Here’s a ball position drill that guarantees that you will have the correct ball position on all of you shots including putting and chipping. Essentially there are 2 ball positions, one with irons and putter and the other with woods. For irons, simply place your feet together with the ball positioned opposite your right toe. Then flare your left foot out towards the target approximately 20 degrees and take a small step to the right with your right foot. If you are playing a short iron such as an 8 iron through your wedges, your step to the right should be approximately 2 inches less than should width. This will have the ball located just forward of the centre of your stance. For all other irons and hybrids, you can repeat the same flare and step process but step to shoulder width when you place your right foot. This will place the ball below your heart which is where the bottom of your swing arc should be. The reason for the shorter step with the short irons is that the ball will be located just behind your heart, which will have the clubhead arriving to the ball on a slightly descending angle of approach. Chip shots For chip shots, you can place the ball off of your back toe and then flare your right foot 20 degrees towards your target but no step to the right is necessary. This will have the ball positioned back in your stance and allow you to keep your weight on your left side. This insures a steeper angle of approach of the clubhead to the ball which is important for …

The south of the United Kingdom is home to a gem of a course and its name is the Panshanger golf course. It is designed in the parkland- style, and will challenge the better player but it is not so daunting that the beginner cannot enjoy it as well. The pro shop always has a great range of accessories, and is staffed with friendly people.

The track overlooks a lovely valley not far from the B1000 Hertford Road, Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. There are two courses available, a championship eighteen hole and a nine hole par 3 layout so any level of player can enjoy their round.

This field is a public field and is available to play seven days a week at very competitive rates. Packages are available also for groups and corporate clients. This par 72 field measures 6,354 metres from the championship tees and was designed by Peter Kirkham in 1975.

Corporate Hospitality days can be arranged, and there is a practice putting green and practice area. There are changing room facilities and the clubhouse offers lunch and dinner as well as a very nice bar overlooking the field, where you can enjoy a drink after your round.

There is a range of accommodation available. You can relax and spend a night or two. Hire clubs and trolleys, and even electric buggies for people without their own equipment are available at the pro shop.

The Panshanger golf course really does offer great value for money, from the moment you arrive you are made to feel most welcome, the eighteen hole field and the nine hole field are first class. You will want to come back again and again to this beautiful parkland venue. With its layout and amenities it is a real winner.

Would you like to play at a superb golf course and not need to pay high membership or greens charges? Are you seeking out a great eighteen hole, par 72 golf club outside of London? Check out the Panshanger golf course in Hertfordshire! It’s available to the public every day and offers a range of payment options including pay-as-you-play and monthly rates and showcases grand vistas of the lovely Mirman Valley!

‘Drive for show, but putt for dough’ is the phrase we’ve all seen and learned from watching professional golfers in every tournament and championship either live or on TV.

The masters of golf can drive a ball from here to eternity, but it all boils down to how many strikes of the ball it takes to put the ball in the hole. The long accurate drives don’t amount to anything if you’re unable to putt the ball accurately.

Your choice of putter is very important, but using the putter you have consistently, is even more so. I’ve had the same putter for fifteen years, so I know what it feels like in my hand, I know it’s weight and I know how that plays into my putts.

Putting takes a great deal of practice. For example, typically, we drive the ball eighteen times during a game, but putt at least twice that amount. So doesn’t it make sense that we should practice our putting at least twice as much as our driving? So, if you can’t get to the practice green often enough, just practice on your carpet at home.

But bear in mind that the ball will never make it to the hole, if it doesn’t have enough wallup behind it to get it in there. So, why not take the time to get down on the ground to look at the path your ball must run to the hole. Does it slope one way or the other? Does the path run uphill or downhill?

So, stand with your feet spread apart for balance and line up the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders completely still. Imagine that you are a “bobble head” but that you move from just below your chest. Keep your head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady – the movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball, following the ball through with your club.

Be sure to learn from each putt and remember the lesson. Practice, practice, practice!

Are you a rookie to golfing?? We have some great tips for the beginner golfer at Golfing Tips for Beginners. Free reprint available from: Golfing for Novices: Part Two.