Golf Blog

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!

Perhaps your swing hasn’t been feeling right lately, or you just feel like you need some extra practice, but whatever the case, there’s nothing wrong with getting in some time at the driving range. Spending time practicing is the best way to get comfortable with your swing and brush up on the minute details that can make a big difference out on the course. The driving range is also a wonderful place to practice your mental game as well as your swing so that when you’re out on the course again, you’re even more prepared for that difficult shot. Something to always keep in mind during the game of golf is your mental game. If you are feeling off mentally, it can really disrupt your game out on the course, so while you’re busy taking practice swings, work on how you view your game. Take the time to go through your clubs and feel the difference between each one. Focus your thoughts in an organized and positive way to your mental strength is at its peak while on the course. This is a huge part of any sport, but it’s often overlooked when thinking about the perfect golf game.

Stretch It Out!! It’s very important for your muscles to stretch before you start swinging, whether it’s at the range or at the course because your body will always respond better to practice if it’s loosened up. Take the time to start with smaller swings, and slowly stretch out your muscles. Try just swinging a club back and forth until you feel warmed up enough. Use your remote-control golf caddy to support yourself as you stretch out your leg muscles.

Start Swinging!! After you’ve warmed up, it’s time to work your way through all of your irons. Try starting with your 9 and then continue with your lowest to your highest. Take a variety of shots and you will notice you’ll start to get into a groove. You can always begin with chip shots and then slowly work your way up to take a swing. Taking shots with each one of your irons gives you the opportunity to focus on your swing and realign your stance if necessary. You can watch the way the ball falls, and notice if it’s hooked or not, which will then tell you if you need to adjust the way you are standing. A great drill to try is to pick three different areas of the range and practice hitting the ball there as if it were a hole on the course. Try to get everything right, your stance, your swing, everything. If this is a drill that you can do consistently, it will really start to help your swing motions.

Practice That Putt!! Some people forget how important putting can be. If you’re at the practice range be sure to devote around 15 minutes just to your putting game. We all know that putting can make or break your game, so take the time to practice it, a little bit of practice goes a long way. Routine and consistency are key so make sure you give it the full 15 minutes each time. Try working on your longer putts while you’re at the practice range. Line up 10 balls and try putting them from farther away. You could also try focusing on your technique because that will help with the longer distance putts. With a few reminders, your body will create muscle memory and your putt will become consistent and accurate. So go ahead and make that date with the Driving Range, you’ll be glad you did!

Today at our Demo Day, I had a conversation with a friendly fellow, who we will call Jay, wanted to debate that a power caddy is for “Lazy” folks. Here at Cart-Tek, we whole-heartedly disagree with that statement. If we were to ask you if you wanted to play better, would you say yes? Jay certainly did. Most people seem to think that new oversized driver, or the fancy new putter developed by engineers from NASA is the only thing that can improve their game. Those same folks may not realize that an electric cart can also help. When do you end up making the most mistakes? Is it near the end of the round, usually when you are tired from carrying or pushing your bag? Stressed from climbing the hills while lugging your heavy golf bag? When you take the load off of your body, you’re able to save both physical and mental energy. Now imagine for a minute that you can focus that energy on your swing. Do you think you’ll be able to improve your game? At the end of the conversation, Jay decided to give our GRi-1500Li a try for a round. Jay was extremely impressed with how fresh he still felt, the ease of use and how much fun the remote caddy added to his game. He even indicated that it was one of the faster rounds that he has played so far this year as he was able to increase his walking pace overall. At the end of the day, Jay decided to place and order with us for a new GRi-1500Li in Black. I’m happy that we were able to educate someone that power carts aren’t only for lazy folks, but for those who would like help increasing their enjoyment of this wonderful game we call golf.

There are a lot of positive experiences we can have on the golf course and proper preparation and equipment help to make it so. There are a few simple sun protection tips you can use to ensure your comfort and safety, especially when the sun is beating down on you and you’ve got a long course to play.

Apply Sunscreen One of the worst things, after a wonderful day on the course, is leaving with a sunburn because you forgot to use sunscreen. Often, golfers miss this step and risk the ultimate consequence of skin cancer. It’s a real concern and typically overlooked when the direct sun isn’t beating down on your skin. Keep in mind, some of the worst sun exposure from UV rays can happen on an overcast day. The longer you are on the course, the more you’ll want to consider reapplying. Sweating is common with this sport and when it’s a warm day, this can’t be avoided. Sunscreen gets washed away with sweat and leaves your skin vulnerable to the UV rays.

Hydrate with H20 Hydration is a non-stop process while on the course. Again, that sweating that happens quickly depletes your body of its ideal hydration and replacing it as you go is a must. Carry water with you because drinking fountains aren’t always available throughout the course and you never want to be caught without water if your body starts to protest the heat.

Carry a Wet Towel This option is a wonderful relief on those sweltering days, especially when you don’t have a hat or tend to overheat. Cover your head with the towel and enjoy the instant relief it brings.

Wear a Hat and Sun-Protective Clothing A lot of golfer’s wear a visor on the course, but visors don’t offer protection for the top of the head, so a wide-brimmed hat is recommended instead of a visor. No matter the style, headwear is an absolute must. Wearing light-colored clothing also helps reduce the body heat and long-sleeves give your skin an extra layer of protection.

Carry an Umbrella or Drive a Golf Cart These two options offer an instant reprieve from the sun and can be a lifesaver on the days where temperatures reach epic highs. Driving a golf cart, whether electric or gas, is also a fantastic way to pack around the other important items for your sun-safety. Shade protection is the best when trying to cool down and an umbrella is an easy option if you are set on walking the course.

Sunglasses Too many times golfers forget the most essential piece of sun protection and it’s almost impossible to complete a course if you can’t see. Protecting your eyes from the UV rays increases your chances of avoiding eye disease and sun damage. Your eyes are always at risk, even on cloudy days, so throwing an extra pair of sunglasses in your golf bag for the days you wouldn’t ordinarily wear sunglasses off the course, is a terrific way to be prepared. Sun protection can be managed with just a few easy steps but the consequences of not protecting yourself can be incredibly harmful. Take a few minutes before you start your game, and lather up, throw a cap on and fill your water bottle, you’ll be glad you did!

These days, technology is constantly changing and with it comes new gadgets for just about any interest. In the world of golf, there are quite a few tech products that have hit the market recently and some of them are downright fascinating. Whether you want the newest gadget, electric caddies or a cool golf training accessory, there is a multitude of options and something for everyone. Golf GPS Several companies make a GPS for golfing that are voice activated as well as a visual display on the unit itself. The GPS is designed to give you the exact distance from where you stand, to the next hole, and it can also help you locate your golf ball so you can use your powered golf caddy to quickly reach your ball and continue the game. There are many options for the various units, including selecting different languages and preinstalled golf courses all over the world. 3D Golf Swing Analyzer This gadget gives you all kinds of statistics and numbers and can even track club head speed. It also tracks swing plane, hip rotation, your hand path, tempo, backswing position and many other features. With most designs, you must attach a sensor to your glove and it talks to an app that you can download on your mobile phone. Pocket Ball Washer Clean golf balls help to maximize distance and minimize air friction. Instead of packing around a towel, consider the option of the pocket ball washer. It’s small, always stay wet on the inside and works great for wiping off dirt. Glow In The Dark Golf Balls Just like a regular golf ball, with the bonus of glowing in the dark! Makes for some fun night-time golf games and you are more likely to locate your ball after your shot. A pack of these balls makes great gifts for the avid golfer in your life. Golf Apps for Mobile Devices Technology has come a long way in the world of golf and there are all kinds of apps that can help you improve your game. Downloading a few apps onto a mobile device can give you the insight needed to fix your swing, find your ball, measure distances to the next hole and give you advice, all at the touch of a small screen. Carrying a mobile phone on the course is very common these days, which makes it easy to use the apps throughout your game. Golf has often been labeled one of the most challenging games of all. Technology can and has helped to improve many aspects of the game and fortunately, there are a lot of golf gadgets and accessories to choose from. Depending on your preferences, you can find the best tools that work for your personal game can be a fun and educational endeavor. You can find things that appeal to both inexpensive and expensive tastes, anywhere from some new balls to electric golf trolleys.

Tom Miles! Congratulations Tom. Tom Sent Us A Picture of Himself with the New Bag

Mark/Dick

Received my new bag and wheels. They are awesome.

I am attaching a couple of pictures. I am the one in the middle. Ken Falk is on the left and Bob Bodis is on the right.

We have over 12 Cart Tek owners at Western Hills at last count.

We love your product. But your service is what makes you product superior.

Thanks

Tom Miles

As you grow older, you may experience some problems with endurance when walking the golf course. While there are golf carts available, you would rather continue walking the greens to experience the beauty of the course and to provide your body with the exercise it needs. We have gathered 3 tips for walking a golf course into your later years. Lighten the Load It's true that you can carry the full set of golf clubs in your bag. Yet do you really need to? Many golfers can trim down the number of clubs they need to 8 or 9. With less clubs, your golf bag will feel lighter as it will take the load off your back. Your body will feel better as you can keep up your endurance. Use an Electric Golf Caddy If you can't simply do without having all your clubs at the golf course, you can place your golf bag on an electric or remote-controlled caddy. Then you will have none of the bag weight sitting on your back while you walk to each hole. You just have to steer the electric caddy along the path. Walk Shorter Courses Another option is to pick a golf location that still offers 18 holes, yet it has shorter courses. Then you can save your energy and strength while still enjoying the walk along the links in your later years. Before you consider walking the golf course into your later years, always consult with your doctor if you have any medical conditions that could be impacted. In addition, always listen to your body if you experience any aches or sudden pains. Take your time and take breaks while you allow other groups to pass through so you don't hold up their game.