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My dear friends, if you've been battling a hook for a while you understand how frustrating they can be. Everyone else is, more than likely, slicing the ball, and you are playing from the opposite side of the fairway.

But... the hook really is pretty easy to cure. Try this sequence of corrections, and most likely the hook will be fixed in no time. Your goal in correcting a hook is to swing from outside to in.

1) Weaken your Grip - You could be playing with a grip that is too strong. You'll want to simply rotate both hands around the grip and towards the target. This will make it much harder for the clubface to naturally close through the impact zone. Don't over do it, and like everything else, testing is crucial. Make sure to test this, before moving on, unless you are positive that you already play with a weak grip.

2) Move the ball forward in your stance - It is common of players that slice the ball to play the ball forward in their stance. So copy them. If you hook, the result should be a relatively straight ball. (Side Note: Whether you hook or slice, your first goal should be to learn to do the opposite.) Moving the ball forward in your stance should get some things back on track.

3) Aim to the left (to the right if left handed) of the target - Start out with an open stance to the target. This will put that clockwise rotation on the ball that you are looking for. Just open your stance a little bit, and swing along the line of your shoulders.

4) Make sure that you are finishing with your weight on your forward foot - This is the single best solution for the hook. If you hook the ball, chances are that you finish with some of your weight still on your back foot. This causes you to come around the ball with a closed clubface. This is the number one cause of the deadly snap-hook. Finish with all of your weight forward, and you'll never experience it.

My dear friends, we just hope these golf tips can do you a favor. And always love in life, love in golf!

World number one Tiger Woods missed the cut in the Open for the first time in his career as Tom Watson continued to roll back the years at Turnberry.

Woods shot a 74 to finish on five over, 10 shots adrift of 59-year-old Watson, who claimed a share of the halfway lead with fellow American Steve Marino.

Mark Calcavecchia lies one shot behind the joint leaders, with England's Ross Fisher in a group on three under. 

Ben Curtis, the 2003 Open winner, and Colin Montgomerie also missed the cut.

But defending champion Padraig Harrington still has a chance of making it a hat-trick of Open titles.

The Irishman carded a four-over-par 74 in difficult, windy conditions for a three-over aggregate of 143, eight strokes off the lead.

The spirits are on my side - Watson

"I wasn't thinking about making the cut," he said. "I was thinking I'm eight shots behind. That's not insurmountable on the weekend on a links golf course, especially like this."

It is only the sixth time that Woods has failed to make the halfway mark in his professional career and only the second time in a major.

The 33-year-old missed out at the 2006 US Open following the death of his father.

Woods, the pre-tournament favourite, dropped seven shots in six holes either side of the turn, including double-bogeys at 10 and 13.

"No doubt I'm frustrated, it just didn't happen for me," he said. "I played three holes very poorly.

"Up until the 7th I was doing fine, I was where I needed to be, but bogey, bogey, double bogey got me going the wrong way.

"Until 8 I felt I was in there for the tournament. I thought if I could finish under par I might finish the day in the top 10. But I didn't, I went the other way.

"I birdied two of the last four and I think that's not going to be enough. You can't make mistakes and expect to not only make the cut but also try and win a championship."

Tiger frustrated at poor performance

Woods, who shot 71 on day one, made crucial birdies at 16 and 17 and got up and down from off the green to save par at 18, but it was not enough to keep him in the tournament.

After a sunny and benign opening day, the players had to contend with windy and wet weather on day two - with only seven managing to shoot under par.

Watson went into the second round just one shot behind overnight leader Miguel Angel Jimenez but a horrid front nine seemed to end the prospect of a fairytale challenge.

After a birdie at the 1st, the five-time Open champion then went on a run of five bogeys in six holes as the conditions wreaked havoc.

But Watson, who won the second of his five Open titles in the famous 'Duel in the Sun' championship at Turnberry in 1977, stopped the rot with birdies at 9 and 11.

The best was yet to come, however, as superb 60ft putts at the 16th and the 18th gave him a share of the lead.

"I'm still emotional after that," admitted Watson, who won the last of his eight majors in 1983. "It's as if the spirits are on my side and I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I'd win it.

"The front nine is the toughest part of the golf course but I told myself that if I played smart coming home I would make some birdies.

 "On the front nine the only thing I was trying to do was play one shot at a time and trying to get the birdie that would stem the tide. I did that at 9."

Marino, playing in his maiden Open, was a late call-up to the championship field and only played his first round of links golf this week.

But he defied the inclement conditions to post a stunning 68, the second lowest score of the day, which included four birdies and an eagle.

The 29-year-old produced some of the shots of the round as well, chipping in with a sand wedge from 116 yards at the 3rd and holing from the bunker at the par-three 6th.

"I've really enjoyed myself here, I'm having a blast," said Marino. "I love the challenge that this course presents. You have to stay patient and stay positive.

"I'm looking forward to playing golf here the next few days."

Watson birdies the 18th (UK users only)

Calcavecchia, 49, who won the Open at Troon in 1989, carded four birdies in his 69 and admitted he was happy just to make the cut.

"I'm usually choking so bad coming down the last few holes on Friday because I want to play the weekend," said the American.

Fisher, who finished fifth at this year's US Open, leads the British challenge thanks to a 68 that included a run of three birdies in the closing four holes.

But the 28-year-old reiterated his intention to quit the tournament if his expectant wife Jo started to go into labour.

"I'd love to be here for all four days but obviously my wife comes first," said Fisher. "If she were to go into labour later on this evening or tomorrow I've got no choice.

"I want to be there. It's going to be a great experience and one that I don't want to miss."

With Fisher are two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen (70), 2000 Masters winner Vijay Singh (70) and Japan's Kenichi Kuboya (72).

Jimenez is also on three under after bouncing back from a poor front nine for a second-round 73.

England's Lee Westwood and the big-hitting American JB Holmes are in the group on two under after both carded rounds of 70.

World number five Sergio Garcia, who has a fine record in the Open over recent years, carded a 69 to join the likes of Jim Furyk and Argentine Masters champion Angel Cabrera on one under.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, who is chasing a hat-trick of Open titles, is on three over after a 74 but insisted that eight shots "was not insurmountable on a links golf course".

Northern Ireland star Rory McIlroy (74) is on the same total, one stroke ahead of world number three Paul Casey (76) - who made the cut by a shot.

Montgomerie was just the other side of the cut line to cap a traumatic week in which he was caught up in a public spat with Sandy Lyle.

Curtis had been one off the lead after round one but collapsed spectacularly on the second day, carding eight bogeys and two doubles on the way to a 10-over-par 80.

Another player to go home early was the hotly-tipped Ian Poulter, who added a 79 to his opening 75.

"I could have had a set of spades in my bag this week and I still wouldn't have found the middle of the greens," he said.

TURNBERRY, Scotland -- A year ago at this time, the thought of playing in the British Open never crossed Tiger Woods' mind.

"My day consisted of trying to get from the bed to the couch and then from there back to the bed," Woods said Tuesday. "That was my day. I was going through some of the worst pain at the time."

Three weeks earlier, Woods underwent  major reconstructive surgery on his left leg. He was also recovering from two stress fractures. So missing a chance to win a fourth Claret Jug wasn't a big deal; getting healthy was.

"Not as frustrating as I thought it would be," he said of skipping Royal Birkdale. "After the procedure last year I couldn't do much of anything. So just a struggle day-to-day."

The 33-year-old Woods is back and playing great golf again. He recently won his third event of the year, the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club, and is a heavy favorite this week at Turnberry Golf Club, where the Open returns for just the fourth time.

Woods had never seen Turnberry until last Sunday, when he played his first practice round. He knew the previous three winners here - Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Nick Price - were all great ball-strikers, and now has a good feel for what the links course will demand.

"You really do have to hit your ball well, here," he said, after playing a morning practice round with Mark O'Meara and Mark Calcavecchia. "And you have to drive the ball well. You have to hit your irons well. You just can't fake it around this golf course. You just have to hit good shots."

In the past, low scores have been shot at Turnberry, located near the Firth of Clyde on the Irish Sea, including a 63 by Norman in 1986 and three 64s in 1994. But the course has been toughened, bunkers added, and while the fairways are spacious, the rough is punishing.

"The course is fantastic," said Woods. "It's in great shape. The rough is up a little bit. We haven't had the big winds yet. We'll see how the weather holds."

It poured Tuesday afternoon and more rain is expected the first two rounds, when Woods will be paired with Lee Westwood of England and 17-year-old teenage sensation Ryo Ishikawa of Japan. They tee off at 9:09 a.m. local time on Thursday and 2:20 p.m. on Friday.

Needless to say, the trio will attract dozens of media and photographers. What does Woods expect?

"Very quiet," he cracked. "I don't think you guys will be out there, will you? It will be interesting. There will be a lot of people inside the ropes."

The pairing is curious, if only because Ishikawa is so young and competing in his first Open Championship. Granted, he has three victories on the Japan Golf Tour, but he missed the cut at the Masters this year.

"It is what it is," said Woods. "I've been there before. Ryo hasn't. He certainly has had to deal with a lot at a very young age and he's handled it well. So there's no reason why he can't play well the first two days and into the weekend. And hopefully I can do the same."

Given his physical state last year, Woods has already exceeded his expectations this year. He has posted eight-straight Top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour, and was in contention at the Masters and U.S. Open, tying for sixth in both.

"It's been a tremendous success," he said. "I remember looking at the year and just trying to get back in playing; hopefully I can play, and hopefully I can play at a high level. And to sit here and say I was going to have three wins halfway through the year, if anyone would have looked at my situation, they would have said I probably might be reaching a little bit."

Woods is renting a house, has a chef and is leaving the driving to caddie Steve Williams.

"He's used to this side of the road," said Woods.

Woods has always been a fan of links golf. His favorite course in the world is the Old Course at St. Andrews. "Absolutely," he said. "I fell in love with it right away. I played Carnoustie and St. Andrews, my first two right out of the gate. It doesn't get much better than that."

Why?

"I just fell in love with being able to use the ground as a friend, as an ally," said Woods. "We don't get that in the States; everything is up in the air.

"But here it's different. You hit a shot from 150 yards, you have so many options of how you could play it."

That will be case again this week at Turnberry.

"You have to be committed to either putting the ball short of the bunkers or carrying them or skirting it past them," Woods said. "You have to make sure you really know what you're doing out there, especially with the cross winds in some of these fairways where they're slanted. It certainly presents challenges."

Woods is just glad to be back.

"Anytime you have a chance to lift the Claret Jug, it's special," he said. "I wouldn't say it's extra special, but it's been special for me three times, and hopefully I can do it again."

The English pair of Stuart Davis and Simon Robinson set the pace after the first round of the Credit Suisse Challenge after matching opening rounds of 67, six under par, at Wylihof GC, Switzerland.

On a blistering hot day in Luterbach, Davis picked up three birdies on each nine to set the early clubhouse target, later matched by Robinson.

For Davis, the Credit Suisse Challenge is his first Challenge Tour event of the year having graduated to the main Tour last year. But his category has only entitled him to a limited number of European Tour starts and, having not got into the Open de France ALSTOM, Davis opted to compete in Switzerland. So far, the decision is paying off.

“I’ve played okay this season, just haven’t had the opportunities,”  said Davis, whose best performance has been tied 15th in the Open de España. “I have only played nine out of 27 events on The European Tour and it is soul destroying, so I decided to play here just to keep playing. These next two weeks are good tournament practice for some of The European Tour events coming up after The Open. But it’s strange going back to pulling your own trolley as you get used to being spoilt on the main Tour.”

Robinson has been struggling on the Challenge Tour having made only one cut this year, but a friend at his local club helped him recall a tip which brought him success in his amateur days by just focusing on six holes at a time.

“I was focused on six hole stretches and just tried to play each six in two under par,” he explained. “I played the first six un two under, missed a short putt on the 11th so only managed one under for the next six but then did the last six in three under so it worked well. It’s been quite a while since I played that well.”

Two 30 foot putts on the par three fifth and 16th holes provided the highlights of Robinson’s round, while his experience at the University of Houston helped him deal with the heat.

Portugal’s Tiago Cruz had no problems adjusting to the soaring temperatures as he posted a five under par 68 to lie just one off the lead. He missed only three greens and his consistency helped him to six birdies and just the one dropped shot. Cruz has spent the last fortnight at home in Lisbon working with his coach, Colin Smith, and looks to have found some form.

“It’s good motivation for the rest of the week so I just need to try and stay focused,” he commented.

Also on five under par 68 were Welshman Tim Dykes, who finished strongly with three birdies in his last five holes, and England’s Lee S James. An afternoon thunderstorm caused a delay of one and a half hours.

My dear friends, we know that nobody wants to be a loser and evrybody wants to be a winner. However, great things always begins little. So if we want to be winners of golf we'd better start from selecting our set of golf clubs.

Whether you are a beginning golfer or a seasoned pro, the right golf clubs can help your golf game. Whether you are looking at golf clubs from Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping or discount golf clubs, my dear friends this article is for you.

Here are some instructions:

• 1 First ask people you know what types of golf clubs they use and what brands they suggest. You could also try calling up a golf pro at a public course or a golf pro at a private course or a golf pro at a country club.
• 2 Next take a look at the golf clubs that other golfers use when you are on the golf course. See what other golfers have in the back of their golf carts.
• 3 Read reviews of golf clubs, reviews of golf club bags, review of drivers, review of putters, review of irons, review of wedges. Golf reviews may be found in golf magazines, golf websites, or even golf infomercials on tv!
• 4 Some sporting goods stores and golf courses may have golf demo days where you can go to a course and try to hit a few golf balls with various brands of golf clubs.

Tips & Warnings

PS: My dear friends, the golf clubs on our website: http://www.mysurbuy.com/ are 100%  satisfaction guarantee, have a try!

Everyone wants to hit the ball further, everyone wants to play the game free of pain, do you? - following a golf strength training program should be high on your agenda...

Every level of player wants to add 30-50 yards to their drives. Every golfer wants to start and finish each 18 holes without the all-too-common aches and twinges.

Yet few - very few - golfers consider it important to condition themselves physically. And if they do consider it, it's a passing thought never to be acted on.

Perhaps the old myth still persists - that all forms strength training results in bulky, tight muscles with limited range of movement. Not true. It takes a very specific type of weight training (plus diet) to bulk up - something we'll steer well clear of.

Or maybe it's because physical make-up never relates to a person's handicap. Golf is played by such a wide range of people... from 8 years old to 80, overweight, thin, tall, short, fit and unfit... and they all compete on a level playing field.

Yet with the right conditioning program everyone of those players would improve their game.

If you're new to the game, following a golf strength training program will give you a solid and well-balanced base on which to build the fundamentals of a good swing.

If you're a seasoned low-handicapper, strength conditioning can certainly give you a significant competitive edge and lower your handicap still further.

If youth is still on your side - start a golf strength training program now and you can build a healthy, balanced body that stays free of chronic back pain, frozen shoulders and golfers elbow.

And for the more senior players - it's never too late to redress the physical imbalances that have occurred through years of playing (and too many indulgences at the 19th hole!).

In this article we'll cover some of the basics of a good golf strength training program. Then at the end we'll move on to a sample golf weight training regimen that has helped many golfers improve their game.

(1)Golf Strength Training Improves Shot Distance

From back swing to finish position a golf swing takes between 1 and 2 seconds. In that time a golfer's body generates some exceptional forces - potential energy that must be stored then released as efficiently as possible - and then you have to actually make contact with the ball!

The key to lengthening your shots is to increase the amount of force you can generate which in return, increases club head speed...

A study in 2004 of 45 golfers aged 18 to 80, showed that club head speed in recreational players correlated closely with handicap - the lower the handicap, the greater the club head speed found in a player's swing.

Two more recent studies (2004) measured whether an 8-week conditioning program could improve swing forces and club head speeds in golfers on all ages and abilities. The results showed that just 2 days per week of simple strength, power and flexibility exercises significantly increased club head speed and shot distance.

And these studies are by no means unique. What is clear is that physical conditioning (and in particular a golf strength training program) will increase your distance with every club... more so than spending hours on the practise tee trying to swing faster and harder.

(2)Golf Strength Training Reduces the Risk and Severity of Injury

As a rule of thumb most injuries that occur in golf tend to be over-use injuries of the soft tissues. Even fair-weather players repeat the same movement pattern thousands of times each year - on the course, at the driving range and of course the back yard.

And any similar explosive movement repeated over and over will train and condition some muscles whilst others are neglected...

At the most obvious level, the golf swing is performed in the same direction every time. Unequal forces are placed on one side of the body compared to other. That's why pros spend time swinging in the opposite direction - it's not just to prepare for those tricky shots when the ball lies flush against a tree!

And there are more subtle changes in posture and muscular balance that can occur over time...

Muscles in the lower back might become overly strong compared to the abdominals for example. Larger muscle groups might develop at the expense of smaller, stabilizing muscles, which puts them under a disproportional amount of strain.

It only takes a few weak muscles to cause postural changes over time, that weaken them further and so on in a downward spiral, until the result is chronic pain and over-use injury.

While a golf strength training routine is by no means a cure-all, it is perhaps the best solution for tackling the underlying cause. And if you take some time off each year and focus on restoring an optimal balance, there's no reason why you can't play pain-free golf right into your later years. 

Notes: If you are currently suffering from muscular pain or discomfort, strength training is NOT recommended. Conditioning is the long-term solution but in an acute or exasperated phase of an injury it can do more harm than good. You should seek the advice of a medical professional or qualified Physical Therapist before undertaking any form of exercise program - injured or not.

(3)The Foundations of a Golf Strength Training Program

You don't have to follow a time-consuming, highly regimented routine to benefit from strength training. But there are some important guidelines that set a golf strength program aside from simply lifting weights at the gym...

Split Your Routine into Phases
Because most golfers are new to strength training, it's important they follow a period of functional training. This serves 2 purposes - firstly it prepares muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue for more demanding exercise and secondly, it helps to target neglected, stabilizing muscles.

This initial phase of a golf strength training program emphasizes core stability exercises and uses light weights and high repetitions. The ideal time to perform this 6-8 week phase would be during the off-season - those months were there are no club competitions and you can have a break from the game.

The next logical phase is to develop peak strength and power so that it coincides with the start of the competitive season. The intensity of exercises increases and more golf-specific movements are incorporated. In this phase we also have to...

Make Strength Training Golf Specific
The end goal of a golf strength training program is to develop golf-specific power (to increase the speed of that club head). Increased strength does not necessarily translate into more power and faster club head speed. As a side note, don't confuse club head speed with swing speed. Trying to swing faster is not necessarily the answer to increasing length. Ernie Els has a classically slow-looking swing. He still generates enormous club head speed and distance. There are biomechanical reasons why swinging slower can actually increase club head speed at impact.

To take the idea of specificity a step further, does a bench press or biceps curl closely match the mechanics of the golf swing?

No - what are more beneficial are exercises that include the whole body (in an upright position) and incorporate the core region. And will exercises that cause rotation at the hips and core be more useful than those that don't. Absolutely!

Of course there is a caveat -- in the early phase of the program, when a functional strength base is being developed, less golf-specific exercises are useful and help to counterbalance the repetitive nature of golf.

Incorporate Specialist Exercises for Hard to Target Muscle Groups
According several studies the most commonly occurring injuries in amateur golfers after back pain is golfer's or tennis elbow (caused by over-use and inflammation of the wrist flexors and extensors), wrist injuries and shoulder injuries (over-use and inflammation, or even partial tears of the rotator cuff muscles).

Perhaps the best way to prevent these injuries is to strengthen the forearm and rotator cuff muscles. By adding in a few choice exercises to specifically strengthen these areas, they become more resistant to over-use, tearing and inflammation.

Of course if you already have an injury or pain you should consult your physician who will advise you on the best course of treatment.

Don't Neglect Flexibility
While the subject of stretching for golf is covered in another article it deserves mention here. A muscle can only contract as forcefully as its opposing muscle can relax. Stretching promotes relaxation in the muscles. Of course there are other important reason to stretch relating to injury prevention and improved swing mechanics.

"I am shopping for new golf clubs and have been considering graphite shafts. I currently have steel and was wondering if I should consider graphite? Will graphite shafts really help my golf game in any way?" One of our customers was wondering about this. Therefore, our dear friends, we intend to share you with some tips about why to choose graphite or steel shafts.

In fact, for many golfers, graphite shafts are mostly a personal preference decision. They are lighter in weight, which may feel more comfortable to you. Also, some golfers may think graphite shafts are a sort of status symbol.
But there are actually some logical reasons why you might want to pay the extra money for graphite shafts. Below are the main ones that we would look at in considering graphite versus steel shafts for your new golf clubs.

One of the major reasons to consider graphite shafts is that they reduce the shock at impact. If you have joint problems or are a senior golfer, this can help reduce soreness or potential joint problems, like tendonitis in the elbow.

The weight difference in graphite shafts can also help in a couple of other areas. Graphite shafts can weigh between half to thirty percent less than steel shafts. This can let you play a longer driver without adding extra weight. It can also help you add some distance to your golf shots if you have a smooth tempo and slower golf swing than most players. If your tendency is, like some golfer, to swing the golf club too fast, you should stay with steel shafts and work on your tempo.

Distance is usually a goal for everyone, but graphite shafts are recommended many times for senior, women, and mid handicap golfers to add distance without having to change their golf swing or their clubs.
Graphite shafts can also be constructed in a number of different ways to affect ball flight, so this provides a number of alternatives to golfers who feel that they hit the ball too high, too low, etc.

So whether you are looking for a little edge to improve your golf swing or to justify the extra cost to your spouse, good luck and good golfing!

Ball Soaking Method

The Ball Soaking method is very inexpensive and something you can try at home. To check the balance of a golf ball, you will need a few supplies:

• 1 permanent marker pen
• 1 clear jar filled with hot water
• Epsom salt (add in enough to make the ball float)
• Jet Dry dishwasher fluid (add just 1 drop)Wait for the ball to stop spinning in the solution. When the ball stops spinning, the heavier side points straight down while the lighter side points straight up.

Take the permanent marker and tap it on the center of the golf ball's light side, which is the side facing straight up.

The dot indicates the light side of the golf ball. Directly opposite of the dot is the heavy side of the ball. When putting using this ball, place the heavy side of the ball down and the dotted side up. This will ensure the golf ball will roll truer and straighter because you have balanced the golf ball. Try it!

Precision Notch Weighting
Positions more weight to the perimeter, raising the MOI for greater forgiveness and stability while maintaining the CG position that produces ideal trajectories with better feel.

Tour-Inspired Head Shape
Design elements for Tour players like a thinner top line and narrower sole have been incorporated into these highly forgiving irons that can be played by a wide range of skill levels.

Modified Tru-Bore
An advanced version of the original Tru-Bore design, the polycarbonate tip plug at the end of the shaft dampens vibration for enhanced feel and performance

Callaway Golf Core Technologies
VFT® Technology maximizes ball speed and perimeter weighting for more distance and forgiveness; S2H2® increases discretionary weight by removing it from the hosel and repositioning it in the perimeter of the club head; 360-Degree Undercut Channel maximizes perimeter weighting by moving the CG lower and farther back in the club head, enlarging the hitting area and stabilizing the club head for more forgiveness.

Features:

• Precision Notch Weighting raises the MOI while maintaining the optimal CG position
• Tour-inspired head shape includes a thinner top line and narrower sole
• Modified Tru-Bore dampens vibration for enhanced feel and performance
• Callaway Golf core technologies include VFT, S2H2 and 360-Degree Undercut Channel

How To Buy Golf Equipment

The Official Rules of Golf mandate no more than 14 clubs are allowed in your bag during a round of golf, and that includes your putter. So it is vital that you choose a selection of clubs that best fits your swing, where you play and your ability level.

• Determining Your Ability Level
  • The Low-Handicap Golfer
  • The Mid-Handicap Golfer
  • The High-Handicap Golfer
• Determining the Type of Club
  • The Shaft
  • The Club Head
  • Iron

Determining Your Ability Level

Players can be divided into 3 basic ability levels--low-handicaps,mid-handicaps, and high-handicaps. A handicap is the golfer's way of measuring their performance against the par on a course, usually in relation to a par 72 regulation course.

The Low-Handicap Golfer

A low-handicaps player has a single-digit handicap, meaning he or she generally scores less than 10 strokes over par, or an 82 or less on a par-72 course.

• Woods
  • The low-handicap player should carry a driver and at least 1 fairway wood, most likely the 3-wood
• Irons
  • The low-handicap player will benefit from lower irons in his bag, because the 3 or 4-iron is a difficult club to hit, but can be very useful if it can be controlled
• Wedges
  • A minimum of 3 wedges--pitching wedge, sand wedge, and either a lob wedge or approach wedge--in their bags, with a maximum four-degree difference between each one

The Mid-Handicap Golfer

The mid-handicap golfer plays "bogey golf," meaning his or her score averages out to 1 over par on each hole, or somewhere in the 11-20 handicap range.

• Woods
  • In addition to the driver and a 3-wood and a 5-wood, consider adding a 7-wood or even a 9-wood. These fairway woods give much better control and consistency than the harder to hit long irons.
• Irons
  • Most sets are comprised of the pitching wedge and irons 3 through 9
• Wedges
  • Three different wedges are recommended--pitching wedge, sand wedge, and either a lob wedge or approach wedge

The High-Handicap Golfer

The high-handicap golfer is either a beginner or has not had the time to hone his game to reach the mid-handicap level. The high-handicapper usually shoots close to or over 100.

• Woods
  • You may not even want to have a driver in your bag. Instead, go with the 3-wood as your off-the-tee wood and add the easier-to-hit 7- and 9-woods.
• Wedges
  • Up to 3 wedges--pitching wedge, sand wedge, and either a lob wedge or approach wedge--should be carried

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Determining the Type of Club

Various shafts and club head compositions and designs make it possible to select the right combination to suit every individual's golf game.

The Shaft

• Materials
  • Golf club shafts now primarily come in 2 materials, steel and graphite
    • Steel shafts
      • Stronger, more durable and generally less expensive
      • Offer greater consistency from shaft to shaft
      • More control on shots, but requires a faster swing speed to generate the same distance as graphite
      • Recommended for stronger players who could use a little extra control in their game
    • Graphite
      • Generally lighter than steel and can be made in many more variations
      • Graphite is generally more expensive than steel and less durable
      • The lighter shaft allows greater swing speed for more power, but it sacrifices control
      • Graphite absorbs shock in a swing
• Flex
  • Flex refers to the amount of "bend" in a shaft
    • Your shaft flex needs to match with the speed of your golf swing
      • Beginners and players with less powerful swings will benefit from a more flexible shaft
      • An average player has a swing speed of 75-90 mph, and should look for a regular shaft
      • Players with powerful swings - in the 90 -110 mph range - should purchase a stiff or firm shaft. This will provide a stiffer club for more control.
      • Many shafts are now available in a uniflex that will fit most any golfer's swing

The Club Head

• Woods
  • Standard
    • Better control but a smaller sweet spot
    • About 150-155 cubic centimeters
  • Midsize
    • Positioned between standard and oversized
    • About 195 cubic centimeters
    • Different club head materials allow for a combination of benefits with a medium-sized sweet spot and lighter weight than an oversized head
  • Oversized
    • The largest club head size, up to 250 cubic centimeters
    • Offers the largest sweet spot of any head size, and is the most forgiving on mishits
• Wood materials
  • Stainless steel
    • Less expensive, but slightly heavier than the more modern titanium and other alloys
    • The slightly smaller head gives a more traditional look and feel to the club
  • Titanium
    • Lighter weight allows for the creation of even larger club heads
    • Larger sweet spot

Types of Irons

• Cast irons
  • Cavity back construction, also known as perimeter weighted irons
  • Most of the head weight on the outside of the head
  • A larger sweet spot because it puts more weight on the edges of the club face
  • Beginners who tend to mishit the ball more often would benefit from cavity back/perimeter weighted irons because they are more forgiving
• Forged irons
  • No special weight distribution on the back of the club head
  • The center of gravity is in the center of the club head
  • Small sweet spots, offers lower handicapper more control
  • More advanced players who tend to strike the ball consistently in the center of the club would benefit from forged irons

As part of the International Golf Federation's continuing efforts to demonstrate worldwide solidarity behind golf's bid to become an Olympic sport in 2016, 18 of the game's top players are sending a customised brochure detailing the bid along with a personal letter reflecting their support to International Olympic Committee members from their respective countries and regions.

In addition, World Golf Hall of Fame members Jack Nicklaus and Annika Sorenstam, Global Ambassadors on behalf of the IGF's bid, have sent the 32-page brochure and a personal letter to IOC representatives from 75 other countries.

The brochure includes global data on golf participation, as well as supportive comments by the world's leading players on behalf of the Olympic effort.

"As we have consistently stated from the outset of the bid process, it is imperative that the best players in the world support golf's Olympic effort in order to give us the best chance of being selected by the IOC to participate in the 2016 Olympic Games," said Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the IGF.

"It also is important for us to demonstrate the international nature of golf, underscoring the fact that 60 million people play the sport in nearly 120 countries. This personal outreach by international players is a continuation of that effort."

The players who are sending this material to their respective IOC representatives are: Karrie Webb, Australia; Mike Weir, Canada; Camilo Villegas, Colombia; Vijay Singh, Fiji; Gwladys Nocera, France; Bernhard Langer, Germany; Colin Montgomerie, Britain; JeevMilkha Singh, India; Padraig Harrington, Ireland; Ai Miyazato, Japan; K.J. Choi, South Korea; Lorena Ochoa, Mexico; Suzann Pettersen, Norway; Ernie Els, South Africa; Sergio Garcia, Spain; Annika Sorenstam, Sweden; Yani Tseng, Chinese Taipei; and Tiger Woods, United States.

Christian Cevaer of France has become the shock winner of the European Open, after languishing in 196th place on the money list. For the 39 year old, it was the end to a five-year wait for his second European Tour victory.

France's Christian Cevaer kisses the trophy after winning The European Open at The London Golf Club  in Ash, southeastern England, Sunday May 31, 2009.(AP Photo/PA, Ady Kerry)

Scotland's Gary Orr came home in a fine 34, including this birdie at 12 to move back to 5 under par. He would finish in a share of second place.

Englishman Steve Webster played a beautiful approach to the pin at the 13th. He would join Orr in joint second place.

Alvaro Quiros of Spain sank this birdie putt at the 14th to move to 7 under. He also finished joint second.

The eventual winner though was Frenchman Christian Cevaer. He overcame a star-studded field to become the shock winner of the European Open.

Our most technologically advanced game-improvement set
Incorporating Fusion Technology, the superior weight-shifting science created by Callaway Golf, the new FT i-brid Irons set features three hybrid-like clubs designed to replace hard-to-hit long irons and game-improvement short irons, providing the ulti mate in forgiveness and playability. 

Advanced Fusion Technology
Mulit-material construction allows weight to be shifted for optimal performance. The lightweight titanium body allows for an oversized clubhead with increased offset for greater forgiveness and an increased effective hitting area. Heavy Tunite weighting in the sole creates a higher moment of inertia and better stability with a low, deep center of gravity. The TPU SenSert decreases vibration and delivers solid feel.

i-brid
Clubs that blend the control and accuracy of irons with the forgiveness, distance and versatility of hybrids. The low, deep center of gravity CG helps get the ball in the air quickly and easily, and the wider sole improves turf interaction. 

Super Game-improvement Mid and Short Irons
Designed for the ultimate in forgiveness in its oversized design with an increased offset, a large effective hitting area and a wide sole for exceptional turf interaction. 

Fully Integrated Set Design
Seamless performance progression throughout the set provides consistent distance separation with optimal trajectories.

Modified Tru-Bore Design
An advanced version of the original Tru-Bore Design, the polycarbonate tip plug at the end of the shaft dampens vibration for enhanced feel and performance.