Beware of counterfeit clubs

    

  The import of counterfeit golf equipment, generally from China, has become a huge business. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it has seized over half a million dollars’ worth of illegal clubs so far this year – that does not include the items they did not catch.

      In a press release the U.S. Customs Department said, “Seizures of counterfeit golf clubs has increased by 37 percent from 2012 to 2014.” Many counterfeit clubs look very similar to the real thing but that is only on the surface. They don’t perform at all and generally break or crack because of the inferior materials and craftsmanship.

       People buying clubs online are at a disadvantage. As an authorized retailer I can compare a club with others to help determine whether it’s the real thing. At Golf Rx during the past five years I have had dozens of counterfeit drivers and iron sets brought in. The customers said the clubs were not performing as they thought they should. After carefully inspecting the clubs, or sometimes checking the serial numbers I had to give them the unfortunate news that they had been scammed.      

Here are some steps I recommend to avoid being scammed and losing hundreds of dollars.

1.     Purchase from authorized retailers and dealers. You can visit a brands website for a list of authorized dealers.

2.      Be wary of any internet retailer that offers what is claimed to be a “new” product that is exceptionally lower than the normal retail price for that product. If it is too good to be true it generally is.

3.      Be wary of internet sites that fail to provide reasonable contact information, or that ship product from a faraway location.

4.      Carefully research the money-back policies, and return policies if not satisfied with the product.

5.      Request references. Any legitimate retailer will be happy to oblige.

6.      Counterfeiters often use the trick of displaying a photo of a genuine product on their website, but ship buyers something entirely different. The only way to avoid these traps is to buy from an authorized retailer.

7.      If you purchased what you later determine to be a counterfeit product make sure to report the seller to the appropriate authorities.

     

Back from PGA Teaching Summit

      I just returned this week from the 2015 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit in Orlando. The Summit was two full days of teaching and coaching from the best instructors in the world. Those presenting included Butch Harmon, Jim McLean, Mike McGetrick, Chuck Cook, Sean Foley, Jim Hardy, David Leadbetter, Martin Hall and many others. These was also sessions from PGA Tour Players Justin Dufner, Greg Norman and Nancy Lopez.
     It was a great learning opportunity with these great teachers sharing their thoughts and teaching philosophies. Although I have been teaching the game of golf for nearly 30 years I always learn from hearing other teachers' presentations.
    As the saying goes, " Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn."

Business hours this week

      Please note we will be open December 22nd, 23rd & 24th from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM. We will be closed Christmas Day and Friday, December 26th.
      In less than six weeks we will be celebrating the 5 year anniversary of opening Golf Rx. We have tried to build our business on the principles of superior customer service, quality products and instruction tailored to the individual.  At this time we would like to thank all our friends and customers for their business and support.
    Best wishes for a happy holiday season and may 2015 be your best golf year ever.
Sincerely,

Steve Kirkpatrick - Golf Rx
PGA Professional and Owner

Save $50 on lessons for Christmas

     Take advantage of  our Christmas Golf Special and save $50.00 on lessons. From now through December 24th you can purchase two video lessons for $99.00. The regular price is $150.00. Simply come by Golf Rx and pick up your coupon and certificate.
       This is the perfect gift idea for the golfer on your list. In each lesson Steve will include the use of our V1 Digital Video Coaching System and our Full Swing Golf Simulator.
      We also have Gift Certificates available that can be redeemed for instruction, golf equipment or club repair services. For more information contact Steve at Golf Rx. The number is 615 288 4539.

Question regarding shafts

      One of the most common questions I am asked from customers is "I've had these irons for ten years. Do you think I should replace the shafts?"  The fact is shafts do not fatigue over time - they will perform just as well now as they did 10 years ago. As long as the shaft has not been damaged in any way it is fine for continued use.
      The same is true for faces of clubheads. They do not lose strength or integrity over the course of  time. Current driver faces are made of titanium which is an extremely hard, lightweight material. Faces of  fairway metals and hybrids are stainless steel although some are titanium. Faces of iron are either stainless steel or carbon steel. There are irons models available with titanium face inserts.
       Faces of drivers and fairway metals can crack although it is rare. I would recommend having your grips inspected every year or so if you play regularly. New and properly sized grips can make a huge difference is how the club feels to you.
      If you have any questions about your equipment or your game please feel free to send me an email or call me at the shop. I will be happy to answer your questions.

PocketCaddy now live

     My new website PocketCaddy.net is now live and features all three of my instructional books. The website allows viewers to click on each book to preview chapters and illustrations. You can order books directly from the website, and they will be shipped directly to you.
     My latest book, The Pocketcaddy is a unique quick reference guide discussing the cause and cure for twenty of the most common shot problems. It makes a great gift for the hard to buy golfer on your list. You can also share the website with your friends on Facebook and Linkedin.
      As the holiday season nears remember we offer gift certificates at Golf Rx. They can be used for instruction, golf equipment or club repair services.

Swinging of the arms is fundamental

I will agree that the start of the downswing begins from the ground up, but the fundamental action in the golf swing is the swinging of the arms. It is interesting to me how many teachers emphasize the feet, hips, shoulders, etc. with very little mention given to the arms.
In my 25 years of teaching I can say without a doubt the free, fast, flailing action of the arms is an absolute fundamental of playing up to your potential. And yet few students are aware of this. Your arms must swing freely so you are able to apply the clubhead to the ball at maximum speed. When you don't, you are forced to apply yourself to the ball - the swinging of the arms is replaced with a heaving of the shoulders.
If you are suffering from a lack of power or poor balance you should focus on one thought at the top of your backswing: to start down with your arms. Make your arms swing the clubhead down and through the ball.
I mentioned previously that a good player's downswing is started with the legs and hips. But if a player lacks a free arm swing it is a recipe for disaster to think of starting the downswing with the legs or hips. It will lead to an early unwinding - a heaving of the shoulders resulting in a weak glancing blow.
The best drill I have found to promote the feel of a good arm swing is to hit balls with your feet together. From this position it is impossible to make a shot other than with a free swinging of the arms and clubhead. You'll quickly find that any excessive use of the upper body leads to a complete loss of balance. Tee the ball up slightly and use a 6 iron. You'll be surprised how solid and far you'll hit the ball.
There are many "methods" in golf instruction, but the fact is that whatever method he or she used, every good golfer in history has swept the club through the ball fast and freely with their arms.