Golf Blog

Have you ever wondered why the pros are so good at putting and wondered how you can get your putting game up to speed? Wonder no more, we have some tips that can help you perfect your putt! Putting can make or break your game, your short game as it’s called. If you can hit perfect long drives and get the ball relatively close to the ball, you must be golden. Unless your short game is on par with your long game, you will continue to struggle. Practice Makes Perfect

It’s important to practice a multitude of different short shots to try to perfect your game. Research shows that spending time from a wide variety of angles and slopes prepares you better for a game. If you’re practicing the same shot repeatedly until you get it right, you might be setting yourself up for failure. While it’s beneficial to practice a swing until your body feels comfortable and knows what to do, this can hurt you. You’re only going to get one shot at it out on the green, so by giving yourself multiple chances to get it right it may not go as planned.

Go out and work on your short game. Take plenty of different shots and mix up the levels of difficulty and distances from which you take the shots. The variety will help you improve in ways you wouldn't if you stuck with only one shot over and over.

Hitting the Ball

It's been discovered that some of the best putters tend to hit slightly upwards on the ball. This adds a little loft to their stroke, and causes the ball to roll forward immediately, and stay in line. For great putting to happen it takes precision. Any small change to the way you hit a ball can jeopardize your shot.

A great tip for working on precision putting is to stack three quarters behind the ball. Keep three quarters in your remote control golf caddie. Align the center of the putter with the middle of the ball. Keep your putter vertical, and not forward. Practice striking the ball right around it’s middle, or equator, without hitting any of the stacked quarters.

If you can consistently hit the stack of quarters, you know that your stroke is low or not moving upward like it should. Once you start to hit the ball consistently here, the ball will roll much more smoothly. Keep working on this drill until you get the loft to your putt that you want.

Putting

Find golf drills that work for you to perfect your putting. Research some additional drills that you think might help. Finding drills like the quarter drill can help you to make small adjustments.

Golf can be a game of driving around the course in a golf cart, but the benefits of walking the course has become a much healthier option for many. The benefits of walking the course far outweigh driving, and it gives a healthier aspect to the game of golf. One downside to walking the course, is your run the risk of injuring your back if your golf bag is too heavy. Here’s where electric golf trolleys come in. You can still walk the course but benefit from a remote-controlled golf caddy to do the work of carrying your golf bag for you.

ELECTRIC GOLF CARTS

Most electric golf carts use lithium batteries which last much longer than other batteries do. They’re also lighter, making your walk on the course that much easier. Regular golf carts are harmful to golf greens. With the constant driving, and the potential for mud, the tires run the risk of ruining the grass. If you play a game of walking golf, you take that damage out of the equation.

WALKING THE COURSE

Studies have shown that a walking game of golf is so much better for your health and your heart. We encourage you to consider investing in a remote-control golf caddy so that you can more easily play a walking game of golf.

Something that most golfers don’t consider when riding in golf carts, is that it changes the position of the body so much between holes. It requires the body to completely reset, when you get in and out of the golf cart. Playing a walking game keeps your body steady and warm for the entirety of the game, therefore you won’t need as much time to adjust each hole. It keeps you looser and doesn’t require as much time to reset before each swing.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

If it’s been awhile since you’ve played a game of walking golf, it’s time to get out there and try it. Find a place to rent or borrow a remote control golf cart and give it a spin. You can also purchase one on our website at www.carttek.com or give us a call, we would love to tell you more and introduce you to our different models.

Looking for the perfect gift idea for golf lovers this holiday season? We’ve got you covered with five of the hottest trending golf gadgets this year. If the golfer in your life likes to have the latest in golf gadgetry and gear, then consider purchasing one of the following top gifts for golfers this year. PHIGOLF GOLF SIMULATOR WITH SWING TRAINER CLUB If you are getting a little stir crazy this winter, we recommend this indoor launch monitor. Continue to get that practice in during those cold days we've come to expect during the winter months. More affordable than other simulators, the PhiGolf comes with a sensor to put on your club and it links up to your smartphone or TV. You can get data on each swing’s speed, path, and estimated carry distance that’ll help your game come spring. GARMIN APPROACH S20 GOLF WATCH This GPS-enabled golfing watch can be a huge asset when you are on the course. These help on judgement shots and have been found to be very accurate. The cost around $180 and include a round analyzer that measures shot distances with auto-recording for post-round analysis on your Garmin Connect account. It also has activity training, stat tracking, it’s truswing compatible, sunlight readable, high resolution and has a stylish comfort. This is a perfect gift to pair with your new remote control golf caddy. GARMIN APPROACH Z80 GOLF LASER RANGE FINDER Known as the most technologically advanced range finder on the market, this gadget is useful in many ways. It tells you how far you are away from the flag, has the image of the green on the scope so you know the distance between the back and the front of the green. A perfect addition to your electric golf trolley, giving way to more efficient course time and reduces needless walking. It’s one of the more expensive gifts you could give for your golf enthusiast, but well worth it for accurate golfing. Runs about $600. MEDICUS DA DUAL HINGED DRIVER If you are ready to seriously improve your golf game, this is the gift for you! This driver will help you improve your technique by identifying problem areas, so you can learn how to go about fixing them. The Dual Hinge helps to correct your swing, helps to improve your consistency, distance and accuracy. It also helps with ball flight. You can improve your swing tempo, path and plane, control your clubface and hit on target shots. This helps train your muscles to use the right form. The driver runs about $160.

As we enjoy the last few days of warm fall weather and gear up for the fast approaching holidays, it’s time to consider the best training regime for the cold winter months off the course. The winter months can be a great time for working on a golf training program that keeps you focused and active each week. You can use the time for building up your body, your mind, your fundamentals and your focus. The game isn’t just for the course, so consider the following ideas for getting in shape for the upcoming golf season. MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS Serious golfers know that physical strength and agility aren’t the only key ingredients to a strong player. Golfing is as much a mental game as it is a physical game. Your focus can make or break a game so the more you practice mindfulness, the stronger your game will be on the course. Consider taking a meditation class or listen to guided meditations, there are some great ones designed for athletes. STRENGTH TRAINING Think about hitting the gym a few days a week. Core strength will add power to your game and help you control your swing. By building your strength, you’ll be able to control your muscles as you get into your game. When a player doesn’t have muscle strength, they run the risk of overexertion and as you overexert, you become less predictable with each passing swing. Strength training helps with your fatigue, so join a gym or invest in some free weights for the winter. CARDIO & ENDURANCE & FLEXIBILITY Endurance can be the difference between a good game and a great game. You don't want your remote control golf cart running faster than you when you hit the greens in a few months. Start small and work your way up, you don’t have to become a professional runner. Run for ten minutes the first week, just to get your legs and lungs use to the idea. Then, you can slowly increase the distance each week, until you are training at a comfortable and productive distance. The by-product of running is the mental resilience that comes with completing the mileage. Set some running goals and push yourself to overcome the urge to quit before you meet your goals, the payoff is worth the pain. INDOOR DRILLS With the limited indoor space, it can be tough to practice your all-out swing, but chipping and putting practice are doable and the more you do them, the more it helps you zero in on a skill you’ll always appreciate on the course. Working on the fundamentals during the off-season will be the key to your success when your game resumes in the spring.

Preparing your golf gear for the winter months doesn’t have to be a big chore, in fact, it can be quite easy if you follow a few easy steps each year. If you live in a climate where the temperatures vary from summer to winter, knowing how to best preserve your equipment will help ensure your gear stays golf-ready for the season ahead. Check out our top 3 golf equipment tips. CLEAN YOUR CLUBS It’s likely your clubs have some mud and dirt in the groves of the heads, so you’ll want to clean your clubs before you store them for the winter. There are golf cleaning kits available or you can follow a few easy steps to get those clubs cleaned up. All you need is a bucket of warm, soapy water and a good brush. Start by soaking the heads in the water for a few minutes, to loosen the residue. Once they’ve soaked for the time you think is necessary to moisten and loosen the dirt and grass, remove the heads and use the brush to remove any remaining dirt. Once cleaned, be sure to dry the heads thoroughly before you store the clubs. CHECK GEAR FOR DEFECTS Taking an inventory of your gear can help you identify any defects, so you can replace the equipment before next season. Check your golf bag zippers, your gloves for holes, your scorecard inventory, and any other supplies you use on the course. This would be a great time to replace anything you’ve been meaning to get rid of, as well as decide if there are new supplies or equipment that would make your golf game more successful. STORING YOUR CLUBS We recommend you don’t store your clubs in the trunk of a car during the winter months. The extreme temperatures can weaken the epoxy bond from the expansion and contraction of varying temperatures. Most people store their clubs in the garage or a storage unit, which is fine if the temperatures are controlled and don’t get too cold. Storing your golf clubs in a consistent, comfortable room temperature will preserve them for the long haul. Like any sport, golfing has best practices that help keep you and your gear in good shape.

Consider taking some time to follow these golf equipment tips and you’ll be set for your golf game whether it’s during the winter months or next spring when the days aren’t as chilly!

When shopping for your next pair of golf shoes, you’ll want to keep some main points in mind. You can always play a round of golf in any pair of athletic shoes, but if you are serious about the sport, investing in some golf shoes will keep your feet happy round after round. Even if you plan on using an electric golf trolley, you'll definitely want to invest in a good pair of golf shoes! Golf shoes are specifically designed for the amount of walking that takes place, as well as the way the golfer swings their body, pivots, and twists. Golf shoes are designed to handle the pivots and twists, keeping the movement fluid and easy on grass. The sole of the golf shoe is much different than your normal athletic shoe, it typically has a wide, rubber sole that allows the shoe to grip the grass, preventing any slipping. Golf shoes use to have metal spikes on the sole, for an even better grip, but those are no longer allowed on courses. Instead, there are often rubber or plastic spikes on the sole. Comfort is key, so make sure you try on several pairs before you purchase the ones you are going to be stuck with long-term. The style is important as well, so have fun looking at your options and settle on the ones that give you both style and comfort. The following four shoes were rated as the best golf shoes for this year, so check out the brief descriptions and consider trying some on before you invest in a pair. FOOTJOY TOUR S CLEATED TPU SADDLE STRAP These shoes are liked by many professional players for their style and comfort. The classic style offers a lightweight shoe that doesn’t take forever to break in on the course. These are waterproof, which is a great option for wet golfing conditions. These run about $270. PUMA IGNITE POWER ADAPT DISC These are also a waterproof golf shoe, and well-liked by many serious golfers. They have adjustable disc closures that give the shoe a tight, snug fit. They give off a bouncy effect which makes your feet comfortable and feel lightweight. Puma also makes this shoe for women and they run about $150 per pair. ADIDAS GOLF TECH RESPONSE These shoes are a great investment for several reasons, one is the fact that they are very affordable. Each pair runs about $100 and has been called one of the most comfortable options for a golf shoe. They are mostly mesh which provides a lightweight feel and gives more flexibility across the entire shoe. The mesh also allows for breathability and they make it in women’s sizes as well. ECCO GOLF BIOM HYBRID 3 GTX This shoe is made for women and has been popular with both casual and professional golfers. Known for good support and style, they are also 100% waterproof. They provide a generous base with a wide sole and are made from Gore-Tex. These will run you about $180.

Want to learn to putt like a pro? It sounds intimidating but like anything, it just takes practice. Depending on your skill level, long putts can be tricky, you can always try for one putt but often it’s best taken in two or three putts. Consider working on your lag putting, because it can be a terrific way to get a longer putt in and help your golf game. Here are some tips, used by the pros, for lag putting, with the goal of getting your ball as close as possible.

• If it seems too long, it probably is. Although it would be nice to get this shot in one putt, you might be setting yourself up for failure and frustration. If the putt seems too long, plan to take two putts. By planning and analyzing the shot correctly, you could save your score from a long putt gone wrong.
• The goal for a lag putt that seems too long is to get it within a 6-foot diameter of the hole. Instead of aiming for the tiny hole, imagine that a radius of 6 feet around the hole is what you’re aiming for. If you can make it within this radius, you’re setting yourself up for an easier final putt.
• Take the shot like more of a chip. If you take the shot as a stroke, you most likely won’t get the ball close enough. If you chip putt, you’re likely to get it closer, as chipping it gives it the extra push the golf ball needs.
• Work on your stance. If you stand taller for this shot and get closer to the ball you’re more likely to hit your goal area. If it’s a longer putt, you want to avoid the typical crouched position you use for normal putting.
• You can never practice enough. If you spend 15 minutes on the putting green, you can spend time working on your lag putts and see which stance and approach are right for you. Practice common putting distances and then try your longer ones. Try hitting three balls from different distances in a row and see how different it feels. See how your stance changes and practice getting the balls within 6 feet of the hole.
• Find the toughest putt you can find and practice some more. Practice in diverse ways to find what works best for you. It not only helps you find the technique you need for shorter and longer putts, but it will help you with your confidence when it comes to putting different lengths during your game.

Any putt is doable with a little practice. If you’re only comfortable with shorter putts, try taking some longer ones for the practice. Once you build up the confidence on longer putts your game will improve, and if you continue to practice and set reasonable goals for playing longer putts, you’ll no longer dread them while playing a game of golf with friends. Practice makes perfect, it really does!

Every year, manufacturers are studying golf products and coming up with new innovations to help golfers to make swings that will hit golf balls so they will travel farther and provide more flexibility with the type of swing that a golfer wishes to make. This year is no exception. Some amazing new technology has appeared on the golf course that is making waves throughout the golf industry. Smart Club Sets Technology is being placed into the grips of the golf clubs to help track the golfer's performance. Currently found in Cobra Golf's King 58 and 58+ lines, sensors in the grips analyze everything from distance, shots, and location. Then the sensors send the information to a smartphone app. The smartphone app analyzes the information and further breaks it down to tell you about strokes gained, chipping, handicaps and other details so you can modify your swings for better performance. Utility Clubs The Open Championship last summer proved the amazing benefits that utility clubs can provide. Utility clubs are replacements for irons as they have deeper and lower centers of gravity with their mass. This characteristic helps to get the ball airborne for long shots. So it is another club to have in your arsenal for your game. New Mallets Blade putters became customary for good golf players. Yet mallets have made a comeback as new technology provides weighting in the mallet so the mallet's face angles downward once the putter is balanced in your hand. This manner provides better alignment and aim. You game more stability when sinking the ball into the hole. The year 2018 will bring some major changes to the way golfers play their game. Check out the amazing technologies that are being introduced into clubs. You will find the right technologies that will allow you to improve your performance.

Sometimes when you are an amateur golfer, you can save money by getting a friend to give you a set of old clubs. They may no longer play golf, or the clubs might be a starter set that they don't need anymore as they plan to get customized clubs later. Using the clubs has been awesome because you get to learn the pace of the game as well as the feel of the clubs as you swing them. You were also able to save money. However, as you gain more experience, you might begin to wonder whether the golf clubs are the right size for you. Should you be playing with longer or shorter clubs?

Sizing Golf Clubs

Interestingly enough, there are many ways to measure yourself to determine the length of the golf clubs that you need. The two basic measurements that you should know are your regular height and the height of your wrist to the floor. Another measurement is measuring your wrist height from the floor while your knees are bent. Your Height Your height can be used to determine the length of the iron that you want to have. The standard length for clubs is used for people who are between the 5'9" to 6 feet in height. For every 3 inches in height from this measurement, you would add or subtract 1/2 inches to the length of the club. If you are between 6'0" to 6'3" in height, you want a club with an extra 1/2 inch to the standard length. If you are 5'6" to 5'9" in height, you want a club that subtracts 1/2 inches in length from the standard size. Your Wrist-to-Floor Height You could also measure the height of your wrist from the floor. You need to stand up straight with your arms held loosely at your sides. Have someone measure from the crease of your wrist down to the level floor. This measurement can be used with your height measurements to also determine the right length of the clubs. Your Wrist-to-Floor Height with Knees Bent Some golfers also measure their wrist height when they bend their knees to determine a length for the driver that they should use. To get this measurement for yourself, make sure to stand with your feet apart at shoulder length. Then slightly bend your knees and hold your hands together while locking your fingers in front of your body. Have someone measure the height from your wrists to the floor. Once you have the measurements, you can take them to a club fitter or pro shop to get the right length for your clubs. Always test out the swing of the irons, drivers, and putter to get one that feels right in your hands and that has the perfect grip. To maximize your golf experience, consider investing in a remote control golf caddie to pack your new clubs around the course.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been playing golf for years, or if you are a beginner in the sport, you may need a few reminders of the appropriate etiquette for a game of golf. The following are suggestions for proper golf etiquette and tips for respecting the course.

Fore!: You have probably seen or heard it in golfing movies or perhaps while watching a game on tv. A player takes a shot and yells “fore,” but perhaps you’ve noticed that it doesn’t happen as often anymore. We can’t express the importance enough, even if you think it’s unnecessary, it’s better to warn someone than to have someone get injured. It is a great way to give other players, golf cart drivers and spectators a warning. Safety first, always.

Cell Phones: Absolutely no cell phones on the course or in the clubhouse. This is a show of respect for other players as well as your own teammates. Cell phones can be a huge distraction and the last thing you want is to be thrown off by someone’s annoying cell phone ringer. Most people keep their phone close at all times, so consider putting it on silent and placing it in your GB-26WP waterproof golf bag while you are on the course.

Divots: Be sure to always replace your divots. Fill them in and try to leave the course as you found it, the more you do it, the more it sets the stage for the person behind you to follow suit.

Game Talk: It’s normal to have a conversation going while you’re playing the game, but if you are planning to talk about the details of the game you played last weekend or get into some heavy topic, no one really wants to hear about it. Try to keep prior game conversation to a minimum and overall, keep the conversation light and polite. A golf game is not the time or place to discuss drama, anger or heavy emotions. Some players like to play music while they walk the course and this is okay as long as your Bluetooth wireless speaker is set at the lowest volume. Remember that other players on the course might not want to have to listen to your choice of music.

Rough Day: Bad days happen, and typically we humans like to push through and try to right the unpleasantness of a rough day. Know your limits and call it quits if you are struggling on the course. You can’t expect to have great rounds every time you play. Sometimes it’s better to pack up and try again the next day.

Practice Swings: We’ve all been taught that practice makes perfect, and for the most part it’s true. But there are also times when too much practice becomes a hindrance to your game. It’s normal to take a few practice swings, but don’t overdo it. If you make too many practice swings, you can burn yourself out before you even start your game.

Have Fun: The most important tip of all is to remember to have fun! This is a game after all and if you aren’t having an enjoyable time, you are in it for the wrong reasons. Try to remember that you might have a rough game here and there but it’s all for the greater good of being on the course, outside and usually with good company. Enjoy yourself!