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Here's what one golfer had to say about the Claremont Golf Course in Portland Oregon:

Summary:
This course offered a great day of golf!! It was challenging and fun! It offers a great view of the mountains, and it's especially nice during the winter with the snow on Mt. Baldy!

Customer Service:
Great! Friendly, helpful, and almost every one who worked there knew the game!

Similar Courses Played:
Practice putting green was one of the only I've used where the conditions where same as those on the course! A must before playing a round!
5/5 Stars

Book a discount tee time at the Claremont Golf Course

As published on:
http://courses.golfreview.com/cat/pacific/oregon/golf-course/PRD_72616_3838crx.aspx

Labels: Course Reviews

I was down at The Faldo Institute recently. This is a huge practice facility here in Orlando, Florida, obviously named after Nick Faldo.


While practicing, I looked over and there was Nick, hitting some bunker shots. What saw amazed me. Nick had a couple of instructors around him watching every fragment of his technique. One guy was watching his body movement, the other his clubface positions. Actually, this wasn't too amazing because this is what he does quite a bit. But the problem in this situation was that it was only a couple of days after Nick had been thumped by Tiger in the World Match Play, where he was doing about 20 drills before each shot!


It was almost comical to watch because this was the easiest bunker shot in the world. It's a shot Nick has executed a million times and undoubtedly could do with his eyes closed. Why he needed an entourage around him is something I just don't understand.


As I was watching, I kept saying to myself, when is Nick going to say "enough is enough"? When is he going to just forget about all of the nuances of the swing and get back to playing golf?


I think this is an important question for all of us to ask ourselves when we become too technical with our game. The thing to remember is that golf is a sport, and the golf swing is an athletic action. It's not a series of positions, or a bunch of links. It's an aggressive, athletic action, and when we think otherwise we're doomed.


Now certainly I am not saying that it's not important to know some mechanics about the swing, and what it takes to get the ball from point A to point B. After all, that is the purpose of much of this e-lesson program. Likewise, nobody on tour was born with a perfect swing path and plane. This comes from hard work and an understanding of their swing.


However, the line must be drawn somewhere on one's approach to the mechanics of golf. It is definitely drawn in other sports. Do you think Roger Clemens throws a fast ball while thinking of arm angles and pivot positions? I highly doubt it. Do you think Michael Jordan used to take jump shots while thinking of degree of calf tension or the radius of his follow through? I think not! Sometimes, if not all the time, it's just a matter of looking at the target and letting it go.


So how do you know if you've become too mechanical? In my opinion, if you are thinking of more than one swing thought, you are too mechanical. I don't have a problem with a swing thought here or there. A lot of times I even encourage it because it can take the pressure off if you concentrate on one. Although anymore than one will usually lead to "paralysis from analysis."


What do you do if you are all hung up on swing mechanics?


The best thing I have found to do, and which I've seen others do, is simply hit the ball hard. Just stand up and rip the ball with a very aggressive swing. You will find it very difficult to think technical when you are trying to hit something hard. Ben Hogan used to play this way. He said he wished he had "three right hands" because he wanted to hit the ball that hard, and avoid the tentativeness brought on from mechanics.


Even one of the best players in the world, Lee Westwood, was not very good just a few years ago. His mind was saturated with mechanics and he was nothing more than an average player on the European Tour. Then he decided to forget about technique, and start swinging aggressively. As a result, he is now a top-notch player.


So if you find that you are all bogged down in technique, try hitting the ball hard. Get the aggressiveness back in your swing, and your good shots will follow.

As published on:
http://www.golflink.com/golf-tips

Labels: Swing Improvement

Clubface is open at impact, causing the ball to curve to the right.


This is one of the biggest problems for the average golfer. That's why there are a lot of tips.


Here are some solutions.

• Check you grip to make sure the Vs in both hands are pointing toward your right shoulder.


• If this doesn't work, try strengthening your grip by gradually rotating both hands to the right.


• Check you stance to make sure that your feet, knees, hips and shoulders are parallel to your target line.


• During the downswing, try to keep the clubhead along the target line a few feet before and after impact.


• Concentrate on leading the club into the impact area with a straight left arm and rotate the arm to the left before impact.


• Line up ball on the heel of club at address to promote an inside-outswing path.


• Use a strong grip, light grip pressure and relaxed forearms. This helps square the clubface at impact.


• Grip club in fingers.


• Take club straight back on backswing,and change the swing plane to inside-out on downswing.


• To get proper swing feel, pretend that an elastic cord connects your right
  elbow to your right hip and your left elbow to your left hip.On takeaway through downswing, keep your left wrist straight and your right wrist cupped.


• Don't let your body get ahead of your arms and hands on downswing. Try
  to hold your body back.


• Square shoulder alignment is critical. On downswing,pull down with both arms, as if you're ringing a bell.


• Flatten swing plane.


• Transfer weight from top of swing diagonally toward right of target, while letting right elbow come down.


• Keep back towards target longer and delay hipturn on downswing to avoid
  outside-in swingpath.


• Practice hitting the ball with back to target to get proper feel.


• On downswing, swing with arms and hands, not shoulders and body.

As published on:
http://www.tomsgolftips.com/slicing.html

Labels: Slicing

We all want to know how to drive the golf ball really far since a well struck drive that goes extremely far and straight can greatly simplify the game of golf and make it easier and it is a lot of fun hitting a drive very far. Unfortunately most golfers go about the process of learning the driver the wrong way.

Often you will see most amateurs reach for the driver as the first club they hit during a practice session. However if you watch the professionals practice you will notice they always start with the shorter clubs and work their way up. This is the best way to learn the golf swing because hitting the driver well will require very solid swing mechanics and one of the best ways to learn good swing mechanics is to first start by learning how to hit wedges and shorter irons.

Once you master these shorter clubs you will find that hitting the driver will become much more easier since you will have a much better grasp of the golf swing. Distance with the driver comes from a combination of factors including club head speed, trajectory or launch angle and the amount and kind of spin you are putting on the ball.

One key tip to hitting a driver well is to always swing within yourself. Do not try to muscle the club thinking that physically swinging harder will make the ball go far. Usually this strategy results in poor swing mechanics which results in inaccurate drives that do not go very far. Club head speed comes from creating great leverage or lag which is produced on the downswing and is the angle between the left hand and the club shaft.

One of the best ways to create greater lag is by starting the downswing with a shift of your weight towards the targets. This helps to load the club and produces a greater amount of leverage. Another way it to think of the golf club like a whip and simply imagine yourself making a whipping motion as you swing the club.

As published on:
http://www.golfswingtips4u.com/How-To-Drive-A-Golf-Ball-Farther-And-More-Accurately.php

Labels: Accuracy

Most people practice more when they're playing badly as opposed to when they're striking the ball well. When you're playing badly, it's time to take a lesson - not practice a bad swing. When you're playing good and striking the ball well is when you want to practice more so you can learn to repeat that good swing. To be good at your practice you must think on every shot and develop a good routine. You're better off making 10 good thoughtful swings then hitting 50 balls rapid fire with little thought. Also, when practicing don't hit too many balls without a break because fatigue will set in and swing will break down.

As published on:
http://www.golflink.com/golf-tips

Labels: Golf Psychology

Lowering your golfing handicap can be a great challenge especially if you do not have the time and budget to spend on practicing and playing a lot. However it is still possible to develop a good golf handicap even with minimal practice. If you can practice at least 3 times a week then you can potentially develop into a low handicap player.

One of the keys to building and maintaining a low golf handicap is to learn how to develop a solid pre-shot routine. There are two main parts to any pre-shot routine and that is the mental routine and the physical routine. The mental routine is by far the most important however you should not ignore the physical routine either as it can help to support the mental part of the routine.

The physical routine for most players can vary from shot to shot since some shots may require the player to take a few extra swings or make certain adjustments to the grip and stance. It is often a good idea to maintain flexibility in the physical routine and use it as a springboard to build great confidence when you step up to execute the shot.

The mental routine involves blocking out distractions and staying focused on the target. It is important to pick a specific target and focus only on that. It is best to avoid mechanical thoughts when actually executing a golf shot. Rather train your swing appropriately on the practice range and when you are on the course you must then trust it. The preshot routine can help to lower your scores but you should not ignore the other aspects of your game.

Labels: Game Improvement

Not many courses are completely flat. Uphill lies tend to make the ball go higher and cause varying degrees of a "pull". Try to put the ball slightly forward in your stance and aim for a little pull. Also remember that you may lose a club in distance so perhaps play an extra club if the slope is quite severe. Make sure to swing easy so you can maintain your balance.

Downhill lies tend to do the opposite, cause a low "push". The ball will also go farther and roll farther depending on the severity of the slope. Put the ball back in your stance so you don't hit it too thin, and aim for a push shot. Take a little less club and allow for more roll.


For sidehill lies remember the most important thing is keeping your balance. The ball will tend to go slightly towards the direction of the downslope, so play accordingly, but remember that balance is key and you can hit a pretty straight shot if you don't swing too hard and keep your balance.

As published on:
http://www.lowerscoregolf.com/uphill_downhill_lies.htm

Labels: Course Strategy

Throughout the entire swing you should let your body swing your arms, much like swinging a heavy ball at the end of a chain. If you keep your elbows together and in front of your center (the upper part of your body) in the hitting area centrifugal force will create club head speed.

The faster you can move the body in the forward swing without sacrificing a smooth rhythmic tempo the more club head speed you will develop. The left arm will rotate and the right arm will extend and cross over the left, just as a home run hitter's arms react.

It is imperative that you keep the body moving to the finish. Otherwise the arms and hands will deliver prematurely.

As published on:
http://www.golflink.com/golf-tips

Labels: Swing Improvement

Golf isn't a wrist game. To achieve a powerful swing, you need to employ the big muscles of the legs and trunk. The common instinct of many amateurs is to hit at the ball with only the arms and wrists. Every once in a while this may connect, but for real consistency and power, use the whole body, not just part of it. Muscle it!

As published on:
http://www.learnaboutgolf.com/beginner/swing_tips.html

Labels: Swing Improvement

The easiest way to picture the path of your clubhead is a circle. You want this circle to be as wide as comfortably possible. The extension of your arms is very important in creating a wide circle.

As you take the club away from the ball let your clubhead sweep the ground for a few inches as you turn your back to the target. About half way back, your right arm will begin to fold, staying even with the right side of your body. As you near the end of your backswing your left elbow will bend slightly.

As your swing starts back toward the ball, your arms must regain the extension that they started with. At the point of impact, both arms are fully extended. This extension should last well through the hit and up into your followthrough. When your club is about half way back up the circle, your left arm will begin to fold. At this point, your right arm should be pointing straight out to the target. From this point, you can just relax and let the club finish its path up and over your shoulder.

The easiest way to keep proper extension with your arms is actually to keep them as relaxed as possible during your swing. This begins with a light grip pressure. Too much tension will cause your arms to freeze up and stay bent. Trying to swing too hard or trying to steer the clubhead will cause tension in your swing. If your arms do not extend during your throughswing, you cannot get your club to the ball without colapsing at your waist, shoulders, or knees. To make sure that your swing is big and round, keep that arm extension through the ball.

As published on:
http://www.bbrd.org/golfcourse/lessonarchives.html

Labels: Swing Improvement

Have you ever stood on the tee knowing the wind is dead in your face and yet you still hit the highest shot you have all day? The most common fault when playing into the wind is to hit the ball too hard. This makes the ball spin faster and therefore go higher. When playing into the wind we want to keep the ball low, so we must make a few adjustments in the setup and also in the swing motion. The wind's strength will dictate which club you use. Always take at least two more clubs. For example, if faced with 7 iron distance, then take a 5 iron and choke down on the grip. Choking down on the grip will give you more control. Take a little wider stance than normal and play the ball further back in your stance.

Keep your hands slightly forward of the ball, so that the shaft slopes more obviously towards the target. To avoid changing the clubface angle at address, be sure your hands are only slightly forward of the ball. This setup and club choice will give you a good chance of hitting a low shot. However, a swing adjustment is also needed. The first swing change is to shorten your backswing. Make what feels like a three-quarter length backswing. As you accelerate through impact, try to keep your hands ahead of the clubface. Having your hands ahead of the ball at impact will aid in keeping the ball low. Be sure to have a well-balanced finish.

When practicing this shot at the range, hit some full 7 iron shots and then try to hit your 6 and 5 irons the same distance. When driving, tee the ball a touch lower and use the same setup. Remember, do not try to hit the ball too hard. Swinging into the wind can be very difficult and knock you off balance. Swing smoothly, and try to finish balanced.

As published on:
http://www.foxglengolfclub.com/Golf_Tips.html

Labels: Swing Improvement

The inside of your right leg. The inside of your right leg. How many times have you heard this notion before?


Although it may be correct, the thought of shifting your weight to the inside of your right leg could lead to some large problems. The fact is that you should never think of shifting your weight in the swing. It should happen automatically.


The main reason for this idea of a weight shift in golf is because there is one in other sports. A quarterback shifts his weight. A baseball player shifts his weight. And a hockey player taking a slap shot shifts his weight. But do you really think that these athletes make it a conscious thought to shift their weight? Or is it just a natural reaction to the distance they are trying to throw something, or the force which they are to shoot?


The reason a quarterback or tennis player's lower body shifts is because he took his arm back in the correct position, not the other way around. The same rules should apply to golf. You should never try to shift your weight to the right side and hope that gets your club in good position at the top. If you do, you will start to sway and your timing will be completely thrown off. - Don't start rocking the boat or you know what will happen.


Here is a checklist for the weight shift in a golf swing:
1.Take the club back on the correct plane. (Steep and outside for the over the top slicer)


2.If you do this, the weight will shift automatically. However, if you whip it way inside and around your body, look out for a reverse pivot.


3.Also, in order to make the most of your natural weight shift, you should keep that right knee flex. This will create a lot of built up energy, just waiting to be released through the ball.


The feet are the foundation for the swing. It's the only contact you have with the ground, and like any home, a sturdy foundation is needed to support the frame. How the feet are placed determines how well a player can swing the club toward the intended target.


Placing the feet too close together or too far apart restricts the foot action - too far apart restricts and blocks hip action. Too close together prohibits the full use of foot and leg action. The angle of the feet will cause a problem as well. Toes pointed too far out can also restrict the foot action.


An open stance firms the backswing and makes it easier to swing through to the target, but will also encourage an outside-to-inside type plane swing. A closed stance will allow a maximum rotation of the shoulders and hips lengthening the backswing, but if too closed, will restrict the forward swing. The closed stance will force the club head to swing on an inside-to-out swing.


The stance also greatly affects knee action, which, in turn, affects all body motions - especially foot and leg action. When addressing the ball, both knees should be slightly flexed and pinched gently inward toward each other to ensure weight transfer. The right knee should be kept as close to this starting position until the top of the backswing. This will anchor the swing center in order to maintain balance and store up power in the backswing.


Knee action is also tied to hip action. By maintaining good knee flex in during the backswing, the hips are allowed to rotate in the correct sequence while establishing proper balance. This proper foot action creates a chain reaction from the ground up that will pay off at impact.


A big mistake many golfers make is allowing their weight to move to the outside of the right foot during the backswing. This improper motion will throw everything off kilter and force them to make compensations in order to reroute the club.


By keeping the right knee braced and flexed going back, the left side will lead the downswing in the correct sequence, uncoiling at top speed at impact. The longer the knees remain flexed in the forward swing, the longer the club stays on the target line, adding more distance and control to shots.


A common fault is the straightening or locking of the right knee during the backswing or downswing. This is a natural reaction created by trying to hit the ball instead of swinging. Experiment with different stances to find which one is the best suited for you. Remember, "You can't steal second base with your foot on first." By doing some footwork, you'll be firmly grounded on the path for success.

As published on:
http://www.golflink.com/golf-tips

Labels: Swing Improvement

Do you have the yips? Well do not worry because you are not alone, many have suffered from this condition and the good news is that many have also recovered and become even better putters than they were before. So what is the real solution to the yips? If you had them for a while, I bet you have tried the latest putting aid, or the latest model putter to try to cure your problem. Did it work? Most likely not, at least not permanently.

Get Rid Of Fear:

The only permanent solution to putting yips is get down to the core of what is causing it in the first place. The yips is nothing more than just fear of missing a putt. Most people with the yips care way too much and think way too much before they are about to hit the putt.

How you think as you are about to stroke the putt is critical because you need to develop the ability to not think of mechanics as you are about to hit the putt. Only focus on your target which should be very precise when you are stroking a putt.

Build Confidence:

Putting is all about confidence and you must have confidence over every putt that you will make it. In addition you have to develop the ability to think selectively. Do not allow yourself to remember your missed putts, rather focus on the putts you have made both long and short and relive those great putts constantly.

The solution to putting yips lies within you and will not be cured by some miracle putter or putting aid. The only reason getting a new putter might help you temporarily is because you believe that you can now make putts with this 'advanced' putter.

You trust your stroke more and so naturally you make more putts but inevitably you will miss a few as even the greatest players do and you will go back to not trusting your stroke. The greatest putters simply shake off the misses and get right back to trusting that the next putt will go in the hole.

Do Not Dwell On Your Misses:

They know that there are a million factors that could have caused that putt to miss so they do not dwell on their misses. They only focus on their successes. This is not difficult and does not require special mental skills. It is simply a decision on your part to think this way. Every night before you go to bed relive your top 3 greatest putts ever made and remind yourself that you are a great putter.

You Are Already A Great Putter:

The truth is that we are all born great putters, it is just that sometimes we forget that fact and start putting ourselves down whether it be consciously or subconsciously. Get back to the truth of how good you really are as a putter. You were born with great touch and feel, you just need to trust it.

Spend only a bit of time before a round putting to the fringe to get a feel for the speed and then sink a few short putts to boost your confidence and then simply hit the first tee knowing you will have the greatest putting performance of your golfing career. Never lose your confidence and you will never lose your putting skills and you will also banish the yips forever. Becoming a good putter is the first step to great golf, you must also address the full swing, chipping, wedge shots and the mental game in order to improve.

As published on:
http://www.golfswingtips4u.com/putting-yips.php

Labels: Putting

Often the difference between a strong, powerful swing and a misguided hack is the tendency to hit, rather than stroke, the ball. The difference can be seen when examining a short putt, when it is easy to stroke the ball. Hitting is not an option for a short putt, which makes it the easiest shot in golf. No desire to hit the ball allows a stroking, swinging motion. Perfect this technique for short-distance shots and you will find increasing accuracy and distance with your long shots as well.


As published on:
http://www.golflink.com/golf-tips

Labels: Swing Improvement

The putting stroke that is best depends upon the individual. So try them all and decide which is best for you.

Shoulders controlling: With the wrists in a locked position and with the shoulders and arms working in unison, together they control the club throughout the stroke.

The shove type: The word 'shove' is misleading. An actual shove is illegal. It's only a feel. What gives this 'shove feel' is that the stroke is made with a very short backswing and a long follow-through. The advantage of this type of stroke is the shorter the backswing, the less chance of error.

The grip most certainly will influence the clubhead, but any type of grip that will keep the wrists from opening or closing the blade is a good grip regardless of how the hands grip the club. Whatever grip is chosen, the thumbs should be on top. The thumbs are the feelers, and being on top one can feel if the blade is square. Any stroke that holes the ball consistently is a good putting stroke. Regardless of the style of the stroke, the putterhead should never be taken to the outside of the target line on the backswing.

Finally, I have a drill that may work for you when practicing your putting stroke called the Tack stroke. To learn this stroke, pretend there is a tack stuck in the back of the ball - and when you make your stroke, have the putterhead drive the tack further into the ball. This will encourage you to hit the ball with more authority which, with this shorter stroke, will result in less chance of the putter blade getting out of what is called 'square position'. So start getting "Tacky" on the greens!

As published on:
http://www.golflink.com/golf-tips/tips/ward010.asp

Labels: Putting