Stocking Stuffers for the Golfer

Finishing up with you holiday shopping? If you are like me, you leave a little things until last . . . such as the stocking stuffers  Here are some good ideas for the other golfers on your list . . . 

1. Game improvement software - Egolfplan  http://www.egolfplan.com/
My preferred software.  Receive complimentary coaching for golfers who are on my instructional packages.  Ten day free trial available.

2.  Golf balls.  
There are many quality golf balls on the market that make it unnecessary to purchase over-priced balls brand such as Nike, Titleist ProV1, or Callaway, etc..

Before you get caught up in the marketing for low spin, keep in mind that spin creates lift to fly the ball higher, thus longer.  Unless you have a wicked hook or fight a pull slice, stay away from low spin balls.  Below are my top choices for reasonably priced balls:
Bridgestone - E5, $27
Maxfli - Noodle, & U/3, $25
Callaway - HX Diablo, $20
Srixon Q-Star, $25
Titleist - Velocity, $27

In addition, the following balls benefit children and adults who have lower clubhead speeds.  These balls are geared toward creating higher ball flight for greater carry.  More spin & lower compression.  Good qualities for increasing distance.  My top three picks are:
Bridgestone -  FIIXX, $20
Maxfli - U/2, $20
Srixon - Soft Feel, $20

Winter Short Game Shots. A Decision-Making Process

This time of year short shots around the green can be treacherous.  If you don't have a plan, its easy to take a shot a few feet off the green, and turn it into a double or triple bogey.  


Below is a decision-making process for successful chipping and pitching around the green:

•  Evaluate
• Lie of the ball – 
• Slope
• Grass type - mowed or rough “hardpan”, etc.
• Ball sitting up, buried or on an uneven surface

• Carry to roll ratio
• Slope of the green

• Consider
• Landing Zone
• Trajectory

• Use your imagination   
• Visualize your shot & target
• Decide & state your INTENTION
• Execute
• Evaluate

Lie/Club Option Matrix

1. Lie - Closely mowed area (apron) smooth and/or similar speed to the putting surface.
   Club options:  Putter or SW through 6-iron   
   
2. Lie - Closely mowed area (apron) but ball on uneven, bumpy and/or longish grass.
   Club options:  SW through 6-iron, hybrid with low loft or 3-wood (Avoid the putter.  It is not reliable in navigating the differences in grass resistance, e.g. longer grass vs. putting surface speeds)
   
3. Lie– Light rough, just short of the apron
   Club options:  Lob, sand, pitching or gap wedges (Allow for "run" and aim for target landing area short of the hole)
   
4. Lie - Deep rough
   Club options: Lob or sand wedges (Allow for "run" and aim for target landing area short of the hole)

Final thoughts:  Use caution when chipping off dormant Bermuda grass once it has matted down. It is very easy to "chunk" or "blade" the shot.  Consider utilizing a low-lofted hybrid club, e.g. 3- or 4-hybrid.  The mass and length of the club will move the ball quite easily through bumpy lies, up slopes or to multiple plateaued greens.  e.g. Tega Cay GC, Pines #2, 3, 8 or 9.

Never tried using your hybrid?  Its simple.  Grip down on the handle and imagine using a putter with a long stick. (No wrist hinging.)  You will notice the ball taking off the clubface briskly, but developing feel will come easily with a little practice.

Questions?  What's your story?  Tell it here.

USGA, R&A propose anchoring ban starting in 2016

What do you think?  Read this . . .  http://bit.ly/Tqz1IM