The Stack and Tilt Golf Swing - A Review

One of the most hotly debated topics in golf circles for the last couple years is whether the Stack and Tilt golf swing will truly revolutionize the game of golf and golf instruction in general. Many proponents of the swing are almost cult like in their selling of the model, while more traditional instructors appear to be equally fanatical in their opposition.

The Stack and Tilt golf swing model first came onto the scene in 2005. It was developed by instructors Andy Plummer and Michael Bennett, who were very interested in working with tour players. Some of the tour players they initially started working with include Steve Elkington, Dean Wilson and Charlie Wi. Other players that have since adopted some or all of the model into their swings include JJ Henry, Troy Matteson and Tommy Armour III. Stars that employed the model but have since abandoned it include Aaron Baddeley and Mike Weir.

The Stack and Tilt golf swing is controversial in a few ways. First is the way it has been marketed as the swing that is "Remaking Golf." A book and DVD set have been published. The book is highly critical of conventional instruction, but in a somewhat misleading manner. Some of the comparisons between the Stack and Tilt swing and the supposed conventional swing are misleading in that most instructors worth a grain of salt would clearly not teach swing positions similar to those compared to in the book.

The second way that the swing is controversial is that it does away with any type of weight shift in the golf swing from the front foot to the back foot in the back swing. Most weight is kept on the front foot throughout the swing to prevent swaying and to keep the upper body "centered"." Many golfers have a habit of swaying too much in the back swing, and this idea is meant to counter that issue. A big sway in the back swing tends to lead to inconsistent ball striking among average golfers. On the other hand, some very successful golfers have had a bit of a sway in their swing, as taught by renowned instructor Jimmy Ballard. These players include Curtis Strange, Hal Sutton and Rocco Mediate.

Traditional golf instructors prefer to see a little weight shift to the rear leg in the back swing, particularly for longer shots, as this helps to add swing speed. Most competitors in long drive competitions clearly have a very large weight transfer to the back foot in the back swing. This helps create depth away from the ball, and more room to generate club head speed. However, timing this move is clearly more difficult.

In the Stack and Tilt model, there is a forward thrust in the hips that is offered as a different way to add swing speed. Old guard instructors are quick to point out that this thrust in the hips results in a "Reverse C" position, which puts pressure on the lower back. Anyone with lower back issues will have difficulty with this aspect of the swing.

One other aspect about the controversy surrounding the swing model is that many of the proponents suggest that the book is not meant to be followed to the letter. When describing certain feel positions in the swing, some of the positions illustrated in the book are exaggerated. Furthermore, many of the drills that are associated with the model that may be seen on the internet also exaggerate these positions. When confronted about these positions, particularly the lean of the spine toward the target in the back swing and the severe tilt in the spine away from the target in the follow through position, many proponents suggest that they are simply exaggerations, and only meant for drills. However, the book certainly does NOT make this suggestion.

Generally speaking, the Stack and Tilt model has some merit. For golfers who tend to be less skilled and have difficulty making solid contact, or tend to slice the ball, the Stack and Tilt swing can certainly be helpful. It forces the golfer to strike the ball with a descending blow, which results in the swing bottoming out past where the ball was sitting. This is a critical fundamental to solid ball striking. Most good golfers are already swinging the club in a similar way with their short irons, as there is very little weight shift involved. Furthermore, the model also encourages hitting the ball from a more inside out swing path, which will allow the golfer to learn how to hit a draw. This is done by swinging the arms more behind the body in the back swing while turning the shoulders on a steeper plane than with more conventional instruction.

On the other hand, there does appear to be an issue with ball flight when dealing with longer clubs. Maintaining most weight on the front foot and swinging the arms behind the body more does not allow for traditional shot making. From that position, the player has to come way over the top in the downswing with a big loop in order to a fade. Also, it is more difficult to get the ball high in the air using less lofted clubs with more weight on the front foot in the back swing. A steeper swing plane is then required to compensate and that can lead to other issues.

Overall, the debate regarding the merits of the Stack and Tilt swing versus more conventional golf instruction will likely rage on. Many proponents of the Stack and Tilt swing are now hoping for validation from Tiger Woods, who is now being taught by Sean Foley, a disciple of the swing model. Foley does not employ the entire model in his instruction, but he clearly does apply a good piece of it as evidenced by how Tiger appears to be swinging more recently.

A good instructor will learn to take the best of all models available and apply them in their instruction. The fact is that there is no one swing model that is perfect for every golfer, or for every shot. With that said, Plummer and Bennett have boldly put forth some new concepts and they are to be commended for that. The book is definitely recommended to golfers of all abilities seeking to educate themselves more about the golf swing.

Copyright (c) 2010 Scott Cole

Scott Cole is a Hank Haney Pro Associate golf instructor who teaches at the Olney Golf Park in Olney, Maryland. For more information, visit www.scottcolegolf.com

7 Free Golf Tips to Improve Your Chip Shots

There are many different situations that can come into play when you are just off the green. Knowing how to approach those chips will give you the ability to get it close to the hole when you need it most. In this article we will discuss 7 free golf tips to improve your chip shots.

Choosing the Right Club

Having the right club in your hands is where it all begins. There isn't a specific rule of thumb for this. It really comes down to feel and experience. It is important to review your situation. Take time to understand the lay of the land before choosing your club.

When playing a longer chip shot an 8-iron or 9-iron are good choices. Because they are less lofted than your wedges, you will be able to get the ball on the green and allow it to run like a putt to the hole.

If you are faced with a short chip shot then your best bet is to use a wedge. In this case you are looking to land the ball on the green with a minimum amount of roll.

Chipping with Positive Results

Before we cover the 7 free golf tips, let us discuss the importance of preparing yourself for positive results.

This is not only important for your chip shots; it is a habit that you need to incorporate into every part of your game. You need to visualize what you want to accomplish with each shot you take.

Set a goal to have your chip shots to stop within about 3 feet of the hole. This is a distance that you should be able to make most of the time. The results may not always end up the way you anticipated, but when you prepare yourself mentally you increase your chances of chipping the ball correctly.

The 7 Free Golf Tips to Improve Your Chip Shots

Chipping the ball is not as hard as it may seem, but it will take some practice in order to develop an effective technique.

The following tips cover the basics for developing your technique and improving your chip shots.

1. Take a look at the green from all sides and select the best spot to land the ball. Don't try to pick an exact spot, but rather a small circle.

2. Based on the distance and contour of the green, choose the proper club for your shot and address the ball.

3. The majority of your weight will be on your front foot, about 65 to 70 percent. You want to open your stance slightly toward the point where you want to land the ball.

4. While preparing to take your shot visualize your club making solid impact with the ball and see the ball land inside the circle you have selected for your landing zone.

5. With these shots, you want to keep your wrists still, not allowing them to break. You are looking to take more of a putting type of stroke. Your lower body remains quiet and your swing is more arms and shoulders.

6. As you swing through the ball, be sure to continue all the way through, not stopping the club when you make contact with the ball. Your follow thru should be a reflection of your backswing.

7. Keep your head down through the entire swing. Resist the urge to watch the ball until you have completed your swing. This is important with all shots, but there is a tendency to do this with chips shots and putts, so make sure you see the club go through the hitting area before looking up.

If you take some time to practice these 7 free golf tips to improve your chips shots, you will see immediate results.

Lower Your Scores Today! Get Your Copy of This FREE Report That Reveals How to Shave 5 to 7 strokes off Your game the next time you play.

David Wakeman
World Golf Emporium

Golf Swing Book Review: How to Break 80

Weekend golfers know that it is difficult to break 80. And now there is a book that claims to be able to teach average golfers how to break 80---repeatedly. So what do we make of it?

'How to Break 80' is written for people who enjoy golf as a hobby and can only practice a few minutes each week to significantly improve their game. It's written by Jack Moorehouse, who claims to have learned the important skill that his other non-professional golf playing peers wants to know, and that's 'How to Break 80'.

So what can you expect to find in this book?

Fundamental Golf Lessons. It contains instructions and pictures teaching you the fundamentals of golf such as having the proper posture, grip, golf swing, follow-through and much more essential information on improving your golf game. Most importantly, included in these lessons are Moorehouse's tweaks and golf drills that will help increase the effectiveness of each position and movement to help you break 80.

Short Game Golf Tips. And since a big part of lowering your goal score is having a great short game, the first section of the book discusses how players can improve their short game. There is also a section of instructions and golf drills on how to correctly read the greens, set up the shot, and putt more accurately. Moorehouse also discusses effective tactics on making a successful bunker shot during sand play to further help reduce your golf score.

Mental Game Golf Tips. A chapter on the mental game of golf is also included. Lessons are provided on how to prepare for the game mentally and how to effectively handle negative emotions during the game, such as those defeatist emotions that swell up inside of you after making a bad shot, or after making a poor judgment call.

Quick Golf Review Guide. Another helpful section in the book is the summary list of key golf lessons on how to break 80 at the end of the book.

So by reading this book, many golf hobbyists can reduce their golf lessons and skip the large amount of time needed to learn how to break 80 by trial and error.

Breaking 80 is a wonderful experience that every golfer should enjoy. So if you need more easy-to-follow golf lessons on how to improve your golf score, Jack Moorehouse's book on "How to Break 80" will get you there.

Ron Reich is the founder of High Status Golf, a company devoted to helping golfers of all levels shoot their lowest scores possible. More more great golf tips please visit http://www.highstatusgolf.com

Golf Tips - Only Practice Makes Perfect

If you are just getting into the sport of golf, you have probably heard thousands of golf tips from well-meaning golfers. However, what many golfers fail to realize is that many of the golf tips that work well for one golfer, simply do not work well for another. Here are some golf tips that work well for everyone.

As a beginner, do not rush out and buy a set of high priced clubs. Buy a set of used clubs, or better yet rent your clubs. Take a little time to see if you really enjoy the game of golf, and if you will stick to it first. The used or rented clubs won't be the top of the line, but they will get you through several games of golf to see if you are going to stick with it. This is also a good opportunity to start researching exactly what clubs you need when you are ready to buy a new set.

Golf is fun, but the sport should not be taken lightly. It is a sport - it isn't just a bunch of retired men knocking a ball around. It takes a great deal of skill and technique to master the game. The pros you see on television make it look quite simple - but it isn't. The concepts you will learn from more experienced golfers will sound easy - and look easy - in theory, but in practice, they are quite difficult. The sooner you realize this, the faster you will start to improve your game.

While golf does require skill and technique, it is still meant to be enjoyed and the experience should be relaxing. If you get angry over bad shots or you find that you are not enjoying the game, you should back up and re-evaluate your reasons for playing the game. Try to look at things from a new perspective. It is a game that tests your skill - but it should not test your patience!

Choose your golf aids carefully. A great deal of money can be wasted on aids, courses, and videos that turn out to not be any help at all. When possible, buy used aids, courses, and videos. Save your golfing money for more important things - like clubs, balls, and tees! Used clubs aren't very good - used training equipment usually works quite well.

Golf is great exercise. Riding in a golf cart defeats that purpose though. Walk, don't ride! Save the cart for the days when you really are too old to walk a short distance - take advantage of the exercise that you will get by walking from one tee to the next, and take the time to actually enjoy the walk!

Alcohol is often served at the clubhouse - but you should wait until you finish your round of golf before consuming any. First, the alcohol will greatly alter your game. Second, alcohol is a dehydrating substance, and this isn't safe in the hot sun. Carry water with you during your game, and make sure you drink plenty of it!

Becoming good at the game takes a lot of practice. Use your practice sessions to learn what mistakes you are making, and work to correct them. Don't just keep making the same mistakes over and over, thinking that it doesn't matter, or that it is too hard to learn! If you're going to play, play to win!

Use training aids, and if possible, video tape yourself playing a round of golf, making sure that you get close up shots of you teeing off, close up shots of the club hitting the ball on the tee-off, and even shots of you putting. Have a friend run the camera for you for best results, and review the tape in slow motion to see what needs the most work.

The most important golf tips you will ever receive are the ones that focus on good sportsmanship. Never make fun of other players. Some people do look funny playing golf - but those funny looking people can probably beat every aspect of your game, and they will have the last laugh. Be respectful of your fellow golfers, and listen closely to the advice of the seasoned players.

Golf-game-tip.com provides you with information on the best golf tips available, instructions on how to get your strokes down and much more! http://www.golf-game-tip.com/

The Benefits Offered By Golf Training Ebook Reviews

The main purpose of golf training ebook reviews is to offer the reader a comprehensive insight into the various golf training ebooks available on the Internet. Every golf training ebook has something different to offer in it's approach to a system. Some will offer tips and techniques of swinging, chipping and putting while others concentrate on golf fitness training or the mental approach to the game.

The benefits of golf training ebook reviews are many and varied. Firstly, they offer readers the opportunity to assess the potential of a cross section of the most popular golf training ebooks, and highlight the features and strengths of each product. This is extremely useful for any golfing enthusiast who is seeking to improve his/her game and looking for some quality golf training advice. Deciding which of the plethora of available golf training ebooks would be more likely to provide the most useful tips and techniques to raise the level of his/her play, can be a daunting task, and perusing through golf training ebook reviews can help in making the correct decision.

As these golf training ebooks typically offer advice on different aspects of how to play better golf, the reader should first identify the part of his/her game that requires the most improvement. By refering to the golf training ebook reviews, they are then able to narrow their search to the golf training ebooks offering the most relevant help and advice. Visiting the product sales page will soon present a clearer picture of the one golf training ebook containing the tips and techniques the reader will need to improve his/her golf game.

Of course, there are so called 'review sites' that simply copy and paste information from the product sales page, maybe altering a word or two here and there and the review reads much like an advertisement for that particular product. This type of golf training ebook review will offer you nothing in the way of credible viewpoint. A good golf training ebook web site will be constructed by those who have obtained copies of each of the golf training ebooks to be reviewed, and actually put into practice the systems described and noted the effects of the techniques taught in each ebook.

Apart from highlighting the actual content described in the various golf training ebooks, a good review will also offer comments on many other strong points of each product, for example, how easy the system is to follow, whether the tutorial offers step-by-step instruction, if the training tips are accompanied by sketches, diagrams and illustrations and whether the product is backed by a 100% guarantee with a full refund if the system fails to make a difference.

Reviews of ebooks in general will often make a point of mentioning the number of pages which go to make up the complete publication. Although interesting to know, this information typically has little bearing on the usefulness of the content. For example, a golf training ebook with as little as 24 pages can often teach you techniques that will slice 7 or 8 shots off your score card, whereas a 96 page similarly presented golf training ebook may describe a system in greater detail that will only cut your score by 3 or 4 shots. The number of pages in an ebook tutorial is irrelevant!

Another obvious benefit of reading golf training ebook reviews is that the review sites often contain full listings of all the golf training ebooks available on the Internet, which saves the reader the trouble of searching for themselves. The web site reviewer/owner has already done the work of finding the products and they are now all listed together which makes it far easier for the reader to make instant comparisons of the various products.

So for those golfing enthusiasts who are searching for quality golf training ebooks in an effort to lower their scores, they would be well advised to find and make use of the information offered by a golf training ebook reviews web site, which will point them in the direction of the right tutorials to suit their personal needs, instead of investing in a product that either fails to cover the particular aspect of golf that interests them, or worse still, teaches nothing they didn't already know!

Trevor Taylor

Trevor Taylor writes of his experiences in the Internet Marketing arena.
Golf Training Ebook Reviews

The Senior Golf Swing - Golf Driver Tips

Imagine that little white ball soaring, straight as an arrow, down the centre of the fairway...Great!

You will find Golf Driver Tips everywhere, both online and offline. This particular club can be difficult to master, its size and length can be intimidating, especially for beginners. Golf Driver Tips are aplenty, and here are some of the best and most effective for the senior golf swing.

A solid, reliable drive off the tee is a key element to a lower score. Hook or slice and its bye bye birdie. A few wayward drives off the tee will ruin your score for the entire game, and probably your day.

Conversely, Senior Golfers (and others) who are prepared to review these Golf Driver Tips will often see lower scores if they apply them to a senior golf swing.

A great drive, combining both distance and accuracy will have your ball end up closer to your target, the green. You now have an advantage; a shorter shot to the green makes the possibility of a birdie or even an eagle easier. A few of these shots will certainly help to lower your score significantly.

Golf Driver Tip #1 - "Relax".

This is extremely important and requires you to practice patience and concentration. Master it and you will enjoy your game to the full. You have heard it before "let the club head do the work" Muscling your way through a tee shot is a sure way for you to wind up looking for your ball in the woods. Trying to Rip the ball down the fairway will almost always result in a hook or a slice. The Senior Golf Swing should be a thing of grace and beauty.

Golf Driver Tip #2 - "Clear your Head"

The last hole is gone. If you had a poor showing do not take the baggage with you to the next tee. Anger and Frustration over a bad score on the previous hole will almost certainly lead to a bad drive. Before addressing your ball, or even before your it is your turn to tee-off, take time to calm down, breathe deeply, and most importantly, go through your pre-shot routine.

Golf Driver Tip #3 -"Practice"

The Golf driving range is the place to hone your skills. Repeated practice of the senior golf swing, especially with the modern great big oversized drivers is the key...Why?

• Oversized clubs can be difficult to square up at first. To find the "sweet spot" with the heavier and larger head requires plenty patience and practice.

• Gaining confidence to use these big drivers is essential and golf practice is the only way to get it

• Oversized clubs require the ball to be teed up higher. The best place to test and practice using the correct height is on the range...not on the first tee!

Golf Driver Tip #4 -"The Grip"

Resist the urge to strangle the club when you take it into your hands. Chances of slicing the ball multiply in direct proportion to the force of the "death grip" Golf 101 teaches various grips but all of them teach you to use "light pressure"...Why?

• Light pressure enhances the wrist hinge which is a vital power source in the swing.

• Light pressure increases club face rotation resulting in improved square contact.

This Tip also applies to all the other clubs in the golf bag, and more importantly to a senior golf swing.

Sam Snead - "Hold the club as if you had a little baby bird in your hand."

Practicing these golf driver tips will result in Senior Golfers achieving better distance and accuracy with your drives off the tee. Remember: the only way to learn new skills is to get out there and practice.

Gary Player - "The harder you work the luckier you get"

"Carpe Diem"

35 years striving to become a 10 handicap golfer (I made it!) the articles at www.senior-golfers.com are the result of my experience, professional coaching and mistakes corrected. Read, Apply and Practice the tips, the articles will certainly help you to improve your game.

Improve in your own time! Download and work through these 4 FREE eBOOKS packed with valuable information for golfers at all levels plus receive an email series of tips and instruction by tour pro's guaranteed to reduce your scores.

The Golf Beginner Guide (Review)

The Golf Beginner Guide is a book that can be used by beginners and experienced golfers alike. Sure, the book was written for beginners, but as a Golf Pro, I was pleasantly surprised by how much even an experienced player like myself can take away from this book.  The amount of content it (over 240 pages) is unbelievable.  I'll have to admit that the mere amount of pages scared me at first, but the straightforward approach the author took when writing this book made it easy to read, follow, and digest.

The Golf Beginner Guide: What Were the Results?

Unlike the other golf ebooks I have reviewed, this book covers everything there is to know about golf.  It will teach you the basics of driving, chipping, and putting down to the finest detail.  If you don't have a good swing, this book covers it.  If you lack any kind of foundation in your game, this book will provide you with a sturdy one.  If you already have a solid foundation in your game like me, this book will reinforce it.

This book offers beneficial tips in all facets of the game.  I really liked the strategy the Golf Beginner Guide covers for its reader.  Not only will it tell you how to hit certain shots, it will tell you how to approach them, both mentally and physically.  Golf isn't all about hitting it far and straight, being successful also has a lot to do with knowing when to hit which club, when to have a full swing, when to use a half swing...etc.   The Golf Beginner Guide's index is great and well organized as you will be able to skim back through the book very easily if you are looking to revisit a specific lesson/or topic.  This is how I used it for the most part, rather than use it as a book, you can use it as a too/or guide and constantly refer back to it.

To find out more about the Golf Beginner Guide: Click Here

Best of luck,

Nick Boynton ( [http://www.onlinegolfdealreviews.com] )