Q&A
What is a shank, and why does this happen?
A shank is where the ball strikes the hosel or neck of a club during impact and causes the ball to shoot off to the right and 45 degrees or so! (right handed player for example)
This generally means the swing is too much from inside the target line to outside the target line.
» Read moreCan a player carry two putters?
Yes, a player can carry two putters. Bobby Grace who is possibly the best putter designer in the world believes the best way to put is to use a centre shafted or face balanced putter from close range, and a heel shafted putter from long range, due to the way the putters swing during the stroke.
» Read moreIs there a limit to how many woods a player can have in their bag?
There is absolutely no limit at all. Some golf manufacturers have in the past made sets of woods to replace irons for players who have difficulty playing irons.
» Read moreHow many clubs can a player have in their bag when playing a competition?
A player can have up to 14 clubs in their bag.
» Read moreWhat is the best way to focus on one shot at a time "the present" and not to look ahead at the rest of the round?
To answer your question is always a tough one, all players tend to deal with the situation differently. It would be very easy to say, concentrate on each shot as it comes but we all know that when we are playing, we can get ahead of ourselves by thinking about the next hole or the fact that 3 more pars and I'm home in a record score, but try the list of things below which I always try to call on when I need to toughen up whether on the course or in life!
» Read moreHow often should a new golfer practise compared with playing?
I believe all golfers should put enough time in on the practice ground or range that satisfies their desire to improve, but a good rule of thumb is if you play once a week then try to hit balls on the range twice a week, if you play three times a week then this would mean 4 sessions on the range, even if to only warm up.
» Read moreCan customfitting my putter really improve my putting?
Yes it definitely can. The lie of the putter will help with improving the strike on the ball, and even the amount of offset designed to the putter, can help with correcting putts that run off line.
» Read moreWhy do I tend to play better in the middle of a round?
This is a common question from club golfers and I believe the reason for this is quite simply a lack of pre-game practice or warm up.
Just think how often you hit balls on the practice ground, driving range or even into a practice net before you play, the answer, more often than not, is rarely so you spend the first 4 or even 6 holes warming up. If you ever go to watch a Tour event, you will see every single player warming up for at least an hour, thus arriving on the first tee, ready to play with full commitment from that first tee shot.
So next
time you go to the golf club, try to arrive with 20 minutes spare and
at least hit 12 shots into a net before playing and I'm sure you will
see a massive improvement with the early part of your round.
Don't forget that those first few holes, set the mood for your entire round.
I have tried all the things you have said to me, but I am still having problems that I feel I am losing control at the top of my backswing. What can I try now?
Try to shorten backswing slightly and then make sure the grip is maintaining its pressure throughout the swing and especially at the top. We are just making a video clip about this issue, so come back shortly and we will post it on the web site for you to watch or download.
Good luck,
Derwynne
I have bought a new driver with a much bigger clubhead. I am now not sure of how high should I tee the ball?
This hasn't really changed through the centuries, and we actually want to feel as half of the ball is above, and the other half of the ball is below. A good way to find out is to use the logo on your golf ball and check that the logo sits on the top head of the driver.
That is the simplest way to double check that your ball is teed up high enough!
Good Golfing,
Derwynne
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Golf Quiz
Golf Terminology
Air Shot
An unsuccessful attempt to strike the ball where the player fails to make contact with the ball. Also known as a 'fresh-air shot,' it is counted as a stroke. Normally only done by beginners.
Address
The act of taking a stance and placing the club-head behind the ball. Taking the correct address position is considered to be one of the most important aspects of hitting the golf ball straight.
Ace
Another name of a hole-in-one, normally on a par-3, very occasionally on a short par-4.
Wedge
The golf terminology Wedge refers to the clubs used to hit the ball onto the green from a relatively short distance. (usually around 100 yards or less).
The Turn
"Making the turn" is when golfers go from hole number nine to hole number ten. Many golfers stop at the clubhouse at the turn, for refreshments.
Tee Box
Where a golfer hits their first shot on each hole.
Stroke
Each time the ball is hit; a player is given one stroke.
Spikes
The "cleats" on the bottom of golf shoes.
Slice
When a right handed player's ball has a trajectory that curves sharply to the right.
Rough
The longer grass that surrounds the fairway and green.
Putter
The club used to hit the ball into the hole on the green.
Push
When a right handed player hits the ball considerably right of the target, in a straight trajectory, although they were aimed at the target.
Pull
When a right handed player hits the ball considerably left of the target, in a straight trajectory, although they were aimed at the target.
Par
The number of strokes in which hole is expected to be completed.
Irons
The clubs used in hitting intermediate distances.
Hook
When a right handed player's ball has a trajectory that curves sharply to the left.
Handicap (of a hole)
The difficulty level of a hole, relative to other holes on the course. A 1 handicap is the most difficult hole, while an 18 handicap is the easiest hole.
Handicap (index)
The individual golfer's average number of strokes over par per round, calculated by a computer system.
Hacker
Used to refer to a bad golfer.
Green
The surface in which players putt. It contains the hole.
Fringe
The slightly longer grass that surrounds the green.
Fairway
The short grass between the tee box and the green.
Eagle
Two strokes under par
Driver
The club usually used off the tee to achieve maximum distance.
Drive the Green
To hit the ball onto the green from the tee on a par 4 or 5.
Double, Triple, etc. Bogey
Two, three, etc. strokes over par.
Divot
The chunk of grass taken out of the ground when hitting the ball.
Chunk
Taking a large piece of grass out of the ground when hitting the ball. The ball will usually not travel far at all.
Bunker
An area on a hole filled with sand, also known as a sand-trap.
Bogey
One stroke over par.
Birdie
One stroke under par.
Ball Mark
The "dent' that the ball makes, when hit onto the green.
Ball Hawking
Looking for balls in out of bounds areas of the course.
Albatross
Three strokes under par.
19th Hole
The golf terminology 19th hole is a term that jokingly refers to the clubhouse.