Caddying for the Love of It

Here's a cool dream come true: caddying for the day for the great Davis Love III.  For my friend, Claudio Kawecki, this could become a reality with a little assistance from you and me.  It'll only take a few minutes, but with our votes, Claudio - who is one of 26 finalists for the opportunity - will get to offer Love advice on which club to select, how the greens will roll, and maybe even which blog to read (hint, hint, Claudio, The Golf Blog). 

I've personally played with Claudio and believe he'd do an exceptional job.  He's thoughtful on the course; patient and helpful during club selection; and an all around comfort to play with.  Of these qualities, it's his calming effect that would benefit Davis the most.  Not that he needs it, but why not have a professional like Claudio by your side.

Each of the other 25 are most likely just as qualified, but after watching Claudio's video while casting my vote, I was inspired by the creativity and uniqueness it brought (check it out for yourself).  Aside from Claudio's poor acting, his portrayal of the profoundness required to assist in a golfer's journey was dead on.

In my time as a golfer, I've only had a handful of experiences with someone on my bag.  One sticks out clearly because of the support this individual brought, as well as the chemistry we shared.

Which confirms to me why Claudio would be a great sidekick.  He's a people person capable of offering anyone ranging from the President to the janitor at a local high school tips on how to succeed on the course.

I know this because I owe about 85% of my golfing knowledge to Claudio.  And now with your help he can offer this wisdom to Davis Love III.  Although the percentage gained by Love might be slightly lower than mine, it'll still be a rewarding experience for both men. 

To vote, please visit here.

Good luck, Claude!

                                                       Selecting the Perfect Golf Shaft

Golf shafts are generally obtained in two forms, one is made of graphite and the other one is made of steel. Both these kinds have qualities of their own, which may confuse you while selecting the golf shaft. This article can be a part of your golf lessons for choosing the perfect shaft for your club.

The Steel shafts are in action since the early 20^th century, whereas the graphite is a new material for the golf shafts. The graphite shafts were first fabricated way back in the1960’s, but it took almost twenty years for gaining a widespread recognition. Let us discuss and compare some of the basic properties of both these kinds.

                                         The Durability of Graphite and Steel Golf Shafts

If you are in search of less expensive golf shafts, the ones made up of steel should be the best choice for you. Orlando Tee Times Previously the steel shafts were believed to be more durable in comparison to the graphite shafts. They never get pitted or rusted.  However, the idea is not the same these days. If you buy a high-quality graphite shaft, it will surely be with you all through your life. These shifts will never be cracked, chipped or have a shedding laminated seal.

                                             What Makes Graphite Shafts a Better Option?

The most significant difference between the graphite and steel golf shaft is their weight. The golf shafts made up of graphite are much lighter than the ones made of steel. So automatically, the clubs having graphite shafts will weigh much less than similar clubs with steel shafts.

The father of golf technology, Tom Wishon states that this difference of weight results in the variation of swing speed. Most golfers experience an additional swing speed of 2 to 4 mph while using the graphite golf shafts. This means they can cover an extra distance of 6 to 12 yards while playing with the graphite shafts compared to the steel ones. So, the quest for those extra yards compels most present day golfers to go for the graphite shafts.

                                           Why the Scratch Players Prefer the Steel Shafts?

Many golfers are not comfortable with the extra boost in swing speed obtained from the graphite shafts. They are more confident with the heavy steel shafts. Tucson Golf Distance is never a matter of concern for a golfer with higher swing speed. On the contrary the swing tempo obtained from steel shafts comes very handy for those scratch players.

The graphite shafts sends out a lesser amount of vibrations towards the hands of the golfers in comparison to the steel shafts. This is sometimes bad for the game, and at times works wonders on your scores. Your golf skills will decide whether this is good or bad for your game. Some players like to have the added feedback offered by steel shafts and some prefer the lesser vibrations obtained from graphite shafts.

The above golf lesson suggests some slick tricks of choosing the right golf shaft for you. Following all these suggestions must assist you in generating the best golf swing and get many results in your favor.

Get Out and Play

Good morning, golfers.  Welcome to The Golf Blog's Sunday Morning Tee Time.  You know, ever since golf has entered my world, things always seem to direct themselves back to the game.  For instance, when walking down the streets of Hoboken, NJ, my place of residence, the sidewalks can get a little congested.  To maneuver through the crowds, sometimes composure and patience is required.

Find me on the ninth hole of any golf course, and you'll see the comparisons shining through.  After missing a five foot putt for par - putts you must make in order to move up to the next tier of "quality golf" - composure is necessary.  Moving to the next tee, gathering yourself for the upcoming tee shot (or even the bogey putt still to come), and patience is essential to know that eventually, your best golf is still ahead of you.

Now, as in life, some things aren't worth taking so seriously on the golf course.  When we're out playing a game, don't fret so much if you're constantly duffing your woods off the fairways.  Or even hitting your irons fat and leaving everything short of the greens.  Sunday mornings are for remembering that life is good.  We have our health, our families and the rest of the day to enjoy time for ourselves.

If some of us don't have this luxury, perhaps golf is the game to turn to for salvation.  Trust me, get on the course and explore what this game can offer.  If you're afraid that you've never picked up a club and worried of embarrassing yourself, try an early evening twilight special at a local club near you.  I'm sure there's an affordable rate available where you can walk nine holes by yourself and enjoy the quietness of a course being fallen on by dusk.  While playing, hit a poor shot; who cares.  No one's watching.  It's just you and your game.  As a matter of fact, hit two.  Playing at this time of day is actually best for capturing the required mechanics and feel of a great shot. 

When I was a kid I used to imagine myself in a glorious sports moment.  For instance I'd be on the basketball court and counting down the seconds to the buzzer before attempting to hit the winning shot.  Or I'd be at bat in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and my team down three.  My Grand Slam would win it all.   

Sounds crazy, but I'm sure any competitive person has imagined these scenarios.  They may appear senseless and childish, but the pressure of the moment becomes engrained, and when a similar situation surfaces later on, perhaps this little practice may help when the lights are really shining.

Look, golf is a very frustrating game.  I don't think any golfer would deny that.  But the joys of what the game offers far outweigh the downside.  If you disagree with this, don't play.  There are probably more enjoyable ways for many to spend four hours on a Sunday morning.  If so, I encourage you to stick your clubs in the corner and take up chess.

For those that do take pleasure in golf, get out and play. 

And let us know how it's going.

All the best golfers,
Richard Malangone

"Commit to the shot"