Rick’s Monthly Golf Tip

The winter in the northeast usually causes most avid golfers to put their clubs away until the next golf season. However if you equip yourself with some training aids or enjoy video games, then the winter months can be a time to improve your game. Here are a few ideas for helping you get through the winter season.

Weighted Club
There are many benefits to swinging a weighted club in the off-season. Swinging a weighted club will help your flexibility, teach you how to swing on-plane, help you feel the correct release and most importantly, add distance to your tee shots! There are many makes and models but I recommend either the IZZO or Momentus models. I have used both and will be putting them to good use this winter.

Smart Stick
The Smart Stick is a laser-guided training aid that gives you the feeling of an “On Plane” golf swing. When I test a training aid I am looking for a product that gives my students excellent feedback. The Smart Stick guides you through the take away, backswing, impact and follow through. There are many tour players using the Smart Stick and you can be sure I will be using one next season with my students. The only down fall is the price: $229.00. However, if I had to choose between a new driver or a Smart Stick, the answer would be easy, Smart Stick. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SMART STICK WEBSITE.

Nintendo WII – Tiger Woods Golf 2010
If you enjoy golf video games then you may want to ask for an Nintendo WII video game console this holiday season. The Nintendo WII consoles main benefit is it allows you to make an actual golf swing while you watch the ball fly on your TV. Travel with Tiger around the world as he plays the greatest tracks in golf including Pebble Beach, TPC Sawgrass and Bethpage Black. The Nintendo Wii is the hottest gaming console on the market and is reasonably priced ($199.99). Tiger Woods Golf not included. If you love golf and video games than look no further than Tiger Woods 2010 on the Nintendo Wii.

Golf Movies
To help you get through those snow storms you may want to rent a few good golf movies. In my opinion the number one golf movie of all time is Caddyshack. I watch Caddyshack at least once every year and always get a cramp from laughing so hard. Although not in the league of Caddyshack, Tin Cup is another great golf movie. It tells the story of a range pro (Kevin Costner) who attempts to get back to the PGA tour via the US Open. Here are a few more that are worth watching: The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Bobby Jones (Stroke of Genius) and Dead Solid Perfect. *Click On The Movie Title For Movie Rating, Actors and Reviews.

The winter is a tough time for avid golfers, but with a little imagination you will be able to keep your sanity until the courses open in the spring. I hope you enjoyed the golf tips this year and wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.