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The shaft in your golf clubs is what connect your swing to the golf ball so playing the right shaft flex for your game is very important.

If you play the wrong golf shaft flex you could be adding unnecessary shots to your score.

Playing the wrong golf shaft flex can also lead to bad habits developing in your swing and golf game that are hard to shift.

Playing the right flex for your swing will help you match up your swing speed, tempo and club head with the ball. Confused? Let's dive into the magical world of golf shaft flex and see what we can do to help your game.

What Is Golf Shaft Flex?

Flex in a golf shaft determines the amount the shaft will bend during the swing and at impact. 

Pros or low handicap golfers, tend to use stiffer shafts. This is to adjust to the faster swing speeds and torque generated by stronger golfers to club head the best chance of being in the exact position it needs to be at the point of contact.

Players with slower swing speeds, such as seniors or lady golfers, will use a softer flex shaft to allow the clubhead to turn over naturally in the swing.

Depending on the manufacturer, shafts will fall into categories such as extra stiff, stiff, regular, ladies, or senior flex.

Golf Shaft Flex Letters

Have you ever seen the letters on a golf shaft and not understood what they mean. Here's a clear breakdown of what golf shaft letters mean;

• SR = Soft Regular in America/Europe
• R = Regular flex
• SR = Stiff Regular in Asia
• S = Stiff
• S+ = Stiff Plus
• X = Extra stiff
• TX = Tour Extra stiff
• L = Ladies flex
• A = Senior flex
• W = Wedge flex

Golf Club Shaft Flex Chart

This is a really useful golf shaft stiffness chart that matches up swing speeds to the appropriate flex. This is a good guide but as always, if in doubt, see a professional clubfitter for advice

How will golf shaft flex impact my game?

The flex of your golf club shaft has a big impact on the outcome of your game. Right through your golf bag, from driver, to irons to wedges, each golf club must have the correct shaft in order to optimize ball flight and trajectory.

Golfers with high swing speed are best suited using stiff shafts. This because when a soft shaft bends under high swing speed it "lags" behind where it should be and can't catch up with your hands. This can cause the club face to over-rotate at the bottom of the swing, causing a big hook.

On the other end of the scale, if you're a golfer with a slower swing speed using a stiff shaft, you will struggle to close the club face at impact, resulting in a dreaded slice.

Shaft flex also has an impact on the height of your golf shots. For example, a faster swing speed golfer with a correctly fitted shaft flex will be able to hit a lower yet piercing ball flight. If they were using a regular flex shaft, it may cause the club face on all of their clubs to be de lofted at impact, resulting in a flight which is too low, combined with unpredictable distances.

What we want is to manage the spin rate of the ball which is generated relative to the swing speed of the golf swing. More speed can result in more spin, and more spin can result in a loss of distance as the ball balloons in the air. However spin is need to get the ball airborne, so slower swing speed golfers need a shaft which generates enough spin to help them out in this area.

As a general rule, you will use the same flex shafts in all of your clubs, with the exception of your wedges. Wedges tend to to have stiffer shafts, known as "wedge flex". They're not overly stiff, but they do encourage accuracy in these precision clubs.

You can judge the right flex shaft for you based on feel, and some people swear that in the hands of an amateur, flex doesn't matter. I think that shaft flex is an essential timing element in the golf swing, and to get this part of the game right, I'd always recommend seeking the help of a professional club fitter.

Shaft Flex by Golf Swing Speeds

Working out the correct shaft flex for you is usually done by working out your swing speed and then seeing which shaft flex is right for the club head speed you're generating. All of these speeds are with a driver.

• Under 75 mph – Ladies flex  or Senior flex
• 75 to 95 mph – Regular flex
• 95 to 110 mph – Stiff flex
• 110 mph and up – Stiff or Extra Stiff

This is a basic guide to follow.

Golf swing speed calculator

In order to work out your driver swing speed you can use these simple calculations.

Driver swing speed calculation option 1

Take your total carry distance with driver and divide it by 2.3.

Here are are two examples:

• If your driver carried 240 yards.  Take 240 and divide it by 2.3.  Your approximate swing speed with the driver is 104 miles per hour.
• If your driver carried 300 yards.  Take 300 and divide it by 2.3.  Your approximate swing speed with the driver is 130 miles per hour!

Driver swing speed calculation option 2

If you know your ball speed divide that number by 1.4.

What Do Golf Shaft Flex Numbers Mean

Golf shaft brands like Project X use numbers on their golf shafts instead of letter to describe the flex of the shaft. In this case the higher number on the golf shaft, the stiffer the shaft will be. Here are some examples;

Project X Golf Shaft Flex Chart

• 7.0 - Tour extra stiff
• 6.5 - Extra stiff
• 6.0 - Stiff flex
• 5.5 - Regular flex
• 5.0 - Senior flex

Depending on the specific shaft, these numbers might shift slightly.

Signs you need a stiffer shaft

As you get better at the game of golf, our develop a more confident swing, you may begin to think that you need a stiffer shaft in your clubs. There are a few signs that this might be the case which are;

• You're hooking the ball with all clubs
• You can't control the distance of your irons consistently
• The golf ball balloons in the air
• You can't feel the club head in your swing

All of these can be signs that your shafts are too soft for your swing.

When to switch from stiff to regular shaft

I often find that too many players use stiff flex shafts. There is nothing wrong using a regular flex shaft and in truth shaft flex has no relation to skill level in golf. I have played with and had my ass kicked by plenty of seniors who are using super light and whippy shafts.

Here are some signs that it's time to switch from a stiff to a regular shaft;

• You are hitting slices with your driver
• You can't get the ball of the ground with woods and long irons
• Ball flight is weak with mid and short irons
• No spin on approach shots

These are some of the tell tale signs of a shaft which is too stiff for you.

What Shaft Flex Should I Use For My Driver

If you’re between 97 and 104 mph with the driver, you need a stiff flex.

If you’re between 84 and 96 mph, regular is going to be best for you. This is the swing speed rage of most amateur golfers.

Between 72 and 83 mph with the driver signifies you need to be hitting senior flex.

Swing speed for stiff shaft irons

7-iron swing speed chart shaft flex

Ping shaft flex chart

True Temper shaft chart

Dynamic Gold shaft chart

KBS shaft chart

Project X Shaft Flex Chart

Original Project X Rifle Irons

Tapered

• Regular – 5.0
• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff  – 6.0
• Extra Stiff  – 6.5
• Extra Stiff Plus – 7.0

Parallel

• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff – 6.0
• Extra Stiff – 6.5

Original Project X Woods & Hybrids

• Regular Plus – 5.0
• Stiff – 5.5
• Stiff Plus – 6.0
• Extra Stiff – 6.5
• Extra Stiff Plus –7.0

Project X 95 Flighted Irons

• Regular – 5.0
• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff  – 6.0
• Extra Stiff  – 6.5
• Extra Stiff Plus – 7.0

PXi Irons

• Regular – 5.0
• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff Plus – 6.0 
• Extra Stiff – 6.5

Rifle Irons

Parallel

• Senior – 4.0
• Regular – 5.0
• Stiff – 6.0
• Extra Stiff – 7.0

Tapered

• Senior Plus – 4.5
• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Extra Stiff – 6.5

PX LZ Steel Irons

• Regular – 5.0
• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff – 6.0
• Stiff Plus – 6.5

PX LZ Tour Graphite Irons

• Regular – 5.0
• Stiff – 6.0

PXv Tour Graphite Woods

• Stiff – 5.5
• Stiff Plus – 6.0
• Extra Stiff Flex – 6.5
• Extra Stiff Plus – 7.0

Project X Black Woods & Hybrids

• Stiff – 5.5
• Stiff Plus – 6.0
• Extra Stiff – 6.5
• Extra Stiff Plus – 7.0

HZRDUS Woods & Hybrids

• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff – 6.0
• Extra Stiff – 6.5

HZRDUS T1100 Woods

• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff – 6.0
• Extra Stiff – 6.5

EvenFlow Woods & Hybrids

(Available in Black and Blue)

• Regular Plus – 5.5
• Stiff – 6.0
• Extra Stiff – 6.5

Conclusion

Using the correct shaft flex for your game is essential. You don't want to add shots because of your equipment and a poorly fitted shaft could be the cause of those wild hooks and slices. See a pro club fitter and get the right shaft for you. 

A tight lie in golf is when a ball is on a small amount of grass or sitting on a bare patch of dirt. For handicap golfers, a shot from a tight lie is one of the most difficult to execute. 

Playing the golf ball from a tight lie requires a bit of thought and precise execution of the golf shot. From tight lies it's easy to hit a thin shot, where the leading edge of the golf club strikes the ball instead of the club face.

How to Identify a Tight Lie

A tight lie is usually found when there are hard ground conditions on the golf course. They are very common during the summer or warmer months when golf courses dry out. You may have seen a tight lie when playing a links style course as the ground is naturally much firmer.

In reality we see tight lies every time we play golf - when the golf ball sits on the green! The difference is that you aren't taking a full shot with an iron or wood from the green (or I hope not) and using a putter off such a tight lie is much easier.

Experienced golfers are fully aware of the potential issues that come from a tight lie. To the unseasoned eye, it might look like the ball is sitting up, just asking to be hit.

But as you take a closer look, you see you have a tight lie and realize it's going to take a different club and type of swing to play the ball effectively.

To make matters worse, your margin for error has narrowed considerably! Nothing less than a perfect strike is going to make the ball behave in a way you can predict. Sounding fun? Read on to learn how to get out of this situation.

Where can you find a tight lie?

• Burnt out areas with very little grass
• Parts of the course without good irrigation
• Hardpan surfaces
• Bald areas without any grass at all
• Fairways and fringe where the grass was cut too low

These are some of the most common places you might find a tight lie, and hopefully you can adjust your game to avoid them.

You will also find a tight lie on a tee boxes. As you'll be using a tee to raise the ball in the air, it won't really matter.

If you're playing in frozen conditions in the winter months, everything will be a tight lie due to the hard surface, and the club will bounce off the ground making it tough to make solid contact with the golf ball.

How to Play from a Tight Lie

The toughest thing about a shot from a tight lie is that it requires a precise strike. If you catch the ball slightly fat or heavy, you will thin the golf ball. If you try to hit up on the ball to "scoop" it off the tight surface, you can blade or top the ball. Either way, the ball will not go where you intended. So what can you do?

Hitting Irons From Tight Lies

Compressing the back off the golf ball pretty much eliminates a tight lie. Taking a divot can be difficult, so you want to feel like you're bruising the turf with your irons. This will lead you to "pick" the ball from the surface.

Making contact at the very bottom of your swing prevents a tight lie from being too much of a problem. Just look at a pro golfer, they have no issue hitting from a super tight lie like a cart path, in some ways they'd prefer it!

Pitching tight lies

Hitting pitch shots from awkward distances within 75 yards is hard enough, but add in a tight lie and things start to get that little bit tougher. I think that there are a couple of options available to you and one it something you might not have considered!

First option - take a low bounce wedge, and play the shot as your normally would. Yes, you'll need a good strike off a bare lie, but the low bounce will help you by preventing the club from digging in.

Second option - use fairway woods and "putt" the ball to the hole. This will require the ground between you and the green to be dry with very little grass underneath, but it could be the secret to success from a bare lie! You will need a lot of feel to play this shot as you won't be making a full swing, but the wide sole of the fairway wood will make it way easier to strike the ball. Play the golf ball from off your front foot and be confident hitting the shot.

Chipping from tight lies

If you find a tight lie greenside, then I suggest playing a bump and run chip shot. Take a club like a 7 or 8 iron and have the ball at the back of your stance, nearer your back foot. The reason I recommend using an iron over a sand wedge for example, is that all we want to do is get the ball rolling forward and remove the need for an absolutely perfect strike.

If you have a high skill level, you might be able to use your lob or sand wedge to get the ball airborne quickly, but I would play the percentages and bump the ball all day.

Hybrid from tight lies

My personal favorite club to use on a tight lie is a hybrid. With a hybrid, you can sweep the ground without a divot, elevate the ball, and get some distance.

The important thing to remember here is not to come down steep as that will cause too much club-turf interaction.

Unsurprisingly, I'm also a big fan of the 15-yard hybrid chip shot that runs up the fairway and onto the green.

Tight lie vs bare lie

A tight lie will most likely have some grass between the ball and the turf, but not much. A bare lie is when there is nothing but dirt under the ball. Both are tough to play from!

Adams golf Tight lies fairway woods

Adams golf are famous for making super forgiving fairway clubs, and their tight lies models have been helping golfers find the sweet spot for years. I have a Tight lies Ti+ 3 wood and it's a rocket launcher. The sole of the club is shaped specifically to be hit from tight lies and it really lives up to its name. It's also really good from a fluffy lie where the ball is sitting up. I'm yet to find something it can't do! If you see the adverts on the Golf channel, get one, you won't regret it.  

Final thoughts on what is a tight lie in golf?

A tight lie is less than ideal for most handicap golfers, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. I hope that this guide has give you a few tips and tricks to make the most of these tricky lies on the golf course. 

If you've ever seen a golf ball you will notice that it has loads of small indentations on its surface. These little craters are called dimples and they are really important for golf ball aerodynamics. A smooth golf ball just won't work when playing golf, so we have to use a dimpled golf ball.

Why does a golf ball have dimples? 

Early golf balls were smooth. As golfers used the same balls over and over on the golf course, they started to notice that the more beat-up golf balls were traveling farther than their new, smooth golf ball! These golf pioneers realised that the nicks, bumps, and slices were helping them play better. Now, all a golf ball manufacturers put dimples on golf balls. Physicists have since scientifically proven that a dimpled golf ball will perform much better than a smooth ball making it much easier to play golf.

Golf ball dimples aerodynamics

The presence of dimples on golf balls induces turbulence in the surrounding airflow, leading to a reduction in drag and an increase in lift if designed properly.

Two types of airflow, laminar and turbulent, coexist around the golf ball. While laminar flow causes minimal drag, it is prone to "separation," where the air layer sticking to the ball separates from it as it moves through the air. On the other hand, turbulent flow initially creates more drag but is less susceptible to separation.

In the past, when golf balls had a smooth surface, separation occurred easily. At high velocities, maximum adherence of the air layer to the ball is crucial. The dimples present on the surface of the golf ball create a turbulent boundary layer, enabling the air to stick to the ball for a longer duration.

How many dimples does an average golf ball have?

According to Scientific American, most golf balls have 300-500 dimples on their surface. The famous Titleist Pro V1 golf ball has exactly 388 dimples. This number and their special dimple pattern make the ball spin and perform in a consistent way.

How big are golf ball dimples?

The size of golf ball dimples can vary, but they typically range from around 0.010 to 0.020 inches (0.254 to 0.508 millimeters) in diameter. The depth of the dimples can also vary, with depths typically ranging from 0.001 to 0.005 inches (0.0254 to 0.127 millimeters). The exact size and shape of the dimples can impact the golf ball's aerodynamics, affecting factors such as drag, lift, and spin. Manufacturers carefully design the size and pattern of the dimples on a golf ball to optimize its performance in terms of distance, accuracy, and other factors.

How long do golf balls last?

The lifespan of a golf ball can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the ball, the frequency of use, the storage conditions, and the environment where it is played. Generally speaking, golf balls can last anywhere from a single round to several years.

If a golf ball is hit with high velocity or struck on a hard surface, such as a cart path or tree root, it can become damaged or even cracked. Also, if a golf ball is left in harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, it can also lead to the degradation of the ball's materials and affect its performance.

To maximize the lifespan of a golf ball, it is recommended to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and to avoid hitting them on hard surfaces whenever possible. If a golf ball shows signs of damage, such as cracks or deformations, it is best to replace it. Overall, golf balls are designed to last for multiple rounds if used under proper conditions and handled with care.

How many dimples on a golf ball Titleist

Titleist have developed nearly 2000 unique dimple design patterns for their array of golf balls. Titleist balls are the most used on the PGA tour.

Here's a list of the dimple numbers on some of Titleist's golf balls:

• Titleist Pro V1 golf ball - 388 dimples
• Titleist Pro V1X golf ball - 348 dimples
• Titleist Pro AVX golf ball - 348 dimples
• Titleist Velocity golf ball - 328 dimples
• Titleist Tour Soft golf ball - 364 dimples
• Titleist TruFeel golf ball - 376 dimples

How many dimples on a Callaway golf ball

Callway golf balls are famous for their unique hexagonal dimples. Their balls are used by players like Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele.

Here's a list of the dimple numbers on some of Callaway's golf balls:

• Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball - 332 dimples
• Callaway Chrome Soft X golf ball - 332 dimples
• Callaway Supersoft golf ball - 332 dimples
• Callaway Warbird golf ball - 332 dimples
• Callaway CXR Power golf ball - 332 dimples
• Callaway CXR Control golf ball - 332 dimples
• Callaway ERC Soft golf ball - 332 dimples

Final thoughts on why do golf balls have dimples?

Playing a dimpled ball makes golf possible. If you were to use a golf club to hit a smooth ball, you would soon see how hard golf could get - if wasn't hard enough already! Make sure you take notice of a golf balls dimpled pattern next time you play - it's a small wonder of the game. 

Golf chippers are some of the most controversial golf clubs that you can buy.

Why? Mainly it's because they make the game way easier and this rubs up a lot of golf purists the wrong way the same way hybrids shook people upside their head. 

A golf chipper removes some of the common issues you get from playing with a sand wedge or lob wedge around the green and can help to remove duffs and fluffs, allowing you to use a putting stroke to chip the golf ball with ease. So what's all the fuss about a golf chipper?

The main sticking point and why golf chippers cause controversy is that some people thing they aren't legal for tournament play. So, are golf chippers legal?

So, are golf chippers legal? The simple answer is YES. According to the USGA, a chipper is a legal club. 

But as ever, there are some rules you need to follow. For example, that cheap two-way chipper or that long shafted chipper in the garage are illegal clubs. Don't shoot the messenger.

With chippers becoming more and more popular, you might be tempted to add one to your bag. I have one, but I did my research to make sure that it's legal for tournament play on the golf course. Here's what I have found so you can make sure you are playing legal golf equipment and don't get banned from your golf club.

Are golf chippers legal?

Golf chippers are definitely legal. They are defined as iron clubs instead of putters and this information is direct from the Equipment FAQ at the USGA (United States Golf Association). However, as a chipper is also seen to be a standard golf club, they have to follow the same rules as other equipment in the game.

Some of the rules for using chippers as legal golf clubs include:

• You cannot use a chipper with a putter grip. (That would make things too easy)
• The chipper must have only one striking face
• No long chippers are allowed (chipper must be the same length as a 7 iron).

You must follow these rules or risk being disqualified from any competition you're playing in.

If in doubt look for a stamp on the chipper that says “USGA qualified” or "USGA Approved" to know whether or not the chipper is legal in gameplay. Brands such as Wilson, Ping, Inesis and Cleveland make legal golf clubs.

Can You Use a Chipper in a Golf Competition?

Yes. You can use your golf chipper in your golf club competitions.

You are unlikely to see professional golfers use a chipper on the PGA tour even though they are a legal club. Top players have the skills to manipulate the golf ball with any club in their bag and so don't see the need to take up a slot with a specialist chipping club.

Chippers are specifically designed for golfers with a mid to high handicap. Higher skilled players and scratch golfers will usually want to have complete control over their ball and its spin, so a chipper is not a common piece of golfing equipment at these levels of the game. I've never seen or heard of a professional on the PGA tour using a chipper, but who knows, the world is a crazy place! 

Should You Use a Golf Chipper?

If you can't chip, then getting a chipper is going to make the game of golf much easier for you. I have used a seven or eight iron for shots around the green for a long time, and a chipper replicates the type of trajectory and roll out you would get with these clubs.

A chipper feels like a putter in many ways and you use a chipper in similar way, by using a putting stroke. You will notice that your golf balls won't have much spin, so you need to factor in some roll out.

Are Double-Sided Chippers Legal in Golf?

While a regular chipper is legal in golf, a double-sided chipper is not legal. If you or your teammate are caught using a double-sided chipper, you will be automatically kicked out of a tournament. In team situations, the entire team will get the boot, so please don't do this!

The main reason a two-way chipper is illegal is that there are two club faces. USGA rules state that a piece of equipment is legal for play as long as the clubfaces are less than ten degrees in loft. So, a putter with two clubfaces is legal. 

If you are playing for fun with friends, don't rule out using a two-way chipper. If you see one for cheap somewhere, pick it up and don't look back. 

How Far Can You Hit a Golf Chipper?

A golf chipper is a short game club so it's designed for finesse shots around 30 yards from the flag. Mostly you will be using a chipper from the fringe of the green, not for full shots!

What is the Difference Between a Chipper and a Wedge?

Are you looking to put a chipper in your golf bag? As long as it is not two-way, then it can be used in golf legally. You might be wondering if it's worth removing a wedge to add a chipper. Here are the main differences to help your decision.

• Chippers have a loft variation of anywhere from 32 to 37 degrees, while a wedge has 44 to 65.
• Wedges and chippers are convenient for the short game, although a chipper is better suited for shots from the fringe.
• Wedges are really designed for long shots up to 140 yards, while a chipper is better used for shorter shots of up to 30 yards.
• Chippers work like a putter, while a wedge is an iron.
• Chippers are a rather new invention, while wedges have been around for quite some time, which is why it is somewhat unknown whether or not chippers are “legal” in golf.

What are the best golf chippers?

I have written an article detailing the best chippers in golf. Check it out here. In my opinion, the best chipper golf club is the Cleveland Smart Sole C.

Final thoughts on are chippers legal in golf?

If you are struggling with your golf game inside chipping range, then a specialist chipping club might be for your. Shots around the green are where you're going to score so any help you can get as a handicap golfer should be grabbed with both hands. Try one out on the golf course and see how the golf ball reacts. It could be the key to unlock your short game. 

If you're new to the game of golf, you may have noticed that golf balls have number on them. But what do the numbers printed on a golf ball mean? In this article we're going to answer this question and give you some in depth information too.

It's not that complicated, but number on a golf ball can mean a few things. Most golf ball manufacturers will put numbers on balls, mostly to stop you picking up the wrong golf ball but that's not the only reason.

The numbers on a golf ball could indicate:

● An identification number, so you can tell which ball is yours (most common)

● The number of dimples on the golf ball

● The golf ball's compression rating

Identification purposes (most common) 

By far the most common number on a golf ball is a single digit number printed for identification purposes.

Many golfers will play the same brand and model of ball and this can cause mix ups when players are looking for their balls after hitting their shots. It's common practice to tell your playing partners which make and model of ball you're playing on the first tee along with it's identifying number or markings.

Most major manufacturers like Titleist, Callaway, Srixon, TaylorMade and Bridgestone will print a single digit number from 1-4 on their balls. Why is this? Most golfers purchase golf balls in boxes of a dozen. These are split into sleeves of three, with each sleeve having the same number printed on them. 12 divided by 3 is four sleeves, so you'll most likely have 1-4 on your balls.

It's has become more common for players to customise the number on their balls when buying them from a store like Golf Galaxy or direct from the manufacturer. This used to be something reserved to professional golfers, but now an avid golfer can select a number with a personal meaning to go on their balls.

Personal Golf ball numbers for identification can go into double digit numbers but most golf balls will have single digit numbers. If you play the same golf ball as your playing partners but don't want to splash the cash on some custom balls, using a permanent marker to make some unique markings will do the job. Never play the wrong ball on the golf course again!

These identification numbers are found on all manufactured golf balls, whereas dimple numbers are optional. Depending on the brand of golf balls you have, it's usually found directly above or underneath the brand name. 

Number of Dimples: Three digit number

It's not that common these days, but you might see a triple digit number on your golf ball. This number is probably be found underneath the ball's brand name and can range anywhere from 300 to 500. This number is telling you how many dimples or indentations there are on the golf ball.

Knowing the number of dimples on the ball helps you to understand how it might perform when you've hit it. The Titleist PRO V1 used to have the number 392 printed on its cover to indicate that it had 392 dimples. The manufacturer took this off after 2005 as golfers then understood that this was a premium golf ball. It was also to differentiate between the PRO V1* (392 dimples) and the PRO V1X (332 dimples).

Dimples on a golf ball are responsible for creating boundary layer of air that clings to the ball's surface. In basic language this means that your ball will fly through the air with a level of predictability if you strike it consistently.

If you've ever played an old scuffed up ball you took from a driving range, you might notice that it behaves strangely in the air. This is because there is uneven friction or none at all which can make the ball drop out of the sky with no spin.

Some golf ball manufacturers no longer print the number of dimples on a ball, or they never did. Of course, like many golf ball manufacturers out there, some have roots going back a long time. Printing the number of dimples on a golf ball is part of what makes up their brand.

Golf ball compression rating

This is probably less common than the number of dimples, but you might find a two or three digit number on a golf ball which relates to its compression ratings.

Golf ball compression rating isn't something that was that interesting until manufacturers started releasing extreme distance and "soft" golf balls into the market. I've written a full article about golf ball compression but basically, a lower compression rating will be a "soft" feeling golf ball and a high compression rating will equate to a firmer or "faster" golf ball.

Most golfers prefer a ball with a medium compression rating which gives them a combination of green side feel and then distance with their longer clubs.

When it comes to compression, the numbers range between a score of 30 and 120. The softest being 30, and the hardest 120.

Red vs. black numbers on golf balls

Often the colour of the number on a golf ball doesn't have much meaning other than for design and marketing purposes. You might have noticed that on some Titleist golf balls, the number below the brand name is either red or black. Red numbers on a Titleist ball mean it's a Pro V1X and black is used on pretty much every other ball that they make.

TaylorMade will use lots of different colours, the RBZ has green numbers while their project(a) ball had orange numbers.

Srixon will will use blue numbers on golf balls for their AD333 model and green numbers for their Soft Feel model.

As a rule though, you will see a red number on the harder variation of a brand's premium golf ball. This is the case for Titleist (Pro V1 line), TaylorMade (TP5 line), and Bridgestone.

Final thought on number on golf ball and what numbers on golf ball means

Most commonly, the number printed on golf balls is for identification purposes. If you're playing a competitive game of golf and play the wrong ball, you will be penalised, so the golf manufacturers have made it as easy as possible for us to find and play the right ball. Choose your lucky number and get playing! 

If you're a beginner golfer, your pitching wedge is going to to be an essential golf club for you. Forget that 60 degree lob wedge, a pitching wedge is going to be a much more consistent and useful tool for your shots around the green.

In this article, we're going to go over all of the basics to do with a pitching wedge, and help you understand the loft of this golf club. Feeling confident and comfortable with you wedge lofts is the secret to a better short game, so let's jump right in and expand our knowledge!

What Is Loft In Golf?

Loft refers to the angle of the face of each golf club in your golf bag. The more loft a club has, the higher and shorter the golf ball will go. The less loft a club has the lower and longer the ball will fly. (In theory...)

What Loft Is A Pitching Wedge?

Pitching wedges can have between 45 and 50 degrees of loft. The most common pitching wedge lofts are between 46 to 48 degrees. In recent years, club manufacturers have made some pitching wedge lofts stronger to increase distance. In some game improvement irons, you might find a pitching wedge with as little as 41 degrees of loft, which is closer to a traditional 9 iron.

What Angle Is A Pitching Wedge?

Angle and loft are interchangeable when it comes to golf clubs, but loft is the more common term. If you are reading an article and they reference the angle of the wedge, they are talking about the loft, which will sit between 45 and 50 degrees.

TaylorMade Pitching Wedge Loft

TaylorMade are one of the biggest golf club manufacturers in the world. The pitching wedge loft angle in their sets of irons is between 45 and 48 degrees depending on the year the clubs are released . In their super game improvement sets, TaylorMade has produced pitching wedges with 43-degrees of loft.

Callaway Pitching Wedge Loft

Callaway Golf have been known to make the pitching wedges in their iron sets with less loft than many of the other brands. Some Callaway pitching wedges fall between 41 and 45 degrees.

The Callaway Steelhead XR pitching wedge has a loft of 44 degrees. This may be because most 9-irons have a loft of around 41 degrees.

Having a lower loft pitching wedge gives you the option for a little more distance on your low yardage approach shots.

When To Use A Pitching Wedge?

A pitching wedge is a great club to use when you have 100 yards or so left into the putting green.

Due to the higher loft of the pitching wedge, you will be able to get the ball to fly higher in the air and land near to the pin without roll out.

If you have a lower lofted pitching wedge, (between 41-44 degrees) you won't be expecting the ball the fly as high as a pitching wedge with 45-50 degrees of loft.

You can also use your pitching wedge for chip shots and bump and runs around the green. I always suggest that higher handicappers use one chipping club and the pitching wedge is ideal for this job. It is more forgiving than the high lofted wedges and will get the ball moving forward faster.

You can use a pitching wedge for bunker shots. If your local course has a lot of sand, I would suggest investing in a sand wedge with around 56 degrees of loft. Sand wedge features are designed to get the ball out of bunkers more easily so take advantage.

How To Hit A Pitching Wedge

Hitting a pitching wedge is different from your other irons. The best piece of advice I ever got was to try to avoid full swing shots with my wedges, try and limit your swing to a maximum of 75% power.

I try to bruise the turf with my pitching wedge, leaving a small scuff the size of a dollar after the golf ball. This means I've not been too steep or shallow with my swing.

The best way to learn how your pitching wedge will react in different conditions is by hitting shots is practice rounds or at the range.

What Is A 52 Degree Wedge Good For?

Sometimes, you need a wedge that can bridge the gap between the pitching wedge and the sand wedge.

Since the average pitching wedge loft is ideal for shots around 135-yards and under, and sand wedges are better for much closer green work, having a gap wedge that sits at 52-degrees can be very useful.

This middle loft wedge is meant to give you the ability to use a full swing at those distances that are a little too close for a pitching wedge, and a little too far for a sand wedge.

Approach wedge loft / A wedge loft

An approach is sometimes called a gap wedge and fill the space between a golfer's pitching wedge and their sand wedge. The typical loft of an approach wedge or A wedge is 50 to 52 degrees.

As you get more skilled at golf, gap wedges will allow you to get proper loft gapping with your clubs so that you can hit shots a specific yardage. I now carry a pitching wedge, A wedge and gap wedge so I can pinpoint my pitch shots and wedge approach shots.

Other wedge options

A pitching wedge isn't always the best option for some golfers because it is naturally lower lofted. If you feel it's not working for you, there are a number of other wedges to consider playing.

The most common wedges to have in your bag are a gap wedge, sand wedge, and a lob wedge.

As mentions above, a gap or A wedge will fill the “gap” between your pitching wedge and the sand wedge.

Sand wedges are best suited for shots from thicker rough and out of sand. Many golfers will also use a sand wedge for chipping close to the green.

A lob wedge is the highest lofted club in most golfer's bags and is designed to get the ball into the air as quick as possible. Phil Mickelson is famous for his lob wedges and the shots he can play with them.

Final thoughts on pitching wedge loft

As a beginner, a pitching wedge might be the most lofted club in your bag for a while. Getting confident with this wedge will then allow you move into the more lofted wedges to hit speciality lofted shots where you want maximum spin to stop the ball quickly.

Until then, use your pitching wedge and learn to love it! 

I have been playing the game of golf for 25 years, and golf ball position is still something I'm yet to work out. Over time, I find that the ball will move forward or back in my stance with different clubs, and I just don't know why!

Along with grip and posture, ball position is considered to be one of golf's "fundamentals" and is essential to play consistent golf.

But like most things in the game, ball position can be complicated. There are different positions for every club in the bag, and these vary player to player in relation to a few factors like width of stance, grip and stock shot shape.

Confused? Don't worry - I'm here to help you out!

Let's look at the correct golf ball position for every club and get you playing better golf now.

Here's a printable chart for you to use. 

Golf Ball Position: The basics

When talking about golf ball position we are going to mention the front, middle, and back of your stance. Your stance is how you stand when playing a golf shot.

To keep things simple, in this article all positions are for right-handed players. If you're a lefty like Phil Mickelson, just flip things over so they make sense for you.

Here's what we mean when we talk about front, middle and back of your stance.

• Front - The golf ball is closer to your fornt or lead foot. This is the left foot for a right handed player.
• Middle - The golf ball is an equal distance from your front and back foot.
• Back - The golf ball is nearer to your trailing foot. Right foot for a right handed golfer.

With the basics out of the way, let's see how we can use these terms in relation to the clubs in your golf bag.

Golf Ball Position For Driver

The driver is the longest club in your bag, and for many golfers is the hardest club to hit.

Having the correct golf ball position longer clubs, especially the driver is essential for making clean contact.

We will most likely be hitting our driver from a tee, raising the ball into the air.

A tee gives us the best chance of getting the ball to fly further but we need to combine this with putting the ball forward in our stance. We want to hit up on the ball with our driver with an upward attack angle. To do this we have to make sure our swing arc allows us to hit the ball as the club is moving up, not down.

Using a wider stance and placing the ball just inside your front foot will encourage this upward strike and hopefully stop the dreaded slice from happening.

Golf Ball Position For 3 wood (and other fairway woods)

Like the driver, the 3 wood has a longer shaft and requires us to try and hit up on the ball. We will also be using a tee raise the ball up of the ground, so we should do the same as out driver and have the golf ball positioned forward in our stance.

As the number of the fairway wood increases (e.g. 5 wood or 7 wood), you can move the ball more towards the middle of your stance to offset for the shaft length getting shorter.

Golf ball position for hybrids

Hybrids, sometimes called rescues or utility golf clubs, are in between fairway woods and long irons when it comes to their length.

This means the correct golf ball position for hybrids is almost halfway between your front foot and middle of your stance.

Hybrids are different to fairway woods in that we want to hit down on the ball with them like you would with an iron. If moving the ball more towards the middle of your stance helps promote this downward strike, try it out. Keep a close eye on your ball flight, as moving the ball closer to the middle can cause a slice with a longer club for some golfers.

Golf Ball Position For Irons: 3-Iron to 9-iron

The average golfer will have between 5 and 7 different golf irons in their bag. Most modern iron sets start at a 5 iron and end with a 9 iron, and the ball position for every iron is slightly different.

The keep it simple, I just remember that – the longer the club, the further forward the ball needs to be in your stance.

When hitting a 5 iron, the bottom of your swing arc will be after the middle of your stance so play the ball slightly forward, closer to your front foot.

When hitting an 8 iron, your swing will bottom out pretty much at the centre of your stance so the ball needs to be almost in the middle.

You might see professional or expert golfers play the ball from behind the middle of their stance. This is usually to hit a specific shot like a low draw or punch shot and isn't advisable for the average player. It will more than likely cause you to duff or chunk the ball.

It's also worth noting that if the ball is too far forward in your stance, you can thin or blade the ball, which can be both painful and disastrous for your round.

Golf ball position for wedges

Most golfers will carry at least two specialist wedges in their bag and these short clubs have a big impact on your score. These are the shortest clubs and golf ball position is influenced by this.

When hitting approach shots with your wedges, we want to maximise spin, trajectory and control the distance the golf ball travels. To achieve these things, it's really important we play the ball from the correct position in our stance.

If I'm playing a full shot with a pitching wedge or gap wedge, I'll have the ball in the middle of my stance. This allows me to make a golf swing that creates a downward strike on the ball with a square club face.

Any shots that have a shorter swing, right down to chips have the ball more towards the back of my stance. If I'm playing a bump and run with a wedge, I might even have the ball in front of my back foot to take height off the ball flight.

This is what works for me, and it will change depending on your technique and how you feel over the ball, but I think these are good pointers for most players.

Golf ball position for putter

Putting is a dark art and an area of the game that no one practices enough.

Unlike irons, hybrids and woods, there is no definitive correct ball position for your putter.

The vast majority of players will set up with the ball in the middle of their stance. This is a great place to start as it will most likely be at the bottom of the arc of your putting stroke.

Some players find that having the ball forward, more towards their front foot encourages a cleaner "hit" with the clubface and gets the ball rolling on line, end on end without side spin.

Joe who writes for the site is a taller guy and he find that having a narrow stance with the ball more on his back foot stops him pushing the ball right with his putter.

Try taking a video of your putting to see what type of stoke you have and work from there.

How far to stand from golf ball?

Knowing how close or far you should stand to the gold ball is a big question for beginners. A simple trick I use when showing new players the basics of the game is to put the club head behind the ball, then move the grip of the club straight down. It should hit your knee on the way, which tells you that you're standing the correct distance from the ball.

If it hits your thigh, you're too close. If it hits nothing, you're too far away. This will become second nature once you play more golf, but try this out next time you're on the course or at the driving range to get a feel for what is comfortable for you.

Golf Ball Placement: Specific shots

As you play more golf, you're going to recognise that very rarely do you get to hit the ball from a perfect flat lie like at a driving range. On the golf course, often the ball will be above or below your feet, on either and up or down slope, and in a variety of different grass types. This doesn't even take into account hazards like bunkers and trees!

A seasoned golfer with decent ability has options and can use different types of shots to navigate even the most challenging holes or conditions. Golf ball position is essential in executing these unique shots.

Let's look at some different shots you might encounter and the proper way to position your golf ball in your stance when attempting them.

• Chip – The average mid handicap player is hitting 7 greens in regulation a round. Even the best players miss greens, so you will be forced to chip to get “up and down” to save a score. When hitting a standard chip shot, make sure your golf ball position is slightly back in your stance.
• Bump-n-Run – a “bump-n-run” is a type of chip shot designed to run along the ground. Ofter played with short irons like a 7 iron, the golf ball position for this shot is off your back foot.
• Greenside Bunker – to get out of a bunker near the green, you want to splash the ball out. Have the ball in the front-middle of your stance to properly execute and slap the sand with the sole of the golf club.
• Fairway Bunker – in a fairway bunker you want to pick ball off the top of the sand and avoid a fat shot. Your golf ball needs to be positioned forward from a regular shot. You almost want to feel like you're going to top it.
• Flop Shot – a flop shot is a floaty wedge shot that lands softly on the green. You open the face of your wedge and cut across the golf ball. To play this shot, your ball position should be forward in your stance.
• Stinger – Tiger Woods is MR STINGER. It's a low, straight shot that pierces the wind. To hit a stinger, you will need the golf ball back in your stance to reduce the spin on the ball.
• Punch – The punch is useful when playing in windy conditions and from under trees. The key here is keeping the ball low, so like a stinger, place the ball back in your stance.

Now let's be clear, just changing your golf ball position won't magically make you hit these shots, but it is a good start.

Final thoughts on golf ball position

Golf is hard, but it's so much fun. Things like golf ball position can unlock new parts of your game and allow you to hit difference shots at different targets.

Get out there and try a few different things to find what is suitable for you. 

When you first start getting into golf, chances are you will be hitting your first balls at a driving range. Golf can be a pretty intimidating game to start out in, and the driving range is much more chilled and informal place to work out your swing than a golf course.

I spent hours on the range before I even went near a golf club, and it was a great way for me to shake of the nerves of playing golf at an actual course.

Another great thing about the driving range is that there usually isn't a dress code. Unlike at golf courses, you don't have to think too hard about what to wear to a driving range but there are some pretty basic do's and dont's which we'll cover in this article.

Let's dive right in!

What to wear to driving range male

If you're a total beginner at golf or a seasoned pro, it's always good to know what to wear to the driving range. Personally I try and wear golf clothes when I go to the range to practice as it get's me in the same mindset as when I'm out on the course.

But there are times when I'll be wearing jeans and normal t-shirt if I just want to hit balls with a few buddies and shoot the breeze. It all depends on your purpose for visiting the range.

I am going to go through each item of clothing you could wear to the driving range to give the best set of options for your trip.

Shoes

I normally wear my golf shoes to the range. I think it's really important as your shoes are what link you to the ground and different footwear will influence your swing in different ways. I wear spikeless golf shoes from TRUE Linkswear which are a lot like sneakers. They are super comfortable - I sometimes wear them for non golf stuff!

If you don't feel like wearing your waterproof shoes or FootJoy classics with jeans, make sure you wear a pair of comfortable running shoes or tennis shoes which have a similar thickness of sole to your golf shoes. This will mean that you are the same height when practicing on the range as you would be on the course.

If in doubt wear running shoes.

Socks

I would always recommend wearing socks when playing or practicing golf. Blisters aren't fun and getting sweaty feet can get really uncomfortable.

Personally, I like to wear low profile trainer socks whenever I'm playing golf or practicing on the range. These socks from FootJoy are perfect and keep my feet nice and dry, even in the tropical heat of Thailand.

If the driving range you're visiting is attached to golf course, you will almost definitely have to wear socks. Some may even make you wear longer ankle socks if you are also wearing shorts. Make sure to check the dress code rules ahead of time.

Shorts

If it's a warm day, wear short to the driving range. Most golfers will hit around 50-100 balls in a standard range visit and it can be hard work. Staying cool and dry is a priority, so make sure to wear shorts which are made from a synthetic material which wicks away moisture.

Shorts made from denim can be a really restrictive and may even cause chafing after a while. Avoid these if you can.

Pants/trousers

With pants for the driving range, I always go for comfort and flexibility. Usually I'll wear a pair of golfing trousers made from a synthetic material but I am also a fan of jogging pants.

One thing I usually don't do is wear jeans. Jeans are great but they aren't the most comfortable when you're making repeated golf swings. You also won't be able to wear jeans if the driving range is attached to a golf club where their dress code applies.

If in doubt, wear golf pants or sweat pants.

Shirt

A collared shirt is the standard for playing golf but you don't have to wear one to the range. A golf shirt is comfortable and will do the job, but isn't always the most fashionable thing to wear, especially if your going somewhere else after the range.

A loosely fitted cotton t shirt or synthetic work out shirt will be perfect and give you more than enough flexibility to make swings in. Collared shirts can still be worn, and may be a requirement if the range is attached to a golf course with a formal dress code.

Here are some great collared golf shirts which look and feel great!

Sweater

If it's cooler weather you may want to wear a sweater when at the driving range. Any sweater made from a material like merino wool or a synthetic blend will give you the comfort and breathability you'll need when working up a sweat on the range.

I personally like micro fleece or merino wool as they are comfortable and breathable. 

Hat

If you watch golf on the TV, you'll see all of the pros wearing a hat. Most of them wear baseball caps for sponsorship reasons - Rory McIlroy doesn't wear one if he's playing in the Ryder Cup or the Olympics.

You don't need to wear a hat to the driving range, but some will find it more comfortable. Most driving ranges are covered, so keeping the sun off your head isn't really a factor. I like wearing a bucket hat when playing and practicing, and you pick one up here.

Base-layer

If it's super cold and you need some extra protection from the elements, wearing a base-layer is great idea. the best base-layers are made from high quality synthetic fabrics and will either insulate you from the cold or wick away moisture from your body if you're hot.

Base-layers are included in most golf course dress codes so you won't have to worry about wearing one to any range.

Golf Glove

Unless you want to get blisters, wearing a golf glove to the range is essential. My go to golf glove for years has been the Foot Joy WeatherSof. Cheap, lasts for ages and works when wet. 

What to wear to driving range girl

To find out what is comfortable and practical for woman to wear to the driving range I asked my sister Teaski for he opinion. She is a high handicapper who is hooked on the game, and she tries to get to the range at least once a week to work on her swing. She lives in Thailand, so her tips are based on clothes for hot weather. Here is her guide to looking and feeling good at the range;

Shoes

Spikeless golf shoes are my go to for a trip to driving range. I sometimes wear sneakers but I like practice in the same shoes that I will be playing golf in. My favourite pair of golf shoes are the TRUE Linkswear All Day Knit II. 

Socks

I'm a big fan of hidden sneaker socks, especially in the heat of Thailand and Malaysia. I prefer stretchy materials which keep your feet cool, and these socks from FootJoy are my go to choice.

Shorts/Skorts

The skort has been a great invention for female golfers as they let you wear something which looks good and is really comfortable and functional. I do wear sports shorts to the driving range if it's not attached to a golf course, but I will more often wear a skort like this one. 

Pants/Leggings

I don't really wear golf pants due to the hotter climates I play and practice golf in, so if I don't want to wear a skort or shorts I will wear leggings. They are comfortable and practical and have many uses beyond playing golf. These yoga pants are a really good option. 

Shirt

If I'm going to a standalone driving range, I will wear a looser fitting tee shirt to practice in. I like synthetic/cotton mix fabrics as they keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. If I'm at a range attached to a golf course, I will wear a collared shirt so that I can go straight out onto the course or sit in the club house without issues.

Hat

I will usually wear a baseball hat to the driving range as I'll have my hair in a ponytail and the hat helps keep it out of the way. I will sometimes wear a bucket hat if the driving range is uncovered and I want extra protection from the sun.

Can you wear shorts to driving range?

Yes, you can wear shorts to the driving range. If it's colder weather it might be best to wear pants, but it's up to you. Golf shorts are made from flexible and breathable fabrics which are designed to make it easier to swing the golf club. I would avoid wearing shorts made from denim or other heavy materials.

What Shoes Should You Wear to the Driving Range?

Although you don't need to worry about what clothes you're going to wear to the driving range what shoes you should wear is probably worth a bit of thought.

Because however relaxed you are about your practice session at the driving range if you are planning on hitting a few decent shots you are going to need a bit of grip on your feet.

Now that doesn't mean for example that you have to wear golf shoes however you do need a good grip on the ground when you swing the club.

Wearing shoes with enough tread on the soles to give you grip when you swing the club are best to wear to the driving range. Trainers, sneakers or loafers for example are a good choice if you don't have or want to wear golf shoes but sandals, flip-flops, work boots and heels are not recommended.

If you swing the club a bit fast and hard you may find your feet move a bit when you swing the club if you don't wear golf shoes but for beginner and high handicap golfers for example, who typically have low swings speeds, it is fine whatever shoes with some grip they choose to wear.

Most spikeless golf shoes are in reality just sneakers with extra grip on the soles so whatever trainers you wear will be fine.

Some people can feel a bit self-conscious wearing their golf shoes with basketball shorts or tracksuit bottoms or jeans but that's a fashion consideration rather than golfing one.

Sandals, flip-flops and heels are out though. Also men's working boots are probably not a great idea.

One thing to bear in mind also if you do decide to wear your trainers is if you're going to practice regularly at the driving range you may not want to wear you best pair all the time if you want to keep them looking pristine.

On the astroturf mats which you play off at the vast majority of driving ranges they will scuff up, particularly around the toe area after you complete your swing.

Better therefore, if you want to keep your sneakers or trainers looking as good as new for a while yet, to go for an older or more durable pair which you don't mind maybe getting a bit scuffed up.

If you're going for a golf lesson by comparison though I would always wear the same shoes I wear on the golf course. You want the pro to give you feedback on your swing in as close to the same conditions as you play on the course.

And if you wear golf shoes on the golf course you should wear them to your lesson at the driving range.

The height difference in the sole between your golf shoes and your trainers could make a difference as to how you hit the ball at the range compared to the course so the pro may not give you the best feedback for your game because you're swinging differently when he sees you.

One final little thing I've also found over the years when wearing golf shoes at the driving range is that by virtue of having soft spikes on my feet to raise them a little off the ground my feet stay a bit warmer in the winter than they do when I wear trainers!

Final Thoughts On What To Wear To A Driving Range

Guy or girl, old or young, they key to the right clothes for the driving range is COMFORT. You're basically going to be working out, so when you're at golf driving range wear an outfit which you can move freely in and is able to withstand you working up a sweat.

If you're at a driving range attached to a golf course, it's totally fine to wear golf clothes, in fact it's probably easier so you avoid any awkward conversations around dress code. If you do wear golfing clothes, choose items which can also be casual clothes, that way you can get other things done in your day without having to change.

If you don't want to wear golf attire, pick something comfortable like workout clothes and swing away. 

If you want to know what to wear when golfing for the first time, check out my guide here.

Playing 9 holes of golf is a great way to squeeze in some playing time in the evenings after work. But how long does 9 holes of golf take to play? We need to know the amount of time it takes roughly so we can make sure we maximise our time spent on the golf course and reduce stress.

On average it takes a foursome 2 hours and 15 minutes to play 9 holes with a cart. It is advised that each golf group takes 15 minutes maximum per hole to keep a good pace of play. 

So that's great for a foursome, but what about other numbers of golfers? Let's look at some other scenarios and which factors determine how long a round will take.

Scenarios

There are number of time variables when it comes to playing golf for 9 holes, and they relate to the numbers of players golfing and if they're using a golf cart.

How long does it take to play 9 holes of golf with 1 player

If you're playing alone, it should take you 1 hour and 15 minutes to play 9 holes of golf. This assumes you are walking. If you take a cart, it could knock 15 to 20 minutes off of your time.

How long does it take to play 9 holes of golf with 2 players

When playing as a two ball, it should take 1 hour and 30 minutes to play 9 holes of golf. Playing with a cart could be quicker.

How long does it take to play 9 holes of golf with 3 players

A 3 ball should take 1 hour and 45 minutes to play 9 holes.

How long does it take to play 9 holes of golf with 4 players

A 4 ball should take 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes to play a 9 hole round of golf.

How long does it take to golf 9 holes with a cart

Playing with a cart can speed up play, but I don't think it take that much time off a normal 9 hole round of golf. A standard 2 ball would take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to play 9 holes with a cart, but if they're both good players and the course is quiet, they could do it faster.

How to play 9 holes faster

If you want to guarantee 9 holes of golf in a specific time frame, there are several factors you need to consider. Let's look at how you can optimise your time spent playing golf.

Book A Tee Time

Most golf courses operate a tee sheet booking system these days so showing up without warning isn't an option. If you do, you might have to wait for a slot to play and you may get paired up with other groups.

To make sure you play at the time you want with the number of players you want, call the golf course to book a slot or use an online service like Golfnow. Many golf courses are now more accommodating to golfers playing nine holes so this shouldn't be an issue.

Play at Twilight

Most golf courses are quieter in the evenings, and often offer discounted twilight rates for golfers playing later in the day. I have played solo twilight rounds where I have flow around nine holes on an empty golf course in around an hour. There's something really satisfying about playing golf as the sun is going down and you often don't even realise you're playing faster.

When playing at twilight, make sure you do leave enough time to finish however. Golf carts can also be discounted for these rounds so consider paying a little extra to guarantee you can fit your nine holes in.

Use a push cart if you're walking

I love to walk when playing golf. I don''t get the opportunity to do it very often in Thailand and in the USA it's a rare sight. Walking 9 holes is a great way to get in some exercise and I think it actually makes me play better as I use the time walking to my ball to think about my next shot in more detail.

The easiest way to speed up a walking round is to invest in a push cart. Carrying a golf bag full of equipment and snacks can be tough going and a nice push cart eliminates the extra effort.

A solid cart costs between $200 - $400 and has the following handy features:

• A holder for water or drinks
• A scorecard holder
• Large wheels for easy movement over different ground conditions
• Umbrella mount for rain or sunny days

Play Ready Golf

Ready golf in my opinion should be how everyone plays the game. No, golf karens, it doesn't mean talking over people's backswings and running on the greens, it means having a mindset that you're ready to play at any time.

What REAL ready golf looks like:

• Search for your golf ball for a maximum of THREE minutes. This is now a rule. Also, if the ball is obviously lost, move on!
• Help others try and find their golf ball, but don't be shy to say "it's lost"
• If you're playing a serous round, hit a provisional ball if you think a ball is lost
• Be ready to play your shot when you reach your ball. Think about what you're going to do when walking between shots.
• Keep your golf bag organized. Simple but effective. Clutter adds time to your game.
• Reduce unnecessary pre shot routines - you're not on the PGA tour
• Line up putts when others are playing
• Letting faster golfers pass "play through" if you're not keeping up pace
• Most of all, BE AWARE of what is going on around you. Be considerate of your playing partners and play smart.

*DISCLAIMER*

No one likes slow play, but sometimes it's unavoidable. If you're playing in a 4 ball in a field full of four balls on bust Saturday, rushing around isn't going to speed up the pace of play in a meaningful way. Playing ready golf encourages good habits on the course and you will find that experienced golfers will have these "hacks" in their game already. The biggest thing to remember is that golf is meant to be fun, and rushing around isn't fun.

Understand your skill level

If you're a scratch player, you're going to play golf faster than a high handicapper. It's simply because you will be hitting fewer shots. New golfers often think they need to finish the hole to get their money's worth. I hear you, but if you've taken 20 shots and your not on the green of a par 4, pick the golf ball up and move on. Trust me, you will enjoy the game more.

Skilled players might be able to play two balls and practice their golf game in a 9 hole round. This isn't really an option for less advanced golfers as it will take two much time.

Play the correct tee box

If you're a 20 handicap, the 7400 yard championship tee boxes aren't right for you. Your round will be a grind, and you will run the risk of having a lost ball on every hole. Course difficulty is something many golfers just don't consider when it comes to pace of play, so don't be that guy who thinks they can play off tips when you can't drive the ball over 200 yards.

Take your medicine

If you hit the ball into the trees or the thick rough, don't try a hero shot. Most golfers will end up blowing up a hole trying to hit a Tiger Woods style low hook from the trees. Chip the ball out, and get it on the green!

Final thoughts on how long does it take to play 9 holes of golf?

Playing 9 holes is great fun and a way to play more golf more often. Use the tips and tricks in this article to make sure you get as much time playing golf as you can.

FAQ's

How long does it take to play 18- Holes?- It usually takes a foursome 4 hours and 30 minutes to play 18- holes of golf.

Why do courses pair golfers up in foursomes?  Golf courses like to pair up golfers in foursomes because it makes more room on the tee sheet for more customers.

What do you say when you reserve a tee time? When a golfer calls a golf course, to book a tee time the pro-shop is going to want the day, time, and the number of golfers in the group to make a tee time. Sometimes the course may ask an email address to send you a confirmation of your time.

How a golfer grips their golf club is the most important part of their golf game. Grip is one of golf's "fundamentals" and should never be overlooked.

It might sound like a bold statement, but I think that most golf swing flaws are caused by a poor or inconsistent grip.

You grip on the golf club is your only connection to the golf ball, and has a direct impact on where and how the ball will fly. It's therefore really important that your grip is solid to allow you to play good golf.

There are three standard ways to grip a club;

1. Neutral golf grip
2. Strong golf grip
3. Weak golf grip

But how do you know which one is the best for your golf game? Are all grips the same, or is one better than the others?

In this article, I will try to demystify the golf grip and give you the information you need to go out and improve your game.

This is what we're going to cover:

• The Golf Grip: An introduction
• Strong Golf Grip: Effects, Benefits and problems
• Weak Golf Grip: Effects, Benefits and problems
• Strong vs Weak Golf Grip: Which is the best?

Ok! Let's dive right in.

The Golf Grip: An Introduction

Most golfers will grip the golf club in one of three ways - neutral, strong or weak grip.

Many golfers think that the names for the grip in golf refer to how much pressure you hold onto the club with. This is not the case. Strong golf grips aren't held any tighter than weak grips!

When holding any golf club, you ideally want your grip pressure to be light. This allows the club face to release naturally without your hands "choking" it through the swing.

The terms neutral, strong and weak grip are actually based on the position of your hands on the shaft, not how much pressure you put on the grip.

Most professional golfers would teach amateur players to hold the club with neutral grips in order to make solid contact with the golf ball. However this doesn't feel comfortable for the vast majority of players, and often requires a lot of coaching to put in place.

What is clear however, is that the strength of your golf grip will have a direct impact on how you swing and your golf ball flight.

If you want play golf well consistently, you will have to understand how your grip can change how you hit the ball, and how it can change over time.

The Strong And Weak Golf Grip – What's The Difference?

Now we've got over what a golf grip is, let's look the differences between a strong grip and weak grip.

Before we get stuck into these differences, let's be clear that there is no "right" way to hold the golf club, and that even professional golfers will have variations of stronger and weaker grips.

A neutral grip is pretty uncomfortable for most players and you can have a lot of success with playing golf without a "perfect grip."

Pro golfers with strong grips

This list is a who's who in the game of golf. All of the players below are major winners and they all played with what are considered strong grips.

• Dustin Johnson
• Jon Rahm
• Bubba Watson
• Fred Couples
• David Duval
• Young Tiger Woods

Pro golfers with weak grips

There are fewer pros that adopt a weaker grip. Yet, they're still all Major winners.

• Ben Hogan
• Rory McIlroy
• Jordan Spieth
• Jim Furyk
• Matt Wolffe

What Is A Strong Grip In Golf?

A strong grip is when you can see nearly all of the knuckles on your top hand.

A strong grip will have the crease (or V) between the top hand's thumb and index finger pointing at the player's right shoulder. Let's look at the benefits of a strong golf grip. 

Strong golf grip benefits

1: Can Stop a Slice

If the ball likes to go right and then more right, a strong grip could be for you. It is much more difficult to take the club back outside the line with this grip, which is one of the main reasons for slicing a golf shot.

2: Encourages A Draw

A strong grip naturally encourages you to swing in to out with a more closed club face. This will mean at impact your are imparting more draw spin on the ball, leading to a right to left ball flight for your shots.

3: Comfort

When you ask a golfer to pick up a golf club, they will most likely adopt a strong grip. It just feels more natural for a golfer to hold the club this way. When a golfer feels at ease with their grip, they are less likely to be thinking about swing mechanics and will naturally get into a good position at impact.

4: Penetrating Ball Flight

A strong grip will lead to a closed club face at impact. If controlled properly, this can lead to more power and a much more piercing ball flight. I used to really struggle with high and weak shots to the right until I switched to a strong golf grip.

Strong golf grip problems

A strong golf grip can solve many of the common errors with the swings of beginners players but it can cause some problems.

1: Hooks

A strong grip ideally needs to be paired with an in to out swing in order to promote a nice push draw, where the ball starts right and comes back to the target.

However, if you have a strong golf grip AND an over the top swing path, it can lead to the dreaded hooks. I have hit my fair share of duck hooks because of this, and it usually happens when I'm feeling fatigued or unfocused on the golf course. Beware the hooks!

2: Ball flight

Better golfers and those with higher swing speeds prefer to play with a slightly closed club face as it can give them more accuracy and distance. However, for the average player, this can actually make the game harder, as they will struggle to get the ball airborne.

A closed club face reduces the loft and lie of the club. This means you need to generate more ball speed to send your ball into the air. This will be hard for golfers with slower swings.

What Is A Weak Golf Grip?

You have a weak golf grip when you can't see the knuckles on your top hand.

A weak grip will have the crease (or V) between the top hand's thumb and index finger pointing at the player's left shoulder for a right handed golfer.

Weak Golf Grip Benefits

The biggest benefits of a weak grip come from the way it stops your hands over rotating in the swing. Ben Hogan used to be a serial hooker of the golf ball before he switched to a weak grip.

This only becomes a real benefit when you have the ability to turn the club over and release the ball.

1: Stops The Hook

A weak grip means that you can't really shut the club face and hook the ball.

2: Encourages release of the club at impact

A weak grip means that you are holding the club face off through out the swing. This means you have to "release" or rotate the club in the impact area to make clean contact with the ball. Many players struggle to do this with a strong grip so switching to a weaker grip can help with this.

3: Removes The Left Side Of The Golf Course

I'm a big believer that golf course strategy is the way to lower your scores. But in order to think your way around the course, you need to have a golf swing that you can trust, which doesn't have a two way miss.

A weak golf grip almost eliminates the left side of the course.

If you know that you can aim at the left side of the fairway and the ball will go straight or fade to the right, you have more of chance of keeping the ball in play.

Weak Golf Grip Problems

So why don't all players use a weak grip? The main issue for most golfers is that it can result in weak shots to the right, and at worst, slices.

If you have a slower swing speed or struggle to rotate through impact, a weak grip probably won't work for you.

This open club face will generally result in shots going to the right of the target. It will also add extra loft creating unwanted height on shots. You then join these two outcomes together and we have weak, floaty shots heading off-line.

Strong vs Weak Golf Grip – Which is best?

Now that you have read this article, do you have a better idea if a strong grip or weaker grip is right for you? When learning how to hit your 6 iron, 7 iron or sometimes how to hit your 8 iron, you can identify the best grip. These clubs are the easiest to hit for most people.

I think grip is so important to get right for YOU. Don't be fooled into thinking that there is "correct" way to hold the club or that you must have a neutral grip. You need a grip which allows you play the golf shots that keep the ball in play and most of all, make you enjoy the game.

I play with a strong grip because it suits my game and my swing tendencies. I want to feel like the back of my left hand is driving towards the target and a stronger grip makes it seem like I can generate more clubhead speed. BUT, all of this is related to my game.

Didi on my channel plays with a super weak grip as it matches up to his swing. He plays a lot of fairway woods from the deck, and the weak grip allows him to get the ball in the air more easily. It just suits his style.

If you are in doubt about your golf grip or golf swing, go and see a PGA professional for lessons. It really does work.