The Swing - Part 1

     The swing is the central part of the game of golf. The swing itself may seem simple, but it encompasses many different things. These include the grip of the club, the address (or stance) over the golf ball, and the actual swing. There are many things to perfect in order to hit a ball correctly. Because of this, most people turn to professionals to seek help and advice. I understand the complexity of the swing and the struggles people undergo in order to find the perfect swing. In this article I want to go over the basics of the swing and solutions to common problems people encounter.

      The Grip – The grip is essential to the game. Your hands are the only part of your body touching the club. If you hold the club properly, you are more likely to strike the ball when the clubhead is square to the ball. This greatly improves your chances of hitting the ball straight.
      Start with your left hand. The club should run from the base of your little finger to the middle of the index finger. Wrap your fingers around the club so that the thumb and index finger meet. While holding the club in front of you with your left hand, two to three knuckles should be visible. Now apply your right hand parallel to the left. Your left thumb will now be covered when you close your right hand around the club. It should fit beneath the base of the right thumb. Finding the right grip pressure can be difficult, but it will eventually allow for a fluid swing.

The Game of Golf

     Golf has been around for centuries and is played by a wide range of individuals.  The game is easily accessible for all ages and provides people with a rewarding pastime.  Courses are spread throughout the entire world, with locations in almost every country.  This provides players with a unique experience during every round.  Although the game itself seems simple, competition is quite intense.  Professional golf is very popular and tournament payouts are in the millions of dollars. 
      Because the game does not demand a great deal of conditioning or physical strength, people of all ages and backgrounds can take part in it.  Golf can be played from almost birth until death.  Although the game is more popular in certain parts of the world, it can be viewed to a certain extent all over.  Most professional tournaments take place in the United States and Great Britain.  The website of the Professional Golfers Association is www.pga.com.
    The equipment for the game has greatly changed over the past years.  Clubs were originally made of wood.  Now most clubs are constructed using steel and graphite.  This makes for a lighter, stronger club, which allows players to swing much harder and hit the ball a greater distance.  Golf balls also began as wood and have now been developed using synthetic metals.  The ball itself has hundreds of dimples formed into it to allow for greater stability and speed.  Players can carry a maximum of 14 clubs which includes a putter.  The redesign of the clubs has made the game much more competitive.