1. Tiger Woods: My Swing

What is it?

An app aimed at helping you perfect your swing. Its association with Tiger Woods has made it one of the best selling in the genre, (possibly because it lets you compare your swing to the man himself.) Other features include self record option, swing analysis tips and video updates from Tiger.

Golfer Rating 4/5: At £5.99, this app is on the expensive side, but the fresh approach and helpful tips more than make up for it. Golfers of all abilities can learn from the advice and the videos are clear and of good quality.

Golfer Verdict: A good choice for Tiger fans!

2. Golf Magazine Front9

What is it?

Each week Golf Magazine Front9 updates with the top 9 stories in the golfing world. The app displays links that take you to relevant websites with the latest news bulletins. The content includes articles on golf equipment, gadgets, competitions and courses.

Golfer Rating 3/5: The app is easy to use, stylish and offers some interesting golf updates. However, many of the news stories are easily found on the internet, which may lead you to wonder if it’s worth having.

Golfer Verdict: Useful way of collecting golf news on-the-go.

3. GolfLogix: Golf GPS

What is it?

Like a professional golf GPS, this app gives you yardage, course information and stat-tracking options. An upgrade can be paid for to receive enhanced features and hole guidance.

Golfer Rating: 1/5 unless you pay the costly subscription fee, this app is pretty pointless. Very little of the features can be used with the free version, so users are persuaded to upgrade. However, even after subscribing the graphics are disappointing and the information is limited.

Golfer Verdict:
We recommend investing in a quality Golf GPS rather than becoming distracted by this app. For GPS rangefinders and Shot Savers visit www.snooperuk.com. Snooper is a leading supplier of satellite navigation technology that is designed to help you progress your golf game. This includes the Snooper range of rangefinders and Shot Savers, which are available to buy online.

BMW Golf Cart Bag

The BMW Golf Cart Bag comes in a stylish, soft leather-look white plastic.  It will certainly help you stand-out on the 1st tee. But will it help my golf?

As well as its sporty and elegant good looks, the BMW Golf Cart Bag is big on space and includes no less than eleven functional compartments that provide ample storage space for everything a golfer may need to play a round of golf in any season, home or abroad.

The spacious club compartment is sub-divided into seven individual sections, offering the golfer easy access and organisation of driver, woods, irons and putter.

Valuables can be safely stored in a fleece-lined pocket, and a rain hood can be quickly attached to protect your clubs from the rain.

There is an ingenious way of securing the bag to a buggy or cart by way of the two small perforated pockets either side of the rugged handle which can be lifted to reveal fabric loops to fasten the top cart strap tighter than with other golf bags I have used, where a strap simply goes over pockets and handle, and in some cases works itself loose during a round.

Two silver lined pockets to keep drinks or food cold are something I am surprised is not part of all good quality golf bags.  The two pockets, one either side are very deep and are most definitely a big plus for me.

The durable rubber and plastic handle with its ergonomic grip makes the bag easy to carry when not using the padded shoulder strap. The shoulder strap can be completely removed by unfastening a buckle.  This is another good feature of the BMW golf bag.  I have never walked around a golf course with a large cart bag using the shoulder strap.  It simply gets in the way and sometimes drags on the floor.  With this bag I would remove it and keep it in one of the eleven pockets, in case of emergencies.

With some other golf cart bags that attempt to include so many zipped pockets, access can be a problem once your bag is strapped to a cart.  But the MW Golf Cart Bag offers access all areas, at all times.  A great design and a cool looking bag which may not help my golf, but will help carry and organise everything I need on a golf course?

The entire BMW Golfsport Collection is available at select BMW dealers and on the BMW website.

The BMW Golf Bag is priced at £149 rrp.

The BMW Golf Travel Cover

The BMW Golf Travel Cover is a very stylish looking travel bag made from durable black and silver nylon with white zips and trim.  White BMW Golfsport emblem adorns each side.  Inside, the bag includes two straps to secure your golf bag with extra quilted padding at one end to help protect your club heads. There are two solidly built inline skate wheels attached to one end and the bottom of the travel bag has a hard protective PVC plate.

The protection and safety of golf clubs are paramount when transporting them (we’ve all heard scare stories involving baggage handlers!) but the other main concern when travelling is how easy it is to move a golf travel bag once it is loaded with everything you want to take with you.

The BMW Golfsports Travel Cover is a perfect companion.  At the opposite end to the skate wheels there is a padded nylon handle with which pulling even the heaviest golf bag is made extremely easy.  Alternatively, you can use the nylon padded shoulder strap that stretches the length of the bag or carry the bag using the nylon handles that come complete with padding and Velcro.

Of the three ways available I found holding the loaded travel cover by the handles was awkward and hard work.  Using the shoulder strap allowed me to pull my suitcase at the same time, though this can be a little stressful in a crowded airport where it appeared everyone and their child wanted to knock into the bag.  If you are travelling with a partner and sharing a suitcase then pulling a bag each is most definitely recommended, until you find a trolley!

The travel cover was tested with a return flight from London Heathrow to Cyprus.  The bag protected my golf clubs and bag perfectly, was simple to use and a stylish addition to my luggage.

The BMW Golf Travel Cover is £69.95 rrp

Though golf is an all year round sport some clubs get too congested in the summer months. But by September those fortunate enough to be able to play during the week will find courses a little less crowded; and with the introduction of Twilight discounts at Pay & Play courses as early as 3PM you can get a good deal while the sun is still bright.

Autumn is also best for walking.  Even in the height of summer I prefer to walk rather than use a buggy.  The walk is as enjoyable as the golf round itself; and so again, bright autumn days with a cool breeze is perfect for a quiet relaxing game of golf with my electric trolley to lessen the strain.

One of my favourite clubs West Malling.  It has the choice of two courses, which certainly helps on busy days.  But the hilly courses can be a little exhausting.  So it’s always good to know I have a reliable electric golf trolley to take care of my clubs.

The quality of electric golf trolleys has improved over the past few years.  I know so many people who would have an electric trolley one week and then be back to using a pull along trolley for a few weeks while theirs was being repaired.  Now reliability is much better, and the range of trolleys has helped push prices down.

There are many different models to choose from including Powerhouse, Powakaddy, Hill Billy, Pro-Trolley and probably the most popular make, MotoCaddy.

Motocaddy are not the cheapest on the market but are stylish, reliable and reasonably priced for the average golfer. Electric trolleys are more popular with amateur golfers than ever before because of the reliability and affordability; and the very latest models now come with extra gadgets such as integrated GPS distance.  How cool is that?

The latest range from Motocaddy includes the S1 Digital, S3 Digital & S5 Digital GPS models and start at around £299.

The S1 Digital is simple to use and has nine digital speed setting.  It comes with a lightweight battery and a meter that lets you know how much battery life is left. There’s nothing more frustrating than a flat battery halfway round a hilly golf course!

The S3 Digital is around an extra £100 for which you get the S1 with some cool extras. Like the S1 it also has nine speed digital settings and a battery meter. Extra features include three distance readings, time and Adjustable Distance Control (ADC).  This impressive function allows the golfer to send the trolley off to the next tee up to any distance of 60 yards in 5 yards increments.

Motocaddy’s S5 GPS is the first motorised golf trolley that has build in GPS system, and gives the golfer impressive yardages to the front, middle and back of the greens.  It can also read yardages to any hazard. The S5 GPS has all the features of the other two models a hands-free option with a remote control and is around £599.

Autumn afternoons were made for a countryside walk and a quiet and peaceful game of golf. With my battery fully charged, I’m heading out now before the weather changes.

Free Competition to win Lyle & Scott high quality, fashionable golf wear

Lyle & Scott was founded in Hawick in the Scottish Borders in 1874, and ever since have been designing good looking, high quality, fashionable golf wear.

From early collaborations with Christian Dior to clothing some of the world’s golfing greats, Lyle & Scott  has long been a brand with true authenticity, heritage and expertise recognised throughout the world.

As the brand evolves, Lyle & Scott is recognised as a leader in men’s retail fashion and combines this position with a solid authority and presence within the golfing sector.

The brand is well known for its Eagle logo, which was first used in 1960.

Lyle & Scott has three ranges for both men and women golfers who want to look as stylish as they do play well.  The Vintage, Heritage and Club ranges offer a selection of some of the finest knitwear and polo shirts, as well as trousers, dresses, footwear and accessories.

Buzzin Golf has teamed up with Lyle & Scott to give away a selection of 5 polo shirts and knitwear from the mens range to one lucky winner (all size medium).

FREE COMPETITION

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

This Buzzin Golf Free Competition ends on 31st August, 2010. The editor will randomly choose one winner. The editor’s choice is final.

More BMX's Less BMW's

Those crazy anarchist golfers at Golf Refugees have created a Survival Handbook and believe its about time we stood up against the stupidity and stuffiness of golf authorities.

Are there too many rules in golf?

Golf rules are generated by an ever expanding army of blazers who lunch out and devise a few more convoluted rules over a glass of port. Soon it will be called the ‘Encyclopedia Rules of Golf’.

Do any amateurs or pros know the rules of golf?

Let’s cut our defence budget and get back to a few simple rules of golf. Play the ball where it lies, which we can all remember and comprehend.

Why are dress codes for young golfers devised by old men who wear their trousers around their chests?

Let’s have a flexible dress code where golfers of all ages can wear what they like. Why do we insist on dressing teenage golfers to look like their dads? Fashion tastes of young people are only objectionable to old farts, who probably wore something similar when they were young.

Isn’t it about time we started to ask how our golf apparel is made?

Synthetic polyester derived from petroleum is a favoured fabric. It’s single environmental saving grace is that it can be recycled.  So why aren’t the big golf brands manufacturing shirts made from recycled polyester?

Here is the Golf Refugees survival manifesto:

More BMX’s less BMW’s in golf club car parks.
More t-shirts and trainers on the fairways.
More carbon neutral golf apparel.

For information on products and refreshing ideas go to www.golf-refugees.com

The PowerSwing Trainer can improve your golf swing

With regular use, the Golf Gym PowerSwing Trainer can improve your golf swing and help you exercise, too.

The PowerSwing Trainer comes in two editions- Masters Edition and the Personal Edition.

Each one includes a very strong rubber “PowerCord” with either a left or right-handed grip, an illustrated exercise program, an exercise DVD and a neat pouch to keep the PowerCord clean and tidy. The PowerSwing Trainer Masters Edition includes the same contents as the Personal Edition but includes three PowerCord resistance levels: green lighter resistance for juniors and ladies, yellow medium resistance, and red for heavy resistance.

The PowerSwing Trainer is a useful golf aid that can be used as both for fitness and as a warm-up before a round. The Exercise Program includes warm-up, stretching, skill strengthening, general conditioning and injury prevention exercises.

The PowerSwing Trainer is a portable golf specific training and conditioning aid that helps to develop muscle memory, strength and flexibility; and its beauty is that it fits into its own zip bag the size of a pencil case, so can be used anytime, anywhere.

Choosing the correct resistance, this golf swing aid can really help you train your body to memorise how it feels to turn your upper body in the correct way. Similarly to the Golf Gym Weighted Club and the Explainar, the PowerSwing Trainer has started to train my body to turn and swing better, helping to iron out a common problem among higher handicap amateurs – my tendency to add a fade on shots, especially with my driver. The problem is caused by not rotating my upper body on the backswing and not following through on a straight plane, but slicing across the ball on impact. But I can honestly say, the PowerSwing Trainer is helping me here.

Regular exercise with Golf Gym’s PowerSwing Trainer is helping me to feel more flexible and less rigid in my swing. The result is, I am hitting longer, straighter, more accurate shots, with more frequency.

Joey D is currently coaching several pros on the US PGA Tour and uses Golf Gym’s PowerSwing Trainer as part of their warm-up exercises.

The PowerSwing Trainer Masters Edition costs $69.95 and the Personal Edition costs $39.95.

For more information visit www.GolfGym.com

The Wind Meter application for iPhones was developed GoApps. They were the first to come up with this concept of using the iPhone microphone for detecting wind speed about 6 months ago and began working with the necessary sound conversions, algorithms and programmers. It has taken a considerable amount of testing time and program up-dating for this device to give good approximate wind readings.

The remarkable Wind Meter app can be used to check the wind velocity for a multitude of recreational uses such as golf, sailing, boating, kite surfing, wind surfing and many others.
The Wind Meter is a top 10 selling weather apps at  iTunes.  However, with most golf clubs banning the use of mobile phones while on the course, I see the use of this actual device being limited to reading the wind speed before you start a round, more than other hand-held devices that can be used before each shot.

The Wind Meter costs €78 or $0.99.

For more information on the Wind Meter app for iPhones, visit www.windapp.com.

GolfGym Weighted Training Club

Over the past year three PGA Professionals have analysed my golf swing and given me the same critique.  The backswing is, apparently, pretty good.  But like many amateur golfers I have a tendency not to follow right through the ball in a straight swing; and as a result if I’m not careful, my driver shots can be affected by a fade.

Attempting to train myself to swing true, I was told to place two clubs together and swing them several times.  It sounds simple but works.  The weight of the clubs helps to keep my forward swing inline and complete.

The problem with placing two clubs together is you cannot hold the clubs with a proper grip.  I thanked the Pro who recommended this to me last year and was surprised that, as far as he was aware, a manufacturer hadn’t produced a heavy club, as he said this was a tried and tested technique.

Well now GolfGym, a golf fitness company based in California, have produced a weighted club, and it works a treat!

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club comes in two weights: Club 38 weighs 38oz. (2.4 lbs) and Club 28 weighs 28oz. (1.75 lbs).

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club design distributes the weight to perfectly match a standard golf club, with half the total weight in the bottom third of the club.  The added weight increases flexibility and balance; and the weight of the club forces you to keep on the correct swing plane.

In much the same way as the excellent Explainar golf training aid forces you to follow the correct swing plane through a heavy weight system, the GolfGym Weighted Training Club works perfectly for me.  The only difference is the weighted club is portable and fits in my golf bag.  The Explainar is big, expensive and even though I could buy a portable version to fit in the boot of my car, it’s hardly practical to use as part of my warm up on the first tee!

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club comes with a  left or right hand grip that forces your grip, which I’m not overly keen on to be honest.  But that aside, I really can’t praise this golf training aid enough.

It includes a training DVD showing exercises well respected bio-mechanics golf coach Joey D employs with the five PGA Tour Pros he is currently working with.

The Weighted Training Club is part of a complete range of golf training aids from GolfGym and PGA Tour Coach, Joey D. GolfGym has just announced that the Joey D Signature Series is now being shipped globally.

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club costs $59.95

It is simple but effective. You simply place your golf bag on top of the Golf Cradle and clip the harness together. Its design will stop your golf bag and clubs from rolling around the boot of your car, preventing unnecessary and possibly expensive damage.

It can be used straight out of the box as it comes pre-assembled. To start using this great product, open the swivel base of the Golf Cradle, unbuckle the straps, place the Golf Cradle in the boot of your car and place the open end of your golf bag into the Golf Cradle.

Once you lower your golf bagin place, the Golf Cradle ‘arms’ will automatically grip your golf bag. There is no need to adjust the arms, simply buckle the strap attached to the arms and tighten the strap across your bag.

The Golf Cradle will prevent your bag from rolling around the boot of your car, even if you drive like Lewis Hamilton!

The operation instructions comes with a warning – do not drive your vehicle with the golf cradle mounted on the hood or roof of your car! An obvious statement you may think. Hopefully it says more about the suing culture we live in, rather than the intelligence of some golfers!

See the US promotional video

For more information on the Golf Cradle & the company, visit www.golfcradle.com