Golf Shoes - Do I Really Need Them?

It seems like everybody and their brother wants to play golf these days. Stemming from the 1920s when Walter Hagen became the first person to actually make a living by playing golf, to the 1960s when arguably the greatest player ever, Jack nicklaus, made $33 with his first paycheck as a pro, golf has quickly become a multi-billion dollar industry, with players routinely making million dollar checks for a win, not to mention these ridiculous endorsement deals. Tiger Woods makes grabbing a check for $100 million from nike look like child's play.

Now you're saying, Hm, I want a piece of that. I'd better get some golf balls and clubs and hit the course. Ah, such a common mistake. What did you forget? Shoes!!

Now, wait a minute you say. They're just shoes, right? Wrong! Would a basketball player hit the hardwood wearing tennis shoes? Nope. He would risk spraining his ankle and couldn't move as effectively. Would a bowler hit the lanes wearing football cleats? Nope, he'd be on his butt in no time and well, the owner's may not think too kindly of cleats indoors. The case is the same in golf, but even more dramatic.

Not only do proper shoes keep your feet dry during play, but they will keep a very important tool of your golf swing rooted; your feet! Although it doesn't stand out as much clubs that fit properly, proper golf shoes are a key to developing a good swing. Why? Think about how much torque a golf swing puts on your legs and feet throughout the golf swing. Watch the pros when they blast their drives 330+ yards. As a they turn away from the ball, their feet fight to stay in place, rooted like two tree trunks to the ground by their cleats, and their cleats only. The same happens on the way down. They'll swing through with the torque on their feet almost ripping the ground below them, but their cleats keep them rooted throughout. Imagine how ugly this would be with no traction. They couldn't swing as hard without slipping, thus creating a lesser potential for distance.

A common mistake new golfers make is to hit the links in an old pair of tennis shoes, thinking golf shoes aren't important. Well I have news for you. If you go out in tennis shoes, it's going to be like swinging in socks on a tile floor. It doesn't exactly grip very well, especially when it's wet.

What this can lead to is a bad weight shift from the start, because your body's natural balancing mechanisms are doing everything they can to keep you on your feet. I see it all the time on the driving range. People are out to have some harmless fun whacking some golf balls, which is all in good fun of course. But then I see them twisting, slipping, and sliding all over the place from the massive amount of torque, all while ingraining bad swing habits.

So if you are serious about learning how to play golf, even just for recreation, do yourself a favor and pick up a good pair of golf shoes. Make sure the pair you decide to buy fit well. If your feet slide around in them, your balance can be thrown off as well. Make sure your toes are in the proper spots. And guys, golf shoes aren't masculine anyway, so check your ego at the door on this one fellas; and ladies, don't try to squeeze into a size smaller. You're gonna be on your feet a lot, so you'll want them to be comfortable. Tie them tight all the way down and you'll have the best chance of being balanced. But of course, be comfortable too.

If you're on a tight budget, you can get a pair of brand new FJ GreenJoys for $50, or an off brand for even less. I promise you, they will make a much bigger difference than that $80 dollar lob wedge you think you need.

Make sure your shoes fit right, have a good set of spikes in them, and you'll be well on your way to a stable base for golf and probably more distance as well.

You really want to know more about me? Wow, thanks!
As you can tell by reading, I know my stuff. Why?
Well I'm a PGTAA Class A master teaching Professional
I've been playing golf for almost 20 years, so I get around
Give this link a gander if you want to increase your golf fitness - Fitness for Golf
View My Blog!
Thanks for reading!
Fairways, Greens, Pars and Birdies!
Cody Wheeler

Purple Tapas Sticky Yoga Mat

Solar Power How It Works

How it works seems like a mystery to some, but we've all seen it used to power everyday things like calculators. It is also used to supply electricity to the appliances and lights we use in our homes.

Even utility companies use solar power to supplying hundreds of houses with megawatts of electricity.

If you decide to power your house with a solar electric system, you will receive FREE power from the sun, once your system is paid for.

Here are two of the most frequently asked questions for solar power how it works.

How is solar energy used?

1.) Solar energy works by converting the sun's rays into electricity with the use of solar panels to supply power to the appliances use in our homes.

2.) Solar energy works by converting the sun's rays into heat with the use of solar thermal collectors for warming water, i.e. for the swimming pool.

3.) Solar energy works by converting the sun's rays into hot air for heating buildings with the use of solar thermal collectors.

How do solar panels work?

1.) Rays of sunlight hit the solar panel (also know as a photovoltaic/ PV) and are absorbed by semi-conducting materials such as silicone.

2.) Electrons are knocked loose from their atoms, which allow them to flow through the material to produce electricity. This process whereby light (photo) is converted into electricity (voltage) is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.

3.) An array of solar panels converts solar energy into DC (direct current) electricity.

4.) The DC electricity then enters an inverter.

5.) The inverter turns DC electricity into 120-volt AC (alternating current) electricity needed by home appliances.

6.) The AC power enters the utility panel in the house.

7.) The electricity (load) is then distributed to appliances or lights in the house.

8.) When more solar energy is generated that what you're using - it can be stored in a battery as DC electricity. The battery will continue to supply your home with electricity in the event of a power blackout or at nighttime.

9.) When the battery is full the excess electricity can be exported back into the utility grid, if your system is connected to it.

10.) Utility supplied electricity can also be drawn form the grid when not enough solar energy is produced and no excess energy is stored in the battery, i.e. at night or on cloudy days.

11.) The flow of electricity in and out of the utility grid is measured by a utility meter, which spins backwards (when you are producing more energy that you need) and forward (when you require additional electricity from the utility company). The two are offset ensuring that you only pay for the additional energy you use from the utility company. Any surplus energy is sold back to the utility company. This system is referred to as "net-metering".

For more information about Solar Energy visit Facts About Solar Energy today.

Body Soul Yoga Online Com

Golf Swing Tip - Four Golf Swing Tips That Will Have You Celebrating in the 19th

Irrespective if you are new to the game of golf or are just looking for ways to improve your golf game, you can always use a few golf swing tips. While practicing is the best key to getting better, there are definitely a few tips that you can use to improve your game and get that consistently reliable swing that you've been after. Golf swing tips can help you get a better game once you start implementing them, so take a look below for some terrific ones!

Tip #1

When you are starting to think about the golf swing, it is important to take a look at your rhythm. A swing that is too fast will have the movement of your body and the movement of the club working against each other, when instead you should ideally be making the entire motion of the swing work to drive your ball forward. The motion that brings your club back should start with your shoulders and go down to your hips; your body should turn naturally, bringing your weight back. A smooth constant motion will give you an excellent backswing.

Tip #2

A good downswing is an important component for any golf swing. When you have pulled all the way back, it is now important to bring the club forward using the correct amount of force while at the same time not sacrificing good aim and direction. Trying to bring the club down too hard will usually result in a ruined shot. Try leading the downswing with your left arm from the top; by keeping this tip in mind, you can use the same amount of force for each swing and identify how to adjust yourself for different shots.

Tip #3

When looking for good golf swing tips, take a good look at the ones that refer to your arm. While it is important to bring the club straight back, it is still important to see what your wrists are doing when you are swinging. When working on your downswing, remember to cock your wrists. Cocking your wrists will become instinctive and automatic after a while, but it can take a bit of time to develop the habit.

Tip #4

The stance in the golf swing plays a major role. A good stance is the foundation of a good golf swing, and it is important to remember that a good stance will increase the amount of energy you can generate into your swing. For instance, remember to let your front heel come off the ground during the back swing and then to plant it when you bring your club forward. If this is difficult, simply remember to keep the back foot planted for maximum support.

Golf swing tips can improve your game immeasurably, visit Golf Swing Action for more information and tips to improve your game.

http://www.golfswingaction.com

Pilates And Yoga Studio Bayside