While Golf is certainly not the most intense or physical sport you can play, it is still a sport with many injuries every year. This is partly due to golfers not properly readjusting to golf after a hiatus, and partly due to the leisurely approach which many golfers take to the sport. And while it certainly is a great leisure time activity, golf can be painful if not played correctly.

Most commonly, golfers complain of low back pain. This ache in the lower back can range anywhere from a dull throb to a sharp, debilitating pain. This pain is generally caused from a lack of pre golf exercise or an error in the swing. If you are suffering from low back pain, it is important to get your swing fixed and take more time stretching your back before hitting the links. And remember, swinging harder will not always help you hit the ball further, but it can knock your back out of alignment; instead, try a different ball to see if that helps with distance.

Another common issue for many golfers is knee pain. Not surprisingly, the extreme weight and pressure placed on the knee during a swing can impact a knee negatively, and the excessive walking can continue to aggravate the injury. These injuries commonly occur in golfers with preexisting knee issues, or who have previously injured the knee. These injuries can be extremely painful and often keep golfers off the course for a period of time. Ice can help with swelling, and a visit to a specialist is recommended to make sure surgery is not required to repair the knee. To avoid chasing the ball into difficult roughs, and help avoid taking awkward shots which can hurt the knee, try getting a new club to correct any slicing issues you have.

Finally, golfer’s elbow is another common golf problem. This is severe pain in the elbow and is usually felt by new golfers or golfers who have not played the game in a long time. It is caused by gripping a club too firmly and not properly stretching the forearm. A simple fix to this issue is to have your grip corrected and routinely stretch your forearm as you play. For more tips on how to properly play as a new golfer, check out our get into golf series – there are plenty of tips in there to help you avoid injury by playing properly.

Though hardly a complete list of golf injuries, this sampling of the most common injuries should point out how important the correct equipment and technique are to golf. Using the right clubs, golf balls, and tees will dramatically decrease your chances of injury, just as having your swing and grip corrected will.

If you have anything to add about these or other common golf injuries, please leave a comment.

As the winter months begin to subside and shed their heavy coats, there are a few universal signs that spring is on its way. The grass becomes greener, the trees begin to sprout new life, and the animals come out of their homes in order to survey their new surroundings. Many of these animals emerge carrying clubs, with the sole intent of knocking a few balls around and enjoying the great outdoors. With this in mind, the experts at GolfBallsUnlimited.com would like to present their picks on the “must-see” courses in America for the spring season.

-          Pine Valley Golf Course (Pine Valley, NJ). Pine Valley is one of the premier courses in the country. Rated by many as the top course in America, Pine Valley’s creation, in 1913, set the standard for many courses to come after it. Designed by George Arthur Crump, the course was built on several key principles that made it so no player would be able to see any hole other than the one they were currently on, no hole will run parallel to another, and no two holes should play in the same direction. With a simple yet elegant clubhouse, the course’s history is evident in its atmosphere, scenery, and design.

-          Winged Foot Golf Club (Mamaroneck, NY). This invite-only course was founded in 1921 by a fellowship of members from the New York Athletic Club. Although listed as a par 72, the course par is lowered to 70 during USGA championships. Because of this, the ninth hole has become the longest par four in championship history. Situated in the historic area of New York purchased from Chief Wappaquewam and his brother Manhatahan in 1661, this 36-hole course is a must-see for any serious golf enthusiast.

-          Seminole Golf Club (Juno Beach, FL). Ben Hogan would famously spend 30 days a year at Seminole in order to prepare for that year’s Masters. Guests included then President Eisenhower, as well as the Duke of Windsor. Seminole Golf Club proudly holds to its traditional heritage and design in a time where other courses modify and change to appeal to the championships.

-          Cypress Point Club (Pebble Beach, CA). In keeping with the films produced from the same state, Cypress Point is known for its dramatics and action when it comes to course design. The 18 holes of this course play alongside (and over) the Pacific Ocean, through the Del Monte Forest, as well as the coastal dunes. Founded in 1928, this course is a benchmark for quality courses in California, as well as the greater United States.

-          Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (Long Island, NY). Built in 1892, Shinnecock lays claim to the oldest golf clubhouse in the U.S., as well as being the first to admit women from its genesis. In 2000, the golf club was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The U.S. Open has been hosted here four times in three different centuries, and will be held here again in 2018. For any golfer that also enjoys history, Shinnecock Hills should be on a short bucket-list of destinations.

“I’ve never been to heaven, and thinking back on my life, I probably won’t get a chance to go. I guess winning the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.” Fuzzy Zoeller

With azaleas budding here in Georgia, it is time to for the 2013 Masters. The 77th iteration of this world class tournament that begins on Thursday April 11 in Augusta, promises to be a great event. The main storylines to follow revolve around Bubba Watson, the defending champion, who said he wants to be the number one golfer in the world this year, Tiger Woods, who looks to be playing like the old Tiger again, and Charl Schwartzel, the streaking 2011 Masters champion.

Bubba Watson, who won the 2012 Masters in historic fashion, is back and ready to play. Currently ranked 14th in the world, Watson is planning to make his move again in this tournament, catapulting him back into the top 10. But to do this, he will have to overcome four Americans currently ranked in the top five, as well as number one ranked golfer, Tiger Woods.

Of the five Americans currently ranked in the top 10, none are more feared right now than Tiger Woods. Looking like the pre-meltdown Woods again, Tiger is making a serious run at the Masters this year. And while many were saying the same thing last year, another year of focused play should provide Tiger with just what he needed to get himself back to form for a more serious run at a green jacket – time. Tiger is hungry for a big win in a Major  to put him back on track in his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 majors. This win will also consolidate his recent move to the number one ranking in the world. Watch out for Tiger this weekend.

Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 champ and current number 15 ranked golfer in the world, has been on a tear the last four months. Since November, he has had top five finishes in seven consecutive tournaments spanning multiple continents. Among those finishes, he had back to back wins in Thailand and South Africa. During this four month span, he has accumulated more world ranking points than any other golfer. He has the game to remain in the top five for a long time to come, and is poised to break out on Masters Weekend.

Another interesting aspect to consider are the golf balls of choice of these golf pros. The most commonly used ball on tour is the Titleist Pro v1 and Pro v1x, which just so happens to be the ball of choice for Bubba Watson. Woods and Schwartzel, however, use the Nike One Tour D. There will also be on display a new Nike, the 20XI series, which is McIlroy’s new ball since signing on with Nike.

With so many story lines, this year’s Masters will surely be one to remember. Please, tell us which story lines you are planning to follow in the comments section.

Lets keep that swing working through the season

When winter sets in, most golfers put their clubs away and take a few months off. As the weather is starting to warm up, most of us are now looking for our clubs and getting ready to hit the course. Unfortunately, most of us are not considering the effect that time off has had on our body and our swing. In order for us to enjoy the entire golf season and avoid injuries that can take us out of the game for an extended period of time, it is vitally important to get our body in shape for the upcoming season.

Unless you are a professional, or live in an unusually warm climate, you probably can’t play much, if at all, during those winter months. And if you can’t golf, you’re almost certainly not out running or working out. So if you have not done any real exercising in a handful of months, it is probably a good idea to take some time to prepare for golf again. And while golf is certainly not the most physical sport, back and neck injuries are still quite common to golfers. It is important to go out of your way when you begin playing again to prepare your body.

The best way to prepare for the golf season is to stay active in the winter. Going to the gym or running a few times a week can help you stay in shape and help you to hit the next season ready to go. But, if you haven’t been keeping yourself in shape, you should at a minimum spend some additional time stretching the first few times you go out. Make sure to stretch mid round if you have a long break between shots or between holes. When stretching, focus on your lower back, neck, and shoulders. These are prime targets for injury early in the year, and can ruin an entire season for you. Also make sure to stay adequately hydrated during the round as your body will be prone to muscle cramping.

For the more diligent golfer, it is a great idea to spend a few weeks prior to restarting your season practicing your swing indoors. This can be done at a gym or in your home. Start with no club, just slowly going through the motion, and expand from there. This will help you when you get out on the course to find your swing quicker.

Another great idea is to schedule a session with a professional. This is the fastest way to get your game back on track and many golfers find that this saves them a month of relearning their game. The small investment up front can yield tremendous dividends on the course.

Finally, don’t set your expectations too high. Your game will not pick right back up where you left it. This is a great time to use recycled golf balls to see how different balls feel, and to save some money on the balls you will invariably shank into the hazards.

If you have any other techniques for getting yourself in golf shape, please share them here. Otherwise, enjoy the start to another great golf season.

Tiger Woods under the watchful eye of coach Sean Foley

It seems with golf there is tons of advice for novice golfers, but as you become more seasoned, there is an assumption that you don’t need advice anymore. As if once you’ve played for a few years you can no longer improve your game. Of course, if you were to ask the pros, like Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan, the two Americans who played in the championship match at the recently concluded Accenture Match Play Championship, I doubt they would agree. Obviously, you can continue to improve your game, and here are the things experienced golfers need to keep in mind.

Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan at the Match Play Championship

One of the easiest ways you can improve your game is through a golf professional. No matter how long you have been playing, there are things a professional can teach you. Even Tiger Woods has a coach, someone who can objectively look at his swing, work with him on his mechanics, and help him to read situations better. The benefits of a few hours with a professional can be immense to your game, no matter how long you’ve been golfing.

Similarly, you can learn a lot by teaching the game to others. In order to teach, you need to really examine the game, including the mechanics. You need to look at what you are doing, what clubs you choose, and some of the things you are doing in your swing and your game which may not be right, because you will be showing your game to someone else. If you have friends or relatives who want to learn the game, teach them. You’ll be amazed how much your game improves from it.

Next, you need to look at your equipment. Clubs are the obvious place to start, everyone who has been playing golf for a while understands the value of quality clubs, but it is surprising how much the rest of your equipment can affect your game. Shoes, for instance, can help you with a slicing issue, help you with your distance, and help you with consistency. Golf Balls, likewise, can have a similar effect. There is a reason every pro doesn’t use the same ball, and you don’t want to fall into the trap of losing distance and accuracy with a ball that is not right for you. With shoes, you unfortunately have to take the plunge and buy a new pair to see if a new pair will help. Luckily golf balls are easier to test. You can try a few used golf balls of each type and see what works for you.

Jim Furyk perfecting his putting stroke

The last tip we’ll leave you with is to remember to keep practicing. Just because you’ve been playing for 10 years doesn’t mean you can skip the range. You are going to plateau as you play the game, it’s natural, but if you push through you will keep learning and growing as a player. You will hit the ball straighter, strike the ball with more consistency, and learn your own game better with time. It may seem like the hours on the greens practicing your putting are showing no results, but each time you swing the club you are improving yourself.

There are plenty of other things which golfers can do to continue to improve as they play. If you have any other tips for experienced golfers, please leave a comment.

Some “Must Have” Golf Items

Every golfer was new at one point, and for those just starting now, it is important to keep that in mind. A lot of people have considered the game, only to be discouraged the first time they go to the range and slice or hook every ball they hit. If this is you, it is important to keep in mind that you are not alone. But to give you a head start, we have created a list of must have golf items for beginners. Between this, and our get into golf series, you should be in a great place to begin golfing.

The first thing you will need for golf is a set of golf clubs. You can use just about any regulation set you want, but we usually recommend you find a quality set to start. This serves two purposes – number one, if you buy an inexpensive set of low quality clubs, you will stand out on the course as a new golfer, and number two, if you use a low quality set of clubs, you will play like a novice, as clubs can have a substantial impact on your game. That being said, you do not need to break the bank on your first set of clubs; instead, you can find a really nice used set of clubs and pay the same or even less than you would for a new set of bad clubs. We highly recommend visiting one of your local golf shops and having them measure your swing speed and other swing dynamics so as to get the right flex, loft and lie for your clubs.

Next, you will want to get your clothes. While there are some courses which allow you to play in jeans or a hoodie, most require, at the very least, khakis and a polo shirt. But beyond the basics, you need to consider what you will have in the event it rains, if the sun is really bright, or the wind picks up. For those situations, you will want things like a windbreaker, hat or visor, and maybe a basic rain suit if you decide to stick with golf. Now don’t go crazy, as the costs can add up very quickly on clothes, but you’ll want to have a few outfits to wear when you go out to the courses. And remember, just because some pros dress crazy, it doesn’t mean you have to.

Its takes a lot of confidence to dress like John Daly

Another extremely important, but often overlooked must have golf item for beginners is gloves. A good pair of gloves will save your hands from sores, calluses, and bruises as you get accustomed to swinging a golf club. This single accessory could be the difference between sticking with it and quitting after your first round of golf.

Golf balls are, of course, another necessity for beginning golfers. For those who are new to the sport, it might seem silly that there is so much ado about a ball, but balls can have a significant impact on your game. As such, we recommend you try a variety of balls, and while you may not need the balls used by the top pros, it can’t hurt to try them, either. As with clubs, we don’t recommend you buy new balls when you are starting out. Instead, try going used and saving a ton of money. Once you find a ball you are comfortable with, stick with it.

There are also a number of minor accessories that will be nice to have as you start off. Golf tees, for instance, are a necessity. And while many do use the plain white wooden tees, there are a number of types out there, and some swear by the effects it has on their game. Towels, too, are important to carry with you. You will want to wipe off your clubs after most shots, and your ball when it gets dirty or when you get to the green. Finally, your shoes can impact your game. There are a number of brands, makes, and types out there, but as a beginner any pair will be better than your sneakers. As you advance in the game, you will learn your style and can pick a pair more suited to your play.

There are, of course, many other items you can get to start yourself on the right foot with golf, but these are the absolute must have items for beginners to walk out on a course. If you can think of any other items we did not cover, or would like to add your opinion on any of these items, please leave a comment.

The 2013 PGA Merchandise Show ended last week, and we are very excited about some of what we saw. Opened by Davis Love III, the 60th annual PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando promised to be a great event. Spanning 3 days and hosting over 40,000 people, the show covered everything from coaching lessons and demonstrations to celebrity appearances and previews of new products being released this year.

We, of course, gravitated to the exhibitions on new golf balls which have either been recently released or are soon to be. The most interesting ball of the show was the Titleist Pro V1. The most common ball on tour, it is no wonder it gathered large crowds interested in this year’s changes. Some pros are already using the Test Prototype of the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.

But Titleist was certainly not the only company with new or updated equipment, and many of the other brands had incredible new merchandise. TaylorMade golf announced the launch of the brand new Lethal golf ball while Callaway introduced the X Hot Irons and the Razr Fit Xtreme driver. Nike and Bridgestone were also present along with many upstarts hoping to use the show as a way to get on the map with unique and innovative new products.

Taylormade Lethal Ball

Aside from traditional golf equipment and apparel such as clubs, bags, and towels, many companies unveiled other products relating to golf. One of the more poplar products was the Precedent 4Fun by Club Car. It is a 4 passenger vehicle designed to allow a foursome to travel together, allowing for a more social experience.

But the greatest draws were always around the celebrities. Sandy Lyle, Babby Clampett, Carl Pettersson, Natalie Gulbis, and Paula Creamer were just a few of the celebrities we saw. Unlike most of the other events throughout the year, many of the pros and celebrities are out on the floor, signing autographs and telling stories. It really helps to personalize the celebrities and the products they are representing.

Paula Creamer signing autographs and mingling with the crowd

All in all, the show was a huge success this year. We were amazed with some of the great demonstrations and products this year, and the exhibitors met with a large audience to display their new products. The Golf Balls Unlimited merchandising team was busy meeting several new vendors and we are in ongoing talks to add new product line to our store.

For more information and pictures, you can check out our Facebook page. And if you were there, please leave a comment with your thoughts and experiences.

Tiger Woods and Steve Williams at the peak of their very successful relationship.

Most of us weekend warriors may rarely have someone caddy for us, but a golf caddy is one of the most important and oft-neglected parts of the game. We all remember the wonderful working relationship between Tiger Woods and his long time caddy Steve Williams followed unceremoniously by their bitter fall out. Just goes to prove that a caddy can truly make or break ones game. Let’s take a look at what makes a good caddy.

Some of you have had that caddy who did a great job of carrying your bag, handing your clubs, cleaning golf balls and putting those clubs away but after that round was over, you undoubtedly were left feeling like something was missing; like you were in some way shortchanged by the caddy. But, what did that caddy lack? What exactly are the expected attributes of a good caddy?

Perhaps most importantly, a good caddy should be able to help you choose the correct club based upon your lie. After a few holes, a caddy should have a general idea of your game and be able to help you determine what club makes sense for you. A good caddy should be able to do this because of his unique knowledge of the course. Golf caddies work the same course day in and day out; they have seen the course so many times that they understand the small eccentricities of the course.

They should also have an ability, because of their extensive knowledge of the course, to accurately gauge the distance to the hole. If you are unfamiliar with a particular course, it can be tricky to accurately determine the distance to the green or the hole, but a caddy should be able to properly advise you. Similarly, their experience can make reading greens a much easier task. A caddy who has worked a course before, and understands the oddities of his greens, can guide you through a tough putt.

Finally, a good caddy is someone who can talk you through tough shots, encouraging and advising you as needed, while knowing when to leave you to make your own decisions. If you have a caddy who is too pushy, it can make for an even worse round than an absentee caddy.

Obviously, a qualified caddy can be the difference in a pleasurable afternoon and an afternoon that won’t seem to end. If you have any other thoughts on what makes a good caddy or have had a memorable golf experience with a good caddy, please share them.

Colorado Springs, CO – Colorado Springs is world famous for its golf. Three hundred plus days of sun a year, endless options for golf, and magnificent golf courses make this city a golfer’s paradise. The fact that you can hit the ball much further in this high altitude location is certainly an added bonus.

Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix boasts over 200 golf courses, meaning you can get a tee time just about whenever you want. Add in the majestic scenery and ability to golf year round, and you have the makings of a world class golf city.

Maui, HI – Priding itself as the island of choice for golfers, Maui has more golf courses per square foot than any other island in the chain. This clear dedication to the sport of golf, coupled with some of the best weather and nicest views in the world, makes Maui an easy choice for any golfer’s vacation list. If you are lucky enough to play in Maui, be sure to play the Plantation Course in Kapalua.

Hilton Head, SC – The South Carolina coast is simply stunning, and can be played practically year round. The small island of Hilton Head has over 20 golf courses to choose from, which is pretty substantial on an island with an area of only 55 square miles.

Palm Springs, CA – With over 100 golf courses, a backdrop of palm trees and mountains, and a community committed to golf, Palm Springs might just be golf nirvana. This city has been a haven for golfers for decades, and continues to have some of the nicest courses in the world.

This list is in no particular order, but if you would like to assign one, or if you think we missed a particular city, please leave a comment.

We continue our “Get Into Golf” series with a look at a part of the game that is often over looked; the Golf Tee.  Many golfers swear by different kinds of tees, claiming that a change in their tee added to the distance of their shot or corrected issues with slicing and hooking. Many other golfers discount the effect of tees, claiming instead that tees are simply a colorful distraction from what really matters in golf. So, what is the truth about tees? Do golf tees really help your game?

Ultimately, that is something you need to decide for yourself. But if you are having issues with distance or slicing, it certainly can not hurt to try another tee option. The first tee many try is the zero friction tee. Zero friction tees hold the golf ball with 3 small prongs, reducing the surface area contacting the ball with the tee, and thus the friction (hence “zero friction” tees). The physics are sound – there is no arguing the math behind the principle. What might be less clear is if that change in friction actually benefits the golfer enough to notice. If nothing else, zero friction tees are just as popular for their durability – these tees can last through many rounds of golf if properly maintained.

Another common tee type is the stinger tee. Stinger tees have a smaller head to reduce friction between the ball and the tee. Though this is the same principle as zero friction tees, the implementation is different and has different effects. Many customers claim a tangible difference in distance when they switched to these tees. However, just as many complain that the ball will not sit properly on the tee when it is windy.

Many golfers attribute tee success to attaining consistent height and launch angle. An interesting take on the tee, with a unique ability to tackle those issues, is the brush tee. This tee digs into the ground to a stopper, and then has bristles above the stopper that hold the ball. This helps the tee to be nearly indestructible, and also ensures a consistent height for your ball. Another tee that aims to handle this issue is the Pride PTS Professional Tee System tee. These tees have markers on the tees that denote how deeply you should set your tee in various situations and with various clubs.

In the end, your tee choice is yours to make, and should be based upon comfort and cost effectiveness, not a desire to have (or not have) a modern tee. If you are unhappy with your current tee selection, there is no good reason to not switch tees; it just might be the change you need to bring your game to the next level.