Choosing A Golf Putter

There is such a wide range of putters today that it can become very difficult to know which one to choose. And yet a golf putter is a very important part of a golfer's arsenal. In fact, in many ways the golf putter could possibly be the most important club in your bag. Most golfers will take two thirds of their total shots within 100 feet of the hole. And your putts take up a large part of those shots.

So what exactly should you be looking for in a golf putter? The first thing you'll notice is the number of different putter shapes that are available. The blade putter is the traditional style used for many many years on golf courses around the world. The blade putter is narrow from face to back and long from the heel to toe. Many people feel more comfortable using one of these standard, classically shaped putters. The more modern shape is the mallet putter. But even then these new putters can come in a variety of shapes although they are all typically just as deep from front to back as they are from heel to toe. You can find square shapes, triangular shapes and just about everything in between. Through the use of these different shapes, along with a variety of materials, a higher moment of inertia can be achieved when manufacturing the head. The moment of inertia is simply the ability of the putter head to resist twisting when you hit the ball. This twisting can send the ball off target.

There are also a variety of materials used for putter heads these days. You can get a putter that is forged, cast, milled or crafted from aluminum, copper, brass, titanium, nickel, beryllium, plastics and a number of other materials. You can get them with various face materials and various inserts, again crafted from various materials to give different feels, striking surfaces and moments of inertia.

When you think of all this variety, the smartest move is to go to a golf shop or sporting goods store and check out the various types of putters and see how they "feel" when you take a shot. That will help you determine what exactly will work for you in a putter shape and material. you'll also note that some putters include some type of alignment lines to assist in lining up your putts. some will have lines, some have notches, some will even have a system of lines and arrows to assist you in making the shot. Will these help pr hinder you?

Also keep in mind that you don't need to keep the grip that comes with the putter. You can always have a club fitter change it to a better grip for you if you find a putter that is perfect in every other aspect. Never settle for less than the best in your putter.

But the most important thing to remember when you're trying different golf putters is that one of the largest parts of a professional's putting stroke is confidence. If you have confidence that your golf putter will strike the ball firmly without twisting, that the face is milled properly to give you a consistent striking surface then you have won half the battle. You can concentrate completely on sinking the putt.

By: Lee Macrae

Who Are Golf Lessons For

If you've been thinking about taking up golf, or if you're a golfer in search of a better game, you may have considered golf lessons. But are golf lessons really beneficial? And how do you find a pro who will offer good advice?

There are some who swear that lessons are vital and others who say that practice is the only thing that will improve your golf game. The truth seems to lie somewhere in the middle. But before you drop your coach or sign up for lessons, consider what it is that you hope golf lessons will accomplish. Outlining your goals may help you decide whether you truly need lessons or simply more time on the course.

If you play with others who play exceptionally well, you may want to find someone to give you some help with your game. Whether that’s a paid coach or merely a friend who plays well is strictly a personal choice. Getting some pointers and tips may be a good way to ensure that you don't totally embarrass yourself in front of other players.

If you're serious about the game, you've probably been involved long enough that you don't need advice on whether to get a coach. But if you’ve only recently discovered the joy of golfing, you may find yourself looking for a way to improve your game. Golf lessons could very well be the answer.

Some people say that lessons give them a set time to practice and an opportunity to completely focus on the game. You'll typically be less interrupted than if you were playing on your own, stopping to chat with friends along the way. But others say the simple fact of having someone scrutinizing every move and offering constant advice is more distracting than helpful. Decide whether you're one of those who accept direction and works well in that situation. That's a major clue as to whether golf lessons are a good idea.

Remember that a golf coach's job is to teach you to golf correctly. That means that there are some habits that he (or she) will be trying to ingrain and others they'll be trying to break. While golfing correctly is a terrific goal, many golfers have some bad habits that they tout as benefiting their game. Changing your grip, adjusting your stance or even using different equipment may be among the "must do" list from your coach. You may resist those changes. You have two options. You can do your best to follow the instructions, or you can explain that you aren't planning to change that particular habit. If you don't plan to change, you may need to reexamine your decision to take lessons. Without following directions, lessons may become a waste of time and effort on both parts, and money on yours.

Golf lessons are great for some people. It's a personal decision whether you are one of those who will benefit from a coach – formal or informal. But remember that the most important thing to improve your golf game is simply practice.