Nickent 3DX Women's Hybrid Ironwood

The 17th hole at the Gary Player Country Club (Sun City, South Africa) epitomizes great golf course design - offering plenty of risk, with plenty of reward. The 374 metre hole (off the club tee) consists of a tee shot over water to a narrow fairway, and a second shot to a green guarded by a large bunker on the right and water on the left.

The 2008 Nedbank Challenge (famously known as 'The Million Dollar') champion, Henrik Stenson, played this particular hole 1-under par for the four rounds of the tournament (which was considerably better than almost 90% of the players in the field) using only his 3- and 4-Wood off the tee.

THINK!!!

Do you really need to hit a Driver? Consider the circumstances; Confident? Go for it! Opponent in the water? Play it safe - at worst you should walk off with bogey, and that's not bad considering this was THE hardest hole at the Nedbank Challenge.

For the average golfer the sheer length of the hole limits the choice off the tee to a Driver or Three Wood, but Stenson's tactics certainly make you stop and think as to how you should negotiate the hole. So, which will it be?

As you can see in the graphic, the 3 Wood is certainly the 'percentage play', and should you have used it to good effect and found the fairway, you're half way there...

BUT, the green is still a long way away and is heavily protected by bunkers and water, which calls for another decision to be made; go for it, or lay-up short?

As many an experienced campaigner will tell you, a large part of the game of golf is played in our heads. As such, the questions asked by the 17th hole - of both your swing and your character - can only be boldly answered with the aid of a healthy dose of self confidence, and that comes from the following:

1. Lessons, lessons, lessons.
2. Practice, practice, practice.
3. Using a bit of Common 'Stense'.

For expert advice and guidance on buying golf equipment visit your local PGA Golf Professional.

James Langmead PGA Qualified Golf Professional and former Callaway Club fitter of the year http://www.thegolfshoponline.co.uk/blog

Golf Channel and Equipment Reviews

Nickent Pipe 2 Putter (PP-04)

The first 3D alignment putter is back and better than ever. 3D alignment capabilities with the most extreme perimeter weighting in a putter allowed by physics gives you a putter that rolls the ball true, straight and directly where you aimed. With a refined design a patent-pending new face insert with alternating groove technology, the PIPE II just might be the sleeper putter for 2008.

Golf instructions and tips have hit an all-time high in recent times in the form of manuals, videos and DVDs. That gives golf enthusiasts and players an opportunity to improve their game. Among the most frequently asked questions, driving seems to be on top of the list in most cases.

A bad error to make while hitting the ball is to hit it as hard as possible. The idea is to correct this problem, which is behind a lot of badly played games. There are many factors to consider while driving a ball, the first being the design of the club. The designs are variable, and each club is made in a way to help send the ball a certain distance. You have to feel comfortable with the club you use.

The second most important thing to keep in mind is the stance of your body. You have to avoid being too tense, and must relax your muscles to drive an efficient swing. A tense body will do the opposite. Some golfers have flabby and weak muscles, which make them physically unprepared for an effective swing. Therefore, you will achieve bad results on the course. The best tip for that problem is to get your muscles conditioned by joining a golf conditioning program. That will give you stronger muscles and also the ability to better your golf drive.

The keyword here is to relax while driving. The other essentials are comfortable golf shoes, new golf balls, a crisp golf glove, good protection from the sun, etc. They all add to the quality of the game you play. A good drive has two basic fundamentals, which are balance and rhythm. If these two elements are implemented properly into your swing, it results in a great drive. Weight transfer, too, plays a crucial role. The correct dynamics of weight shifting also lend power and enhancement to your shot.

If you implement these tips and stick to them, you're sure to develop a great drive within a short period of time. But it also takes a lot of conscious effort and patience for golf is not an easy game. You can also purchase the instruction manuals and videos to practice and pick up tips. They are all available online.

Golf Instruction provides detailed information on Golf Instruction, Free Golf Instruction, Golf Swing Instruction, Online Golf Instruction and more. Golf Instruction is affiliated with Top Golf Schools.

Golf Channel and Equipment Reviews