Are TaylorMade and Callaway making conventional golf clubs a thing of the past? Also, techniques to improve ball striking and course management

Click here to listen.

The new ruling handed down by the USGA allowing golfers to interchange shafts and clubheads prior to a game depending on course (and human) conditions have clubmakers Callaway and TaylorMade quickly putting out new technology.

Callaway's I-MIX adjustable FT-5 driver and TaylorMade's Tour Van in a Box interchange shafts and clubheads with the golfer optimizing the driver to his or her own comfort level. For example, as Jeff Colton, Sr. VP of Research and Design for Callaway states, "if they're feeling a little weak that morning, play a lighter shaft, or if it's been raining that week, drop some loft on a clubhead using your normal shaft."

I say, "Huh?"

Am I the type of person who will constantly interchange shafts and heads depending on if I'm hitting a fade or draw that day? I can't even hit a fade or draw on purpose most days and am extremely happy when my drive propels 200 yards straight down the fairway.


Callaway I-MIX Interchangeable golf clubs


Adding or subtracting weights or switching out heads with Callaway's "revolutionary system" doesn't suit the average amateur golfer but would be an innovation for club fitters and for those low handicappers who wish to "tweak" their club.

Unfortunately, the average golfer needs more tweaking with their swing and should send a message to these clubmakers that, for $350 for a driver head and yet another $350 to be shelled out for the interchangeable driver shaft, this marketing strategy will be a dud.


TaylorMade Tour Van in a Box



Manufacturers at the PGA Show forum lauded the new club innovation stating that the next step are the ability to change grip, loft, lie and bounce. Golf Channel's Chief Technical Advisor, Frank Thomas advises that, "the USGA is opening a can of worms that will soon get out of hand and be difficult to monitor."

This week, Golf for Beginners discusses the pros and cons of this new convertible technology and it's impact on the masses.

We also offer up a few easy drills and golf tips designed to improve ball striking. Jim Flick's discussion about "risk-reward" taken from Golf Digest Magazine is also analyzed. Sam Snead shaved strokes off of his game by using this technique and we show you how in our weekly golf podcast!


Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed:http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes.

Subscribe to our newsletter! Coming soon!
Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Myrtle Beach Golf and Florida Golf Travel.

Soccer star Upson looks to Tiger for mental toughness, learn Leadbetter's strategic tee placement, Tiger Woods putting drill and more!

Click here to listen.


Records are set "in the books" with the express consequence of beating them. This weekend, Tiger Woods implanted his name firmly among the greatest golfers of all time, tying Arnold Palmer in number of career victories achieved.

Next golf legend to overcome? Ben Hogan, whose record is at 64 wins. That too will be achieved as Tiger Woods is most certainly focused decisively on his hero, Jack Nicklaus, who stands at 73 victories.

Nicklaus was five years older than Woods when he won his 62nd tournament, finishing his winning streak at 46 years of age. Woods should be on his way to his 100th victory by that time. But is Tiger thinking about his place in "the record books" and the eventual toppling of Sam Snead's 82 professional wins?

"My career is not done yet," Woods said. "Hopefully, my good years are still ahead of me."

With Hank Haney's swing change assistance taking effect, Tiger's short-term goal is to achieve the elusive single-season Grand Slam. And, if Woods wins another seven events this year, his name will probably be just under Snead's name next year!

In honor of his exciting victory at the Buick Invitational, this week's Golf for Beginners offers an easy putting drill used by Tiger Woods. We also discuss how an English soccer star uses Tiger's "brain-training" techniques to improve his own focus on the field.

A "tee-tip" from David Leadbetter is also featured on our popular golf podcast as well as a drill designed to help you to get to know your clubface.

Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed:http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes.

Subscribe to our newsletter!
Click Here to receive our archived podcasts and 100's of easy golf tips free!

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Arizona Golf Packages and Florida Golf Travel.

This podcast is supported by New Roc Harley Davidson, your worldwide parts and accessories distributor. Great rides start here!.

Tiger Woods' golf tips for side-hill lies, stay one-up by beating the heat and a few thoughts from Sam Snead

Click here to listen.


This past week, Barry and I were guests at the Canyon Club, a private golf club located in Armonk, New York. The course was both well manicured and picturesque. My main problems stemmed from the side-hill lies. Barry took issue with the undulations on the green. Tiger Woods, being one of the most creative golfers on the PGA Tour, helps us alleviate problems with the ball being both above, and below your feet on this week's Golf for Beginners broadcast.

Although we utilized a cart during our round (you had to be a billy goat if you wanted to walk the golf course) it was still a hot and sunny day. No relief was in sight even though the breeze was comforting while driving. We give you a few tips to make the summer heat more bearable.

Finally, we offer up a few thought-provoking quotes from the great Sam Snead.

Continue sending your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes. Nextel/Sprint cell customers type http://www.mymbn.com/podcast/ in your browser and click on "sports casts". Our station number is 1955.

"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Pioneer Golf and Florida Golf Travel.

My Podcast Alley feed!