Putting constitutes the bulk of your golf score. At the same time, you can also find that most of your wasted strokes occur on the green. If you are looking to save strokes, learn to save them on the green and it will be easy.

Par allows for 36 putts over the 18 holes of a round. That's two putts per green. For every three putt green you have, that is one stroke that can be cut off your handicap just by putting smarter.

If you hit only half the greens in regulation and still two putted every green, you could potentially save 9 strokes a round. The point is, there are a lot of strokes to be saved around the green.

One way to save strokes is to eliminate three putts. The best way to do that is to stop trying to make putts outside of 15 feet. Instead, try to leave yourself a tap in. You have just as good a chance of making the putt, but you have reduced the chance of three putting by knocking it five feet past the hole.

Another way to save stroke on the green is to chip to easier putting positions. Always try to leave yourself an uphill putt with little break. Most times when you fail to get the ball up and down, it can be traced back to getting greedy on the chip shot.

Remember that putting is just like golf until you get inside of ten feet. You are not expected to make that many of the longer putts or chips, so leaving a tap in will make your life a lot easier and not adversely affect your score.

Once you get inside the 10 foot range, you should be looking to make it. The change in your objective from putting it close to something to actually hitting a target must be acknowledged and the proper adjustments must be made.

Golf is simple because you don't need to hit anything in particular. Just put it close.
Putting inside of ten feet is even easier, because putting turns into a target game that anyone can play, regardless of how many shots you may flub on the way there.

By: Darell Mckissick
Let me show you the short putting secret. http://www.targetputting.com

Golf is a very unique sport in many aspects. Golf has a great ability to attract and retain participants while simultaneously frustrating most of those participants on a regular basis. Here we will explore one aspect of the psychology of golf in terms of why it both attracts and frustrates us.

Most sports or games require an interactive component between participants. For example, in ball sports there is typically only one ball that is shared between opponents. This is in essence the nature of the competition for most sport activities. The essence of golf psychology is somewhat different.

For one thing, in golf the ball is not shared. Everyone must play their own ball and have their own equipment. While on the surface this may not seem so extraordinary it does have psychological implications.

Child psychologists have long known about a period of time between the ages of 2 -3 where most children go through a phase called parallel play. At this time children will enjoy being around each other. Each will have their own toys and play simultaneously but not interact with each other in the playing. Interaction with the toys can actually lead to distress. This sounds a lot like golf. Psychologically speaking golfers play in parallel.

Each player has his own bag of clubs and a ball to play with. But you dare not hit the other person's ball. Think about the last time you sliced a ball into another fairway and you thought someone else was going to hit your ball. How did you react?

Also think about when someone asked to try that new driver you just bought. You may have let them hit it but you watched them like a hawk and you were deathly afraid they would hit it poorly and put a mark on the club. You wanted it back in your possession or your golf bag very soon after they were done admiring it. The psychology is not so different from our youth.

Like children golfers gather together and share each others company for 5 hours or so. However, most of that time is spent playing your own game. Obviously, golfers are adults and a lot of social interaction does go on in a much more mature manner than two year olds. However, there are some uncanny relationships to the play in parallel childhood development phase.

To anyone who has raised kids these symptoms may be shockingly familiar. It's because in many way golfers are reverting to a form of playing in parallel. So the next time you find yourself acting like less than an adult on the golf course don't be surprised! After all, golf, psychologically speaking is child's play. Just remember to share and play nice.

By: Bob Charles
Bob Charles has worked in the Golf Industry for over 13 years and walked inside the ropes at many PGA Tour events. This experience gives him a unique insider's perspective on the game of golf. For more of his musings on the game of golf go to http://www.golfwritings.blogspot.com

We're on hole #7 looking down at a 130 yard, tee to green shot with the pin tucked in the middle left. WE'VE made it six holes, coming off a birdie on the 407 YARD #6 with 3 holes to go, then suddenly the back tightens, tempo gets quick, turn gets short, shoulders over- compensate, and we get the pull, straight left into the water-BOGEY! It should have been another par.Sometimes the mind is able, but the back is unable. Back pain of some sort is almost a guarantee in today's world. The major reason for back pain is tight hip flexors.

From the golfer's point of view, short tight hip flexors are a common cause for loss of distance off the tee, pulled drives, and poor posture at address. A combination of tight hamstrings and tight hip flexors, restricting your trunk rotation, account for the limitations in achieving a full backswing. Tight hip muscles will not only wreck your golf swing but, they are the most common cause of back pain. There are many reasons for weak back muscles, weak abdominals, tight hamstrings and so on. One of the biggest reasons, is a lot of people spend their days sitting. It may be sitting for long periods of time on an airplane, in a car, or at the computer. How can this hurt? Unfortunately, when we are in the seated position, the hip flexor muscles (in particular the Psoas) are contracted or shortened. When in this position for a long period of time the hip flexors want to stay this length, making it harder for them to return to their correct length. Why does this impact the lower back? Simple, even though the hip flexors attach to the front of the upper thigh bone, they run through the hip joint and attach to the lower back. When the hip flexors stay short and tight, they pull on the lower back.

Many times this can be misdiagnosed and the patient is told to stretch the low back and strengthen the abs, but the problem persists. One of the best ways to get rid of this low back pain is to simply stretch hip flexors and open up the pelvic region daily.

Try The Spider hip stretch to open up your hip area.

To start, get in a standard push-up position, with back flat, hands shoulder width apart and slightly separated. From the start position, begin by taking your left foot and placing it outside of your left hand. How far forward you go depends on your current flexibility.

After you move your left foot outside your left hand, hold it for a second or two then, slowly attempt to press your left forearm to the floor. This will create a greater stretch for the hips and hamstring, then return to the start position.

Repeat on right side. Do 10 to 15 repetitions, 3 times a side.

If lower back issues are affecting your ability to play your best golf, and you would like to play more rounds this year pain free, you owe it to yourself to seek out a professional golf fitness instructor to design a program for you. A professionally designed golf fitness program will focus on improving your flexibility along with a combination of strengthening exercises to further decrease the chance of injury to your back. It is imperative that you undergo an assessment to determine your needs, strengths and weaknesses prior to the design of your program. The great thing about an organized golf fitness program is that it can take less than 30 minutes a day to see dramatic improvements in your game. Not a bad price to pay for more consistency along with pain free golf is it?

Healthy Body = Healthy Game!

By: Chris Ownbey
Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute
Chris Ownbey is the Director of Golf Fitness for Golden Bear Golf Center in Carrollton Texas. Needs some help: visit http://www.chrisownbeygolf.com or call 214-457-9684

Playing golf is one type of such activity because it has the benefits of both sports and recreation. Conventionally, golf is an outdoor game played on a large course. Playing golf is something that takes an afternoon to do, and it takes you out of the social network of the office (cell phones and pagers on the links are for philistines). When you're not taking your shot, your mind is idle, and the physical exercise loosens you up. Playing golf is like being naked--you are completely exposed. In one minute joy and excitement change to anger and disgust and your playing partners get to watch you fall apart like a house of cards in a hurricane.

Playing golf is one of the sports that you can constantly improve your skills in. It is also a good excuse for getting out of the house and being outdoors. Golfers can also take pleasure in watching nature in action -- squirrels, rabbits, deer and in some locations even moose. Playing golf is not like walking, it does not come naturally. Even kicking a soccer ball comes much more naturally than a golf swing.

Playing golf is one of the most fun experiences you will ever have. Golf is even considered as one of the best games in the world. Learning to play golf is like trying to go up a down escalator while bouncing on a pogo stick. Sure, you may know what you're trying to do. Playing Golf is about hitting a ball at a target. The better you learn this skill, the fewer number of times you have to do it to get around the course.

Basically, all you need to start playing golf is a set of golf clubs - three woods, collection of 3-9-irons, pitching wedge, sand wedge and a putter. As you develop your skills, you can buy additional clubs for more advanced shots.

Golfing is a great way to spend your vacation. It is a wonderful place for women to revel in the fun because there is good weather and beaches that promotes sun tanning and sports. Golfing is a sport that requires intense concentration. For this reason the atmosphere is almost always quiet on the golf course. Golfing is a gentleman's game. Everything about it boasts of elegance and style.

Learning to golf is a sport that requires golfers to have the proper length and flex in golf clubs. The first thing is your gender, men and women use different golf clubs. Golfing is a dangerous sport so if these guys need a hobby they better take up a safer one like racing!

By: Victor Newton
Did you find the article on golfing useful? If you want to take your golfing game to the next level and get it to peak performance you can learn more here: http://newtonsblog.wordpress.com

These preventative steps incorporate a series of golf fitness flexibility and strength exercises. The goal of these exercises is to create the supportive base in terms of flexibility and strength within the musculature of the lower back to support the golf swing.

First and foremost the process by which the lower back becomes injured from golf is quite simple. Each swing of the club requires the golfer to draw the club through a large range of motion, maintain a set spine angle, and generate power. In order to complete these physical tasks correctly a specific level of flexibility and strength is required of the lower back. If the golfer lacks the required flexibility or strength to execute these physical actions the lower back will be stressed more than necessary. This will lead to fatigue and possible injury to the lower back.

Secondly, the golf swing is a repetitive athletic action. The swing is executed over and over again utilizing the same muscles. Over time these muscles become fatigued. Once muscles are fatigued, they can easily become injured. This statement holds true for the lower back as well as all the other muscles of the body incorporated with the swing. To counteract fatigued in the lower back created by the golf swing, it is necessary for one to develop the strength and endurance parameters of these muscles. This result again can be accomplished by the completion of golf specific strength exercises.

Now that we understand the processes by which the lower back becomes injured from the golf swing, we can begin to develop an injury preventative program. As stated previously such a program would incorporate a series of golf specific flexibility and strength exercises.

The flexibility exercises focus on developing the required ranges of motion in the lower back to execute the golf swing efficiently. Exercises I often utilize for this goal are cats, openers, rotators, and windmills. All of these exercises create extensibility in the muscles of the lower back, and if performed consistently will assist in the prevention of injury.

The strength exercises of such a program look to develop strength and endurance in the muscles of the lower back to execute the golf swing over and over again. Prone holds, bent knee back holds, alternating arm and leg extensions, and hip circles are common exercises I implement into this phase of a program.

Remember, the lower back is placed under large amounts of stress each and every swing. To counteract the possibility of injury from the golf swing, we can incorporate a series of golf specific flexibility and strength exercises. These exercises will develop the ranges of motion required for the golf swing, develop the strength necessary to execute the swing, and finally create endurance within these muscles.

By: Sean Cochran
Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly working with professional golfers, most notable PGA and Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean Cochran and his golf fitness exercises and training programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

When I decided to take up golf, I was told, "you'll either love it or you'll hate it". I was somewhat familiar with the game but I had never actually played. My husband, who is an avid golfer, had tried for years to get me to play. He knew if I just tried it, I would love it. I finally gave in and, needless to say, he was right. I love this game!

One very important thought to keep in mind when you're first learning the game is that everyone started where you're starting - even the pros. Some start earlier than others, some may have more natural ability, some have no fear...we're all different but we all started where you're starting.

To get you on your way, I've outlined below some essential steps toward making your journey into the game a little more enjoyable.

#1 - Schedule a lesson

Contact a golf course or driving range and sign up for a lesson or clinic. The golf pro will teach you how to address the ball along with proper stance, grip and swing techniques. These skills are essential for the beginner. We've all heard the phrase, "Practice makes perfect" but in this case, as my husband would say, if you practice with the wrong techniques, your practices will make your swing perfectly wrong.

#2 - Familiarize yourself with the game.

I had the luxury of being married to my "coach" so I had instant answers to most of my questions however, I also read books and magazine articles, watched a video or two and even started watching golf on television, something I never thought I'd do. Learn the various parts of the golf course, score-keeping, proper attire, etc. One very important aspect of the game that could use some extra attention is golf etiquette. These are the "do's and don'ts" which can help make or break your day on the course, not to mention everyone else's day.

#3 - Practice, practice, practice!

One can never get enough practice. In the beginning, your swing will be uncomfortable and awkward feeling. You'll work muscles you didn't realize you had! Practice your swing as taught in your lessons. If you're having trouble, it may be helpful to video your lesson - It may be more clear to you if you see yourself in action. Your instructor may even suggest one or more training aids available to help you master the swing. Eventually, your swing will begin to feel more natural and comfortable to you, so much so that you'll be able to tell immediately when you've made a bad swing.

#4 - Equipment

If you really want to get the most from your game, you'll want to arm yourself with the best equipment for you. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean you need to run out and buy the most expensive set of clubs you can find. I started out with just a few clubs. My husband had a driver, a 5 iron and a putter for me to use. They weren't exactly the perfect fit but close enough for the moment. I'll admit, I didn't want to invest any more than necessary because I really didn't know if I would want to play or not. On our first trip to the course, we played the front nine. We didn't keep score because the main focus was making contact with the ball. I discovered during this trip that I could hit the ball. My husband was so excited that he bought me a new driver and 5 wood that day. Later, a new putter. Then new irons. Borrowed or 'hand-me-down' clubs are fine when you're starting out. Replace them as your game warrants or when you feel like you're ready. Either way, I would suggest seeking the advice of a golf professional prior to making a purchase as there is a wide variety of clubs from which to choose.

#5 - Setting Goals/Keeping Score

Eventually you'll become more comfortable and you'll hit the ball more consistently. Now you'll want to set some goals and keep your score. I'm one of those people who wants to see the results on paper or, in this case, the score card. My score started out well in the 100's for 18 holes. Each time I played I set a goal to score better than my previous round, even if only by 1 stroke. I only average about 12 rounds during the summer so I thought it would take forever to break into the 90's but at the end of my second summer, I made that goal. If you're scoring in the low 120's, set your goal for 115 - 120. Once consistently there, set it for 110 - 115. This type of goal is motivating to me. You'll need to set reasonable goals that will motivate you. Play when you can and, before you know it, your improvements will be evident on your score card.

I used to ask "how can anyone enjoy chasing a golf ball around all day?" Now I know...the challenge, the scenery, the friendships. It's more than just a game!

By: PJ Greene
PJ Greene is a golf entusiast and co-owner of a driving range and pro-shop.
For more articles and tips visit http://www.golfblog.blogspot.com