VGS Golf

One Handed Putting Drill

2009-07-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

I am taking lessons from my local pro. I asked him for a putting drill to improve my stroke and he has me putting only with my right hand on the putter. Have you ever heard of this and do you make your students do this putting drill.

Yes I do!

Two reasons that I highly encourage my students to practice this one handed putting drill is that it gives them the exact feel of a proper putting motion and it develops a feel for the proper impact position for the putting stroke. This is a very simple thing to implement into your putting practice. Take your grip stance and posture and proceed to setup to stroke a putt from just two to three feet away from the hole.

Take your usual putting grip for a putting stroke. Assuming you are putting right handed, take your left hand off the putter leaving only your right hand on the putter in the hands usual position. Now you should have your putter in its regular position and the ball position placed in your usual position as well. The palm of your right hand should be equal to the direction of your putter face.

One reason for doing this putting drill from such a short distance as two or three feet is the backswing will not need very much movement. This should allow you to "feel" the putter head as it moves through the motion no matter how strong you are. The right wrist should keep the same angle throughout the stroke as at address and will not break AT ALL during this stroke from this distance.

With the correct grip pressure, you will be able to feel your putter load against the index finger of your right hand (again, for a right handed golfer). This load that is properly stored will be delivered to the golf ball during the forward stroke and will be lost just after impact. If you use a stripped range ball while doing this putting drill, place the stripe so it is parallel to the green surface and make your stroke under the stripe on the range ball. Your right hand should be ahead of the ball at impact. To finish the putting drill, hold your finish to a slow count of three. The putter head should be under your hands and not way out in front of your hands. Remember, your right wrist angle should not change.

VGS has customers in Hartford, CT, Greenfield, Indiana, Spartanburg, South Carolina, Long Beach, California, Scottsdale, Arizona, Burbank, California, Miami, Florida, Atalnta, Georgia, Washington DC, San Antonio, Texas, St. Louis, MO and Chicago, Illinois.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:
golf bags, golf fitness equipment, golf carts, golf travel bags, launch monitors, putting, full swing, golf travel bags, restaurant furniture, concession equipment, bar equipment and driving range supplies.

Golf Equipment

2009-06-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am a beginning golfer. I am reading about having your golf equipment custom fit to you and your swing. Since I am shooting 100 to 110 and just getting started, do I need to be custom fit for my golf equipment? Will it really help?

As we are promoters of the game of golf, we will answer that with the answer, it depends. If you are happy with shooting those scores and you enjoy the game, keep using the clubs that you have. If you want to lower your scores then properly fit clubs along with some newer technology could help you do just that. We say this as most beginners start with used clubs.

The rules of golf state that you can carry up to 14 clubs. Notice that this reads up to 14 clubs. If you are a beginner or a higher handicapper and you are purchasing new golf equipment you may not need to carry all 14 clubs. Most manufacturers will now price their clubs individually. This allows you to pick and choose the clubs that you currently need and can add other clubs as you improve.

No matter your skill level, you really do need to focus on your putter and wedges. You will want to find golf equipment that you like to look at when you are addressing the golf ball. If you do not like what you are looking at, it will be more difficult for you to hit a good shot.

If you are playing the game of golf for score, playing golf without the right golf equipment can be very frustrating. With the available club fitters and options from the manufacturers, there is simply no reason to put yourself through that. Why would not you make it as easy on yourself as possible?

VGS Golf has customers in Arlington, Garland, Grand Prairie, Katy, Brownsville, Texas, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Pensacola, Florida, Macon, Columbus, Roswell, Rome, Augusta, Savannah, Georgia, Myrtle Beach, Charelston, Aiken, Greenville, Rock Hill, Summerville, Charleston, South Carolina.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Accessories, Golf Bags, Golf Fitness Equipment, Golf Swing Launch Monitors Golf Travel Bags and Covers, Practice Net Push Golf Cart, Yardage Finder

Golf Carry Bag

2009-06-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

I want to buy a golf carry bag. I figure the extra exercise that I will gain while I play can only help my health as I was recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. I am trying to tell my wife that the Doctor is prescribing that I play more golf (if I walk) to improve my blood sugar. I do not know how well that is going over! Haha I also have a bad back and want to grab some information about available golf carry bags?

Sounds like you are wearing out! Haha Being close to those with Type II, the walking will definitely help you keep it in check.

No matter how strong your back currently is the excessive bending over to pick up your regular golf bag will wear on your back. Golf carry bags with stands are an invaluable convenience since you will be able to place your golf stand carry bag on the ground and then grab the golf club you need or replace the chosen golf club without the strain on your back. Golf stand carry bags may allow you to play a full round, if you are a player who has trouble with a bad back.

In addition, the stands on the golf carry bags can be adjusted to make carrying the bag as comfortable as possible during your round. Now most all of the manufactures will offer a dual strap system. This strap system will be put on over each shoulder. The dual strap system allows you to carry the bag in proper balance which makes it easier to carry as well as prevent injuries. Some systems have special strap materials which allow the straps to smoothly slide off your shoulders. In addition, quick and simple adjustments can be performed while the bag is still being carried.

VGS Golf has customers in Cincinnati, Ohio, Corpus Christi, Texas, Tulsa, Oklahoma, St. Louis, Missouri, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Yonkers, New York, Dover, Delaware, Bridgeport, CT, Sacramento, California, Eugene, Oregon, Orange Park, Florida, New Haven, CT and Manhattan, New York.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags, Golf Fitness Equipment, Golf Swing Launch Monitors Golf Travel Bags and Covers, Practice Net Push Golf Cart, Yardage Finder, Golf Lessons

Golf Lessons

2009-06-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

As the golf season is in full swing all over the country now, many players are wondering how they can improve their games. We receive many questions at our academy and through our blog about golf lessons. Below are a couple of the most common questions that we get about taking a golf lesson. If you have any other questions feel free to submit them to the VGS Golf Blog and we may use it as a post.

Do I need to take a golf lesson?

Technically, no. You do not have to take golf lessons or golf instruction. With this being said, it will take you longer to learn the game and could bring un-needed frustration to you. Especially as you begin to learn the game it is a good idea to take golf lessons & instruction. Would you try to sky dive or ski without first having lessons or would you just try to figure it out? You will be able to learn the proper golf swing fundamentals from your golf instructor and this will give you a good foundation to build on as you learn to play the game.

So many people claim that they have the answers to how to play better golf. How do I find a qualified golf instructor?

There are many ways to find a qualified golf instructor. It is a lot like finding a new doctor or accountant after re-locating to a new city. Ask your co-workers, friends and fellow golfing buddies for the experiences that they have had. You can locate a local golf instructor through PGA.com that is close to you. The PGA offers certifications in teaching and these instructors are few and far between. If you are close proximity to one you are lucky and should take that opportunity.

Let us know how your game is progressing.

VGS Golf has customers in Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Cape Coral, Hollywood, Florida, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fresno, Riverside, Stockton, California, Garland, Laredo, Amarillo, Waco, Carrollton, Texas, Lake Havasu, Sun City, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Arizona.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags, Golf Fitness Equipment, Golf Swing Launch Monitors Golf Travel Bags and Covers, Practice Net Push Golf Cart, Yardage Finder

Launch Monitor

2009-05-29T03:33:00.000-07:00

To properly fit a driver or iron shaft in this day and age, a launch monitor not only helps you as the professional, but also gives you instant credibility with the golfer.

Technology in golf is ever changing and is more available to all golfers more than ever before. A golf professional has to be on their toes with all of the newest information more than ever before. Due to the amount of information provided by the manufactures on their websites, a golfer can know the exact information about every single club. I have personally been on the phone with a golfer and was asked a question about how much a shaft torque. Luckily, I worked a lot with the shaft and knew the answer off of the top of my head. The golfer replied to my answer with "That's right, it is right here on their website."

A launch monitor may be a little bit of money upfront for you or your club. However, it will pay for itself in very little time. In addition, a launch monitor will allow you and your students to:

1. Track the improvement of your student's golf swing by being able to establish a baseline skill assessment. This is important to those students who take a series of lessons so that you can monitor their improvement from the beginning to the end.

2. The gathered calculations of the launch monitor will validate if the equipment that the student is using in accordance with the student’s skill level. This will allow you to "scientifically" show your students or potential customers that the demo that they are holding in their hand is the best fit for them.

3. Your students can refine their short game distance control & consistency and master their 1/2 and 3/4 wedge shots by using a launch monitor. When I first started doing this, I thought that this would be reserved for the "better players." Many mid to high handicaps have found this very useful as they do not typically have an idea of what club to hit from where. Taking the average gives them a place to start from.

4. Your students will be able to improve their distance control and consistency with their driver as well as their iron by properly gapping your clubs.

5. With the information you will be able to identify improvement areas along with your students.
6. Track the improvement of your student's ball striking efficiency as well as the solidness of hit with virtually every club in your bag.

7. Give your on-course playing lessons the extra touch by using a ball launch monitor for on-course playing lessons and to better understand course management.

8. Relate to the club head at impact to actual ball flight to help your student better understand the instruction.

Although a launch monitor will be a little bit of an upfront expense for you or your club, it will pay for itself in a short time. Using the above tips, you will increase your teaching and club sales revenue and more importantly have better playing golfers.

VGS Golf has customers in Riverside, Oxnard, Moreno Valley, Redding, Yuba City, Eureka, Lancaster, Salinas, California, Spring Hill, Panama City, Tallahassee, Deltona, Gainsville, Melbourne, Florida, Waco, College Station, Amarillo, Lubbock, Laredo, Corpus Christi, Sherman, Texas.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:
Golf Accessories, Golf Bags, Golf Fitness Equipment, Golf Swing Launch Monitors Golf Travel Bags and Covers, Practice Net Push Golf Cart, Yardage Finder

Golf Swing Alignment

2009-05-28T03:26:00.000-07:00

Here is how you can go about properly setting your golf swing alignment so you can hit better shots:

1. Pick your target
Yes this is as basic as it sounds. Where do you want the ball to end up in the fairway or on the green? What many mid to higher handicappers do not understand here is that does not always mean the center of the fairway or the target has to be the flag. Where will you be most comfortable hitting this shot to and what gives you an easy next shot?

2. Pick your target line
Your target line is the line that you intend to start the ball. This does not have to mean you’re your target line should point directly at your target. For all of your right handed slicers out there, this will be left of your target because the ball will work back to the right.

3. Pick a spot on your target line
As you start the process form behind the ball, pick a spot. This spot should be just a foot or two in front of the ball. It can be an old divot, ball mark or a change in the color of the grass. In your mind draw a straight line between this spot and the ball.

4. Approach the ball
Now the important part is to not walk towards the golf ball but to circle around and walk into the ball so that you are parallel with this line that is made by the ball and your spot.

5. Address the ball squarely
Following the above steps should allow you to address the ball so your body is parallel to your target line which again is where you want the ball to start.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Accessories, Golf Bags, Golf Fitness Equipment, Golf Swing Launch Monitors Golf Travel Bags and Covers, Practice Net Push Golf Cart, Yardage Finder

Address Position: Is Yours Correct?

2009-05-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

Many golfers (not just beginners) struggle with properly setting up to the golf ball. Below are three questions that we constantly address in our lessons with our students of all levels. Use this information to make better golf swings and lower your scores.

Where should your weight be?
This is probably the most overlooked fundamental by high handicappers as well as lower handicappers. This question really relates to balance. You will hear teachers briefly say that balance is important in the golf swing. However, it is usually brushed over and not explained. Balance comes in two forms, side-to-side as well as front-to-back. You can check your balance by simply moving your weight around from your heels to your toes or side-to-side. You will want your balance to end up underneath the middle of your shoe or underneath your shoe strings.

How far away from the golf ball do you stand?
Obviously this will change depending on the golf club that you have in your hand as they are different lengths. However, what should not change is that you arms should hang down while in the address position. Men, you can pretend that you have a tie on and let it hang to the end of the club. Ladies you can imagine that you have a long strand of pearls on that will fall and hit the end of the golf club. With this as well as finding your balance, you should be in a good address position.

Where should the ball go in your stance?
If you learned to play golf back in the day you were told that the ball must go into a different position for each club. Modern instruction has made that a lot easier for you. To place the ball correctly in your set up position, simply place the middle of the club head in the middle of your feet. If it is a wood or hybrid, find the center of the club head and it will go in the middle of you stance and the ball will be place right in front of the club head.

VGS Golf has customers in VGS Golf & Country Club Supply has customers in Laredo, Texas, El Paso, TX, Plano, Peoria, Arizona, Aurora, Illinois, Modesto, CA, Corona, CA. Joliet, IL, Oklahoma City, OK, Columbus, Ohio, Brownsville, TX, Cape Coral, FL, Austin, TX, Scottsdale, AZ, Moreno Valley, California, Omaha, Nebraska, Virginia Beach, VA Glendale, Arizona, Aurora, Colorado, Long Beach, CA, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Reno, Nevada, Orlando, FL, Santa Clarita, CA, Chesapeake, Virginia, Pembroke Pines, FL, Durham, NC, Overland Park, Kansas and Palmdale, CA.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as: golf bags, golf fitness equipment, launch monitors, golf travel bags, restaurant furniture, concession equipment, commercial ice machines, bar equipment and driving range supplies.

Set Up Position: Common Questions

2009-05-26T03:04:00.000-07:00

Here are three common questions about the set up position and what you need to do in order to improve your set up position:

How far apart do you place your feet?
Opposed to some opinions, the golf swing is an athletic move. Thus you should start in an athletic position. With this being said many of you can pull from experiences playing sports growing up. If you did not play any sports when you were younger, do not worry. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart or how wide they would be if you were going to try to jump into the air. Pretty simple, huh?

How should you bend over to the ball in your set up position?
Sounds like it should be pretty easy. However many struggle with doing this properly. Unfortunately, many golfers will slouch down to get to the golf ball. This makes the top of their back round out and makes hitting a golf ball consistently much more difficult. The image that works for many is simply to put your pants pockets behind your heels. Yes, this means you need to stick your backside out a bit. Again, like you are going to jump.

Where should the ball go in your stance?
If you learned to play golf back in the day you were told that the ball must go into a different position for each club. Modern instruction has made that a lot easier for you. To place the ball correctly in your set up position, simply place the middle of the club head in the middle of your feet. If it is a wood or hybrid, find the center of the club head and it will go in the middle of you stance and the ball will be place right in front of the club head.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:
golf bags, golf fitness equipment, golf carts, golf travel bags, launch monitors, putting, full swing, golf travel bags, restaurant furniture, concession equipment, bar equipment and driving range supplies.

New Travel Bag

2009-05-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

Plain and simple, I need a new travel bag. I travel all of the time and I need a very durable travel bag that has wheels and is approved by the TSA. Can you give me some hints on how to go about finding the perfect travel bag for me?

Since we are not sure how you do all of your traveling we will cover all of the basics.

Make a list of then jot down the features that would be "nice to have" and another list of features that are a "must have." The level of protection that you will need will be determined by the type of golf vacation you will be taking as well as the golf vacations you may take in the future. If your future golf vacations are only a drive away, then your needs will be more in the lines of just a soft travel golf case. If you will be traveling by bus, train or with an airline and you are not handling your own bag, it is highly suggested to go with more protection as typically the bag handlers do not care as much about your golf clubs as you do.

Most people who buy golf travel bags take road trips as well as fly. These golfers are regular golfers who like to take their clubs with them when they go on vacation and not rent a set while on their golf vacations from the respective golf course. You need a high degree of protection when flying, since your clubs have to be protected by the rough handling they can get on and off the aircraft. Again, the bag handlers do not care as much about your golf clubs as you do.

While you are looking at new golf cases, you also need something that will be fairly easy to get in and out of the trunk. Your golf bag will also need to comfortably fit inside the cover, along with any other contents such as golf shoes, rain suit, golf clothes, etc. that you could possibly take with you on a golf trip. If it's only a short trip, you might consider a travel case that could double as a luggage case. Manufacturers such as Izzo, Burton and Cadie offer golf travel bags that you can fit in a change of clothing and any other overnight kit you need as well as your golf bag and apparel.

VGS Golf has customers in Lubbock, Lexington-Fayette, KY, Oceanside, CA, Huntsville, AL, Salem, Oregon, Santa Rosa, El Monte, Simi Valley, Glendale, Fullerton, Torrance, Pomona, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, CA, Seattle, WA, Greensboro, NC, Amarillo and Mesquite, TX.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

golf bags, golf fitness equipment, golf carts, golf travel bags, launch monitors, putting, full swing, golf travel bags, restaurant furniture, concession equipment, bar equipment and driving range supplies.

Putting Training Aids To Lower Your Scores

2009-05-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

Maybe all of the preaching that we are doing about putting and how improving it is the quickest way to lower your score is catching on! We are being asked more and more about putting training aids and golf training aids as holiday gifts, father's day gifts and for the golfers themselves.

Bullseye CupWhether you are stroking straight or breaking putts, The Bullseye Cup putting training aid will make a real putting cup look like a basketball net and allow you to feel like you can make everything! The Bullseye Cup is a circular device with a two inch opening that reduces the hole by 30%. This two inch opening will help you visualize where the ball should enter the hole on a breaking or straight putts.

Putting Laser Line PutterAny golfer can easily lower their scores with The EyeLine Putting Laser Line putting training aid. Easily attach The Putting Laser Line to your putter shaft. Immediately you will be able to see a line square to the putter face and on the target line. This will insure that you are setup squarely to every putt. The Putting Laser Line is delivered with an instructional DVD. With the Putting Laser line, a golfer can track your stroke perfectly during your backswing and follow-through.

Putting Arc DeluxeThe Putting Arc Deluxe is a beautifully finished solid piece of wood that can be used indoor or outdoors as a putting aid. The Putting Arc is a revolutionary new golf training aid, which will guide you to a simple, repeatable, and understandable approach to putting. With The Putting Arc Deluxe you will develop a confidence when standing over your putter felt by only a small percentage of golfers. A confidence in your ability to direct the golf ball exactly where you intend is priceless. The Putting Arc works because it teaches you to take the putter head in pure planar rotation about an axis which passes through the golfer's spine between the shoulders. This means that the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders all stay connected throughout the putting stroke. The Putting Arc Deluxe is used regularly used by PGA Tour Professionals.

VGS Golf and Country Club Supply has customers in Irving, Texas, Knoxville, Tennessee, Rockville, Maryland, Kansas City, Missouri, Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles, California, Jacksonville, FL, Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana, Orlando, Florida, The Woodlands, Texas, Washington DC, Columbus, Ohio, Denver, Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Miami, Florida.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Proper Golf Grip: Left Hand Position

2009-05-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

I really want to lower my handicap this year. I really would like to learn more about the fundamentals of the golf swing including the grip. I know that my hands are not currently on the club properly and it is costing me accuracy and distance. Can you give me some help with where to get started?

In order to lower your handicap, it is important that you begin with the proper golf grip fundamentals and make sure that you know that you are properly holding the golf club. With this being said, you are on the right track!

The golf grip is your only connection to your golf club. The grip is considered a basic fundamental of golf. Bad or wayward shots are often a result of the bad grip that the player uses. The grip is the start to a good golf swing and to the start of you starting lowering your handicap.Ben Hogan believed that anybody could have a good repeatable golf swing by implementing a few fundamentals and performing them in a proper sequence. Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf written by Ben Hogan is still used by many PGA Golf Professionals as their "bible" of golf instruction. If you have taken a golf lesson, more than likely you have been taught something from Hogan's book.

Most amateurs golf grip is too week or neutral. What does this mean in English, right? Well most hold the club too much in the palm of their hand and not enough in their fingers. In addition most believe that it is natural to place their thumb on top of the shaft. Although it may seem natural to do this, your thumb on your left hand (for right handed golfers) must be to the right of the shaft to create a proper grip. It still goes back to getting the webbing between your index finger and your thumb to create a V and have it point at your right shoulder.

VGS Golf has customers in Pembrooke Pines, Florida, Boston, MA, Germantown, Tennessee, Gainsville, Florida, Chandler, Arizona, The Woodlands, Texas, Pelham, Alabama, San Antonio, Texas, Smyrna, Georgia and Baltimore, Maryland.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Tips About Golf Swing Tempo

2009-05-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

We have received a lot of questions for golf tips about hitting solid iron shots from our golf blog. Many amateurs do not realize how much tempo and moving in the correct sequence can not only add distance but allow them to control the direction of their golf ball as well.

Here are a few golf tips to help you with your golf swing:

1. The rate of your golf swing will usually mirror your personality. That simply means if you walk and talk fast, the overall tempo of your swing will be quicker as well. Examples of this can be found in professional golf. Nick Price is usually used as the example of someone with a faster tempo and Ernie Els as the example of a slower tempo.

2. You will really want to monitor the first six inches to a foot of your golf swing. Especially when we are nervous, many players will be quick right from the start. This gets many players out of sequence and then compensating moves must be made in order to hit a good golf shot as the player will never feel like they are properly loaded.

3. The other place in the golf swing that players seem to get out of sequence is what is referred to as the top of the swing. We like to refer to this position as taking the golf club back and not up. If the club is not back or not loaded, the golfer typically will grab the golf club and make the move that is usually referred to as coming over the top. This is when our right shoulder (for a right handed golfer) comes towards the golf ball and not down towards the ground. This move will happen naturally if you are in proper sequence and turn your core or hips towards your target on the downswing.

Use these golf tips to improve your game and lower your handicap.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Tips From PGA Professionals

2009-05-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

You can find golf tips anywhere on the internet, on TV or your buddies usually full of information. You need to make sure that you are receiving and implementing good information into your golf swing. Reading or watching golf tips from the top instructors or from a PGA Professional is your best bet to get good information and improve your golf swing. Here are 4 golf tips from PGA Professionals that will help you improve your game:

1. Balance is an overlooked part of the golf swing. You must be in balance at address or else you will need to manipulate the golf club during the swing. If you begin the swing out of balance, you are making swinging the golf club more difficult than it really is. To find your balance, take your stance and simply feel your weight go back and forth between your toes and your heels until you find your center. Once your center is found you may need to move closer or farther away from the golf ball with your feet.

2. Staying on the theme of balance, once you are in your finish position, you should be able to hold your finish without wiggling on your feet or being so out of balance that your feet move.

3. The best way to find your alignment is by the line created by the tops of your thighs. This is much easier to monitor than you shoulders or your feet. Using the tops of your thighs allows you to align your base correctly with your target line.

4. Golfers usually make the mistake of trying to take the club to the top of their swing. The challenge is that with your spine being bent over, you do not need to take the club up. You need to take the golf club back or away from the target and not up. Taking the golf club up, will result in you becoming out of balance and taking the golf club too far back.

VGS Golf and Country Club Supply has customers in Irving, Texas, Knoxville, Tennessee, Rockville, Maryland, Kansas City, Missouri, Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles, California, Jacksonville, FL, Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana, Orlando, Florida, The Woodlands, Texas, Washington DC, Columbus, Ohio, Denver, Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Miami, Florida.

In addtion, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Stand Golf Bag

2009-05-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

I am trying to make up my mind on a golf bag. Can you give me some of the benefits of a stand golf bag?

We would be happy to do it! Obviously if you are going to walk any rounds of golf at all a stand golf bag makes much more sense than a heavy cat bag to lug around. If you do ride you can use your stand golf bag on the back of a golf cart without any problem. Here are some other reasons to purchase a golf stand bag:

1. You can personalize your stand golf bag in other ways such as how many pockets the bag has. As we are all different, we all want and need different things from our golf bags and the amount of storage that they provide. Some players may need to have a lined valuables pocket as a part of their bag while others will think that a pocket for their water bottle is more important to them.
2. Since you are looking for a stand golf bag, we are assuming that weight is a concern for you and your new bag as you may be looking to walk some if not all of the rounds of golf that you play. Most manufactures make bags that weigh less than four pounds without any golf equipment in them. Again, this will be different for everybody as the fewer features that you demand the lighter the golf bag can be.
3. The stand golf bag that you purchase should also include a rain hood. Although we all think that we will not play in the rain, eventually we will get caught on the course in a rain. We may just be trying to get back to the club house or we could be trying to finish a round in a tournament but either way we need protection for our clubs so that they can stay dry.

VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as: golf bags, golf fitness equipment, golf carts, golf travel bags, launch monitors, golf travel bags, restaurant furniture, concession equipment, bar equipment and driving range supplies.

Your Putting Stroke And Putting Training Aids

2009-05-14T03:38:00.000-07:00

I have been reading up on the putting stroke. I would like to buy a putting training aid to help me improve my putting stroke. However, I am confused as there is so much info out there and they all claim to help you improve your putting. How do I know if the putting training aid will really help me or if I am just wasting my money?

Great question and wish I had more information about your putting stroke! With that being said we will cover all of the basics of the two main putting theories that are being used today on the PGA tours.

1. Straight back and straight through stroke – One of the two popular putting theories was developed by Dave Pelz. The straight back and straight through theory also known as the Pelz theory is moving the putter head in a straight back and straight through motion. There are many manufacturers that offer putting aids to give you the sensation of the proper movement. The more bent over that you are when you address the putt, the more likely you are to use the straight back and straight through putting method. The Eyeline putting square system is a very effective putting training aid to use with this theory.

2. Putting arc stroke – The other popular putting theory was developed by Stan Utley. With his theory, the putter travels in an arc around your spine. Again, many manufacturers offer different putting aids to allow you feel the correct sensation. Many times, the decision of which putting theory that you use is determined by how you set up to the golf ball when you putt. The more upright when you address the putt, the more likely you are to use the arc putting method. The putting training aid that we use for this motion is the putting arc deluxe.

VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as: Golf Bags, Golf Carts, Golf Fitness Equipment, Golf Swing Launch Monitor, Golf Travel Bags, Practice Net and a Yardage Finder.

VGS Golf has customers in Greenville, South Carolina, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Phoenix, Arizona, Miami, Florida, Boston, MA, Newport, Rhode Island, San Diego, California, San Antonio, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, Richmond, Virginia, Durham, North Carolina, Rockville, Maryland, Orlando, Florida, Pelham, Alabama and Jacksonville, Florida.

Houston Junior Camps

2009-05-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

As we are getting ready for Houston junior camps, we thought it would be a help to create a list of what you need to take with you to your junior camp. Here are five things to make sure that you have before you go to your junior camp.

1. You want to pack your golf clubs. This sounds obvious and sometimes that makes it the hardest to remember. If your child is looking to get a new set of golf clubs in the near future, you will want one of the golf instructors that they works with to give you recommendations for their next set as well as the specs or measurements that they will need.

2. You never know what kind of weather you’re going to encounter during your golf camp, so make sure you take the right kind of gear for rain, like a rain jacket, umbrella, or visor. In addition, stay with solid colors so they can mix and match while she is gone.

3. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and socks with you to junior camp. While at the junior golf camp, they will be hitting more balls and playing more holes than they are probably used to doing at home. Having fresh socks to put on at lunch may give their feet the breather that they need.

4. The more and more we learn about what the sun is doing to all of us, the more important that it is to pack plenty of sun screen. We are learning that this can be very crucial to your health. At our camps, we encourage our students to use it multiple times a day as the instructors do as well.

5. Packing the needed medications for the time your child will be gone is important. Try to think ahead as well. For instance, if they are traveling to another area of the country may kick in some allergy or sinus problem that she was not currently having at home. With this over the counter medicine not taking up much room it is much better to be safe than sorry.

VGS Golf has students from all over the greater Houston, Texas area such as Katy, The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Magnolia, Conroe, Kingwood, Cypress, Champions and the Medical District.

Best Putting Drills

2009-05-12T03:15:00.000-07:00

I want to improve my putting. I want some putting drills to help me improve my short putts as well as my lag putts. My trouble is a get bored fairly easy on the putting green so any putting drills that can be incorporated into games with my buddies would be great. We will find a way to create a little wager on it.

Here are some of the best putting drills that we often use to help our students improve their putting:

Lag drill
When it comes to putting for distance, we all tend to miss longer putts more short and long as opposed to right and left. This is one of my favorite putting drills. Place a tee anywhere where the putting green and fringe meet. Begin by hitting putts from varying distances from 10 to 50 feet towards the tee. The goal is to stop your golf ball as close to the fringe as possible. Challenge a friend or challenge yourself by continuing the putting drill until you can stop so many balls in side of a certain distance. This will be determined by your current skill level.

Pull back drill
The pull back drill is one of the great putting drills or games to play with friends. Pick a set number of holes to play. Flip a tee to see who gets to pick the first location. Each player will keep track of their strokes. The catch is that when you miss any putt, you pull the ball back away from the hole the length of your putter. You next putt is to be stroked from the new distance. Obviously, this will make the short putts during your next round seem much easier.

Ladder drill
The ladder drill is one of those putting lessons that you may already do and not even know that you do it! You can do this drill on the practice putting green or on an indoor putting mat. Take five golf balls and drop them in a straight line every three feet from the hole. So every three feet you will have a ball from three feet to fifteen feet from the hole. Now start at either end of the line and work your way up and down the ladder. If you miss a putt, start all over. Again, this drill will put some pressure on you as you get closer to the end and will make the putts on the golf course much easier.

VGS Golf has customers in Jupiter, Florida, Irving, Teas, Columbus, Ohio, Albany, New York, Madison, Wisconsin, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Littleton, Colorado, Salt Lake City, Utah, Hoover, Alabama, San Antonio, Texas, Des Moines, Iowa and Woodstock, Georgia.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment Putting Full Swing

Golf Training Aids That Work

2009-05-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

We are asked often about what are the golf training aids that recommend for our students. Obviously, the best golf training aids can be different for everyone depending on what part of your game or your swing that you are trying to improve.

No matter how you swing the putter, a laser putter is one of the golf training aids that can improve your game. Depending on which laser putter you employ you can use it indoors or out. The laser putter will allow you to monitor and improve your alignment before you even make a stroke. As you make a putting stroke with the laser pointing at a wall, the laser should not run up the wall on the forward swing. If it does, this means that your left wrist has broken down through impact. When this happens in a putting stroke it is impossible to strike a putt solidly and the player will struggle with distance control.

One of the most popular golf training aids that we use with our students for the full swing is a weighted golf club. With the extra weight, our students can fix multiple challenges in all parts of their golf swing. A weighted golf club is more difficult to manipulate for the student and will swing on a more natural path on the backswing as well as the forward swing. In addition, many students are able to feel the transition at the top of their swing for the very first time.

One of the other golf training aids that we employ with our students is a putting arc. Now before we get started, if you tend to stroke your putts with a straight back and straight through putting theory, this putting aid is not of you. If you believe that the putter should swing in an arc then this is by far the best training aid to improve your putting. The deluxe model is very durable and can be taken anywhere. It will allow you to practice while you are on the putting green, in your office or at home.

VGS Golf has customers in Memphis, Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, Washington DC, Boston, MA, St. Paul, MN, New York, New York, Bakersfield, California, Dallas, Texas, Tampa, Florida, Eugene, Oregon, Phoenix, Arizona, Philadelphia, PA and Cleveland, Ohio.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment

Heavy Golf Club

2009-05-08T03:48:00.000-07:00

We are asked quite often about the effectiveness of a heavy golf club and its use on the practice or in the weight room. Here are five reasons that you should be using a heavy golf club in your golf fitness routine:

1. A benefit of a heavy golf practice club is the extra weight will force you to use more of your core muscles. You will do this not only to swing the club around you but also to keep your balance during the swing. Balance is a very important part of the golf swing that is often overlooked by many golfers and even instructors.

2. It is important that you use a heavy golf club that is weighted proportionately to a real golf club. Just throwing a weight at the end of a golf club is just not the same. As all of the weight is at the far end of the golf club and it feels nothing like what you really swing.

3. Since you cannot really get any more golf specific than using a weighted practice club in your work outs, it is one of the most effective ways to increase your club head speed. Obviously, club head speed has a direct impact on how far that you can hit the ball as well.

4. Although the heavy golf club may only be a couple of extra pounds, the more times that you swing it, you will see a big difference as the extra weight and will help you increase your flexibility The extra weight will make it difficult to stop at the top of your back swing stretching you farther and increasing your flexibility.

5. It is also important to remember to swing the golf practice club both right handed and left handed. If not, you will not be giving equal work to both sides of your body and with one side stronger or weaker than another, an injury may occur.

VGS Golf has customers in Houston, TX, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland, Las Vegas, Nevada, Atlanta, Georgia, Philadelphia, PA, Boston, MA, Charleston, West Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, Memphis, Tennessee and Dallas, Texas.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment

Club Fittings Houston

2009-05-07T03:38:00.000-07:00

As the beginning of the season is here, many golfers are looking for a club fitting. These golfers can be looking for a new driver, set of irons, new wedges or a new putter to take their golf game to the next level.

The question then becomes "How do I know that I am going to receive a proper club fitting?" Here are a couple of questions that you need to as prior to your scheduled appointment in order to help you find your answer.

Is the professional certified by a major manufacturer to fit their clubs?
All qualified club fitters go through training from a manufacturer. Many times the education is held a couple of times a year locally and your club fitter should be able to recite the last education that they received.

How experienced is the PGA Professional?
Do not be afraid to ask the club fitter how many club fittings that they do. The more club fittings that they do, obviously the more knowledge and experience that they have been able to gain. In addition, typically these fitters will have the most recent information on all of the available equipment.

Will I be fit outdoors to see the entire ball flight?
Being able to see the entire ball flight is vitally important to find the best fit for you. Ideally we would want to be fit outdoors so that you can compare launch monitor numbers as well as see the ball flight. Sometimes when you are fit indoors the launch monitor may have been manipulated to show better numbers.

What will the session cost?
This price will vary depending on the area of the country that you are in as well as the experience of the club fitter. The saying that you get what you pay for has never rang truer. Many of the large store retailers will offer a free club fitting with a purchase. Then they send out the high school or college student to give you the fitting. With what you are going to invest for the club(s), the fitting will more than likely will not even add 10% to the total purchase price.

Call 281-430-4180 to get your best golf club fitting in Houston, Texas!

VGS Golf performs Houston club fittings for players from all over Houston, Texas including Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Tomball, The Heights, Katy, Kingwood, Magnolia, Cypress, Gleannloch Farms, Rice Village, Mid Town, Greenspoint and all over Metro Houston.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment

Golf Gift Ideas

2009-05-06T03:53:00.000-07:00

I am looking for the perfect golf gift for a birthday present. Can you give me some direction on how to go about getting this goal accomplished?

With just a little homework you can find a great golf gift for your golfer. Here is how to do it:

Set Your Budget
This is totally up to you and what you are looking to do. Many times it is easy to purchase a gift certificate for your budgeted amount and let them do the shopping. This way if they wanted something that was really expensive such as a new driver, it will not hurt as bad with your contribution.

Ask Others
Do not be scared to call the Golf Professional at the club or golf course and ask them for some ideas. If they already take lessons from this professional, he or she can direct you with golf club purchases that will help their game. In addition, their golf instructor would also be able to recommend putting training aids or golf training aids that can help them improve their game and gain more enjoyment from it.

Plan Ahead
Finding a golf gift for your golfer is made much easier if you just plan ahead a little bit. Planning ahead will give you time to probe them and ask some simple questions about their golf game, how they think they are doing and what they want to improve in their game.

Listen
Once you begin to ask some of these questions it is time to listen to what they have to say. It is time to return to the theory that you have two ears and only one mouth for a reason. Secretly jot items down if you need to in order to help you remember them when it comes time to make the purchase.

VGS Golf has customers in Miami, Florida, Los Angeles, California, Dallas, Texas, Tucson, Arizona, Chicago, Illinois, San Deigo, California, Baltimore, Maryland, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Nevada, Columbus, Ohio, Philidelphia, PA, Boston, MA and Andover, Maryland.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment

Mother's Day Golf Gift

2009-05-05T03:29:00.000-07:00

As Mother's Day is right around the corner, you, like many others, are in need of an idea for a mother's day golf gift and have no idea where to begin. You can relax. We are going help you and steer you in the right direction and you will be able to find the perfect mother's day golf gift. We are going to give you a couple of hints to find out what they may want before we make our purchase.

First, go straight to the horse's mouth. Simply go to her and ask her what she would like. What an idea, huh? Whether you are a golfer or not, you can still do a little snooping around their golf bag. Do the grooves on their wedges look worn? Have they been talking about a new driver? Are they looking for a new set of irons? If you know they are going to be purchasing a new set of irons or a driver in the near future, you can get them a club fitting done by a certified club fitter in your area. You can always just be more direct and just ask them what they would like. If you are not comfortable with this, purchasing a gift certificate at their golf shop could be another idea.

Another great place to get ideas for a mother's day golf gift is to simply ask their golfing buddies. They should be able to fire off some suggestions for a mothers day golf gift that will excite her as the golfing buddies are the ones who get to hear all of the good and bad about her game. You could always give them a two or three day golf trip with you or their friends! If they do go with their friends, it would seem only fair that then you could take a two or three day trip of your choice! Oh wait, we are trying to find a mother's day golf gift for them and not something for us. Focus!

VGS has customers in Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, Georgia, San Diego, California, Las Vegas, Nevada, Dallas, Texas, Birmingham, Alabama, Jacksonville, Florida, Nashville, Tennessee, Jackson, Mississippi, Cleveland, Ohio, St. Paul, MN, Ontario, CA, Seattle, Washington, Newport, Rhode Island and NYC, New York.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment

Golf Training Aids

2009-05-04T03:04:00.000-07:00

In teaching the students at the VGS Golf Academy, we use many different golf training aids. Depending on the challenge the student is working on, we find that a practice aid while putting chipping or working on the full swing can help them visualize what should happen during the golf motion as well as feel what should happen during the golf motion in which they are working to improve.

The best golf training aids will depend on what you are trying to improve. Here is a quick list of the golf training aids that they like to use the best:

The Putting Arc Deluxe – For our students who want to swing the putter in an arc this is a no-brainer for a practice tool. The Putting Arc Deluxe is easy to set up no matter if you are using this putting training aid indoors or out on the putting green. Using any type of putter, you simply place the heel of the putter on the putting arc and allow your putter to follow the training aid. With repetition, you will quickly engrain the proper feel to your putting stroke.

The Eyeline Chipping Brace – This golf training aid quickly lets our students feel the correct motion through impact. The Eyeline Chipping Brace will not allow you to flip or break your wrists on a chip shot. Breaking your wrists leads to the dreaded chili dips and bladed shots that either move just a couple of feet or go flying over the green.

The Eyeline Practice T – No matter the handicap of the student, when they first begin taking lessons many have trouble with alignment. We quickly lay down the Eyeline Practice T and these students have a correct reference for their alignment. This allows us to begin from a good position without the need to manipulate the golf club to get it to impact.

VGS Golf has customers throughout the US such as in Birmingham, Alabama, Los Angeles, California, Indianapolis, Indiana, Bakersfield, California, Chandler, Arizona, Clearwater, Florida, Marietta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington DC, Richmond, Virginia, Boston, Massachusetts, Las Vegas, Nevada, Jacksonville, Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Long Beach, California, Cincinnati, Ohio, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kansas City, Missouri, New York City, New York, Orange County, California and Chicago, Illinois.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment

Finding Golf Bags To Fit You

2009-05-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

As spring has sprung over most of the US, still get a lot of questions about golf bags from new golfers. Whether you are a new golfer or not, by answering the few questions below you should be able to better find the best golf bags that can take of your needs.

What's your budget?
Depending on what you are looking for and how you play the game you can spend about whatever you would like. For example if you are looking for a simple Sunday bag with one strap and no stand so you can walk and get some exercise as you play the game, you can spend as little as $30. If you are looking for a large cart bag or staff bag, depending on it features, it could cost hundreds of dollars.

Walk Or Ride?
This is simple. If you walk any rounds at all you will want a stand bag or a carry bag. These bags can be placed on golf carts if you go and play a facility the does not allow walking. These are the most flexible golf bags. If you belong to or regularly play a facility that does not allow walking then you may opt for the room that is available in a cart bag or staff bag.

Does It Have All Of The Features I Need?
Not to sound like mom and dad but… what you need and what you want can be two different things. This is especially true when you add in the budget part of the equation. You will want to make sure that the bag has enough pockets to store what you usually take when you play. This should not be a problem as it seems like today the manufactures are placing pockets inside of pockets there are so many.

Do You Like It?
This may sound like a funny question to you. However, if you do not like it you will not want to use it. Plain and simple.

VGS Golf has customers throughout the US such as in Birmingham, Alabama, Los Angeles, California, Indianapolis, Indiana, Bakersfield, California, Phoenix, Arizona, Clearwater, Florida, Macon, Georgia, Charolette, North Carolina, Washington DC, Richmond, Virginia, Boston, Massachutesettes, Stuart, Florida, Louisville, Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, Jacksonville, Florida, Huntsville, Alabama, Nashville, Tennessee, Miami, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Denver, Colorado, Long Beach, California, Cincinnati, Ohio, San Antonio, Texas, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kansas City, Missouri, New York, New York, Orange County, California and Chicago, Illinois.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment

Golf Instuction Books

2009-04-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Golf instruction books have become a popular way to learn how to play the game of golf. So what are some of the best golf instruction books? Here is a quick list:

Five Modern Fundamentals by Ben Hogan
Although this is not the first golf instruction book ever written, it was one of the first to find mass distribution. Many of the instructors today use this book as the basis for the theory that they teach. By focusing on the fundamentals such as the grip, stance and posture among others, Mr. Hogan believed "the average golfer is entirely capable of building a repeating swing and breaking 80." If you are just beginning your golf library, you will want to include this golf instruction book, without question.

The Eight Step Swing by Jim McLean
This golf book will give you guidance if you are looking to improve your tournament preparation or pre shot routine. McLean covers what he believes are the fundamentals of the golf swing and give you some options depending on your skill level. Although McLean is known for working with many PGA Tour players, this books is easy to read and easy to understand for any level of player. In addition, we like this book because it includes advice for juniors and women golfers.

Faults and Fixes by David Leadbetter
David Leadbetter is best known for his work with re-building the swing of Nick Faldo before he became a Major Championship winner. Currently, he is working with various professionals including Micelle Wie. In this book, Leadbetter covers it all from how to take your grip going step by step to how to fix your hook or slice by addressing the direct cause of the shot. He does not stop with the full swing. He has a lot of good information on putting, chipping, pitching and even sand shots!

VGS Golf & Country Club Supply has customers throughout the US such as in Birmingham, Alabama, Los Angeles, California, Indianapolis, Indiana, Bakersfield, California, Phoenix, Arizona, Clearwater, Florida, Macon, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington DC, Richmond, Virginia, Boston, MA, Stuart, Florida, Louisville, Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, Jacksonville, Florida, Huntsville, Alabama, Nashville, Tennessee, Miami, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Denver, Colorado, Long Beach, California, Cincinnati, Ohio, San Antonio, Texas, Kansas City, Missouri, New York, New York, Orange County, California and Chicago, Illinois.

In addition, VGS Golf has free information on golf equipment and country club supplies such as:

Golf Bags Golf Carts Golf Fitness Equipment Golf Swing Launch Monitor Golf Travel Bags Yardage Finder Driving Range Equipment