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Reviews

From golf books to golf gadgets and products, we read, test and try 'em for you first!

Book Review: You! A Golf Guru!

July 7, 2015 | By Greg D'Andrea | 2 Comments

You! A Golf Guru! by Philip Rennett / 2015
You! A Golf Guru! by Philip Rennett / 2015

As usual, the books we read here at GolfStinks are not intended to fix your grip, swing or putting stroke. Rather than tell you about the latest gimmick or trick to lower your handicap, we are hell-bent on helping you have more fun playing golf…regardless of how you score.

One such publication is; “You! A Golf Guru!” – a book that was recently written by Phil Rennett in the UK. Mr. Rennett took-up golf in his 30’s and over the course of the last 20 years, he has figured out what most golfers never do: That to truly enjoy this game, you have to be at peace with your score and find the real reasons you play golf.

Mr. Rennett is quick to point out the book isn’t an instructional manual. As such, he devotes a good portion of its pages to the many pleasures of golf beyond just playing well – highlighting the chance to get out in nature and converse with friends.

This relatively short (103 pages) book is packed with advice that will teach you to see the good through the bad. For example, don’t let a poor shot get into your head – instead, “relish the opportunity to create a memorable moment for yourself with the recovery shot.” As Mr. Rennett pens at the very beginning of the book: Always walk off [the 18th] with a positive.

Perhaps most appealing is his “Lessons for Life” chapter towards the end of the book. There, Mr. Rennett reminds us to not worry; be patient; and accept the skill set we have. Only then can we see golf (and maybe even life) in a new light…and begin to find true enjoyment in the game.

Mr. Rennett’s book resonates a message we’ve been shouting here at GolfStinks for years: That golf is a game and you should have fun playing it! Go HERE to get your copy of “You! A Golf Guru!”

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: book review, golf book, you! a golf guru!

Our Favorite Backyard Practice Range

June 3, 2015 | By Pete Girotto | Leave a Comment

rukket 1How cool is it to be able to work on your short game at home? Whether you are an avid golfer, weekend hack or an I-play-once-a-year-at-a-tournament-to-get-drunk participant, we got something for you. Part of enjoying the game is playing it and having a decent round, right? And how do you go about shooting a decent round…practice!

So, the kind people at Rukket Sports were gracious enough to send us their Chipping Net and Range Marker. This is the sort of thing every golfer at every level should have. As long as you have a little space in your yard to chip, you’re good to go. Not to mention it is well constructed, priced right and folds up for easy storage.

As seen in the photo above, the net serves as a…you guessed it, chipping target. Let’s say you want to work on shorter irons. No problem, flip this bad boy over and voila, it’s a range marker that can mark 50, 100 or 150 yards. A perfect gift for the old man with Father’s Day just around the corner.

rukket 2

As always, we like to give away what we try out. I mean, it’s only fair. Check back on our Facebook page at the end of this week for a chance to win one of these practice nets. If you can’t wait for the contest, I highly advise you go get one pronto and bring the Rukket to your hood!

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: chipping target, golf practice, range finder, rukket sports

OrthoLite Fusion Insoles; Golf Never Felt So Good!

May 27, 2015 | By Pete Girotto | Leave a Comment

orthoAs you know, GolfStinks.com is not about giving golf tips or lessons. That would be like taking financial advice from Willie Nelson or MC Hammer. Nor do we sell or promote those golf improvement aids “guaranteed” to lower your score or add distance to your drives. However, we are about providing us hacks with a reliable source for anything golf related that is relevant and free of the b.s.

That said, a few weeks ago we received the Fusion Insoles courtesy of the good folks at OrthoLite. Now, not really knowing much about this company but as a current user of insoles I figured, bring it on…and boy I’m glad I did! At first,  these went into my golf shoes and replaced the ones that came with the shoe. I noticed an improvement immediately. Don’t get me wrong, I still stink but I was a lot more comfortable!

Actually, there were few a shots where I did feel more confident because of how secure my feet felt providing better traction. Sometimes it’s the small things like changing your insoles that help with the confidence. I mean, you are not going from a 20 handicap to a scratch golfer, but feeling good out there is what really counts. Speaking of feeling good, OrthoLite will donate $1 to the Level Field Fund for every pair of Fusion insoles purchased.

I have to say, I am impressed with the insoles. So much so that I also use them in the shoes I wear everyday. It only makes sense now that after researching the company and seeing that their insoles are in almost every major brand shoe out there that they must be doing something right. Also, I didn’t have to trim anything, they came in my size and fit perfectly. I do have to note that they only come in whole sizes so you might have to make some slight modifications but your comfort is worth it. Do your feet a favor and try a pair out.

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: game improvement, insoles, level field fund, ortholite

How to Quit Golf; A 12-Step Program

December 17, 2014 | By Greg D'Andrea | Leave a Comment

How to Quit Golf
How to Quit Golf is now an e-book!

“How to Quit Golf; A 12-Step Program” is a book written by Craig Brass – a self-described problem golfer who is trying to rationalize why anyone in their right mind would ever want to play this game. His most logical conclusion? No one who plays golf is in their right mind. In fact, he likens golf to an addictive drug that is impossible to quit and will ultimately consume your entire life!

As such, each chapter of the book is one of twelve steps that Mr. Brass has carefully thought-out to help get golfers on the road to recovery…with the end-goal of never stepping foot on a golf course again!

But don’t let this premise deter you – How to Quit Golf is a wonderfully hilarious and disturbingly accurate critical analysis of both golf and golfers – especially those who take the game too seriously. And while some of the imagery contained in the book is slightly exaggerated (purposely and for effect), it is nonetheless one of the most well-constructed and unabashedly genuine compositions about the realities of being a golfer.

It is without a doubt a book every average golfer should read – from the 28-handicap hack to the single-digit handicapper who probably takes himself too seriously. This book will get you thinking – not necessarily about quitting golf (I mean, how realistic is that anyway) but rather about your place in the game and the game’s role in your life. I would be hard-pressed to find another book out there that is more closely aligned with GolfStinks’ message: Golf is a game; you should have fun playing it.

Originally written in hard copy format by Mr. Brass more than a decade ago, we are now treated to this updated e-book version (with forward by actor Jeff Daniels). It is a great last minute holiday gift for any problem golfer in your life! Highly recommended; average golfer approved!

The e-book is available at the following retailers:

  • Amazon
  • iBooks
  • Kobo
  • Google
  • Barnes & Noble

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: average golfer, book review, golf books, quit golf

Hung Up On Teeter Hang Ups

December 13, 2014 | By Pete Girotto | Leave a Comment

IMG_20141211_215119_933
Stinky Golfer Pete on his Teeter

As the quest for improving our golf game continues, it has led many of us down some strange paths. Almost as if we are forgetting to take the blinders off and look at the big picture. Many hacks have become obsessed with what I refer to as micro segments of the golf game. It’s like we focus on such minute things we think are a problem with our game that we end up getting something like that plastic stick that goes from our wrist to our club and problem solved.  I’d hate to be the bearer of bad news but…well, you know the rest.

So, about that big picture. It’s quite simple, golf requires the use of our whole body. Back, arms, legs, core and even our head (I know, hard to believe). Why not do something that benefits our entire body and in turn helps our entire golf game? That said,  a few weeks ago the good folks over at Teeter Hang Ups set us up with one of their inversion tables. Upon receiving it I couldn’t help but notice its solid build and high quality. Good thing considering I was soon to be suspended upside down.

Luckily, I have not been plagued with chronic back pain. The occasional soreness, tightness or mild temporary pain is pretty much the extent of it for me. However, the Teeter inversion table is not just for those with back pain. In fact, there were studies done (which you can find on their website here) that show the advantages of using a Teeter Hang Ups for overall health. Considering we are golf oriented, improving our overall health can directly help better our game.

When it comes to golf, range of motion is a big factor. Technically, the further back we can load up the more power we generate and so on. That means flexibility. After using the Teeter inversion table for a few weeks there was undoubtedly an improvement in my flexibility and range of motion. Knowing I was getting the Teeter inversion table I hit up a local driving range for a little before and after comparison. Don’t get me wrong I would have preferred to hit the links but in the Northeast the cold weather arrives way before winter’s official first day. Thank goodness for heated driving ranges.

The major differences for me was the increase in flexibility and lack of soreness the next day. Before getting the table, I felt it took me almost a quarter of the bucket to feel “warmed up” whereas after I was good to go after the first few. Another thing I noticed were more consistent fluid swings obviously due to the stretching. Speaking of stretching, it has also helped in everyday life as well. Pretty cool that only after a few short weeks the improvements were noticeable.

If you’re in the market to improve your game and general wellbeing I would highly recommend considering purchasing a Teeter Hang Ups. Not trying to sound like a commercial but a few minutes a day is all it takes. Now, get out there and feel better!

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: exercise, fitness, game improvement, teeter hang ups

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