The popularity of the game of golf has increased tremendously over the past forty-five years, giving us great champions like Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods and world-renowned courses like Pinehurst, St. Andrews, Augusta National and the Blue Monster at Doral.

Why should playing golf have taken off like that? I think it has to be because by playing golf you are being active outdoors with friends or colleagues competing in a leisurely game that you can never perfect.

Your scorecard, over time, will demonstrate your improvement, which keeps you playing time and time again.

After hitting the ball as close to the hole as possible, it is just a matter of putting so you can move on to the next one. While this may sound easy given the short distance, there are still some who have a hard time. To help you out, here are 4 golf swing drills you can try.

The first is the one handed drill. You do this by practice putting ten balls using only your training hand. This drill lets you focus on the palm of your hand as it moves towards the cup.Next, practice putting using your target hand. The emphasis here is for you to concentrate on your back hand moving towards the cup.

If you are planning to be one of those avid golfers who often travel in search of the perfect golf course, it is high recommended that you invest in a good set of golf travel case. Golf travel cases basically come in two basic styles, the soft shell travel case that is well suited for short distance travel and the hard shell design that is designed for long distance and air travel.

All those who play golf are very sensitive to their golf course. Normally a golf course must have 18 holes with teeing ground, rough and other hazards, fairway along with a green that has a pin and cup all necessary for the game of golf.

On courses with 27 or 36 holes, players choose two sets of 9 holes to play their round of golf on, depending upon maintenance concerns or course style issues, and courses with only 9 holes see players go around the course twice in one day.

As the golf game evolves, so do golf club manufacturers. These days, there are so many different companies making clubs and they all make many different models. How are people supposed to find the right ones?

Companies have their own research department and come out with different technologies every year. Scroll more to read about some of the more popular manufacturers.

Cobra Golf may not be the most popular manufacturer out there but it makes a great driver called the Cobra S9-1. Having a street price of $300, it’s not the most expensive driver but it delivers real results. In fact, this driver won the Hot List 2009 gold award for drivers under $300.

There are many people who have misconceptions about golf; surely these people have never played golf. Golf is a game that carries a stereotype that it’s for older adults, it’s slow moving, provides little exercise, and requires a lot of money to enjoy. This is simply not true; in fact, in many cases it’s just the opposite.

Since pro golfers tend to be graceful and slow moving some think that there’s not enough competitive spirit. Golf is a game mixed with competition and patience which may seem like a contradiction. Some enjoy the sport for the completion factor, some for the relaxation factor, and most for a mix of both. Either way, it’s a sport that’s anything but boring.

Those of us who play and love the game of golf know there’s nothing like it. You go to the course with friends on a nice and clear day, and no matter what’s going on at home or school, business or personal life, there’s nothing better than a round of golf to get away. Golf as we know is a known as gentleman’s game. A little common courtesy to keep the golf course in good shape can go a long way toward allowing everyone to enjoy the trip to the links. When you go to a golf course, think of the Golden Rule as one of many golf tips and apply it to the course: Do unto others!

Most golf enthusiast will agree that the seven iron is the “perfect” golf club. Many will say that they can do without their five and eight iron. Then there is the ever important putter that is hard to replace. The least useful of all clubs, and of any pieces of equipment in your golf bag is the one iron. Lee Trevino, a pro golfer even said that God couldn’t hit a good shot with a one iron.

Are you a golfer who is looking for a family vacation or excursion? Let’s face it; most families are big on golf. Your children (and sometimes your spouse) are the hardest to convince that golf can be fun. While not the same, why not trying out a miniature golf course? There is usually one within driving distance from your home. For miniature golf enthusiasts, there are even vacations built around visiting putt-putt golf courses. In any case, you’ll have some time to bond with the family and get in a little putting practice.

Many golfers are now resorting to using golf travel cases to store their golf clubs regardless of whether they travel often with them or not. This is becoming an increasingly popular trend for the simple fact that golf travel cases offer better protection for your golf clubs.

You may be living just 10 minutes away from your favorite golf course but a weekly 10-minute vibration of your golf clubs in your car trunk would surely take its toll after a few years. They may be costlier than regular golf bags but it will be well worth the investment as they would make your golf equipment last longer. That is why more and more people are using golf travel cases to store their golf clubs.