoulder, with the golf club pointing more or less in the intended direction of ball flight.

Workouts with straight crunches won’t improve your swing or driving distance; concentrate on weighted rotational exercises instead. Using a weighted club, make rotational golf swings to improve your power. Once you understand that you can change your swing by using a simple technique, you’ll never underestimate golf fitness again.

Golf swing aids come in all shapes and sizes including apparel type accessories to correct alignment or a golf club add-on accessory to monitor your swing. There are golf swing aids that act as driving range simulators. Golf aids are often for sale at your pro shop or local golf shop.

Most of all don’t waste your money on a golf swing aid you don’t need or will never use. Sporting goods stores have golf aids to improve your game. Look for golf swing aids at your local golf course.

Golf magazines often review the newest golf swing aids and are reviewed by golfers, making it easy to choose the right one for you. Overall, investing in golf swing aids will greatly improve your golf swing and your golf game. If you’re looking for an aid to improve your stance they’re not hard to find.

Before buying any golf swing aid, check with an expert to get an idea of what problem you need to work on first; backlift of golf swing, momentum of downward thrust or stance for example. In any case, stick to just one golf swing aid at a time; don’t load up on them.

If you’ve hit with your golf driver perfectly once, you can do it every time. There are a lot of places to get golf swing tips, golf game tips and golf instruction so when you do have time to hit the course, you’ll have a plan in mind. Having a plan and working on specific aspects of the swing or game should be your goal.

What is the best way to remove the residue left on a golf club by stickers?

I just bought a Callaway Hyper X driver and when i took it out of the box it had stickers (price, etc.) on the face, sole and shaft. When I took them off they left a sticky residue and grass is sticking to it. How can I safely get it off without damaging my golf club?
Does nail polish remover work? Is it safe to use on the sole where it is stainless steel?

Green Golfer

Golf tips to improve your golf game